A young lad needs your advice (Laptop buying issues)

[JonnyLove]

I am sorry for kicking this issue to death, but I have a question that is more advice oriented. I have been scrolling through forums without finding something quite specific enough for my needs.

Well, my Sony Vaio college machine of 5 years physically died a few months back when I was working overseas. Because I have been unwinding at home, buying a new computer ASAP has not been an issue. But it looks like I am moving to Cali within a month, and now decisions need to be made.

I agree with some of the other posters in that the 15" MBP looks delicious, it's just too much damn computer. I need something even more portable. Now the troubling part. I cannot wait through summer for Apple to bring out the rest of the line/go through Rev. B. I am set on buying an Apple though.

Maybe it's because I haven't been playing close attention, but I haven't noticed the "PowerPC" until a few weeks ago, is this just a cheeky new name or is there some significance? Should I assume that both the iBooks and PowerBooks are going to be REPLACED with the MBP and some unforeseen new line, or UPDATED?

I know all of the answers provided are speculation, but your guess and advice are better than mine.

Thanks!

-Newb

 

[NewbieNerd]

PowerPC was the brand of processor, as opposed to Intel and AMD, that Macs have used in the past, but due to whatever issues, they are now transitioning all their computers over to Intel chips. Steve Jobs, Apple CEO, gave the reasoning for the new name "MacBook Pro" that "Power" is history, referring to no longer using PowerPC chips, though they do still sell all PowerPC lines. Most likely none of the PowerPC computers will be upgraded with PowerPC chips, only replaced by Intel based ones, though most names are unlikely to change. If iBooks do change names, it will mostlikely be to just "MacBook," the "Pro" being in referrence to professional machines.

As for advice, it depends on what your timeframe is. If you can wait a few months, the other sized MacBook Pros should appear as well as Intel iBooks. Otherwise, there is no harm at all in getting an iBook or PowerBook now instead of the MBP. Check out the Refurbished section of store.apple.com for some fantastic deals on PowerBooks, or the new iBooks are still a good value at their price if you prefer that route. No matter what you choose, you won't be disappointed in going Mac. Just love whatever computer you get and don't get upset/angry when computers get updated. Enjoy!

 

[Atlasland]

Get a windoze laptop.

I mean seriously - if you can't wait until Apple bring out their whole Intel portable line, get a PC.

I love my Apple as much as the next man, but the G4 PowerPC Powerbooks are just awful value for money now.

If you want, buy a second hand Powerbook - thats what I would do, though it may not be powerful enough for you. But for the love of God, don't buy a new PowerBook.

[Yes, I expect to flamed for this]

 

[T-Stex]

I'm kind of in the middle of what to suggest. I personally wouldn't go with a new PowerBook. They won't hold their value that well, as they're on the way out, and the MBP's are a better performing machine. Have you considered using an education discount on a base model MacBook Pro? I'd consider that, or waiting a few months, if possible, to see what comes out down the road.

If you can't wait, and the MacBook Pro doesn't fit into your budget, I'd probably suggest a refurbished iBook G4 from the Apple Store.