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freudling · Jul 12, 2005, 10:02 PM

12" PowerBook vs. iBook 12"

Succinctly, the iBook is a mere cheap construction of the PowerBook.

1. The PowerBook is built better and is thus more durable (better casing, keyboard, trackpad, mouse button, etc.)
2. The PowerBook screen is nicer
3. Stock, the PowerBook is significantly better equipped: double the RAM, double the HD space, double the video RAM, faster processor, faster RAM (333 vs. 266), 5400 RPM HD's, faster bus, built in high speed Bluetooth....

When switching back and forth, the iBook comes off as flimsy and cheap in comparison. Not that the iBook does not have value for its current low price, but it is everything a PowerBook is not. I have owned a new iBook and several PowerBooks. The current $500 CAD and change extra for the PowerBook G4 12" is justified. If for longevity, my iBooks wore out faster than my PowerBooks. I still have my Wallstreet running Panther.

If money is an issue, there might be little choice. But for others, the PowerBook is a wise buy.

maCCer · Jul 12, 2005, 10:35 PM

Originally Posted by freudling

12" PowerBook vs. iBook 12"

Succinctly, the iBook is a mere cheap construction of the PowerBook.

1. The PowerBook is built better and is thus more durable (better casing, keyboard, trackpad, mouse button, etc.)
2. The PowerBook screen is nicer
3. Stock, the PowerBook is significantly better equipped: double the RAM, double the HD space, double the video RAM, faster processor, faster RAM (333 vs. 266), 5400 RPM HD's, faster bus, built in high speed Bluetooth....

When switching back and forth, the iBook comes off as flimsy and cheap in comparison. Not that the iBook does not have value for its current low price, but it is everything a PowerBook is not. I have owned a new iBook and several PowerBooks. The current $500 CAD and change extra for the PowerBook G4 12" is justified. If for longevity, my iBooks wore out faster than my PowerBooks. I still have my Wallstreet running Panther.

If money is an issue, there might be little choice. But for others, the PowerBook is a wise buy.

i think the screen for 12'PB and 12'ibook get the same screen, However the 15'PB got much nicer screen than both 12 ibook and powerbook.You can search the forum, i remember somewhere they have mentioned the ibook 12 and powerbook 12 use the same LCD panel

Jacob · Jul 12, 2005, 11:43 PM

This is off topic.
MaCCer...I love your sig! Just awsome.

freudling · Jul 14, 2005, 06:12 PM

The only problem for me is the 12" screen, although nice, is not big enough. I like the magnified LCD (i.e. same resolution, bigger screen). Although you lose image sharpness, the gains in the size of objects on screen (OOS) is worth it for my already strained eyes and head...

ginoledesma · Jul 15, 2005, 09:37 PM

1. Not sure what you mean by "more durable." I had an iBook G4/800 that withstood more scratches and bumps than my PowerBook 12" now. I can't argue about the keyboard, though: definitely better -- the feel is much more solid. As for the overall case, in general, the iBooks did tend to creak (esp. the left-palmrest side).

2. Couldn't really say. Looks almost the same to me, if not a tad brighter.

3. Now, yes, but back when Apple introduced the iBook G4, the line that divided the low-end PB G4 12" with the iBook G4 was very blurry.

I still think the iBook G4/12" is a good buy. It's a solid machine that can still deliver as much as the PB G4 12".

gururafiki · Jul 15, 2005, 09:55 PM

iBooks have a fairly durable casing, and do not dent like a Powerbook. But I have seen more iBooks crap out due to cheaper parts. Powerbooks have better quality parts.

Eug Wanker · Jul 15, 2005, 10:07 PM

The iBook just went to 5-7 day shipping at the Apple Canada Store. Maybe an update is coming very soon.

Flip500 · Jul 15, 2005, 10:40 PM

The only thing I 3/4 agree with on your list (first post) is number 3.

#1: It is not better built, one of apple's main maketing points was, and I quote;

For a laptop, the inside of a backpack presents a jarring environment filled with shifts, bounces and the occasional bump. That’s why Apple engineers designed the iBook G4 from inside out to stand up to the rigors of a strenuous life on the go. After all, you shouldn’t have to walk softly just because you’re carrying the world’s most appealing notebook.

