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guod · Oct 25, 2007, 04:16 PM

I currently have 2 ibook g3 (late 2001) and want something a little faster. I have been looking up prices on powerbook g4s and they dont seem too expensive. Would it be a mistake to upgrade to the powerbook g4? I would sell both of the ibooks to help pay for them and would probably add a little cash. I am still looking for a small notebook and like the 12" g4...Am I making a mistake here? or what would you guys do? do you guys have any input as to what i should buy?

imitchellg5 · Oct 25, 2007, 04:23 PM

It wouldn't be a mistake, but I would save up for a new MacBook or MacBook Pro. PowerPC is becoming obsolete. The PowerBook G4 12" though still is one of my favorite Macs.

peeb · Oct 25, 2007, 04:26 PM

I don't disagree with that advice, but 'obsolete' is a little strong for PPC. Support for the platform is still strong outside gaming / high end video processing, and will stay that way for at least a few years.

guod · Oct 25, 2007, 04:34 PM

well i dont really NEED the performance of a macbook. i am currently using my ibooks for college and they get the job done but pretty slowly. I mean i am not going to be playing any crazy games or anything or doing HEAVY photoshop..im just gunna use it for internet, word, powerpoint, excel, a few low end games (REALLY low) and occasionally photoshop.

should i look for any common problems with a powerbook when i go to look at them before i buy one? also how much do you guys think one is worth? I mean i dont want to over pay for this. I have seen them on craigslist from 375 - 600. so anywhere is there is probably a good deal?

peeb · Oct 25, 2007, 04:41 PM

The 12 inch G4s are great machines for what you want.

guod · Oct 25, 2007, 04:46 PM

what processor do you guys think i can get the most out of for the least $$?

the 867? 1ghz? or..

peeb · Oct 25, 2007, 05:04 PM

Go higher, it's an older machine anyway, at least over 1ghz

OreoCookie · Oct 25, 2007, 05:31 PM

I would start saving for a MacBook.

peeb · Oct 25, 2007, 05:34 PM

I would, too, I just don't think that the G4s are obsolete, they are still adequate for many tasks.

TyPod · Oct 25, 2007, 06:11 PM

I agree with Oreo, I think you should save up for a MacBook. Since you want something rather small (12-13"), I think the MacBook would suite your needs. That way, you get the latest Intel processor and Leopard (Assuming you don't buy right now).

guod · Oct 25, 2007, 06:27 PM

but im not looking to spend more than 4 something as this is NOT my main computer..i have other comps but i use this like in class and stuff like that...so i am definitely not gunna spend 1k-2k for a computer used a few times a week..i mean i WANT a macbook but for my budget and uses, its not worth it..

peeb · Oct 25, 2007, 06:28 PM

Then a Powerbook seems like a great choice. Look at second hand MacBooks though.

bishopazrael · Oct 25, 2007, 06:55 PM

Guod,
ok as a personal tech... I'm going to give the same advice I'd give my customers, which is the same advice I'd give my own mother or sister.

First, I'd say if you can, look at getting a refurbed Intel macbook or macbook pro. I know you said you didn't need the power and speed, but what concerns me is the processor. As others above have noted, the G4 will PROBABLY be around for quite a while... but just think, how would you feel if a year from now, you needed a program for college.. like autocad or something from adobe, and they only made it for the intel processors, not for the PPC? I'd just hate to see that happen to you. But I also do agree... I do think support for the G4 chip will be around for at least another 2 years.

However having said that I also understand totally the money issue. My favorite computer of all time was my 1ghz 12" powerbook. And for your situation, it's just right. If you are going to go this route and get a G4, then please do yourself a favor and make sure that it's maxed out. Airport, bluetooth, superdrive, working USB and firewire ports, working video port. Make sure it's a good purchase for you.

If It was me... it'd be a hard decision. I love the 12" pb but I'd hate to be left in the cold with the g4 chip should something go wrong.

But my best advice I can give you is this. Do something else for a while. DON"T think about it for a couple of hours. Then come back to it and just very quickly see..... what does your gut tell you? If your gut tells you that the 12' is what would make you most happy, go for it. If your gut tells you that maybe you should go the intel route, do that. Because in the end, you'll regret not listening to yourself. And those snap gut checks are 99% of the time right.

