[eTard]

I just cannot decide which to order. Every time I think I have decided, I get another piece of info that sways my decision.

As a web designer, I have utility in a cd-rw when I travel as I can burn deliverables for clients when I travel. However, most trips I make are short weekend jumps so I can always burn a cd when I get back to my desktop G4. Thus, a dvd could be nice to watch movies on a plane. However, I would rather read on a plane than watch a dvd suck the battery out of my computer (and I only own 5 dvds).

So, I am in a dilema. I can see the use/need for both and I do not want to pop for a combo (so DON'T even go there) as my budget is limited to one of these 2 only. Therefore, I need to pick 1 or the other.

Any good solid arguments or lines of reasoning for 1 or the other would be great. Any experiences with 1 or the other would be great (i.e., how well does the dvd player work on a portable, how well does the cd-rw work on a portable, etc.).

[paterss]

On my old Pismo I had a DVD drive, and it was great - I watched all of my 5 DVD's too....

...to begin with. But then the novelty wore off.


How often would you be burning CD's on the road ??

Maybe I can make your life just 50% more complicated and say by the base CD model and spend the change on the biggest RAM Module you can find.

Nice to be of some help

Stuart




------------------
Smart people learn from their own mistakes.
Very smart people learn from other peoples mistakes.

Well the cd-rw youll wait another couple of weeks for the dvd you can buy retail. I woudl go dvd...

[eTard]

well, I could go the cheapest cdrom option sure, but I did want a little more bang (and I want a higher resale value if I ever decide to sell it later).

and, I can hack waiting for another few weeks to get what I want, so that is no real concern for me.

[sanford]

I'm in the wait queue for the cd-rw and believe me I know the pain of waiting when I could have had a DVD or CD model in my hands late last week. But, I'm planning to use this iBook as my portable machine for at least the next two years, so I don't want a couple week wait to spoil me getting what I actually want and will use for a couple years.

I'd get what you need and suffer out the wait.

I just sold my 466mhz iBook SE on ebay to someone for $1400 so that I could buy the new model; should I feel guilty about that? Anyway, the old one had a DVD-ROM drive and the only time I found it useful was to watch DVDs on plane trips. This time I chose the CDRW and expect to get much more use out of it. And I don't mind waiting... well, I do mind, but I would regret settling for one of the currently available models.

[Skatchet]

I was kind of in the same boat. I wanted the combo, then decided the extra $$ was too much. Thought the CDRW would be nice but finally settled on just the DVD. It would be nice to burn CDs but I can do that back at my desktop or just transfer files in other ways.

Tough decision.

Anyway, just ordered my DVD iBook 2 last night. And delivery time is still 3 to 5 weeks. Yikes! I suspect they are selling tons of these!

[murbot]

I was in the same boat with my Pismo - went out and rented a couple DVD's to check it out - and never did again. It's a novelty thing, really. Well, I guess some people use it in place of a real DVD player by hooking it up to the TV, so if you would fall into that group, it may be a good choice.

I went with the CD-RW. I know I will get much more use out of it than the DVD.

And yes, I have thought about resale value... heh heh
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[Removed at the request of Apple Legal]

[This message has been edited by murbot (edited 05-22-2001).]

[eTard]

no computer dvd to the tv thing for me, I have a real dvd player for that.

I am getting a sense from this forum and others I visit that the DVD is in fact a bit of a novelty, but looses it's luster quickly.

the way I am starting to look at it is: if I take the iBook, it means I am suppose to be working. SO, it stands to reason, how would I have time for a DVD? I do not want to take it to just watch a DVD, I would rather leave it at home unless I have to WORK. (seems reasonable...doesn't it?)

[paterss]

OK...I am enjoying playing Devils Advocate this evening..

What about companies that start to release their software on DVD ??

My last Linux distro came on 6 CD's and a DVD.

I think the media price will drop to the point where software could come on DVD's pretty soon.

But...I think my personal choice would also be the CD-RW
But...I just ready about more rumours in this forum of reb B TiG4, also other colours of iBook and a new variation of Airport (price difference of TiG4 -> iBook = Airport for me)

Stuart

[jblakeh1]

DVD is a format, like a CD... they can contain not just movies, but also data.

edit: yikes! he beat me to it.
------------------
.b
http://homepage.mac.com/jblakeh1
http://www.sit3.com

[This message has been edited by jblakeh1 (edited 05-22-2001).]

