[Semstudent]

I upgraded to the C2D and my 1.25 Powerbook G4 now goes to the boy. I bought a firewire hub so external scratch drive, iSight, DV is no problem, but I'm wondering if I should think about selling the PB and buying an entry level iMac C2D for him instead. Of course, budget it an issue. I have been watching PB's on e-bay and it seems like they are hovering around $600-$700. Here's what mine has to offer:

15" PB G4 1.25 GHz
Superdrive
1GB Ram
5 months of remaining AppleCare (New display 4 months ago)

I don't know if I can part with this immaculate machine for that low a price, am I wrong for thinking this?

Any constructive feedback greatly appreciated.

[Gossamer]

If you're doing video work, a faster hard drive is always a plus, and an iMac will give that to you. But sometimes the portability of the Powerbook would come as an advantage. But the C2D performace will stomp the Powerbook and a bigger screen is always a plus. So if raw processing power is what you're looking for, go for the iMac, but if you need portability stick with the Powerbook.
(BTW where in Iowa are you?)

[macboy]

Originally Posted by Gossamer 

If you're doing video work, a faster hard drive is always a plus, and an iMac will give that to you. But sometimes the portability of the Powerbook would come as an advantage. But the C2D performace will stomp the Powerbook and a bigger screen is always a plus. So if raw processing power is what you're looking for, go for the iMac, but if you need portability stick with the Powerbook.

That hit the nail. Although I should probably suggest for him to keep using the PB till he finds the urge for more processor power. I used a 1.5Ghz PB with a gig of ram when I started to make short films and it was fun. I didnt mind waiting a little for rendering and iMovie worked great.

So a PB with enough ram with definately get the job done, but iMac's are great and will last longer as the usage requirements expand..

[amazing]

Seems to me that the 1.25 PB would be absolutely perfect for the boy! Having to work thru bottlenecks will be good for him--and he can always off-load rendering to one of the other Macs overnight, etc.

If money's no object, that's a different story, natch. Mostly, it's the lifelong story of "a taste for champagne on a Coca-Cola budget," and any lessons he learns now will stand him in good stead later.

[rjt1000]

Originally Posted by Semstudent 

have been watching PB's on e-bay and it seems like they are hovering around $600-$700. Here's what mine has to offer:

15" PB G4 1.25 GHz
Superdrive
1GB Ram
5 months of remaining AppleCare (New display 4 months ago)

I don't know if I can part with this immaculate machine for that low a price, am I wrong for thinking this?

Your 15 inch PB 1.25 ghz in immaculate condition with superdrive and some Applecare should get you $800-900 on eBay, maybe more if you are lucky.

So feel free to sell it and buy the kid what he likes.

Recently completed eBay auctions:

eBay: Apple Powerbook G4 15 1.25 2GB RAM, 80GB HD, Superdrive (item 250048648456 end time Nov-16-06 08:24:53 PST)
eBay: 15" Aluminum Apple Powerbook G4 1.25 MHZ 512 MB 80 GB (item 180047712393 end time Nov-13-06 13:00:00 PST)
eBay: Apple PowerBook G4 15" 1.25 GHz 768MB 80GB SuperDrive (item 190049022077 end time Nov-11-06 17:59:51 PST)
eBay: APPLE POWERBOOK G4 15" 1.25 GHz 80GB HD w/APPLECARE!! (item 130044005879 end time Nov-10-06 11:23:07 PST)

[Semstudent]

Thanks for your input everyone. I spoke with a friend today who says he may have a home for the Powerbook at around $850, this coupled with selling my MDD Dual 1GHz should net enough to buy the iMac my son so deserves (besides, he'll be leaving for college in a year and a half and he can take the iMac with him). Thanks again everyone! Now I just have to evaluate the value of the G4 MDD!