You can go check it out: http://www.apple.com/ibook/specs.html it says nothing like that about the PB!

#2: The only noticeable differance is the width of the 2 screens, which shouldn't really matter assuming your smart enough to know you need to look at the front of the screen to see whats going on...

#3: Look Up to the top...

freudling · Jul 16, 2005, 12:38 AM

Flip:

Good points. However, I disagree. Regardless of what the Apple store says, they are tyring to sell computers, and targeting students with the iBook. My direct tests of both the 12" PowerBook and the 12/14" iBook have given me the conclusion that the PowerBook aluminum is better built all around. Over time, I found my iBooks to "creak" as somebody said. The plastic warps a bit. And the keyboard on the iBook, with heavy use, gets worn fast. Moreover, the trackpad on the PowerBook is far superior in build quality. I also had an iBook which had 2 logic board failures. For an extra ~$600, the package should be better! I stand by my original comments.

Footnote: the clamshell was perhaps the most durable of them all. I am hoping apple does something with the current iBooks. What I would love to see with the iBook line is:

1. Black case
2. Better keyboard, although they improved on it a bit with the latest release
3. A refined design (sleeker, rounder edges)
4. Ports on both the left and right side
5. An improved, redigned trackpad with a Pismo like action on the button
6. Chrome Apple logo and a chrome power button

All that while maintaining "lower end" components.

Flip500 · Jul 16, 2005, 01:18 AM

well, with your hopes for future iBooks I...

1: too "windowsy", i'd like to see some different and more rare colors (like the clamshells)

2: sure there's alway area for improvement on anything...

3: Oh Yeah!

4: more the merriore! (shut vp I be not reall goood seller...)

5: don't care, but go wild!

6: No, No way. that would clash with the original and (so far) timeless playfulness and relaxing look of most of the iBooks... Professional looking computers (i.e. Powerbook) are great but you know some times, at the end of the day, you just want to let loose and unwind infront of your lappy, and I think iBooks have mastered that.

freudling · Jul 16, 2005, 01:23 AM

6. Can't argue this one.

Flip500 · Jul 16, 2005, 01:26 AM

thank you

freudling · Jul 16, 2005, 01:39 PM

Yo Flip, I like your sig. Must be careful of Mr. Coolaid Jug! Oh Yeeah baby.

Flip500 · Jul 16, 2005, 06:51 PM

Thanks, Dane Cook is the man!

maCCer · Jul 17, 2005, 01:29 AM

Originally Posted by Jacob

This is off topic.
MaCCer...I love your sig! Just awsome.

thx

pat++ · Jul 17, 2005, 07:03 AM

iBooks have much better battery life which can be an important factor when choosing a laptop.

freudling · Jul 17, 2005, 06:10 PM

pat++:

Interesting. I never knew that neither did I take it into consideration. Any idea how much real world?

Spidey79 · Jul 17, 2005, 06:21 PM

Well in the real world you can get an average of 4 hours or more depending on the high intense applications. Yes I can squeeze up to 5 hours with some setting turned down. The ibook is the perfect companion for any student. It is mean for the easy and intermediate stuff. Word Processing, surfing, wireless, some photo editing, al il bit of video editing. These are the main necessities of students and most people. If you are a lil bit more advanced and you really need additional power and stuff well then go for a pb. I am happy with my ibook, but I really want a pb. The 12 inch is awesome, but it is more of a want than a need. I needed a laptop so I got the ibook. My pc is fine for the workload of video editing. I am a student and I do not habe the resources to get a dual core g5 pm, so my 3.0 ghz p4 cam be all right.. =P

freudling · Jul 17, 2005, 07:39 PM

Spidey79:

I agree, good points.

freudling · Jul 18, 2005, 09:56 PM

Ironically, due to money, I might buy an iBook! Ha! It will be good to kick with. Right now I use a Wallstreet, 320 MB RAM, 40 GB 5400 rpm HD, with Panther. It has USB and a wireless 54 mbps Asante card in the other slot working well on our home network. I breathed new life into it with a Macally optical mouse complimented with Macally's iceKey.