Dumb to buy a 15" PB now?

[Peyton]

Here's my situation. I have a maxed out 12" PB that I've had for about a month. It does what I need it to, but I still manage to run it hard enough to get beach balls, etc. I also find the screen space pretty small when I'm on the road. The warranty is up soon, and I'm debating between spending the money on the applecare or selling the 12" and upgrading to a 15"

I figure the 15" will cost about $1700 with 1.5gb of ram (newest revision with a full warranty).

I don't want an MBP because the glitches scare me and because most of my time is spent on CS which won't be available for a while. I figured whatever I do, I'll upgrade in about a year or so.

So do I spend the $250 (edu discount) on applecare or spend the cash to upgrade to the 15"?

I would say its semi dumb BECAUSE:

1. MBPs are out
2. Apple is all about Intel now
3. OSX is almost certainly going 64 bit
4. Intel duos are sooo much faster than the G4

Reasons 2 and 3 are important because the PB would be outdated and possibly not supported for much longer (give it 2 years). Plus, it surely won't be able to run a full 64 bit OSX.

Although it will be probably 2008 before 64 bit apps really matter and are being brought to market, It seems like a bit of a waste of money for something so obsolete (no offense to anyone who has a PB because I do, and that's my feeling on the topic.)

 

[generik]

As it stands, I'm waiting until they get the glitches worked out and until CS is universal. I figure by then it'll be a safer investment all the way around.

First of all, buying a computer is NOT an investment. It really depends on what you expect to get out of it, and when.

Let's put this problem into perspective.

Timeline for you if you get a PPC Mac now:
2006: Runs current apps ok
2007: Runs current apps somewhat ok
2008: Runs current apps VERY SLOWLY

Timeline for you if you get a MBP:
2006: Runs Rosetta apps at tolerable speeds.
2007: WOAH
2008: WOAH
2009: WOAH
2010?! Ok.... it is getting slow.

It is your call really. Buying a new PB today, right now, is as good as throwing your money away. Or as I commonly put it, "Being blackmailed into paying good money for obsolete applications"

If it is imperative that you have a fast computer capable of handling CS2 etc (read: your income actually depends on it), fine, go with the slow obsolete machine that was already obsolete a year ago. If you are just an amateur who dabbles with CS every now and then to show how "creative" you are, you are better served in the long term by an Intel Mac.

Personally having owned a Rev-E PB before, and now on a Mini Duo I seriously doubt my PB back then would have remotely handled my degree of multiprocessing. Rosetta apps may be slower, but the Duo really ensures everything runs silky smooth. With your solo core G4, well enjoy the beachballs, and you sure as hell won't be able to use your other applications while that one active app gobbled up everything.

 

[generik]

4. Intel duos are sooo much faster than the G4

I really have to say this is very true. An Intel Mac just feels way snappier than a G4 can ever aspire to be.

 

[MUCKYFINGERS]

if the powerbook is cheap enough i'd get a powerbook...

 

[MUCKYFINGERS]

And the funny thing also is that people used to be knee deep in the dead defending G4s on why they were just as good/fast as Intels but since Intel chips have been put into Macs, everyone is calling the G4 a **** chip when really you were all defending it before the switch (even making threads about people to stay calm and buy PPC macs still after the intel announcement was made...)

just an astute observation

 

[Twinkie]

And the funny thing also is that people used to be knee deep in the dead defending G4s on why they were just as good/fast as Intels but since Intel chips have been put into Macs, everyone is calling the G4 a **** chip when really you were all defending it before the switch (even making threads about people to stay calm and buy PPC macs still after the intel announcement was made...)

just an astute observation

I don't think it's very astute, personally.

When I got my 15" 1.0 right after Panther came out, people were clamoring for a G5 PowerBook.

When I got my DP PowerMac G5 a few months later, I was on their bandwagon

Even my beloved 15" 1.67 seemed long in the tooth the day I got it (which is to say: a week after they were available).

 

[m-dogg]

And the funny thing also is that people used to be knee deep in the dead defending G4s on why they were just as good/fast as Intels but since Intel chips have been put into Macs, everyone is calling the G4 a **** chip when really you were all defending it before the switch (even making threads about people to stay calm and buy PPC macs still after the intel announcement was made...)

just an astute observation

You're not the only one who observed it...

 

[m-dogg]

I would say its semi dumb BECAUSE:

1. MBPs are out
2. Apple is all about Intel now
3. OSX is almost certainly going 64 bit
4. Intel duos are sooo much faster than the G4

Reasons 2 and 3 are important because the PB would be outdated and possibly not supported for much longer (give it 2 years). Plus, it surely won't be able to run a full 64 bit OSX.

