ibook

[imported_Zeke]

I would like to get a new 12" ibook (acutally I want a powerbook but money is tight). I know ram is important, and I'm a little worried that it wont support core image, but those things aside it looks great, found it for 899 at the apple student store and I was wondering where everyone else got theirs. Or if you would recommend another similarily priced/sized laptop (pc or mac is fine)

 

[HermDogg]

Apple student store is usually the cheapest, Amazon has some good deals sometimes, but not often. And add in your own RAM, don't buy it from Apple. Talk about $$$$

 

[imported_Zeke]

*shrug* yeah I will be adding my own ram, but its really not that much more expensive from the apple store

 

[CombatChuk]

CoreImage will adjust to the 9200 accordingly. One thing to remember about the iBook, it's much more durable than the powerbook. I've read reports about people scratching up their powerbook pretty easily.

Also, are you sure you want the CD-ROM version of the iBook? It's worth the $50 dollars to get the one with the DVD/CD-RW drive.

 

[imported_Zeke]

Hooray for durability! I was a bit shocked to see people so pesemestic about the future of the 9200 (I've been running an 8500 on my old deskto for years and it never slowed down) and good point on the dvd, I think I remember watching a movie once..............

 

[Wuzup101]

You should definitely spend the extra cash on the DVD/CD combo drive if at all possible. IIRC there was a deal on amazon a few days back that allowed you to get an iBook very cheaply. Do a search, you should find it fairly easily. I personally purchased my powerbook from the Apple Developers Connection store... larger discounts than the student store... but you have to pay a flat $99/year to join as a student and the added benifits probably wouldn't be worth it in your case as the discount wouldn't be that big for a low level iBook. Check out www.macnn.com forums for anything else mac related you need.

The iBook is very durable and will last you quite a long time. They also have high resale value compared to PC notebooks. As far as durability vs a powerbook I don't see it. i take my powerbook with me everyday and not even a scratch. I just think it's harder to see scratches on the iBook's white polycarbonite... it's definitely a very sturdy/well constructed machine.

 

[hopejr]

You can get an iBook with just a CD-ROM in it? I've never seen that (maybe they aren't available in Australia). The base model here is the combo drive 12", and then there's the combo drive 14" and super drive 14". Fascinating

 

[RichieZ]

the ibook cdrom model is only avaliable on the education website

 

[Commodus]

Zeke:

One thing you can do, if you're worried about full CoreImage support (CoreImage will still run on a current iBook), is to get an iBook a year afterwards. I know at least one person who's willing to spend a bit extra a year to get a new iBook and sell his old one. They fetch good resale prices, so you're usually only out a small amount but get a much faster system with the latest OS.

 

[hopejr]

Originally posted by: Commodus
Zeke:

One thing you can do, if you're worried about full CoreImage support (CoreImage will still run on a current iBook), is to get an iBook a year afterwards. I know at least one person who's willing to spend a bit extra a year to get a new iBook and sell his old one. They fetch good resale prices, so you're usually only out a small amount but get a much faster system with the latest OS.

That's what I'm planning to do.
RichieZ: not on Aussie education site either. Must be a US thing.

 

[Wuzup101]

Yeah it is a US thing I believe. Not really worth it IMHO as it's only $50 difference.

 

[kitkit201]

Amazon has it for 899 after a 100 rebate, no tax and free shipping..

Here is your best deal dude: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obi...VC/102-3331265-1675365

 

[Commodus]

Only problem with the Amazon deal is, of course, that you're stuck with the stock model. If you want to get a 60 GB drive or add an internal Bluetooth module, you have to go to the Apple online store.

 

[imported_Zeke]

dont the new ibooks all have bluetooth?

 

[imported_Zeke]

ok nevermind I'm wrong

 

[thraxes]

BT is a build to order part, well worth it though IMO as BT enabled devices are getting more and more common. Once you have a BT Cellphone for example you wouldn't want to miss it - well i don't anyway.

 

[Commodus]

Bluetooth is one of the main distinctions between the iBook and PowerBook lines: PowerBooks have it built-in, iBooks only have it as an option. Makes sense right now, if you ask me - not everyone buying a $999 (US) laptop can afford a Bluetooth cellphone, or to use a Bluetooth mouse/keyboard.

 

[imported_Zeke]

as far as I'm concerned the main distinction between ibook and powerbook is price