[harrisjamieh]

Hi i have the oppertunity to buy a refurb ibook from cancomuk.com, and there are two models i can choose from, each both within £10 of each other in price.

I can either get:

12" iBook G4
1.33 ghz
40 GB HD
512 RAM
Airport extreme, bluetooth 2.0 + EDR
ATI Radeon 9550
10.4 Tiger
£622

or

12" iBook G4
1.2 ghz
60 GB HD
256 RAM
Airport Extreme, bluetooth 1.0
ATI Radeon 9200
10.3 Panther
£610

I like the idea of the larger capacity HD, as I will be using the iBook for various different things including some video editing with iMovie and Final cut Express. Does the 9550 support core image? and if it does, how does this actually affect day to day use? Do you still get the cool 'minimize' affect without core image?

I just wanted to know you opinions really. Which would you buy?

Edit: I do have an extra 256 MB stick of laptop RAM i can put into the 1.2 ghz iBook, although i dont think it will work in the 1.33 ghz as the RAM stick i have is PC2100, am i right in saying this?

[nredman]

i'd go for the first one - faster processor - more ram - tiger - better graphics card - you can always get an external hardrive if you use all 40gb

[pat++]

The 9550 does support core image. PC2100 will work on both models (although Apple states the contrary). I would get the 1.33ghz because i don't really need more than 40gb.

[Randman]

I'd go with the first one. But either way, you'll need more ram.

And as far as video editing goes, the iBook 12s aren't the best choice though they can handle video that's not too complicated (with enough ram).

[Pao|o]

It's just 12 quid! Get the newer model! Duh!

[Sage]

Definitely the newer model.

[harrisjamieh]

Seems as though the overall feel from everyone is the newer model. I was kind of leaning towards that anyway, and I guess i'll just have to find the money for an external drive if needed.

Pao|o, i know its only 12 quid I wasnt worried about price lol, more about specs

Anyway thanks guys

[ghporter]

First choice, no doubt about it. The drive size isn't nearly as much of an issue as the RAM and OS. And as Pao|o says, "It's just 12 quid!" I'd skip lunch for a week to be able to choose the first computer you listed over the second.

[mavherzog]

Agreed, the first one. Tiger, faster CPU, core image ready, more onboard RAM, etc. You can always upgrade the HD.

[Lucky8]

I just got the 1.33 12" iBook and never been happier.
Go for the newer one. It's the best update ever.

[mavherzog]

Originally Posted by Lucky8

12" iBook 1.33, 40GB HD, 1GB RAM on the way...

Where did you purchase your RAM from?

I'm thinking of getting this RAM.

[harrisjamieh]

OK I now have another option

The two previous options still remain as, well, options, but now theres a third for me to consider:

12" iBook G4
1.2 ghz
30 GB HD
256 RAM
Airport Extreme
ATI Radeon 9200
10.3 Panther
£560

[pat++]

I would still get the 1.33ghz. The better video card, extra memory and extra 10gb are worth the price. And oh yeah, it has the new scrolling trackpad as well which can only be enabled with a hack on the 1.2ghz. You have Tiger as well...

[imacgeek]

you should go with the faster one because then you have a better processer and more ram. if you need to you can get an external hd later. also the better graphics card is important to have with editing

[Lucky8]

Originally Posted by mavherzog

Where did you purchase your RAM from?

I'm thinking of getting this RAM.

I almost went that route but since buy.com had $15 coupon and it's a retail version instead of OEM, I went with buy.com
150 - 15 - 2.70(FW Cash Back) = $132.30 (Free shipping & No Tax)
If you don't live at those few states Newegg charges tax on, it's a good buy, but not when you have to pay tax on $120.

Anyway, just got done installing it and let me tell you, my iBook is a hell a lot faster now...