iBook

[stormy]

I have a friend who looks to me for computer advice, and she wants to buy an ibook. Cost is a huge factor, so she's looking at the 12"er. I know there were a lot of problems with old iBooks, but how are the new G4 ones holding up? What should i tell her about getting one? If she gets one she's definatly getting Applecare and i told her she'd need more RAM.

I already brought up that she could get way more for her money with a PC, but she's an artist so it has to be a mac. Would the iMac be a better option for any reason?

Thanks

[Calliander]

The G4 iBooks are holding up really well. I haven't had any major complaints since they've been out and they are really sturdy machines. AppleCare is a must for any Mac and more RAM is always good.

The iMac is nice. The i- machines are for home users, people doing minor graphical stuff and home video editing. The Power- machines are for pros using stuff like FCP and Macromedia and whatnot. 20" iMac is a really good choice if you have the cash.

[lithium]

When it comes to laptops I really debate the idea that you get more for your money with PCs. Apple laptops compete very well with thinkpads, Sonys, etc.

[stormy]

thanks Mike, that's what i wanted to hear.

I'd say Sony and IBM laptops are also a bit overpriced. If you compare to Dell i think Dell gives you more performance for your money, albeit bigger and uglier.

[lithium]

Yeah but have you ever used a Dell laptop? That's all my company buys. I hate them. They just don't have that nice feel that a thinkpad or ibook does. There's more than just specs when it comes to laptops, feel and efficiency of use are just as important. Dell's don't got that.

[stormy]

Yeah but have you ever used a Dell laptop? That's all my company buys. I hate them. They just don't have that nice feel that a thinkpad or ibook does. There's more than just specs when it comes to laptops, feel and efficiency of use are just as important. Dell's don't got that.

i have a Dell, using it right now. Keyboard is kind of shitty but it has the best screen of any laptop i looked at by far. 15" widescreen 1600 x 1050, and that's just the middle size. I can't find anyone else that's even close. Apple's 15" is only 1250x854 and even their 17" is only 1440x900. Not quite as tightly fit as an IBM, but still reliable.

[lithium]

That's what I'm talking about though. The keyboard is the most essential piece of a laptop IMO. I could type on a Thinkpad all day (or my iBook, like I'm doing right now). The Dell I often use at work is awful to type on.

Also the touchpad is important. I prefer the pencil eraser dealies though, another reason I lean towards Thinkpads. Apple's touchpads are the most responsive IMO. Dells typically have both, but that's only a good idea in theory. Whichever one you're not using has a tendancy to get in the way, especially the touchpad if you prefer the eraser.