[mikulla]

Hello all.

I am interested in replacing my 15in powerbook g4 ti 400mhz. Right now the ibook 14in has my eye, but I need some insight.

I will be using the laptop for photography, graphics, and web coding. Also, I am on a budget and a little unsure about spending more money for a powerbook when an intel switch is on the horizon. I am not really a resolution snob.

As I understand it, both the 12in and 14in ibooks both have a resolution or 768x1024. My current powerbook has a max res of 1152x768.

I figure that if I purchase the 14in ibook it will be roughly the same size monitor and resolution of my current 15in powerbook, minus some space on the sides. Am I correct?

At the same time the resolution is the same for a 12in ibook. I wouldn't necessarily lose desktop space, but the display is smaller.

What are your thoughts?

Again, I am on a budget and the intel thing is coming.

[uicandrew]

i have a friend who bought a 14" G4 ibook 2 years ago who was also on a budget. He debated between getting a new 14" ibook or an old 15" titanium powerbook. he keeps saying that he wishes he had paid a bit more for the widescreen. For photography, i like having a widescreen because i can put 2 pics side by side.

another alternative that i think you could consider is getting a used powerbook. There are a lot of powerbooks in the "marketplace" section, or maybe a refurb powerbook.

even though intel is coming (and i am also awaiting them), i would be hesitant to get the first revision of such a new product/architecture. maybe wait until the 2nd revision, when they have worked out some kinks.

also, with new powerbooks rumored to be coming on wednesday, there probably will be more people looking to sell their used powerbooks. Another advantage of getting a used powerbook is knowing whether or not the screen is perfect (dead pixel free), without worrying about restocking fees or return policy.

good luck. i purchased my used mac mini from this forum and i couldn't have been happier.

[mikulla]

I think the ibook is right for the portability and price. I don't think I would consider buying a used laptop. My experience has been hit or miss with apple products, so I definitely want applecare. It has more than paid off in the past.

I am going to wait for the announcements for sure. New laptops or pricing structure is possible.

I also agree with you about let the intel transition work itself out first, before purchasing. I'll be using my new kit for a while. My old powerbook has been rocking for years. Unfortunately it got body slammed and the display ripped totally off the hinges. It is litterally hanging on by a thread.