[Milo Waye]

Originally posted by murbot:
I was in the same boat with my Pismo - went out and rented a couple DVD's to check it out - and never did again. It's a novelty thing, really. Well, I guess some people use it in place of a real DVD player by hooking it up to the TV, so if you would fall into that group, it may be a good choice.

I went with the CD-RW. I know I will get much more use out of it than the DVD. And yes, I have thought about resale value... heh heh

Murbot what the heck after all did you do ? I thought I read a post of yours that you decided on the CDRW, and turned around after a half hour on the road on the way to get the ebay CDROM version.

[G4Man]

I just ordered a dvd model. I didn't go with the cdrw or combo, because you can save more money by buying and external firewire cdrw. I'm getting one on
eBay for $250. Yamaha 16x10x40. That would rock with my ibook. And I've downloaded Toast Titanium from a server, and burning in the background
works beautifully, haven't had any problems yet with my G4 and teac 8x cdr. Just my 2�
www.amaesing.net

[Milo Waye]

Originally posted by murbot:
I was in the same boat with my Pismo - went out and rented a couple DVD's to check it out - and never did again. It's a novelty thing, really. Well, I guess some people use it in place of a real DVD player by hooking it up to the TV, so if you would fall into that group, it may be a good choice.

I went with the CD-RW. I know I will get much more use out of it than the DVD.

And yes, I have thought about resale value... heh heh

Murbot,
OK, if I could read I'd be dangerous... . Enjoy!!

[eTard]

G4Man,

As I noted earlier, I have a cd-rw on my home system (and a dvd for that matter). In considering this purchase, external add-ons are not an option as I want a self contained unit (the whole point in this). I do not want to buy add-on cd-rws, floppy drives, zip drives, scanners, or anything else. I want 1 unit that covers most of the 'useful' basis on it's own. Thus, a simple cdrom could juts do it, but I am looing for good reasons (other then resale) to pop a little more for a cd-rw or a dvd (that is, if I can ever make a decision on which has the most utility).



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eTard.....don't be on

[eTard]

oops...my signature got eaten on that last post...

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eTard.....don't be one

I have a DVD on my desktop and I have never used it. I ordered the CD-RW model for my uses. I often go on the road and do a great deal of digital photography. One on my biggest worries is loosing my images either through my own carelessness or, some tragic Mac error. I hope to be able to burn to CD all my stuff at almost the same time I dump the images into the iBook. The only other accessory I have to find is a power cord that will plug into a cars cigar lighter. This way, I can burn while the Mrs. is driving.
Birds, and stones that kinda stuff. And, it goes without saying that I am very anxious about receiving my book, which was ordered the 2nd of May.

[Skatchet]

o.k. - o.k. - you all convinced me (or I finally convinced myself). just got off the phone with Apple and changed my order from the dvd model for the dvd cdrw combo with the 20 gig drive. I can see the benefit of the cdrw unit and dvd unit all in one and making the unit more portable. I mean, that is one reason I want this small little thing and don't want a lot of peripherals.

but they still say it will take 3 to 5 weeks. Sighhhh.

[klee6150]

I'd get the CD version (you already have a CDRW) and upgrade to the 20gig drive and put a 256 or 512 memory stick in it. Put all your MP3s on it and buy yourself some great headphones. Then you can enjoy listening to your music and still get some work done while on that plane.

Karen

[murbot]

Hey Milo - I was on my way to get the cheap CD-ROM iBook, then decided to go with the CD-RW model. (more useful, and 100% not stolen! Couldn't say the same for the super-deal one I almost went for...)

I'll have to wait now of course, but that's what golf is for.

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[Removed at the request of Apple Legal]

i went with the dvd model...we already have a g4 tower and decided to buy an external ezquest boa that we could move between the tower and the laptop (and the third computer we get this fall) throughout the house or take it on the road (if you have to!)

and we can now bring the dvds with us when we travel...

[Chimpmaster]

Its a tough call.

