ibook or powerbook for art illustration major

[girardpillow]

I'm an illustration major, not graphic design major but still a person who needs to use graphic programs (not sure how intensively but not as much as a graphic design major) besides the normal e-mail, internet, typing.

I'm planning on definitely buying a laptop, but 12" ibook or powerbook? I read most of the forum threads debating this, but am still not sure! initially i was set on buying a powerbook, but now people are telling me that ibook is fine for my needs and to use my saved money on something else.

Me:
- not that computer literate, so this is why I'm having a hard time deciding between ibook or powerbook
- always have been a PC user. Never on a daily basis touched a mac. this is also why i can't decide.
- Illustration (commercial art) major
- female, short (maybe physical will have something to do with purchasing decision)
- of course short on cash, but more importantly is the durability of the machine so i'm saying money is no object IF the machine (ibook or powerbook) proves worthy~
- will not use laptop wirelessly around the house - will use wirelessly outside
- will not play any games of any sort - not the type to leave on computer 24/7 - never!

Laptop needs:
- run graphic programs smoothly, without sudden shut down glitches
- lasts through college, 4 years+

What i have decided on:
- will buy 12"
- will buy apple care plan
- do not want the cram and jam deal because i do not want an ipod
- do want one of those printer + ibook or powerbook deals because i need to buy a printer too

- as for customizing the laptop, should i get the extra MB for memory and what things in general should i leave out and add in? i'm not an intense computer user, just need to run graphic programs smoothly.

- what are the secret accessory costs, if any, for both machines

- should i buy from apple.com direct? initially i wanted to because it's easier and free shipping, but having second thoughts. if not from apple.com, should i go to frys and get their 3-year warranty plan and not the apple care plan? (i live in CA) - what other stores should i go to if i don't buy from applel.com?


right now, i'm leaning towards the ibook because i think my needs are low except the graphic programs and as an illustration major, art materials cost a lot of money so need to save the bucks. but also want the laptop to last and be easily upgraded i suppose.

all in all, please help me reach a final decision. thank you.

 

[Mik3y]

powerbook. its more powerful and the widescreen helps.

 

[way]

I recommend the PowerBook.

In the area of graphics and visuals, the PowerBook is better than the iBook for the following reasons:

1. Faster CPU (by 33%) and faster system bus (by 25%)
2. Better quality display. I read on macnn.com's forums that the screen on the PowerBook is sharper than the iBook's. You might want to visit a CompUSA or Apple Store and check them out.
3. Can run dual monitor. The iBook can also, but requires a firmware hack and is not supported by Apple.
4. Support for Core Image. The next version of Mac OS X, 10.4 Tiger, will have a new technology called Core Image that uses the video card to do graphics processing (http://www.apple.com/macosx/tiger/core.html). The current PowerBook's video chipsets will work with Core Image; the iBook's will not.

It's okay that you're not very computer literate and are coming from a PC background---Macs and OS X are so easy and fun to use. Sizewise, the PowerBook is a bit lighter but both are under 5 lb. Since you said you will use wireless outside of your home, bear in mind that the PowerBook comes with built in Airport Extreme. For the iBook, you have to pay extra to get wireless networking installed.

In general, the faster CPU of the PowerBook will help it last longer during your time in school.

Regardless of which you choose, you should upgrade the RAM by at least 512 MB, since OS X likes to use RAM.

As for accessories, you'll need to get a carrying case. I personally use a small sleevecase for my 12" PowerBook and then I put that sleevecase in my bookbag. Some people prefer laptop backpacks with a special compartment for the computer or a separate bag entirely just for it.

If you do decide on a PowerBook, you'll save some money if you get it with the Apple Student developer discount. If you get an iBook, I'm not sure if the savings are worth the signup fee.

Hope that helps.

 

[HardTech]

Hi... I'm a new owner of a G4 iBook 12 inch laptop. Here are my thoughts:

If you are an illustration major, then you probably don't need to do a lot of 3-d editing. The ibook will suit you just fine for your graphic needs. It might not be as fast as the Powerbook, but it's up to you if you want to spend the extra $500 to speed up editing a large file a minute at the most. Take the money saved and buy a gig of RAM. A G4 iBook with a gig of ram will be plenty to last you throughout college.