Although it will be probably 2008 before 64 bit apps really matter and are being brought to market, It seems like a bit of a waste of money for something so obsolete (no offense to anyone who has a PB because I do, and that's my feeling on the topic.)

1) I think everyone is well aware of this.

2) Apple may be all about Intel right now, but Adobe isn't quite there yet.

3) Ummm...the Core Duo chip isn't 64 bit either...so far the only 64 bit chip Apple has ever used is the G5.

4) The Core Duos are definitely faster, but they aren't faster on the specific program the OP needs to run to make a living (if I understood his comments correctly). He plans to upgrade again in a year from now anyway. By that time CS will be native on Intel chips, and there will be better MBP's than the current release. Why waste the money on a MBP today if it isn't going to give him the speed boost in the program that he needs?

Whether you want to admit it or not, the final revision 15" & 17" PB's are still the fastest Apple laptops for running Adobe CS today. And it will stay that way until CS goes universal. The OP isn't looking for the fastest machine to run CS at that time in the future; he's looking for the fastest laptop to run CS today.

 

[jadekitty24]

Munckee, I hope you made the right decision despite the useless advice you received in this thread. Pardon the sillyness from certain members "I don't care what you want or need get a MACBOOK PRO THEY ARE SOOOO COOL!". My god...living proof that owning a Mac doesn't necessarily equate to intelligence.

 

[Peyton]

1) I think everyone is well aware of this.

2) Apple may be all about Intel right now, but Adobe isn't quite there yet.

3) Ummm...the Core Duo chip isn't 64 bit either...so far the only 64 bit chip Apple has ever used is the G5.

4) The Core Duos are definitely faster, but they aren't faster on the specific program the OP needs to run to make a living (if I understood his comments correctly). He plans to upgrade again in a year from now anyway. By that time CS will be native on Intel chips, and there will be better MBP's than the current release. Why waste the money on a MBP today if it isn't going to give him the speed boost in the program that he needs?

Whether you want to admit it or not, the final revision 15" & 17" PB's are still the fastest Apple laptops for running Adobe CS today. And it will stay that way until CS goes universal. The OP isn't looking for the fastest machine to run CS at that time in the future; he's looking for the fastest laptop to run CS today.

You were probably good at finding the fallacy in those statements on the SAT and LSATs right?

I knew your points 1-3, my point in 3 was, if you get a ppc now, you are two steps behind (1. intel, 2. 64 bit.) Merom will change that, but still, 32 bit will be supported much longer than ppc chips will be imo.

good point tho

 

[milo]

That would be dumb. I don't see why you just got a G4 a month ago, that wasn't the wisest move either.

I wouldn't waste time or money on ANY PPC mac right now with the possible exception of the quad tower.

 

[jefhatfield]

Whether you want to admit it or not, the final revision 15" & 17" PB's are still the fastest Apple laptops for running Adobe CS today. And it will stay that way until CS goes universal. The OP isn't looking for the fastest machine to run CS at that time in the future; he's looking for the fastest laptop to run CS today.

DOES ANYBODY REMEMBER IF THE ORIGINAL POSTER NEEDED TO USE ANY ADOBE PRODUCT?

i think that can clear things up a bit

i am glad that you read the entire thread, m-dogg, unlike some of the intel fanboys

btw...i am happy with my intel mac but i only do word processing, internet, and email...period

 

[munckee]

That would be dumb. I don't see why you just got a G4 a month ago, that wasn't the wisest move either.

I wouldn't waste time or money on ANY PPC mac right now with the possible exception of the quad tower.

I bought it used (hence the reason I have to make a decision about applecare after only a month of ownership). I got a GREAT deal on it and it's in mint condition. My line of thought was simple:

-I needed a computer to hold me over until I was ready to buy an intel machine.
-I'd been using an old 12" ibook and, while the screen was small, it wasn't causing me much trouble so I figured I'd be happy enough with the 12" PB.
-The 12" presented the least outlay of money for a decent portable, and I have a 20" widescreen at home where I figured I'd do my heavy lifting. Since then my work situation has changed a bit, which is why I was considering some more work space while on the road.

 

[ITASOR]

I think you should keep the 12" and perhaps purchase a 17" LCD or something else that's cheap that you can span with...that'll increase your screen space and minimize the cost of having to purchase another whole computer.

 

[j26]

Check out the benchmarks in this thread (I know it's only one test, but it should be indicative).