If you fork out the extra dough and get the combo model youve got the best, with full features and no regrets except that of your bank balance.

I personally dont think apple is asking much extra for the combo model anyway.

But, if its too much for you, you ay wish to consider these things:

1) Dvd is unlikely to replace cd in the near future for software. Near in computer talk isnt very long though - maybe 1-2 years.
An interesting time will be early next year when there will be three new computer games consoles (ps2, xbox ands gamecube) all running on the dvd format. I personally believe this will encourage mac and pc game developers to also make the switch. Bugger ive only got a cd drive what will I do

2) Cd burning on the run. Do you really need it? You say youve got a burner on your desktop anyways.

3) You say you cant afford the combo model. Is this because you have already factored in more hd space and ram, or not. If you havent factored in these costs (at least a 128mb dimm and perhaps the larger hd), then go for the cd only model and make sure you get these things. If you have factored them in, Id probably get the dvd only model. That way you wont have to worry about the media cross over to dvd format (if it ever happens).

However, I can only really see dvd becoming the "in" thing for games media. Maybe porn (probably already is). Could be some othe rmultimedia entertainment products too.

But the key word is entertainment. If you are purely using your ibook for business your probably dont need the dvd drive at all. Ive got the latest version of microsoft office 2001 and it fits on 1 cd. In fact it would fit on almost half a cd.

Dreamweaver takes up a miniscule amount of space. 9.3mb zipped. Filemaker pro is 18.3mb zipped up. Get my drift here? Its going to be a while before dvd's are necessary for most business apps.

Happy buying - Im a little jealous of you. I love my indigo ibook, but had I have waited out another 5 months Id be getting an ibook2 as well. Sigh,

And which model would I have bought? hehe probably the dvd model after having said all of that. Just in case

[Gee4orce]

eTard - it's for people like you that the Combo drive was invented

[eTard]

Gee4orce,

Yeah..I hear you about the combo. It is just cost prohibitive to me (especially after I buy the $100 in things I want for it).

overall utility + money in bank / amount of use = DVD or CD-rw only

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eTard.....don't be one

(20 days)

i ordered the dvd- why? because movies are cool and dvds are going to be cheap and i don't have a dvd player at home. one thing to consider is that you can get a firewire or usb cdrw (i have iomega) but you can't really get a portable dvd can you? and dvd is cheaper by like $100 i think.

also, i'm going to get a mpG4 next year with superdrive and dvdpro so i will definitely need something that plays dvd format to show off with.

also, the cdrw speed is hecksa slow compared to a desktop built in or a firewire. if you get a firewire you can use it with any of your mac's.

but, on the other side- rip, mix, burn!

[Milo Waye]

Originally posted by eTard:
I just cannot decide which to order. Every time I think I have decided, I get another piece of info that sways my decision.

As a web designer, I have utility in a cd-rw when I travel as I can burn deliverables for clients when I travel. However, most trips I make are short weekend jumps so I can always burn a cd when I get back to my desktop G4. Thus, a dvd could be nice to watch movies on a plane. However, I would rather read on a plane than watch a dvd suck the battery out of my computer (and I only own 5 dvds).

So, I am in a dilema. I can see the use/need for both and I do not want to pop for a combo (so DON'T even go there) as my budget is limited to one of these 2 only. Therefore, I need to pick 1 or the other.

Any good solid arguments or lines of reasoning for 1 or the other would be great. Any experiences with 1 or the other would be great (i.e., how well does the dvd player work on a portable, how well does the cd-rw work on a portable, etc.).

For me it's about resale and watching a movie in bed, not necessarily in that order. DVD works for me.

Get the DVD. Burning disks also takes up battery life. And think of it this way: if you get the cash and need a burner with the iBook, you can always get an external one (12x8x32 are usually less than $300, portable ones that draw power from the iBook battery, I think, $100 more). You can't buy an external DVD drive, last time I checked.

[eTard]

okay...this is not helping as much as I hoped. It is more of a split decision than before I started the topic (I guess that is what I get for posing the topic).