With the better display quality, again.. chances are you aren't going to use the powerbook and think "wow, this is $500 better than the iBook display". It's up to you if you want the better display, but for me the iBook display is gorgeous enough.

Dual monitor.. sure, it's nice, but do you really need it?

My iBook is VERY easy to use, right out of the box. In fact, I kind of feel like I'm doing something wrong because it's so easy. I've been a PC user for as long as I can remember, and this is by far my best computer purchase.

the widescreen Powerbook will make it hard to find a suitable bag or carrying case. I had a Gap giftcard, so I bought the Gap laptop case for my 12 inch and it works perfectly. It's not going to protect the laptop if I throw it out of my car window, but it protects it against scratches and scrapes, holds my accessories, and has a handle. I can use it as a sleeve too and just throw it in my bookbag and forget about it.

For me, the powerbook was never really an issue since the extra speed and all the little things wasn't enough to make me want to pay that much more. Also, since you're a student, you can get a really nice discount at apple's website. A 12" iBook with 40 GB hard drive, 256 MB RAM (that I upgraded to 512 with $35 here in Anandtech FS/T forums), Aiport, Bluetooth, and combo drive all for a little over $1100.

You honestly can't go wrong either way. Good luck and congratulations on buying Apple

 

[HardTech]

people also say that the iBook is more durable than the Powerbook.

personally, if I were you, I'd get the iBook and the iPod, get the $200 rebate, and sell the iPod for like $250. You will get the iBook I mentioned above for $750

 

[Wuzup101]

I'm a new 15" powerbook user who just dove in to the world of mac. Let me assure you that you won't be looking back. While I still love my PC... the mac is outstanding. I will say that the only problem I find with the 12" machines is the lack of screen real estate. The Powerbook is going to be more powerfull all around without a doubt. The base level 12" Powerbook will run you $1399 IIRC with the standard edu discount. If you decide to go with a bigger machine (like my 15") then check out the ADC student developers program. It entitles you to a larger percentage off which pays off when buying a more expensive machine. You can't do cram and jam with it... and you have to be atleast 18. Check out www.apple.com/developer for details. Also I will mention that this purchase includes all current operating systems. As tiger comes out in under a year (with likely prices of $130usd) your ADC purchase will pay itself off (99/year for ADC FYI).

Also, the Powerbook supports monitor spanning right out of the box and generall has a higher resale value. If you can afford one I would go for it. If you can afford larger then go for that too. They will easily last you for quite a while... especially the 15" and 17" models with avaliable 128mb Radeon 9700 pro video. The iBook is a great machine, but for your needs, if you're serious, you will probably want the higher resolution and more capeable graphics card. Also, you can't skimp on ram but never should you buy it from apple. Newegg currently has both pc2100 (ibook) and pc2700 (powerbook) 1gb sodimms for $201 shipped (just ordered one myself). Mac OSX uses ram differently than win XP... you'll want lots.

On another note there's literally hundreds of places that make cases for all models of ibook/powerbooks. Not being able to find a case is crazy. Anything that the 12" ibook can fit into will fit the 12" powrebook as well (the 12" doesn't have a wide screen they are the same LCD!).... only difference is the powerbook is smaller and more powerful with more built in features (IE: bluetooth, airport, monitor spanning, etc...). My recomendation is to see if you can come up with the funds for a 15" as it will last you the longest and probably suit you well. If you're stuck on a 12" get the base level PB if you don't need the DVD-RW. I personally don't have one in mine b/c i have one in my PC (ordered an external firewire enclosure for it today).

Sorry for the long post... just my 2 cents... if you have any other ?s please email me at cjb266 (at) psu (dot) edu or hit up the macnn.com forums...

 

[music]

ibook.

I don't think the 12" powerbook is that much better than the 12" ibook. Use the extra money for ram. A faster hard drive will help tremendously.

