Welcome to the MacNN Forums.

ESxNW · Feb 21, 2006, 12:34 PM

I just purchased a brand new 12" Ibook G4, I am worried now that I did this at a bad time since the new Intel Ibooks are around the corner.

Did I just waste $1,000?

TheoCryst · Feb 21, 2006, 01:27 PM

It's only a waste if you REALLY need the extra power. I also have a brand new iBook, and I don't think I made a mistake in buying it in the least. Did you seriously need a new computer when you bought it? If so, or even if not, don't worry. Apple is pledging support for the PPC line for another few years, so there is no need to worry about having a shortage of software anytime soon. And besides, the iBook is probably more than fast enough for anything you need to do (email, web surfing, working with Office, the occasional use of Photoshop here and there).

Enjoy your new baby and, if this is your first Mac, welcome to the cult!

mikochu · Feb 21, 2006, 02:52 PM

I bought an iBook a few weeks ago. I can see myself being jealous if I like the new iBook, but it would be a hassle with software. I'll wait until all of the software I use have Universal Binaries...

gizmo_pony · Feb 21, 2006, 11:26 PM

no worries ... things keep updating every now and then ... don't even think about intel's ibook. enjoy ur G4 and make it to the max ... believe me, it wont become caput in at least 3 years from now ... IMHO

Ryknow215 · Feb 23, 2006, 09:11 PM

I am worried now that I did this at a bad time since the new Intel Ibooks are around the corner.

It's only a waste if you REALLY need the extra power.

That's funny because that's exactly what the Apple tech guys at my university Co-Op told me when I talked to them. I told them I was on the market for a 12" G4 iBook but was wondering if I should hold off for the introduction of the MacBook. 3 guys there gave me a unanimous No. They told me that I wouldn't need the power of the MacBook for stuff like word processing, web browsing, things along those lines. It wouldn't even be worth the extra $300-400 to have a brand new machine with all the new hardware goodies in it because I wouldn't really be utilizing it.

So I guess the bottom line is that you made the right choice getting your iBook. Can't wait to get mine

!

hookem2oo7 · Feb 24, 2006, 11:15 PM

I am 100% totally satisfied with my G4 ibook purchase. I know that the intel ibooks are coming and I am still 100% satisfied. 5 hours of battery life is like a 200% improvement over an AMD based PC laptop....

Berman · Feb 25, 2006, 03:12 AM

i bought a 12" ibook about 6 months ago and i've been thinking the same thing ... but it'll still be a while until the intel ibooks come out.

but then i think logically. since i've got a 20" imac at home, the only things i use my ibook for are mail, safari, itunes, iphoto, msoffice, iwork, adium, and dvd viewing. for these purposes, even with the standard 512 megs of ram, it runs everything perfectly. so do i really need more power? nope. also, mine has been a trusty little companion; it generally goes everywhere with me and has never done the slightest thing wrong. it's also surprised me a few times -- like when a buddy was having issues ripping from a digital video camera to his brand new dell desktop, and i said "hey let me try that on my laptop," and it ripped the vid perfectly in imovie, no added software or drivers for his camera

f1000 · Feb 25, 2006, 03:33 AM

Originally Posted by ESxNW

Did I just waste $1,000?

I don't think you wasted $1,000, but I do think you jumped the gun. Whether or not you need the power of a MacBook, there's bound to be a drop in prices on the previous iBooks.

harrisjamieh · Feb 25, 2006, 03:39 AM

I personally think you should have held out until tuesday, when there is a chance Apple will introduce new iBooks at their special events. Even if you don't NEED the extra speed, how much nicer would it be for Safari to launch instantly instead of after 3-4 bounces. Much nicer IMO. I always feel my iBook (1.2/512RAM) is slow, even when just using Safari or pages.

x user · Feb 25, 2006, 10:41 AM

I currently have a 12" PB 1ghz, and i'm gonna wait to see what they offer on tues... If not a 13" widescreen I might save my money and go for a MBP...

production_coordinator · Feb 25, 2006, 02:39 PM

I have the current iBook, I purchased it about 4 months ago. It was a great computer at that time, it's still a great computer... and will be when the ibook x86 is released. You DID NOT waste $1000, but you may have purchased at a bad time if you are a person that wants to maximize perceived value.

Also, sure it's going to be MUCH faster, but then again, the software really isn't in place to handle the new CPU. It's coming... but still not here, and probably won't be for at least another 3-12 months.

Just my 2¢

mactopsuit · Feb 28, 2006, 11:57 AM

Which size is more popular? The 12' or the 14'? Or is everyone crazy over the rumoured 13' MacBook?

Mojo · Feb 28, 2006, 12:25 PM

From what I have read in multiple forums the 12" is more popular...it is smaller, less expensive and it has a sharper screen than the 14".

mactopsuit · Feb 28, 2006, 11:44 PM

Thanks mate! Might consider tailoring shell skins for ibook 12' soon!