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General discussion

Macbook or powerbook?

Nov 9, 2006 8:26AM PST

I`m thinking in getting a laptop, I don`t have a lot of money so I`m thinking about the macbook, but I don`t like the screen is just 13" . Now I was browsing on ebay for a powerbook, and they sell for about 600 to 1000. So my question is this. Is there a big difference between the powerbook and the macbook?
Let`s say the powerbook is a 1.25 ghz with a superdrive and the 15 inches screen, would the macbook would be a lot better option than the powerbook? Help me decide.

Discussion is locked

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I went to apple.com and...
Nov 9, 2006 8:46AM PST

Could not find a 1.25GHz model. If you are looking into used PowerPC units I'll write these are best left alone. Unless you find one in the sub 500 buck range but then again I couldn't use one.

Bob

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just an idea
Nov 9, 2006 8:51AM PST

I said 1.25 not knowing there is not such a thing, what I was trying to say was anything beyond that, 1.33. 1.67, etc,

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What do you expect to do with the laptop?
Nov 9, 2006 9:29AM PST

If you aren't planning any high-end computing or video editing or huge graphics manipulation or high-end gaming or storing HUGE files, you *might* be able to get away with a PowerBook for a couple of years... but no fair complaining later that it is underpowered! Wink If you do need to do this, get the newest one you can afford... and try to budget for an external drive for backing up your data.

Perhaps there is a User Group in your area and one or more of the members has one for sale... http://www.apple.com/usergroups/

Does it HAVE to be a laptop? Just wondering... If not, and you have a computer (and monitor) today, a MacMini would fit your budget and it is certainly portable, just no battery - just re-use the existing monitor...

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it`s got to be a laptop
Nov 9, 2006 9:38AM PST

I got an old ibook, but I guess is time to upgrade, the macbook is a good choice but I can`t get over the 13 " screen.

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Is screen size that important?
Nov 9, 2006 12:26PM PST

When you are portable, live with the small screen. When you are plugged in (home?) invest in an external screen and connect it to the laptop... Is that possible?

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Is this to replace the laptop you purchased
Nov 10, 2006 3:39AM PST

for $749 with 3 years of AppleCare, from CompUSA, on the 22 of October 2006?

Are you thinking of getting a laptop or another laptop?

Just curious

P

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actually
Nov 10, 2006 8:54AM PST

I returned that ibook because of the screen, it was just 12 " and did not like it.. That`s why I`m thinking in getting a 15 ".

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Screen size
Nov 12, 2006 1:05AM PST

One of us is missing something here.

In your original post you were trying to decide whether to get a PowerBook or a Macbook.

Now you say that you returned your iBook because of the screen size and that you are thinking of "getting a 15" "

So now we are not talking about MacBooks as they all have a 13" screen, we are talking about MacBook Pro, which have 15" & 17" and start at $900 more than the MacBook.

Did you do any research at all before starting on your quest for a new laptop to replace the one you have (or have not depending on which thread you read)

I like the suggestion from boya84, get the Macbook and plug it into a large LCD at the house.

P

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go with the macbook
Nov 11, 2006 10:04PM PST

Id say go ahead with the macbook beacause, with having one, I have noticed that the screen is not really that small unless you have horrible eyes. Also go with the glossy screen it helps alot.


Ian

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Re: Macbook or powerbook?
Nov 17, 2006 9:33AM PST

I have just the information you want, already published on Yahoo! in Christopher Null's column:

http://forums.cnet.com/5208-6126_102-0.html?forumID=10&threadID=217726&messageID=2319073

But if you're on a budget, you might want to take a look @ Apple's refurbished ones on their site. They come w/the same warranty as a new one & you can add memory later from a less expensive source. However, they may not always have the same speed or CPU as a new one available when first you look, so keep trying!

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When size matters
Nov 17, 2006 11:49AM PST

If you're on a budget, and looking at a MacBook or used PPC Powerbook (not a MacBook Pro) I would highly recomend the MacBook.

Performance wise it will scream past any of the PPC Powerbooks, and as a bonus if you wanted/needed to run Windows for whatever reason, the MacBook could do so natively using Boot Camp.

While I can understand your concern about the screen, have you thought about using an external monitor for your office or home or wherever you will be sitting in one place most often?

The MacBook has a better screen than my old iBook did, and that was a 14" monitor vs the 13.3" widescreen. While 13" may seem small when you compare it with the 15" or 17" screens of other computers, the smaller screen lets the whole computer be smaller and more compact. Afterall the point of a laptop is that it's portable.

The only reason I would shy from the MacBook were if I planned to do high end video because the MacBook uses 64MB shared memory for video instead of dedicated video memory.

However if you are planning to spend the money on a computer and need the dedicated video card, I think it's well worth it to save a little more money and splurge on a refurbed MacBook Pro. Otherwise I'd go for the MacBook and an external monitor.

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C2D are out = CD refurb MacBooks are cheap!
Nov 18, 2006 9:26AM PST

Since the Core 2 Duo are out now, the price of refurbished MacBooks went down; you can now get a 1.83 core duo MacBook for $900... This may be the best option for you, and you can invest in a bigger external monitor later; 17 inch lcds are less than $100 on eBay!

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I recomend a MacBook
Nov 21, 2006 6:19AM PST

When I first got my MacBook 3 weeks ago, I too was worried about the screen size. My anut has a 15" Powerbook, and the only time I actually saw a difference was when they were side by side. Even though its only 13", the fact that its widescreen really helps. It makes the screen seem bigger than it really is. Another thing is that my MacBook is actually faster then her Powerbook. So if you ask me, the MacBook is the way to go.

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As I sit her on my Macbook
Nov 21, 2006 2:33PM PST

All I have to say is either way you are getting a great computer. I have a Macbook and personally I prefer it over my sis's powerbook. Why? The keyboard is better, the macbook has dual cores, can run windows and has a very brilliant screen. It is really ok being only 12 in. Trust me. And if you want it bigger, hook it up to a tv with a vga input. Im not saying the powerbook is bad, because its not. But the macbook is what I would go for.