My company only just recently replaced the older G4 500MHz Power Macs with dual 1.8 G5s, and they still kept some of the old ones because they still got the job done.

 

[girardpillow]

Thank you all so much for your replys.

Some after-questions:

- For ibook, is the Bluetooth Module really necessary? I'm not one to configure my cell phone with my laptop and synchronize calendars...If I don't have it, does it affect performance? Asking because most people add the Bluetooth in and I'm not sure why.

- Do you use a great mac OS x v10.3 compatible printer that is easy to set up, low ink costs, doesn't eat the ink quickly, something like the Canon i560, but I think it is not v10.3 compatible

 

[way]

It might be useful to have BlueTooth so you can use a wireless mouse. Not having it won't affect performance. If you do have it and aren't using it, you can also turn it off in OS X so it's not active and using battery power.

 

[zensafari]

Sounds like an iBook would suit you well. A good friend of mine bought a 15" powerbook a year-and-a-half ago and thinks that current G4 iBooks will keep up with his Powerbook (do I dare say that they might actually be *better*!?) and you save a lot of money by doing so. From what I've seen of both products, you really aren't going to go wrong either way. I think you will be happy with the iBook.

Oh, and he did say that it is absolutely necessary to beef-up the memory (at least to 512MB).

Hope this was helpful

 

[Wuzup101]

Bluetooth is great for things other than phones. You can get bluetooth headsets, mice, keyboards, etc... it's nice to have if you have the money... raises resale and future proofs you a bit.

I personally use a canon i950 with my powerbook and all I had to do is plug it in. You'd be supprised to see how many things are really compatable with OSX...

As for PB vs iBook as I said earlier both are great machines. If you find that you're going for many of the extras on the iBook (read: airport, bluetooth, larger HDD) it's not much more expensive to go for the 12" PB. Apple care is more expensive for the PB but you can buy that up to a year later for your machine.

You said one of your buying constraints is that the machine will last as long as possible. If you go to the edu site and look at the base PB for $1399 and then go configure a similar 12" iBook you'll come out with a $1182 iBook. That means there's about $200 difference between the two machines both with bluetooth, airport, 60gb HD, and combo drives. The powerbook will also be smaller and look more professional, will have a (slightly) nicer keyboard, and will have a higher resale value in a few years. It has a faster processor (1ghz vs 1.33ghz) and a faster system bus (133mhz vs 166mhz). It also has native monitor spanning and more video ram for said spanning. The case is really beautiful and more ruggad than most make it out to be... go to an apple store and see for yourself. If you're really a clutz maybe you should consider the iBook and forget the PB - but if you can take care of something then you shouldn't have to worry. Since you said you'll be using this for a few years I think the PB is the better option given the price is only $250 more (including taxes and such). Also, the new release of OSX "tiger" will play nicer with the PB than the iBook graphics wise...

 

[way]

Picking up where Wuzup101 left off, I want to reiterate that the video on current iBooks will *not* support Core Image, to be found in OS X 10.4 Tiger, but the video on PowerBooks will. For graphics/imaging/illustration software (that I'm sure you'll use in your studies), Core Image should be incorporated in a lot of next year's versions of those applications.

 

[girardpillow]

What if....I didn't get OS x Tiger EVER.

In my limited thinking I see only two ways to get Tiger: 1) Buy it full price. 2) Get it free with ADC student discount membership. (other ways? not illegal ways.)

I don't want to buy Tiger at all. and I don't really want to join the ADC student discount program because then i have to wonder if i pay 99 every year for the rest of my life or just pay 99 dollars for one year and cancel the membership.

Do I have to~ upgrade Panther to Tiger?


if i buy a powerbook but never get tiger, it wouldn't matter if i could use core image or not. so why not just buy the ibook.
if i bought a powerbook, i would have to get tiger....

know what I'm saying? Now correct me......


Thank you for generously helping me.....please bear with my tedious questions!! Just until Friday...

 

[music]

I think most people get bluetooth with their ibooks because it's an internal module. It's much nicer than having to mess with a usb adapter.