I am steering (though I can change at any given moment) to the cd-rw and here is 1 reason why. Since we know cost is an issue, I was thinking that rather than upgrading to a 20-30 gig drive (why you need that big on a traveling laptop is beyond me since we can just transfer big files off onto your home unit), the cd-rw allows me to just burn the data onto a disk (50 cents....35 if I get real hardcore about it) and archive it off that way. Thus, I do not need to upgrade to a 20 gig drive as 10 is plenty (BTW, as a person that builds sites all day long - Illustrator, PhotoShop, Dreamweaver, Fireworks files - 10 gigs is a rather large amount of data storage for a roving laptop).

Anyway, as of 4:22 pm PST, I am thinking cd-rw.....

it's now 4:24 and I think I actually like the DVD model instead.........

[geri]

Go for the DVD if you have a CD burner elsewhere.

[eTard]

geri,

following your logic...

shouldn't I go for the cd burner if I have a DVD player

(sorry I could not resist)

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eTard.....don't be one

[tie]

If you don't need the DVD drive (if your company doesn't distribute files on DVD) then go with the CD-RW. Third parties aren't going to be using DVDs to distribute software for quite awhile, especially not on the Mac. And when they do, you can always use CDs instead.

So I would say:

* CD-RW if you don't already have one, but not otherwise (why carry it around; it's gotta weigh a bit more).

* DVD if you are a DVD collector already, or can picture yourself buying ten to twenty DVDs in the next year.

* CD plain all other cases.

[murbot]

....20-30 gig drive (why you need that big on a traveling laptop is beyond me since we can just transfer big files off onto your home unit), the cd-rw allows me to just burn the data onto a disk (50 cents....35 if I get real hardcore about it) and archive it off that way. Thus, I do not need to upgrade to a 20 gig drive as 10 is plenty (BTW, as a person that builds sites all day long - Illustrator, PhotoShop, Dreamweaver, Fireworks files - 10 gigs is a rather large amount of data storage for a roving laptop).

You're lucky if you've got a desktop and a portable - fact is, most people (well, many people anyway, including myself) don't have the bucks to have both. A 10 GB hard drive gets filled up VERY fast if you install alot of software and have a decent MP3 collection. And if you want to edit even a little digital video, you'll fill that baby up faster than an Apple store on opening day.

If you've got a desktop then 10 may be enough... but if it's your only computer, you will regret not ponying up the extra little bit of cash to get a 20 GB drive. In 6-8 months you're not going to regret spending another $200 to start with.

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[Removed at the request of Apple Legal]

[Bugs Bunny]

Or just get an external firewire hard drive. VST, or make your own (cheaper)

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[Raman]

Get the DVD. Not because you're too poor to buy a DVD player for your home stereo system with a tv bigger than life, but because software will be coming out on DVD. Since you have a Macintosh, you will be using it in 2 years. By then, more and more stuff will be out on dvd only.

You'll kick yourself in 2 years when you can't install OSXVII but you can burn a CD (what are those?) at 8x when you can go to the store and buy a firewire one that burns at 100x for $100.

So you DVD reader will be more valuable as time goes on because it's use will only increase. Your limited speed cdrw will decrease in value as time goes on because it will be slower and slower.

[SupahCoolX]

Honestly, if you really have a use for both a DVD and a CDRW drive, which is apparent from your need of advice on the matter, go for the Combo Drive. You'll have to spend a bit more (just $200 more than the CDRW model), but you'll really get what you want. Also, since it's the most expensive, it should have the highest resale value of the current iBook models. With this Combo drive, Apple is really allowing people to get the machine they truly want without having to compromise. Also, you might consider getting the DVD model ($1500) and getting an external CDRW drive (about $150+).

[murbot]

Originally posted by Raman:
You'll kick yourself in 2 years when you can't install OSXVII but you can burn a CD (what are those?) at 8x when you can go to the store and buy a firewire one that burns at 100x for $100.

So you DVD reader will be more valuable as time goes on because it's use will only increase. Your limited speed cdrw will decrease in value as time goes on because it will be slower and slower.

Hadn't thought of it that way... makes sense, although there is no chance in hell an OS will be coming on DVD only in just 2 years.

I wonder just how fast CD burners will get in a couple of years.

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[Removed at the request of Apple Legal]

[Bugs Bunny]

I wonder just how fast CD burners will get in a couple of years.

