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You are here: MacNN Forums > Hardware - Troubleshooting and Discussion > Mac Notebooks > Thinking about Buying a Refurb 12"

Thinking about Buying a Refurb 12"
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Lazaro
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Jan 30, 2006, 01:08 AM
 
Hi everyone. I have been using a 12" 1.2 G4 iBook for the past year. It has served me well, I upgraded the ram to 768 and HD to 60 GB. I've recently been eyeing the 12" Powerbook on the Apple refurb site. I wouldn't mind the speed bump. 300 MHz, Better graphics card (I want to add a second monitor soon), and more RAM.

I have a few concerns:

1. Price will be around $1338, I can probably sell the iBook for $700 (I'm just guessing, maybe a bit more since it has 2 years left on the applecare) That would be $500 for the upgrade to the Powerbook. Is this a good idea?

2. Is the powerbook thinner or lighter than the ibook? Specs say yes, but I'd like to know if it is noticeable.

3. How high can the resolution go on a second monitor connected to the powerbook?

4. Is there a better place to buy this older powerbook?


I guess that is all for now. Thanks!
     
ericssonboi
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Jan 30, 2006, 01:23 AM
 
At 1338 and $500 difference... i don't think its really worth the upgrade.
If your willing to hold out a few more months.. they will probably announce the iBook replacement.
You can use that $500 difference towards a new iBook replacement and have a second computer or sell the iBook off then.
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TerryJ
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Jan 30, 2006, 01:47 AM
 
I just moved from a 14" 1.42 GHz iBook to a 12" 1.5 GHz PowerBook and I love it! The PB is a bit smaller and lighter than even the 12" iBook but has considerably more professionalism and eye-catching panaché. I found my PB for $1,099 (+ sales tax) as a refreshed unit at the Apple Store at St Johns Town Center in Jacksonville, FL and I would suggest that you check with your closest Apple Stores to see what they might just have in stock as a refreshed unit. In most cases, these machines are in like-new condition and come with the same factory warranty as any other new Mac, the only difference is that you pay lots less. I always get one of these units when I upgrade machines and I have never had an iota of trouble out of any of them. Good luck with your purchase and FWIW, you can trust the confidence of the refreshed models from the Apple Store!
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mduell
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Jan 30, 2006, 04:07 AM
 
Keep the iBook until you're done wiith Rosetta-incompatible software, then jump to the 12 or 13" MacBook (refurb or new).
     
brokenjago
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Jan 30, 2006, 04:45 AM
 
I agree with mduell: the new MacBook, which is presumably going to replace the iBook, will probably be a lot faster, most likely have an iSight built-in, progbably be thinner... it'll just be a lot better in general. And it will definetly prove more lasting a purchase than any PPC machine you could buy.
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Lazaro  (op)
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Jan 30, 2006, 10:26 AM
 
Thanks for the help guys. I almost bought o\ne on impulse. Honestly, the ibook still gets the job done. I can see myself waiting 6 months to a year. I appreciate the help guys.
     
ndptal85
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Jan 30, 2006, 11:55 AM
 
The Apple store has refurbished 12" PowerBooks with 512MB of RAM for $1099.
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Lazaro  (op)
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Jan 30, 2006, 03:21 PM
 
Yeah that's the one I was thinking of getting, but with the apple care after student discount. Came out to: $1338
     
Lazaro  (op)
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Jan 30, 2006, 03:21 PM
 
Yeah that's the one I was thinking of getting, but with the apple care after student discount. Came out to: $1338
     
brokenjago
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Jan 31, 2006, 01:31 AM
 
The Apple store has refurbished 12" PowerBooks with 512MB of RAM for $1099.
Aren't regular brand new 12" iBooks $999?
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mduell
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Jan 31, 2006, 08:20 PM
 
Originally Posted by brokenjago
Aren't regular brand new 12" iBooks $999?
Yep, and they're missing a metal case, DVI port, spanning support, and 1.5Ghz CPU.
     
davisrg
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Jan 31, 2006, 10:11 PM
 
Don't forget - also missing a 5400RPM hard drive... that makes a BIG difference.
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davisrg
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Jan 31, 2006, 10:11 PM
 
Don't forget - also missing a 5400RPM hard drive... that makes a BIG difference.
PowerBook G4 12-inch 1.5GHz/1.25GB/80GB/SD
Apple Certifications: ACPT, ACDT
     
davisrg
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Jan 31, 2006, 10:12 PM
 
Originally Posted by mduell
Yep, and they're missing a metal case, DVI port, spanning support, and 1.5Ghz CPU.
Don't forget - also missing a 5400RPM hard drive... that makes a BIG difference.
PowerBook G4 12-inch 1.5GHz/1.25GB/80GB/SD
Apple Certifications: ACPT, ACDT
     
davisrg
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Jan 31, 2006, 10:14 PM
 
Originally Posted by mduell
Yep, and they're missing a metal case, DVI port, spanning support, and 1.5Ghz CPU.
Don't forget - also missing a 5400RPM hard drive... that makes a BIG difference.
PowerBook G4 12-inch 1.5GHz/1.25GB/80GB/SD
Apple Certifications: ACPT, ACDT
     
davisrg
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Jan 31, 2006, 10:14 PM
 
Originally Posted by mduell
Yep, and they're missing a metal case, DVI port, spanning support, and 1.5Ghz CPU.
Don't forget - also missing a 5400RPM hard drive... that makes a BIG difference.
PowerBook G4 12-inch 1.5GHz/1.25GB/80GB/SD
Apple Certifications: ACPT, ACDT
     
grinder
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Feb 2, 2006, 08:21 AM
 
Dude, let's go back to just double-posting

Anyway, I'd say wait for the MacBook. My brother is getting his first mac, and he'll be waiting for the MacBook. Hopefully by then there will be a lot more universal progs.
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