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Jammyn · Jan 29, 2006, 05:43 AM

I have been a lurker for a few months, and I am coming out of the shadows to post this question regarding a purchase I hope to make within the next couple months or so, based on the advice I receive here.

I currently own a Toshiba Satellite 5105-S501 laptop computer, and I have had numerous problems with viruses and spyware, not to mention freezes and lockups. I have never used an Apple computer, except for a few months at work doing basic computing, and this has been several years ago so I don't remember much about the differences between a Mac and a PC.

Okay, my question, and there is one is: should I purchase a 12-inch powerbook or wait for whatever is down the pike from Apple regarding a 12 or 13 inch replacement for the powerbook? I won't use the computer for anything really challenging, as I basically download music for my Ipod, read email, attend a couple online classes that use video and read forums, such as this one and blogs. I may become a bit more intensive as my time frees up after I graduate, but at the moment these are my needs with respect to a computer.

Thanks for whatever advise you can offer.

Jammyn

harrisjamieh · Jan 29, 2006, 06:59 AM

First off welcome to macNN!
Well I certainly say to NOT get the powerbook! They are old, and slow to what Intel is going to bring to the laptop line. If you need it now, id reccommend a 12" iBook over the 12" PB as it is widely known that for the majority of things, the PB isnt much better than the iBook (12" v 12" that is). If you can wait a tad longer, I think we are going to see the PB 12" be dicontinued, and the iBoook bumped up to a 13" widescreen with a Intel Core Solo inside. I think this would be ideal for you, as it would feel pretty nippy, and would be capable of some intense stuff - (remember 99% of laptops last year were Pentium M's, which were not as good as the core solo, and people got by doing video editing on them).

So id say wait for the new iBook, as whatever it is, it will be better than the G4, and good value for money.

Jammyn · Jan 29, 2006, 07:47 AM

My original interest was in the Ibook, but I wasn't thrilled with the aesthetics --- hated the white, plastic look. My PC works fairly well --- after purchasing a PC card because it did not have WiFi --- so I will take your advice and wait a bit. I just hope that the changes in the Ibook involve cosmetics as well:-).

Thanks Harrisjamieth for your response and warm welcome.

f1000 · Jan 29, 2006, 08:15 AM

I say wait a bit as well, BUT make sure you buy a Mac before you graduate from school. I'd hate to see you miss out on a student discount.

I predict that Jobs will introduce more MacBooks within two months. Just be patient for awhile longer.

Jammyn · Jan 30, 2006, 09:30 AM

So would I, but I graduate in August, so I will keep my fingers crossed.

Thanks for your advice.

bourgeoisie · Jan 30, 2006, 04:33 PM

Originally Posted by harrisjamieh

First off welcome to macNN!
Well I certainly say to NOT get the powerbook! They are old, and slow to what Intel is going to bring to the laptop line. If you need it now, id reccommend a 12" iBook over the 12" PB as it is widely known that for the majority of things, the PB isnt much better than the iBook (12" v 12" that is). If you can wait a tad longer, I think we are going to see the PB 12" be dicontinued, and the iBoook bumped up to a 13" widescreen with a Intel Core Solo inside. I think this would be ideal for you, as it would feel pretty nippy, and would be capable of some intense stuff - (remember 99% of laptops last year were Pentium M's, which were not as good as the core solo, and people got by doing video editing on them).

So id say wait for the new iBook, as whatever it is, it will be better than the G4, and good value for money.

that's a lame reply. powerbooks are not old and they certainly aren't slow. especially for what the original poster uses his/her computer for. a 500mhz g3 ibook with max ram would be more than enough.

seems like a lot of people in these forums forget that not everyone needs the newest fastest computer out. that's like saying a 2005 model year car is old and slow. if it gets the user from point a to point b and does what they need then it's more than sufficient.

go for it, powerbooks are great machines, and will more than meet your needs.

Timetheus · Jan 30, 2006, 04:40 PM

Everyone may nopt need the lastest and greatest now - but in 3 years they might. I'd wait a bit. If you want your computer to run anythign new in 3 years you'll want an Intel chip as PowerPC might not make it that long. Before someone scoffs at the idea of using a computer for that long, I've used my iMac DV for 5 years and it still runs 10.3, iMovie, and Photoshop well enough for my mostly amatuer use of the above.

bourgeoisie · Jan 30, 2006, 05:32 PM

the vast majority of macs out there are powerpc, so it's not going anywhere anytime soon even though things are going the intel direction.

i stand by the powerbook. people are running 10.3 on clamshells and pismos, i certainly wouldn't worry about it because there's always going to be something newer and faster, so you're constantly chasing the dragon if you can't be happy with what works while you have it.

