[fil327]

so im a first time mac buyer, probably set on buying the iBook G4 soon. i keep reading to hold off for the new ones to come in but i dont really know if i should, cuz i dont need the extra power.

i keep reading things about problems with software in the new ones that will come out and dont understand what thats all about. e.g.

"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..."

in terms of computer/software knowledge im a novice, so can someone explain what the hastle would be?

oh and also, as stupid as this question may be, but once the new iBooks come out, the ones that are available now wont just disappear from the market? they will still be around for a while and selling at a cheaper price right? just wondering cuz id like to get the iBook G4 after the new ones are released

thanks heaps

[ryanparrish]

They might be announced in April if so expect them to ship by June the intel problem is with some software providers like Adobe saying we wont make our very popular PhotoShop CS2 or Cs3 by that time till next year, and graphic designers could be up the creek without the pattle, hopefully that helps

[i<3myiBookg4]

I am pleased with mine. I got it Easter last year (March 2005) and I have not had any problems.

[pat++]

Originally Posted by fil327
i keep reading things about problems with software in the new ones that will come out and dont understand what thats all about. e.g.

[I

"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..."[/I]

in terms of computer/software knowledge im a novice, so can someone explain what the hastle would be?

The new Macs have a different processor inside (they used to have G4 chips made by Freescale and the new ones will have an Intel chip inside, likely a Core Duo or Core Solo chip).

The processor understands "instructions" and each chip has its own language. The issue is that old software written for the G4 chip needs to be translated into Intel language for new chips. This slows down applications. Once new applications are Universal, they will be available in both "languages" so that it runs fast on both old G4 chips and new Intel chips.

Basically old apps do work on new Intel Mac, but slower until they are actually universal 'i.e. translated in Intel language'.

If you are planning to buy an iBook, I would definitely wait for the Intel ones. You will likely get much more for you money like an integrated iSight web cam...

[dreamryche]

Also of note: PowerPC apps running on Intel on Rosetta don't suffer much of a performance hit, if any, when compared to a G4. I'd hold off for the Intel models...they should be announced soon enough.

[volcano]

Originally Posted by ryanparrish

They might be announced in April if so expect them to ship by June the intel problem is with some software providers like Adobe saying we wont make our very popular PhotoShop CS2 or Cs3 by that time till next year

..aaand breathe!

Fil - if you can wait until early April, I would advise you to do so. Once the Intel models are released, Apple will stop selling the current 1.33/1.42GHz models, but as for reselllers (like CompUSA, MacMall, etc) - it's a whole different story. They buy a huge stock of computers from Apple, and when a new model is released, they try their hardest to get rid of their old stock - so in theory, even if you don't want a new Intel-based iBook, I would wait because the prices of the iBook G4 should drop.