Good luck.
Bishop

guod · Oct 25, 2007, 07:47 PM

Originally Posted by bishopazrael

Guod,
ok as a personal tech... I'm going to give the same advice I'd give my customers, which is the same advice I'd give my own mother or sister.

First, I'd say if you can, look at getting a refurbed Intel macbook or macbook pro. I know you said you didn't need the power and speed, but what concerns me is the processor. As others above have noted, the G4 will PROBABLY be around for quite a while... but just think, how would you feel if a year from now, you needed a program for college.. like autocad or something from adobe, and they only made it for the intel processors, not for the PPC? I'd just hate to see that happen to you. But I also do agree... I do think support for the G4 chip will be around for at least another 2 years.

However having said that I also understand totally the money issue. My favorite computer of all time was my 1ghz 12" powerbook. And for your situation, it's just right. If you are going to go this route and get a G4, then please do yourself a favor and make sure that it's maxed out. Airport, bluetooth, superdrive, working USB and firewire ports, working video port. Make sure it's a good purchase for you.

If It was me... it'd be a hard decision. I love the 12" pb but I'd hate to be left in the cold with the g4 chip should something go wrong.

But my best advice I can give you is this. Do something else for a while. DON"T think about it for a couple of hours. Then come back to it and just very quickly see..... what does your gut tell you? If your gut tells you that the 12' is what would make you most happy, go for it. If your gut tells you that maybe you should go the intel route, do that. Because in the end, you'll regret not listening to yourself. And those snap gut checks are 99% of the time right.

Good luck.
Bishop

thanks for the info and advice. well what my gut says is to just sell my ibooks and get a g4 pb. I mean yea i would LOVE to have a macbook but i simply cant afford it and if i could, i am not sure i would spend the money on it as i said before, this is an extra computer...it is good to hear that there are so many people that love the powerbooks and especially the 12" one like i wanted. so are there any places i should to find the best deals? i have looked on ebay (very expensive), craigslist, and recycler. are there any other good places to look?

thanks again for the members help. i know it may piss people off to see me get something that will be outdated in a couple of years...but still I think the powerbook will suit my needs for much less than a macbook

peeb · Oct 25, 2007, 07:49 PM

lowendmac.com has indexes of best second hand dealer prices, and is a good resource for comparing models. Powerbooks over 880mhz will not be outdated in a couple of years - they run Leopard, and will continue to be supported for quite a while. Don't count on the next OS update working on them, it might, or might not.

adamfishercox · Oct 25, 2007, 07:53 PM

Get above 1.25 GHz if at all possible.

SEkker · Oct 25, 2007, 09:02 PM

You know, I am wondering how much faster a 12" G4 is over an iBook for guod's uses. My wife had an older G3 Pismo that became unrepairable. When she upgraded to a >1GHz PB12", she did not notice a big jump in safari, mail or office apps. The G3 machines were more than sufficient to run those apps.

The reason I think guo should consider saving for a Macbook is for the option of running windows software. That ability is amazingly useful - having parallels/XP installed truly makes these machines extremely versatile. And even the basic Macbooks can run XP or Vista, so they will be compatible with the windows world for some time to come.

guo, if you DO decide to go for a used G4 PB, make sure the power connector is solid - they can easily get wobbly from all that plugging and unplugging (this is why Apple developed the magsafe).

peeb · Oct 25, 2007, 09:33 PM

A 2005 / 06 pb will be quite a lot faster than a 2001 ibook.

guod · Oct 25, 2007, 09:38 PM

well my ibook is even laggy just typing work documents. like it will hesitate before text comes on the screen and when i delete things it will hesitate....

TyPod · Oct 25, 2007, 09:39 PM

Originally Posted by guod

but im not looking to spend more than 4 something as this is NOT my main computer..i have other comps but i use this like in class and stuff like that...so i am definitely not gunna spend 1k-2k for a computer used a few times a week..i mean i WANT a macbook but for my budget and uses, its not worth it..

In that case, a 12" PowerBook should suite your needs.

guod · Oct 25, 2007, 10:21 PM

Put the ibooks up for sale in the marketplace forum