Apple iBook G4

Ok, I know that this has been discussed a couple times but I've got a couple questions anyhow...

I've generally used PC stuff with Microsoft products, but lately I've been using Linux some too. Here's what I'm using now:

Gaming box: Hyperthreaded P4@3.25GHz / 1GB PC4000 / Radeon 9800 Pro / WinXP

Linux box: Athlon 64 3200+ / 512MB PC3200 / Geforce 4200 / Gentoo Linux 64 bit


I "need" a laptop for general use around the house for wireless web surfing / newsgroups / forum addictions / e-mail / etc. It'll do some travelling as well, but limited. Basically the wife wants me to get a laptop so I spend a bit less time as a hermit in the office.

My first thought was to grab one of the Athlon 64 widescreen notebooks that's out and has the Radeon 9600 chip. After looking more closely I'm thinking I don't need the bulk, weight, heat, low battery life. Yeah, I could play games on it but I don't need to.

Now I'm seriously thinking about one of the iBook G4 models. I'm looking at either the 800MHz or 1GHz 12", or maybe the 1GHz 14". I don't really want to spend a heck of a lot, so Powerbooks are out. Amazon has the 800MHz model for ~$875 after rebate. I can pick up the 1GHz 12" model locally for $1099 with $100 off an HP printer. Since I kinda need a new printer that's not a bad deal either.

My questions are:

- Having not used Macs, will these things be fast enough, given what I'm used to? (yeah, it'll be basic computing but still...)

- Is 256MB really enough RAM for these with OSX (Panther)? I'm thinking I'll need to add.

- Are the 12" screen models sufficient to be comfortable for most stuff? My vision is good so I'm thinking I like the smaller size but I don't want to regret that.

- If I went with the 800MHz / 256k cache G4 will that be a lot slower than the 1GHz / 512k cache G4?

- Should I just grab the bulky mobile Athlon 64 PC and spend the rest of my life trying to get Linux working on it?

- How's the reliability? Do I need an (overpriced) extended warranty?

- Is there anything else I'm missing?

Thanks for any feedback from the Mac folks. I'm just not that familiar with them. I know how the AMD CPU's compare with the Intel products but I have no idea with the G4's.

B

Hello...Im typing this from my G4 15 inch notebook I made the switch late last year to apple for moble laptops and I am VERRY happy with it. It was weird at the start. Finding programs was sorta hard but now its eazy. There are a lot of boards to help you start out.

Aslo I would upgrae the ram to about 512...thats enough to get you going...

My questions are:

- Having not used Macs, will these things be fast enough, given what I'm used to? (yeah, it'll be basic computing but still...)

- Is 256MB really enough RAM for these with OSX (Panther)? I'm thinking I'll need to add.

You need at LEAST 512MB, get more to be safe.

- Are the 12" screen models sufficient to be comfortable for most stuff? My vision is good so I'm thinking I like the smaller size but I don't want to regret that.

My Dad has a 12" (Me having an 14"), and I would say that it's reall comfortable, and small and handy. Worth the money.

- If I went with the 800MHz / 256k cache G4 will that be a lot slower than the 1GHz / 512k cache G4?

Get the 1GHz, the more you spend. The more you will be happy.

- Should I just grab the bulky mobile Athlon 64 PC and spend the rest of my life trying to get Linux working on it?

No.

- How's the reliability? Do I need an (overpriced) extended warranty?

No, you don't. If anything messes up on you take it down to the mac store and they will fix it. ( for a low price)

- Is there anything else I'm missing?

Get one from www.apple.com, get the new ones with the newer processors, you won't regret it.

OK, I ordered one...

Powerbook 12"
G4 1.33GHz - 512MB L2 cache
60GB HD
256MB RAM - upgrading with Crucial RAM to 768MB (333MHz DDR)
DVD-ROM/CD-RW
OS X Panther
built in Bluetooth
built in 802.11g

Should be cool...

BTW, the thing that really kicked me over from the iBook to the Powerbook was the desire to drive my Mits 2070SB 22" monitor at a high resolution. Also, the PB can use the laptop screen and my monitor as 2 different desktops. The iBook was limited to 1024x768 and it could only mirror what was on the LCD.

B

brentsg said:

OK, I ordered one...

Powerbook 12"
G4 1.33GHz - 512MB L2 cache
60GB HD
256MB RAM - upgrading with Crucial RAM to 768MB (333MHz DDR)
DVD-ROM/CD-RW
OS X Panther
built in Bluetooth
built in 802.11g

Should be cool...

BTW, the thing that really kicked me over from the iBook to the Powerbook was the desire to drive my Mits 2070SB 22" monitor at a high resolution. Also, the PB can use the laptop screen and my monitor as 2 different desktops. The iBook was limited to 1024x768 and it could only mirror what was on the LCD.

B

Click to expand...

I'm in the same boat as you, I am getting a new mac soon... wanted a iBook for a few reasons, mostly the better case, but the PowerBook has a few better features. The s/video out, and line in are the top of the list... as well as better implementation of the DVI out. Overall the PB is a way better machine and the few hundered dollars difference won't mean much in the long run, but I am cheap.

I just wish Apple would stop being fucking tards and use a better case for the PowerBooks, the Aluminium one is just passable, but nowhere near the sturdy iBook case (which is tank like). I've also considered an iLamp, but for your needs the PB was an excelent choice. Hope you enjoy the new toy,

-Nick

I'd just like to say, you're my hero for having all that money... (64 bit linux box....)

just a question...hows the potential for emulation on macs? Is macmame any good?

BoriquaSNK said:

just a question...hows the potential for emulation on macs? Is macmame any good?

Click to expand...

What little there is, is good enough.
I think MacMAME is kept up to date with the PC version.

http://mac.emuscene.com