Anybody have experience with the iBook?

[reprobate]

I want to replace my XP laptop with a Mac. I like the price and specs of the new iBooks, especially the 14" model, but I usually go for the higher spec models when I buy tech stuff, so I'm noodling between the iBook and the Powerbook.


At the same time I have to be honest with myself and admit that I really don't do anything that would stress the Powerbook to it's intended uses. My computing is mainly the average person's surfing, email, some letter writing, a bit of writing on the side for pleasure, and online banking, with some amatuer photography.


So I have to tell myself that the iBook would do what I need. So I'm asking those who have iBooks what is your experience with them. What do you like, and what don't you like? Anything about their use that you would tell a new user?

I guess the last six months experience with my iMac and Mac Mini have spoiled me, because I've used any excuse to not use my HP XP notebook. I'd appreciate any pointers on the iBook from those who use them.

BTW, I just came back from Apples web site. The sun just rose in the west. Apple is now showing a new mouse, the Mighty Mouse, with left and right buttons, a scrolling ball for horizintal, vertical and diagonal scrolling and programable, pressure sensative side buttons.

Will wonders never cease?

[cheezus]

1. iBook is a great machine

I've had the 12 inch model for almost a year. The only problem I've had was a dead AC adaptor, which was covered under warranty. Customer service was excellent.
Not much differentiates the iBook and Powerbook these days. iBook can even do dual monitors (screen spanning) with a simple software patch.

I want that MightyMouse!

[Poiuyt]

2. I don't think iBooks take PC cards while Powerbooks do

The iBook should be excellent for your needs. Make sure you put enough RAM in.

[reprobate]

3. The 14" now comes stock with 512 meg.

[emulatorloo]

4. My Stupid Observations about iBook vs PowerBook

I had a 12 inch iBook 500 and my spouse has a 12 Powerbook.

(I ended up getting rid of the iBook because it turns out I am not a laptop person)

Basically they are both great machines.

However, the Powerbook has an overall better "feel" - much nicer keyboard, sleeker design, etc. Granted these are all subjective, but there is a "luxury feel" to the powerbook that the iBook does not have.

Also comparing the machines, the powerbook could support two monitors (internal and external showing different things), the iBook only one (internal and external showing the same thing ie mirroring) This may have changed.

That being said, the iBook will do everything you want it to do. . .

[bettys boy]

5. if "amateur photography" includes Photoshop

get the Powerbook.

i have an iBook, which is sufficient for most of all you want to do. Photoshop, however, is a resource hog and a little sluggish, even with a gig of RAM.

[reprobate]

7. Not Photoshop, but maybe 'elements'. I'm talking snapshots of family.

[mondo joe]

10. I'd go Powerbook. I have a PB, my partner has an iBook. We're both

happy with each, but he did want more RAM which we recently installed. I think the iBook would do you fine but the Powerbook is more... smooth.

[pinniped]

6. I want a v.2.0 Bluetooth Mighty Mouse.

...

[politicat]

8. iBook: More Rugged.

We have both powerbooks and ibooks, and while I love the Pbook for the faster processor, bus and larger memory allowance, the iBooks are what we travel with. (We bought the iBooks several years ago now, and they have had hard drives replaced and batteries replaced and are still going strong.)

The iBook was really developed for a student - and it can take a beating better than a Powerbook.

However: the iBook does not and will not have a PC (aka PCMCIA) card slot. If you foresee using such a beast, get the powerbook.

I know that when I upgrade, I am seriously thinking of going back to an iBook, and will probably do so with the last PPC model chips (so that I can spend a couple years getting used to Linux before I abandon Mac entirely.) (Yes, I despise Intel.)

[cprise]

11. I'll second that.

And its precisely why I bought the iBook: Its one of the more durable notebooks you can buy without spending a fortune.

The battery life also tends to be better than on PBs.

[ncrainbowgrrl]

15. I'll third that.

I'm incredibly rough on things, and mine's held up really well so far. I take it to work with me each day, and my cats like to sit on top of it when it's at home.

The battery life on my iBook is about 2-3x that of my partner's powerbook. Also, my iBook doesn't get unbearably warm! :bounce:

[Ready4Change]

9. PC user here who bought an iBook years ago.

In short: I'm typing on that very iBook right now.

Great little machine. I got a 12" for portability on trips. Otherwise I'd say a larger screen would be my only regret.

I use it everyday for just what you mentioned. But, since mine is an 800mhz G3, yours would be considerably faster. Lucky you.

I do still use my desktop PC, but for games and for MS-office apps, as I've been too cheap to buy Mac versions of those.

Buy it. It's be a fun change of pace, if nothing else.

[reprobate]

12. I just got home with the new iBook. This is one sweet machine.

[mondo joe]

13. What are you naming it? :-)

We must know!

[reprobate]

14. I named it Superbook!