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mikemalphurs · Jun 17, 2005, 08:19 AM

I am a graphic designer who recently decided to move from a home office to actual office space. I am having difficulty making a decision on my computer situation and would like to get any feedback and suggestions I could. I currently have a G5 dual 2.0 GHz, but am considering a Powerbook so that I can work from home and surf when I want.

Here are my options:

a) Keep the G5 at work and buy a 12" or 15" Powerbook for home/road
b) Sell the G5 and get a 17" Powerbook

Any suggestions in regards to what you would do?

ericssonboi · Jun 17, 2005, 09:04 AM

Keep the G5 for sure...
Can't compare Dual G5 Power vs Single Processor G4.

Get a 15" if your doing design work.. the extra screen space will help for sure.

wtmcgee · Jun 17, 2005, 09:16 AM

If you can manage to keep both, by all means do so. I have a 12" and a dual g5 and it makes my life so much easier.

I do design work as well, but I value portability over screen space (as I don't do a ton of work on the road).

If you can afford it though, you should get the bigger 15" Powerbook, but the 12 really is great for everything I do (web and motion graphics mainly)

iREZ · Jun 17, 2005, 10:31 AM

best option is to always have a monster of a machine at home/office, and a portable machine to tote around and about. if you want portability get the 12" if you dont mind a bigger and heavier machine to boot around, then go with the 15". i personally have the 12" and other than the "ehhhhhh" screen, i do all design work on the road with no problem, but when i'm home i have a huge 20" lcd to work with so it works out fine...if only i had a dual G5 waiting for me at home.

jstein · Jun 17, 2005, 11:19 AM

Originally Posted by mikemalphurs

I am a graphic designer who recently decided to move from a home office to actual office space. I am having difficulty making a decision on my computer situation and would like to get any feedback and suggestions I could. I currently have a G5 dual 2.0 GHz, but am considering a Powerbook so that I can work from home and surf when I want.

Here are my options:

a) Keep the G5 at work and buy a 12" or 15" Powerbook for home/road
b) Sell the G5 and get a 17" Powerbook

Any suggestions in regards to what you would do?

Hello Mikemalphurs, to keep things simple keep your G5, you already know how the machine holds up etc etc. Plus that keeps you from going through all the hassles that can happen when selling a machine. Go out and purchase you the 15 inch, I know you know this but buy as much RAM as possible at least 1gb. Also if it is possible you always want more than one machine especially if do a lot of freelance work or run your own company that way if one machine goes down you are up still up and running. Downtime kills....

Randman · Jun 17, 2005, 01:03 PM

I'd keep the G5 and do everything possible to get a 17. The extra space is worth it for a designer.

mikemalphurs · Jun 17, 2005, 02:07 PM

Wow! It seems that it is unanimous then... The only question now is what size Powerbook to get. It seems most say to get the 15".

Where do you guys buy your Powerbooks from? What accessories can you no longer live without?

GreatWhiteNorth · Jun 17, 2005, 06:55 PM

I have a Dual 2.0GHz as well, and I am also a web/graphic designer. I had a 15"PB but switched to a 1.67GHz 17" recently. It's great, and I take it everywhere. The size of it becomes no problem once it is used everyday.

However, for most people, I think the 15" is the perfect size. Light, great size, and a large enough display res. for most on the road tasks.

NYCFarmboy · Jun 17, 2005, 07:54 PM

I purchased mine from Amazon.com.. no sales tax... no shipping charges (if you make sure to click free shipping after they try to get you to pay).

get the 15" over the 12" I have the 12" and the screen is a dog.. dim/poor view angle. If you get a chance compare the 2 in person at at Apple store and you'll be amazed how much better the the 15" powerbook lcd's are versus the dog awful 12" lcd's.

Randman · Jun 17, 2005, 10:10 PM

Get the 17. The extra screen size is worth it. And it is still very portable. Get enough ram as well. PS loves ram.

mikemalphurs · Jun 18, 2005, 01:02 AM

Thanks for your feedback! I will search for the best deal I can find for either a 15" or 17" PB.

d.fine · Jun 18, 2005, 03:04 AM

Keep the G5 and get a 15". I chose the 15" because of the screen size and portability. The 17" strikes me as too big to take everywhere, plus I like having the Power of the G5 for 'heavier' projects.

Randman · Jun 18, 2005, 04:08 AM

I have a 17, use it for design and travel quite often. No problems.

mikemalphurs · Jun 18, 2005, 07:22 AM

Is there that much of a difference between a 1.5 GHz and a 1.67 GHz Powerbook? At least enough to warrant a couple of hundred dollars while we wait for the Intel macs?

mikemalphurs · Jun 18, 2005, 07:40 AM

Okay guys... I have found the following two computers... Good deal?

PowerBook 15" 1.5 GHz/80 GB/Superdrive
$1,899.00

Powerbook 17" 1.5 GHz/80 GB/Superdrive
$2,099.00