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OmniShinzui · Oct 28, 2005, 12:04 AM

I keep hearing that. Is it an assumption because of the same amount of pixels & resolution as that of the 12"? Or is it a known fact? I am ordering an iBook in a few weeks, and am deciding between a 12" and 14" iBook. I was going to get a 12" Powerbook, but its not worth it anymore. Heres the Specs id get (first two lines in Pic, yes pic. Sorry for extra space at top):

Is the 14" worth the extra $100, one Pound, and Combo Drive? I do a lot of Audio work, like with Midi and software like Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Sony Acid, ect. That would be my most intensive apps id use my iBook for. Rest of the time would be Safari + Itunes. Its mostly for use inside my home, but an occasional outing with it to like starbucks or something. Thanks

mduell · Oct 28, 2005, 12:18 AM

You can't get a SuperDrive in the 12" iBook.

The 14" iBook isn't blurry, the picture is just big. Extra weight, inches, and price for the same amount of real workspace.

I'd go with the 12" iBook. Buy the 1GB RAM from Crucial, not Apple.

OmniShinzui · Oct 28, 2005, 03:42 AM

Oops, I missed that, thanks for pointing that out (no superdrive in 12")

I really rushed when I made that list. Anyways, I guess the extra $100 isnt worth the .09mhz?

iREZ · Oct 28, 2005, 12:39 PM

not even $25 bux is worth .09mhz...i used to think the 12" ibook was the no brainer, but two people around me got the suped up 14" and i think its a damn fine computer, especially with the bigger HD and superdrive, not to mention a bit better battery life.

amazing · Oct 28, 2005, 05:11 PM

The 14" has the same resolution as the 12", which means that the pixels are spread further apart. The result is that type is blurry. Graphics, photos, are sharp and vibrant, it's the type that doesn't have sharp outlines. It can lead to eye fatigue. I recently configured a 1.33 GHz 14" and spent hours playing around with it and confirmed the eye fatigue portion, exactly like when I configured my son's 14" G3 years ago. I'm comparing it to my 12" 1.33 GHz AlPB, and in general the 14" iBook was only marginally slower. At $900 refurbed from the Apple Store, it was a good buy. On the other hand, I bought my 12" PB for $1000 after rebate, so it was an even better deal...

As to whether it meets your needs, you need to go to a store and compare the exact same "Read Me" on both ibooks, side by side. For example, if your eyes have trouble with the small size of the type on the 12", then that will also lead to eye fatigue, in which case the 14" will be the lesser of two evils. My friend had to put on her reading glasses with the 12" iBook, but she could read everything on the 14", and in the end that worked best for her.

Watching DVDs is great on the 14".

inkhead · Oct 28, 2005, 05:28 PM

The 14" is a joke. The pixel density sucks.. Just compare them in the store. Even the powerbook displays suck when you see a modern computer made by anyone other than Apple.

I just got the 15" powerbook (new res) and it's better, but there are plenty of dell's with much better resolution and displays :-(

inkhead · Oct 28, 2005, 05:30 PM

You do audio work? What about an optical audio out? How do you plan to work with audio? You really should get a powerbook.

Originally Posted by OmniShinzui

I keep hearing that. Is it an assumption because of the same amount of pixels & resolution as that of the 12"? Or is it a known fact? I am ordering an iBook in a few weeks, and am deciding between a 12" and 14" iBook. I was going to get a 12" Powerbook, but its not worth it anymore. Heres the Specs id get (first two lines in Pic, yes pic. Sorry for extra space at top):

Is the 14" worth the extra $100, one Pound, and Combo Drive? I do a lot of Audio work, like with Midi and software like Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Sony Acid, ect. That would be my most intensive apps id use my iBook for. Rest of the time would be Safari + Itunes. Its mostly for use inside my home, but an occasional outing with it to like starbucks or something. Thanks

inkhead · Oct 28, 2005, 05:32 PM

If you have a screwdriver, and $80 you can get a dual-layer superdrive.. that's better than any of the one's apple currently ships....

Originally Posted by mduell

You can't get a SuperDrive in the 12" iBook.

The 14" iBook isn't blurry, the picture is just big. Extra weight, inches, and price for the same amount of real workspace.

I'd go with the 12" iBook. Buy the 1GB RAM from Crucial, not Apple.

OmniShinzui · Oct 29, 2005, 01:36 AM

inkhead, I was going to get one of these:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/...se_pid/705371/

I will use it for my Midi Controller, Dynamic Mic (connected to a Preamp), and Turntables at the moment.

rjt1000 · Oct 29, 2005, 10:16 PM

Hi,

I have a 12 inch Powerbook rev C, but I regularly use my Mom's 14 inch iBook.

When placed side by side the 14 inch iBook screen is significantly brighter. Also the text is larger and easier to read on the iBook than on the Powerbook. (at least with my middle aged eyes) On the Powerbook I have increased the default font size on most apps to make them easier to read.

I DISAGREE that the iBook screen is blurry. It is bright and crisp. Larger pixels dont make it blurry IMHO

But the ONLY way to decide is to see the two screens side by side at an Apple store, and then you'll know whats right for your eyes,

Enjoy your new 'book,

rjt1000

OmniShinzui · Oct 29, 2005, 10:51 PM

thanks for the insight. But honestly, Its hard to look at the screen's brightness and text (kinda) at the apple store, fry's, compUSA, ect cause of the lights and stuff. I've decided im getting a 12" iBook because its not worth $100 for the extra screen space and .09mhz. Eventually, maybe when the Rev. C Powerbooks come out, ill get a 15".

harrisjamieh · Oct 30, 2005, 12:30 AM

good choice, though remember with the 14" you do get a 60 GB HD vs 40 in the 12", plus a superdrive too. Also, you said its not worth the extra $100 for the extra screen space - there is no extra screen space, its the same amount of 'space' as the 12" screen.

Saying this, i would still go with the 12", its so compact, I love mine.

Good luck with which ever you buy

Mojo · Oct 30, 2005, 01:34 PM

I spent a lot of time comparing the 12" and 14" iBook screens and the 12" just seems sharper to me, so that is what I got. The cheaper price and smaller size is icing on the cake...

bradoesch · Nov 5, 2005, 06:04 PM

Originally Posted by iREZ

not even $25 bux is worth .09mhz...

.09 MHz is definitely not worth $25, but .09 GHz is actually 90 MHz.