Yea, they just keep getting faster 24x16x40 is out now

[Champ2000]

I'd go for CD-rw! Y? more useful, and i'd rather have the ability to back up my files, than watch movie. That I can wait till i get home.

[Psych]

Originally posted by Raman:
[B]You'll kick yourself in 2 years when you can't install OSXVII[B]

I didn't realise that Apple would release OX 17 (XVII) in just two years considering it only took them 4 or 5 to make 10 (X).

Originally posted by murbot:
Hadn't thought of it that way... makes sense, although there is no chance in hell an OS will be coming on DVD only in just 2 years.

I wonder just how fast CD burners will get in a couple of years.

hahaha

this is a joke right?

cds will be around for another 5 years plus.. if history tells us anything..

[Knof8]

okay this is me personally but i'm getting the dvd model because i already have an external cd-rw. though a good point has been brought up as to how fast the burners will get. though they can only burn as fast as the software will let them. I know toast 4.0 would only let you burn cd-rws at 2x, music ones at 2x, but regular info ones at 4x. the dvd is good for me being a college kid and i enjoy my movies. it almost seems videos will be phased out of tape form and into dvd's faster than cd's to dvd's. my advice though would be to go for the basic one. if you are doing business just fine without burning cd's on the road now, and you won't be watching dvd's for your flights might as well save yourself the money, or put the money towards a larger HD and more ram

[JEB]

WHAT YOU Really need is TWO iBOOKS !!!
You see, when we got one powerbook back in '97, it just wasn't enough; so we got another identical one . . . however, now with the advent of the new iBook-Choice-of-Drives-Dillema (whoa) . . . have one CDRW, and the other DVD!!!!! Yeeehawwww........Gooood luck..........tough decision, indeed!!!!

Regards,
JEB

ps Murbot: that "Apple Legal" siggnarture trips me out every time (whoa!)

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'Simplify. Simplify.' --Thoreau

[EebyGeeby]

Are you guys on budget or something? JUST GET THE COMBO DRIVE!!!

BTW, I didn't take the time to read through this whole thread (I have a bit of a life, or so I'd like to think) so if someone beat me to sayin this, GOOD JOB!

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A computer without Windows is like a cake without mustard. . .

[eTard]

(yes...I am on a budget)

anyway, read up that Outpost dropped the cd-rw from the list of iBooks for sale!

As I am not interested in buying it from Apple directly as a BTO order (read my other posts in other areas as to why I will not), I guess my decision was made for me....DVD

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eTard.....don't be one

[EebyGeeby]

well I'm not (on a budget that is), and I figure, if you're gonna spend $1500, why not go ahead and spend $1800? besides just put it on Mister MasterCard and things will be all better. . .I'm gettin about 8.5% interest (hey, that's not bad for a college student). . .

or

how 'bout tradin' in the computer you're usin to write these threads to knock the cost?. . .

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A computer without Windows is like a cake without mustard. . .

[eTard]

well....I made my decision finally.....CD-RW it is!

why:
1. can't afford combo
2. cdrom has limited resale value
3. DVD...I will never watch a DVD on a computer, never did and never will. (also, I am not too worried about companies switching over to DVD's for software distribution in the near future.)
4. cd-rw, as a designer, is good since I can burn deliverables on the road for clients AND I can burn friends CDs while I visit them AND it should have good resale value..

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eTard.....don't be one

[murbot]

ps Murbot: that "Apple Legal" siggnarture trips me out every time (whoa!)

Yeah, I can't get those pitbulls to back off.... if you saw what was REALLY in my signature you'd have an aneurism for sure....

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[Removed at the request of Apple Legal]

[This message has been edited by murbot (edited 06-01-2001).]

[Azenation]

Get the
Combo

[Samy]

Well, I' going to have the combo! Soon I hope! Here in Germany the difference between the Combo and the CDRW is about $ 300 (Tax is included here) The difference between Combo and CD is about $ 1,500.
What is it like in the US?
After writing this I'm not so sure whether it's a good idea!!
Should I go for a CD or DVD one and for an external burner???
Please, gimme some hint on that!!

[Samy]

Ooops, sorry!! The difference between the CD and the Combo is $ 750!! NOT $1,500. Anyway it's a lot!