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new_to_mac · Nov 16, 2005, 02:42 PM

I have been thinking alot recently about purchasing one of these. But there are a few things that put me off:

1. I read about alot of problems people are having such as keys falling off and hinges breaking. I didn't really expect these sorts of things from an Apple product. Are these just one-offs?

2. I'm looking at mainly personal use so is it really worth the money? 1000 dollars (or 700 quid) is a fair amount to pay. Would I just be better off buying a shitty windows laptop? Please convince me otherwise.

3. The new one is probably going to be released in spring 2006 (or so i heard). So is it worth waiting for that if i do decide to buy one?

Thanks in advance.

HWA AFI · Nov 16, 2005, 03:37 PM

1: I haven't had any problems with mine, but it was ordered about a year ago. Not so sure how the newer ones are holding up
2: It's more than 1000. You need to add a gig of ram (180ish IIRC) or at least 512 (80ish?) to get a great user experience.
3: If you can wait that long then do so. It's a whiles off though.

brokenjago · Nov 16, 2005, 05:26 PM

1. They're just one-offs.

2. No viruses. No Spyware. Most consider it to be a far better GUI. You decide.

3. If you want it/need it now, buy it now. It'll last you far into the Intel transition.

volcano · Nov 16, 2005, 05:30 PM

1. Those are isolated cases. Keys popping off isn't a reason to not purchase a computer - that is easily replaced. In any case, Apple gives you a complimentary 1 year warranty with 90 days of phone support "just in case". You can extend it for 3 years (phone support included) for a measly amount. I've had the current model iBook since August and haven't had any issues whatsoever. Remember - generally speaking, people flock to forums because of their problems, not to rave about an amazing product.

2. Is it worth it? Depends on your needs. For my basic needs (in a portable) it's above and beyond my standards. I just needed a machine that was small, lightweight, and durable enough so that it could take some serious usage outside of my home. I wanted it mainly for school-related documents, because I hate being confined to my house when I have a huge paper to write - I like a change of scenery. It fits in my backpack with ease and it always works. It gets the job done. What do you intend to do on it? That's the first question you need to answer.

3. All current Mac applications are designed for the PowerPC processor, and even when new versions of Mac software come out when Apple starts introducing Intel chips, they will be cross-platform so they'll work on PPC and Intel. Apple will continue support it for years to come, and the complete transition to Intel chips won't be finished until sometime in 2007. It's safe to say that you'll get a lot of good use out of your iBook before they become obsolete - at least until 2008/2009 if you wanted to keep it that long. Plus, it's cheap enough so that you can replace it in a smaller time frame unlike those Powermac monsters that can cost a pretty penny.

I just bought my first Mac in June (iMac G5) right after they announced the switch to Intel chips. I didn't give it a second thought. In August I purchased my iBook - and I don't regret it one bit. These machines will still be useable and relevant for years to come.

T16JLL · Nov 17, 2005, 10:58 AM

The laptop I nicked from my last job 'died' last February - best thing that ever happened.
I was advised by a heavy Mac user to get an i-book. Bought it from Regent Street store for £899 ($566 at today's exchange rate). Worth every penny/ cent! My friend added loads of software and has enabled it to play US DVD's - very happy as I'm off to NYC early next year to stock up. Software updates are also great. Some websites won't work with Safari (Internet) but I get round that using Firefox instead.

I have to use Windows in my office - problems all the time! Owning a Mac for me has been trouble free (touch wood!) and I would buy another without a doubt. I'm no IT expert so the 'Dummies for Macs' book has helped.

turtle777 · Nov 17, 2005, 11:02 AM

T16JLL,

great to have you here. Welcome to MacNN.

-t

T16JLL · Nov 18, 2005, 04:53 AM

Cheers! Tutle777

Glad to be here.

T16JLL · Nov 18, 2005, 04:54 AM

Don't you just hate it, when there's a typo.........

Sorry!

matty-uk · Nov 18, 2005, 07:03 AM

I'd wait if I were you, I will be looking into getting one in January.

production_coordinator · Nov 18, 2005, 08:15 AM

1) I have an iBook and have had no such "keys popping off" or "hinge problems"

2) I'm not going to make this a Mac vs. PC thing. If you want a Mac, an iBook is an amazing deal.

3) Don't count on speculation. If you need a computer now, buy one now... if you can wait, wait (and keep saving money). I'm not sure if I would want to be the first person on the block with an Intel CPU in their Mac. I don't foresee any major problems... but who knows. The current iBook is solid.

turtle777 · Nov 18, 2005, 08:21 AM

Originally Posted by T16JLL

Cheers! Tutle777

Glad to be here.

You can edit your posts. Left of the reply button is a edit button.

-t

donparr · Nov 19, 2005, 06:23 PM

The 'only' regret I have concerning my switch to Apple (iBook G4, 14" OS X Tiger 10.4.3) is that I didn't do it a Long Time Ago

! I purchased my iBook, which I am constantly with, this past September and was advised to wait then, I'm so glad I didn't wait

! Now I'm saving to replace my Windows desktop PC with a Power Mac, it will be a while, but it will happen

! Wait if you must, I'm just so glad I didn't

! For what it's worth. Don...

new_to_mac · Nov 20, 2005, 03:31 PM

Thanks for all the replies. I'll be getting an iBook this december. I really can't wait now.

A little off topic, but I'd be interested to hear peoples opinions on why macs are better than pc's.

Pogomwg · Nov 20, 2005, 05:59 PM

In the words of a friend of mine who has convinced me to get a mac soon as well.

"PC you have no idea if its just going to say F'you im not doing that and then crashes. A ibook/mac will just look at you and say 'what is thy bidding my master!'"

brettcamp · Nov 21, 2005, 03:39 AM

There are whole websites as well as numerous threads here devoted to just this topic, but one good place to look for reasons why macs are better is apple.com/switch.

TheoCryst · Nov 21, 2005, 02:06 PM

Ah, I just went through this same dilemma. The answer I came up with for myself is pretty simple. I already have a POS Windows laptop, and it'll suffice for a few more months. This January, assuming rumor sites are correct (LONG stretch there, but bear with me), I'll wait a few weeks after the x86 iBooks are on the market, at which point I'm expecting HUGE sales on the older PPC models. I can already get the newest 12" for $800, so I'm expecting it to drop even lower. And if the iBook doesn't go Intel at MWSF, I'll just pick up one of those. Still a great deal, in my opinion.

Then again, if I have the option of picking up a widescreen iBook... yeah, that changes everything. I heart widescreen.

So final word: wait if you can until MWSF. If you can't, the PPC iBook is still an excellent buy, even at full retail.