I may be wrong here, but from what I understand about core image, if you don't have a supported video card, core image will use your cpu to run instead. So performance wise, the ibook will still run core image, just much slower than a powerbook would.

If you don't plan on upgrading anything, and you are just comparing an ibook and a powerbook as they work right now, in my opinion you should get an ibook. You sound like the saved money would help you out a lot.

 

[way]

Of course you don't have to upgrade to Tiger. But I wouldn't rule out the possibility of upgrading either. Since you're looking for a computer to last you 4 years for your studies in illustration (which require graphics, display, and processing capbilities beyond the norm of surfing and email), you might want to (1) check out what applications you'll be using, (2) figure out if Tiger and Core Image and the other hardware differences would be helpful things to have, and (3) let that factor into your decision if necessary.

If you did buy the PowerBook with the ADC discount (which would save you the most hardware-wise), then you'd get Tiger at no extra cost. And yes, you can just pay for one year to be a student developer.

I personally think it'd be worth the extra money to have the extra performance and the flexibility of more upgrade options with the PowerBook. But as has been said before, both the PowerBook and iBook, at their respective costs, are great machines.

If you're looking for a bag for your new Apple, I recommend Crumpler or Willow Design. And Newegg always has good prices for RAM upgrades.

Good luck with your decision!

 

[girardpillow]

I decided on powerbook 12" using the edu discount and add RAM later from a place that is not apple.com.
I will obtain Tiger when it comes out.


Thank you again everyone. ibook people almost had me but i realize powerbook better serves my needs for the long haul.

To Wuzup101:
what is a base level powerbook? (haven't ordered anything yet) you said it has no DVD-RW. what does that mean, too. (means you can't play DVDs?)

 

[girardpillow]

oh hey, also, does anyone use locks for their laptops?

 

[Wuzup101]

The base level powerbook uses a 1.33 G4 processor, comes with 256mb of pc2700 ram soldered into the main board with the ability to add 1gb more if you like ($201 shipped from newegg ATM). It also includes, as do all powerbooks an internal bluetooth module, airport extreme, and a slot loading drive. The difference between the two configurations of 12" Powerbooks is just in their drive. The base level PB uses a combo CD-RW/DVD drive while the upper level one uses a DVD-RW (4x) superdrive(tm). Basically it just means that the base level one can't burn DVD-R or DVD-RW. It's also important to note that the superdrive is quite particular on the type of media you use and only accepts DVD media in the -R or -RW format (it's not dual format so it wont burn +R). Both the combo and the superdrive will have no problem reading any type of CD or DVD media (both commercial and + or - R). Basically it's cheaper if you buy yourself a nice external enclosure and a dual format dual layer 8x drive to put in it. There are only 2 cases when I would recomend a superdrive: 1) you have lots of money and just plain want it 2) you use your notebook on the go very frequently and you're big into HD/Digital Film making and need that ability on the go. For almost all other needs an external burner is faster and more cost efficient.

BTW, many schools also offer highly discounted versions of OSX. I know at my university (The Pennsylvania State University) we can get free copies of panther

I think you really made the right choice seeing as how you'll be able to add a nice LCD monitor down the road and have native support for spanning. And you'll also have support for tiger when it comes out... teamed with more processing power and a faster bus speed. The only trade off really is a slight increase in cost and a battery that doesn't last quite as long. Personally I don't know abouut you but when I'm doing stuff in photoshop my machine is plugged in and i'm sitting at a nice comfy desk.

Anyway, like I said before if you need anything check out www.macnn.com forums or email me...

 

[Wuzup101]

A lock is a good idea to have especially for the price. They won't stop theft in shady places where noone will be there to whittness it because the lock is easy to cut. However, theifs aren't going to walk out of your library if you leave your PB there attached to a chair while you go to the bathroom.

Also, check out www.radtech.us for some nice stuff... and crumpler makes some kick arse bags to carry youur nice new book in... not sure of the sight... just google "crumpler laptop" or "crumpler bags" and you'll find um...