[Lazaro]

Hi everyone I just met someone that wants to trade their power book for an iBook and some cash. I met this person through email but we have exchanged info. I just wanted to get some opinions on this deal.

My iBook

1.2 GHz G4 12"
60 GB 5400 RPM HD
768 MB RAM
Bluetooth module
Airport Extreme
Tiger installed
Applecare expires Jan/2008

Cosmetically it has not dents, cracks, stains, marks, just very light scratches that I imagine are normal for a year old ibook.

Trading to get a:
Machine Model: PowerBook G4 15"
CPU Type: PowerPC G4 (1.1)
Number Of CPUs: 1
CPU Speed: 1.33 GHz
L2 Cache (per CPU): 512 KB
Memory: 1 GB
Bus Speed: 167 MHz
HD:
Capacity: 55.76 GB

800mb firewire
12mb per sec USB

AirPort Card Information:

Wireless Card Type: AirPort Extreme
Wireless Card Locale: USA

SODIMM0/J25LOWER:

Size: 512 MB
Type: DDR SDRAM
Speed: PC2700U-25330

SODIMM1/J25UPPER:

Size: 512 MB
Type: DDR SDRAM
Speed: PC2700U-25330


So it's a 1.33 powerbook with a gig of ram. Applecare expires 6/2007 for him. I want to know how much would be too much cash to give him on top of the trade. He ays the powerbook is in excellent shape. Thanks guys

EDIT: Sorry about the typo in the title

[ericssonboi]

I say 4-500 tops...
Maybe thats pushing it... but that'd be how much i'd expect ..

[Lazaro]

I was thinking around $200-$300. He says that there is an area on the palmrest that is a little worn out, and the "aluminum is pitting", Not sure where, or how bad that is. Would apple care cover something like that? I will obviously check it out first.

Also, I got a second chance offer for a power book on ebay it's the same as the one I mentioned except it has a 1.5 G4, and 80 GB HD. No apple care for $1200...

[dn15]

While the PowerBook is faster, the two machines' actual clock speed is pretty close so raw power won't be drastically different. There are a couple main benefits I see of upgrading -- video capabilities, and maximum amount of RAM the machine can hold....

Video: The size and resolution of the built-in display on the PowerBook are quite a bit greater than on the iBook. It also has DVI-out that will drive a variety of larger external displays for an extended (not just mirrored) desktop.

Memory: The PowerBook, with its two upgradable RAM slots, could potentially be maxed out at 2GB, whereas the iBook will max out at just over 1GB.

If one/both of these justify the cost of the upgrade for you, go for it. If you don't, then I don't see a real compelling reason to update. You wouldn't gain much in performance but you'll be out a few hundred dollars.

[ericssonboi]

Well.. let's not forget your trading up from a 12" to a 15".
Specs for speed and applecare are about the same...
Your getting widescreen, dvi out, pcmcia slot, and of course... aluminum.
Another option is selling your ibook and buying a refurb from the apple store. You get a near to new computer and still get a warranty.

As for the pitting... if your talking about the "corrosion" issue... Aluminum turning into black spots... or areas where the palm rest area showing signs of wear, then i would definitely say its worth 2-300 tops.

[Lazaro]

Well, that is the biggest thing for me, I want a larger screen with a higher res. I've been thinking, that maybe it would be better to put my ibook up on ebay, and Use that money and some of my own to buy a refurbished 1.5 GHz powerbook. It will have a much higher resolution screen, more vram, 300 extra MHz, and be in perfect condition. The way I see it.

1. Trade the iBook +$300 Cash (Most I'd be willing to pay), for a 1.25 GHz PB with lower res screen than the new ones, and some cosmetic stuff.
(Assuming I can get $750 for my iBook + $300* that would be around $1050 for this machine)
*Seems unlikely that the person will get rid of it for that little.

2. Sell the iBook on eBay ($750 ) and put in $650 for a newer powerbook with higher res screen, BT, and bigger HD. and 1.5 GHz G4.

I think option two is looking better. If I buy a refurb powerbook from small dog, can I buy applecare with a student discount from the Apple Store?