[OmniShinzui]

Ok, heres the deal, ive been looking at a Apple Mac Computer since the rev. C powerbooks came out. Im 16, going to college in a few years, and thought a notebook will do me better. Im planning on using this notebook for the next 4 years, and am a bit worried about the Intel thing happening. I dont think apple will screw the people with non-intel model Macs in the future over imo... right? Ive been using Macs since elementary school, in computer class with eMacs. Middle school computer graphics used eMacs also. I decided on a Mac when I was using Powermac "Quicksilver" 800mhz towers while I was a Freshman in High-School.

Im planning on getting a 12" Powerbook, with 100gb Hard drive, 756mb Ram, and a Superdrive for $1657. $52 for a superdrive is a good price, right? Now, about the Ram. I could get 1.256mb Ram, getting 1gb Ram stick somewhere else like Newegg or Crucial. But, im not sure. Its $72 to have 756mb ram preinstalled in a powerbook at the Apple Educational Store.

Ill be using it for: Text, Firefox, Instant Messanger Clients, Bittorrent, Garageband (A lot), some Adobe Photoshop/Illustrator or Gimp2, Itunes, and small game usage (like, maybe World Of Warcraft maybe). So, should I get 1.256gb ram, or will the 756mb be ok?

Now, what I need/want Accessory wise, I need: Case, Wireless Router, Apple Mighty Mouse, headphones, screen and keyboard protector. I want a case like this: here. I dont want a Apple Airport Express router, they cost too much. Whats a good brand, not too expensive, for a Wireless G router? I got Headphones taken care of, and Mighty mouse is self explanitory. Will the cord be long enough tho? Im a lefty btw, and the usb ports are on the left. A keyboard protector is like: this. What about a screen protector? A good brand? thanks

I got a 80gb External Hard drive, Writing Tablet, and Midi Controller already, what else do you think I need?

Is getting it now a good time, or should I wait? Also, besides the Vram being 64mb, how does a 14" Ibook compare? They just got updated, and the screen difference isnt much right? cause I think they are the same resolution right?

Thanks, im really exited. Ive been waiting a long time. I was to get one back in May, but I didnt have the money, if I dont get one in the next few weeks, ill get one by the end of the year, im 100% sure on it. Thanks for input.

[MrForgetable]

hi, i'm 16 too and i got my 15" powerbook last summer and i'm loving it!

768mb i think will be fine. right now i have word, safari, itunes, photoshop elements, adium on all at the same time and is not laggy at all with 512mb. but 72 dollars for 768? you can probably do it yourself for less than that.

linksys is nice and respected, but i use a d-link and it has been used for over 3 years and has operated without any hiccups.

i play halo occasionally and it runs smoothly at medium settings and 1280x854 resolution, unless there is ultra, ultra heavy combat.

i'd personally wait a while for the mighty mouse, it just came out and it probably will have it's kinks. i use a logitech MX500 and it has been trouble-free for a year. however, it probably isn't the mouse for lefties. it might be okay, but it still feels a little awkward.


if you want to know the truth, if i wanted to buy a 12 inch powerbook right now, i would save my money and get a 12" iBook as the Intel-Macs are coming soon and the differences between the 12 inch Powerbook and 12 inch iBook are EXTREMELY slim.

but it's all up to you! a Powerbook is an extremely nice computer and you will be happy.

[SpaceMonkey]

If I were in your position I would just wait and stick it out until you are actually ready to go to college. By that time, the Intel Powerbooks will have been released. Plus, your computing needs in college may turn out to be substantially different from what they are now (depending on what major you go into this could be a big issue).

[Spidey79]

I think that you shoud wait man for a couple of more weeks. According to http://buyersguide.macrumors.com/ they should be updated pretty soon. This might mean the last big update before the mactel release. So save your moey for a little bit longer. I am assuming there would be aa better video card since the 5200 and the ibook 9550 are not too far behind each other. Just wait til sept man. You have all the time in the word. Like these people advise you, the first two gens of mac will suck with intel because they will be buggy. Might as well get the last perfect g4 chip. It will last you.

[OmniShinzui]

ok ill wait to see for updated to Rev E(?). I think I shouldnt wait for Intel switch, cause every Rev. A has bugs in them I hear. I hope they can get a 128Vram instead of 64 in the next update. And if they do update, id be 99% sure theyd up ram from 256mb to a 512mb internally like the ibook. I hope they put illuminated keys too... getting ahead of my self here. Oh, I am not waiting for college, I already have a plan about that btw.

[OmniShinzui]

Ok, ive decided on a few things.

For one, im getting 1.256gb ram (unless they update with 512mb internal ram, then itd be 1.5gb), wait for the next Mac show in september to see if theres an update, try a Mighty mouse, cause most people have mixed feelings about them, and it will be a 12" Powerbook, with superdrive.

[jorgem4]

I got my 12" a year ago and I am loving it! The PB is great! It is powerful enoght for what I use it...which is kinda the same useage you are suggesting. It is VERY portable but oin the desk I have and recomentd an external monitor. Go with the dual display and it is great!

Go for the 12" and the superdrive was the best decision I ever made.