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You are here: MacNN Forums > Hardware - Troubleshooting and Discussion > Mac Notebooks > Choosing BOOKS

Choosing BOOKS
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Senior User
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May 3, 2005, 01:54 PM
 
Ok, I need some help or rather a few opinions. I am in the market for a cheap book, older is fine as nothing intensive will be running on it at all. I have an iMac for all my heavy duty stuff but I want something portable and solid.

My 2 choices I have run into in my searching are the following..

iBook G3/600 256MB Memory, 20GB Drive, CD-RW/DVD, Airport, 12-inch LCD Screen - $609

or

Powerbook G3/500 256MB Memory, 20GB Drive, DVD, Airport, 14.1-inch LCD Screen - $560

Which one would you guys choose or perhaps you know of a better deal out there? I am looking for something around $500 with airport in it, these were the best 2 I have found.

Thanks ahead of time!

Chasingapple
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May 3, 2005, 02:11 PM
 
It's your choice, what is more important to you. It's basically screen size vs. faster CPU & CD burner. You do the math
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in one
pretty and well preserved piece, but to skid across the line broadside,
thoroughly used up, worn out, leaking oil, shouting GERONIMO!"
     
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May 3, 2005, 02:17 PM
 
Ok not at all an informed reply from a Moderator, I know the basics but I was looking for a more in depth opinion on the matter. I have never owned a Book and want to know which is the smarter buy.
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May 3, 2005, 02:22 PM
 
Alright, here's a more in depth opinion. Considering Freud's theory of singularity of the human species and the unmistakable multiethnical diversity of Frankfurt, KT, I think you should base your choice between those two iBooks, which are practically the same except that one of them has a larger screen whereas the other has a CD burner and a 100 MHz faster CPU, which does not really make much of a difference, solely on your personal preference of starfleet allience spaceship bumper stickers.

That better? If not, I don't know what to say anymore. These two are basically the same so you have to decide what you consider more important to you - larger screen (same resolution as the 12" though) or CD burner.
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in one
pretty and well preserved piece, but to skid across the line broadside,
thoroughly used up, worn out, leaking oil, shouting GERONIMO!"
     
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May 3, 2005, 02:28 PM
 
Ok I guess I found out what I wanted from someone who actually knows a thing or 2. I will probably go with the Powerbook because it is very easy to swap out the optical drives, hard drive, and is faster due to the 1MB of level 2 cache vs 256k on the book. iBooks are a pain to upgrade.

now THAT was an informed opinion and thanks for the PM mate!
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May 3, 2005, 02:33 PM
 
Those seem overpriced.
I'd look around more. My friend recently called me to tell me she sold her G4 iBook for $300. .
Of course, you won't find something that nice for that price because only a few people in this world are that stupid. But I bought my G3 500 iBook for $500 a year and a half ago so I'm sure prices have shifted a bit more then what you're posting.
     
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May 3, 2005, 02:54 PM
 
grab that powerbook!!! it is still a viable computer and quite durable. that powerbook is collectible will continue hold it's value.

MacBook 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo | Clamshell iBook G3 366MHz | 22" Cinema Display | iPod Mini | iPod shuffle | AirPort Express | Mighty Mouse
     
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May 3, 2005, 05:28 PM
 
Of the two, the Powerbook is the best option. The G3 iBook is a design with too many things wrong with it. Also, when you get ready, you can upgrade the Powerbook to a G4 and 1M of RAM. And whatever hard drive you want.
He can be fixed -- you can't.
     
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May 6, 2005, 01:24 PM
 
I think the Powerbook is a better bet because of the expansion options (the ibook is overpriced). You could check out the MacOpinion site (http://www.macopinion.com) or look for articles written by Charles Moore, who has and writes extensively on a hot-rodded Pismo.
     
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Join Date: May 2005
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May 6, 2005, 07:37 PM
 
I just took a quick look on ebay and it looks there are a bunch at some more reasonable prices than what you listed.

examples:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...PcY_BIN_Stores

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...08085&rd=1
(Last edited by longwood; May 6, 2005 at 07:47 PM. )
     
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May 7, 2005, 02:58 AM
 
Bought my iBook, here is the link with pics

http://forums.macnn.com/showthread.p...30#post2515330
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May 7, 2005, 09:57 AM
 

MacBook 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo | Clamshell iBook G3 366MHz | 22" Cinema Display | iPod Mini | iPod shuffle | AirPort Express | Mighty Mouse
     
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May 10, 2005, 04:30 PM
 
Originally Posted by ChasingApple
Ok, I need some help or rather a few opinions. I am in the market for a cheap book, older is fine as nothing intensive will be running on it at all. I have an iMac for all my heavy duty stuff but I want something portable and solid.

My 2 choices I have run into in my searching are the following..

iBook G3/600 256MB Memory, 20GB Drive, CD-RW/DVD, Airport, 12-inch LCD Screen - $609

or

Powerbook G3/500 256MB Memory, 20GB Drive, DVD, Airport, 14.1-inch LCD Screen - $560

Which one would you guys choose or perhaps you know of a better deal out there? I am looking for something around $500 with airport in it, these were the best 2 I have found.

Thanks ahead of time!

Chasingapple
i would get fist one faster and just better overall for the money good luck!
     
   
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