[BlingBling 3k12]

A few months ago I broke my iBook (don't ask) and ever since then I've been using a PC laptop and a iBook 366 to do my work. I usually do video editing, web design, heavy Photoshop usage, along with the basic stuff anyone does with a computer. I have about $3000 and can spend up to $3500, which includes taxes... anymore and it could be a problem.

Anyways, now that you know my background with what I do, here's my dillema. I love being portable, I traded in a G4 for a G3 to be portable. But the last few weeks that I had my iBook, the battery was shot, so I mainly stayed at a desk. Now being at a desk is no problem, so my first thing to get was a Dual 1.8Ghz or 2.0GHz G5 + a 17" or 20" Display. But then again, I've had a few projects pop up where being portable is a good thing, so then I thought, 17" Powerbook, it's powerful, it's portable (well, portable enough) and it's got a great screen on it.

Recently I've been using the PC as basically my working machine, and the iBook as a lounged back thing where I surf the web, check e-mail, and code my websites from throughout my house (I have AirPort for that, thankfully). So, even though I have no problem with a desktop, being anywhere, especially outside where it's been great these past few days, makes things pretty nice.

So I got to thinking... how about the Dual 1.8 + a well made flat CRT and a low end iBook G4. This all still fits into my budget completely. With this I've got the power that I need for my video and soon to be DVD projects and lengthy Photoshop sessions and the portability I love with my iBook.

I like this plan, but I don't see myself justifying having 2 machines. If the PowerBook had a G5, it'd be great, but I can't wait 6+ months for a G5 in here. So basically, what would you suggest. I won't go any lower than 1.5GHz PowerBook, so no 12" models, just a 15" or 17", and I can't get a Dual 2.5, so none of that either.

What's your suggestions everyone? Does my plan of a G5 + iBook sound "worthy"? Is the PowerBook 1.5GHz up to the task of some heavy Final Cut Pro & DVD Studio Pro action? I guess posting this in the PowerBook section will get some biased suggestions but since there's no general hardware discussion area...

Thanks for reading my very lengthy post...

[iREZ]

If I could spend $3000 I'd go with the setup your mentioning. 1.5GHz is plenty fast but dual proc. and a G5 will make Final Cut scream lots faster then any PB. I'd get the new 2.0 or older 1.8 if I were you tho, seeing how Apple sort of crippled the 1.8 when making it the low end option (ie. 4GB max, no PCI-X, etc...).

[pgolf]

A 1Ghz 12" iBook and a Dual 1.8 G5 (Rev A) quite practical at the same time versitle. A real tough, portable, long battery life laptop coupled with a Dual G5, you can't go wrong.