[Syntoad]

Since I've learned that my girlfriend will be confiscating my iBook when it comes back from repair, I will be in the market for a new laptop probally next year when I get my tax return.

I was wondering if there are any advantages, besides price, to an iBook over a powerbook.

And so you know my uses, I don't really plan on using it to play many games. Mostly development related things, and general computing (no that doesn't mean porn ).

Edit: I should probally post my actual requirements instead of being so broad.

• Processor: speed really doesn't matter to me, as long as it doesn't lag in anything graphical.
• Memory: I want at least 256, 512 would be a luxury to me.
• Networking: I need wireless. I have an airport card currently, so if it's not built in, I'm fine with that. Don't need blazing fast wireless.
• I like it to be portable so I'm going with smallest screen most definately.
• Hard drive: In my life, in any computer, I have never used more than 20 Gig, and probally never will.
• Removable: A dvd drive would be nice, cd-RW nice too, but not nessicary I have a cd burner in my pc, and will probally never need to burn a cd on the road. DVD-RW is 100% wasted on me.
• Battery: battery life is not a concern for me, The most I will ever be away from a charger is 5-6 hours, and that is very rare.

I also don't plan on buying a top of the line model either, although if I had the cash I would. I'm probally looking at either the lowest, or second lowest of either.

[Leonard]

In reference to memory, 512MB shouldn't be a luxury but a minimum. With 256MB RAM your starving the iBook. OS X needs at least 512MB RAM.

As for networking, airport extreme comes with all the new iBooks.

[Hi I'm Ben]

Sounds to me like you need a G3 iBook 600 =/

but in all seriousness, you really don't need any type of powerbook.

[jaimzedup]

ibook seems like it will meet and exceed all your requirements. but i suggest getting as much memory as you can afford. also, since you are looking for good battery life, ibook is ideal for you. (14'' battery is slightly better than the 12'')

[troymurray]

I've had both a 12" PB and now a 12" iBook and I really like them both, but being a "switcher" I think I like my iBook better, if for no other reason that I'm not parinoid about losing such a large investment like I felt the PB was ($1700) vs my new G4 1.2 iBook ($800).

Just my thoughts.

[D'Espice]

For what you need, the cheapest 1.2 GHz iBook will be more than enough. Just get another 256MB of RAM since you can get that for less than 30 bucks - and it's worth it

Other than that, the low-end iBook has everything you need (or don't need): 12" screen and 6h battery life -> very portable
DVD-ROM/CD-RW Combo drive
Airport Express built-in (for free)
30GB harddrive

[brettcamp]

Also: somewhat better AirPort reception, and more rugged if you travel a lot with it. I've had both and actually use a 12" Powerbook now, which I prefer, but for your needs, the 12" iBook should be ideal. Have to disagree with a previous poster, though: since you're saving all that money, I'd spring for at least a 512 chip. It'll make your investment last longer as OS and application memory demands increase, and it just makes the whole experience so much better.