Intel Core Duo

The exact words were written as well as spoken when the last CPU change was made. But if you must stick with the PowerPC, take my word that if you wait a year, you can find them for very cheap. Did you live through the last change?

Bob

Of course you have to use software that is written to run "native" on the new processor to take full advantage of the it.
Now, what software is it that you want to use that is processor critical? What are these "Extras" that you get on the MacBook Pro that you do not get on the PowerBook?
Software manufacturers have already begun, in some cases completed, the move to Universal Binary, and the ability to run native on both processors.
Personally, I would go with the MBP and move forward rather than get the PB and stand still.

JMO

P

If you don?t really need a new computer now, why not wait a bit and then get the MacBook Pro? I already have 20? Intel Core Duo and can say that those applications that are not processor intensive, and most are not, the difference in speed is not even noticeable. Of course Apple?s own included applications all run natively, i.e. as Universal, and are fast indeed. But the usual stuff, Quicken, Word and so on run under Rosetta (not natively) and I can see no difference in speed between running them on the Intel box and running them on my iMac G5.

If you are using something like TechTool Pro, you cannot as yet run it on any Mac/Intel. Try running it and it will pop up a message saying you must not and if you do, you do so only at your own risk. How long it will be before programs of that kind are ported to run natively under Intel Macs is anyone?s guess. Another example is SuperDuper backup. That too will give you the same warning.

When you are an early adopter, there are inconveniences. Nonetheless I have a choice to run the iMac G5 and the Intel Mac and it is the latter box that I run. <g> If you really need to buy now, I would suggest the Intel Mac. But better yet if you can wait awhile.