Timetheus · Jan 30, 2006, 05:59 PM

I ordered the MacBook when faced with a similar decision a few weeks ago - so I'm partially defending that decision, and NEW PowerPC software won't last pat a few more years, developers can't afford to spend the time and money to develop on an old platform (which in some cases may not even have fast enough specs the run said software). It seems to me it's worth the wait (of a 2 months or so) to get a "future-proofed" machine. Hope you enjoy your new mac when you get, btw.

f1000 · Jan 31, 2006, 06:45 AM

Originally Posted by bourgeoisie

seems like a lot of people in these forums forget that not everyone needs the newest fastest computer out. that's like saying a 2005 model year car is old and slow. if it gets the user from point a to point b and does what they need then it's more than sufficient.

I've been using Apple computers for longer than you've been alive. Telling someone to buy a Mac within one or two months of a possible refresh is very irresponsible. That's real money to that person, and I've yet to see anyone regret buying a newer model for the same price as an older one.

I don't have an inside track on Apple's product development, but from experience I'd be surprised if Jobs didn't introduce more MacBooks in a relatively short time frame.

Moderator · Jan 31, 2006, 07:13 AM

Originally Posted by bourgeoisie

that's a lame reply. powerbooks are not old and they certainly aren't slow. especially for what the original poster uses his/her computer for. a 500mhz g3 ibook with max ram would be more than enough.

I believe the 500mhz iBooks came w/ a 66mhz bus which was a bottleneck that would choke on any significant amount of work. They sucked.

a 500mhz Pismo on the other hand will get you by.

But still, barely enough..not more than enough

And yes, powerbooks are slow..even if they are sufficient..they are slow relative to their peers..therefore they are slow.

Goldfinger · Jan 31, 2006, 07:54 AM

Originally Posted by Moderator

a 500mhz Pismo on the other hand will get you by.

The Pismo is vastly overrated these days. Sure it was a great machine and one of the best powerbooks ever. But it doesn't cut it anymore. Period.

bourgeoisie · Jan 31, 2006, 12:15 PM

my point is that everyone keeps saying a powerbook won't last more than a few years, etc. it doesn't seem like many people in this forum keep any system as their primary system for more than 3 years, am i wrong?

i understand the appeal of future proofing yourself but good lord.

f1000 · Jan 31, 2006, 12:36 PM

Originally Posted by bourgeoisie

i understand the appeal of future proofing yourself but good lord.

Did I say refresh? I'm sorry, what I meant was MAJOR PLATFORM SHIFT. Not everyone has their fingers on Apple's pulse, especially newbies. Most of us lifers watch Apple closely and are somewhat experienced in its product cycles, and it's a mistake to assume that switchers are also.

The killer app for the next few years is going to be HD video. MacBooks can play 1080 HD video, but most PowerBooks cannot. I don't want Jammyn to buy a PowerBook now just to find out that it can't playback HD video; that'll leave a sour taste in his mouth.

TFunkadelic · Jan 31, 2006, 01:33 PM

On a side note, watching video, HD or not on my laptop is one of the lamest things I have ever used it for.

romeosc · Feb 1, 2006, 04:33 PM

Originally Posted by Goldfinger

The Pismo is vastly overrated these days. Sure it was a great machine and one of the best powerbooks ever. But it doesn't cut it anymore. Period.

I DISAGREE! I own a construction company and have 5 Pismos still in the field for use for superintendents! Of course we have several TIPB also. The pismos get tossed around like
the other tools the men use and "keep on ticking". The TI and Al Books all need cases for protection and I found the Pismo holds up to dirt, grease, rain and jobsite elements.

I know my PB is faster and better equipted then the Pismos, but I can't get anything at near the cost to replace them. The men come in and use the wireless (better than AL & TIPBs) to print reports etc.

You can't keep a good horse down!

Anyone getting rid of Pismos ..... I'll buy them. Cheaper than clipboards and paper over
long haul!

Jammyn · Feb 2, 2006, 06:30 PM

I guess I spoke too soon because my Toshiba now needs to be sent in for repairs --- luckily still covered under warranty, but I am enrolled in a few online classes and I need a computer, fast. I was tempted to order a new a 12-inch PB, but since the prevailing opinion/advise seems to be to wait, I am going to resist the urge to act on impulse and wait a few months.

Thanks to all who posted!

Jammyn

romeosc · Feb 2, 2006, 06:58 PM

Originally Posted by Jammyn

I guess I spoke too soon because my Toshiba now needs to be sent in for repairs --- luckily still covered under warranty, but I am enrolled in a few online classes and I need a computer, fast. I was tempted to order a new a 12-inch PB, but since the prevailing opinion/advise seems to be to wait, I am going to resist the urge to act on impulse and wait a few months.

Thanks to all who posted!

Jammyn

That's why you should buy and old Ibook or powerbook as a spare..... keep a clone of your Pb so you can be up and running in minutes...... just slower. Great additional insurance for a few hundred bucks..... I keep a closet of old PBs... worth more to me as security than cash they'd bring. Also nice when guests want to access internet....

Just pull out a couple of old 300MH Ibooks with airport cards and they can be on line without messing with your personal machine!