Photoshop tests - the last few pages are probably most useful for you. I saw some PB's and MBP's there.

Find a machine that's closest to your current one, and the one you are thinking of buying and compare to an Intel one. Then make your decision.



(And stop being rude )

 

[crazydreaming]

I think you should keep the 12" and perhaps purchase a 17" LCD or something else that's cheap that you can span with...that'll increase your screen space and minimize the cost of having to purchase another whole computer.

I agree that's a good idea. It would be most beneficial if you work at a desk the most. Also, if/when you do upgrade, it will be nice to already have a display.

 

[munckee]

I think you should keep the 12" and perhaps purchase a 17" LCD or something else that's cheap that you can span with...that'll increase your screen space and minimize the cost of having to purchase another whole computer.

Yeah, already have a 20" monitor

 

[sushi]

I don't understand how someone can be rude when asking for advice. These people are throwing out ALL kinds of options and routes for you to take. Be your own person and MAKE YOUR OWN DECISIONS.

Also, you hear a lot about people having problems with their MacBook Pro, but that is because most people - like me - who are enjoying and having no dang problem at all aren't taling about it. It WORKS. It's like people think these laptops are the gimps of the market because some people can't stand the computer to be imperfect in the slightest way - and trust me, I spent the 3 grand on mine as well. They are machines.

If you don't like people's advice, don't be rude, and most importantly, don't ask for it. ridiculous

Well put.

It is amazing when folks ask for suggestions and help and then argue with the helpers.

To the OP, why ask for help when you already know what your answer will be? Looking for someone to agree with you? And if they don't you argue with them?! Makes no sense to me.

 

[discoforce]

Munckee, I hope you made the right decision despite the useless advice you received in this thread. Pardon the sillyness from certain members "I don't care what you want or need get a MACBOOK PRO THEY ARE SOOOO COOL!". My god...living proof that owning a Mac doesn't necessarily equate to intelligence.

Exactly.

Maybe Munckee can get one of the G5 Powerbooks when they come out? (I heard next Tuesday!)

 

[sushi]

Buying a new PB today, right now, is as good as throwing your money away. Or as I commonly put it, "Being blackmailed into paying good money for obsolete applications"

Sorry, but this is simply not true.

Many folks use Macs for 5-8 years. Heck, some of us still use Classic to run OS9 apps.

Not everyone needs the latest and greatest Getting a wonderful PB15 for a reduced price if it fills your needs/requirements is fine.

BTW, the same holds true on the PC side of the house.

 

[iamhammill]

Don't buy a new one. If you can find a steal on ebay then go for it. I passed up a $990 Hi-Res one last night, doh!

 

[discoforce]

Well put.

It is amazing when folks ask for suggestions and help and then argue with the helpers.

To the OP, why ask for help when you already know what your answer will be? Looking for someone to agree with you? And if they don't you argue with them?! Makes no sense to me.

What an interesting polarization that's unfolded here.

Personally I don't think the OP was that rude. Several of the original folks who replied assumed the OP was trying to decide between a powerbook and an MBP. That wasn't the case and so, with some exasperation certainly, the OP pointed this out - saying thanks anyway. The rudeness started when he was told that he was being narrowminded and had only one real alternative: get a MBP or be stupid... Clearly the OP isn't the only one posting here that disagrees with that.

I also didn't think the OP knew the answer before posting. Whether or not to get a MBP had already been decided, and wasn't part of the question. The best advice responded to the question whether there would be a significant benefit to using the 15" powerbook vs. the 12".

Folks seem to be getting touchier lately on this forum. I blame it on users having to deal with the increase in viruses and spyware resulting from being able to dual-boot.

Peace all.

 

[munckee]

Well put.

It is amazing when folks ask for suggestions and help and then argue with the helpers.

To the OP, why ask for help when you already know what your answer will be? Looking for someone to agree with you? And if they don't you argue with them?! Makes no sense to me.

If I was certain of the answer, I wouldn't have bothered posting. I was looking for opinions from a group of people who could understand my quandry.

I wasn't trying to be rude at all, I was simply trying to get my question answered, which was a simple a or b choice. Sorry if it came across as rude, but I didn't intend to. Perhaps a little frustrated, but we've all been there.

If you'll take a moment to look at my other posts since joining this forum, I think you'll find that I'm a less than arguementative person who tries to help when I can.

 

[jefhatfield]

Sorry, but this is simply not true.

Many folks use Macs for 5-8 years. Heck, some of us still use Classic to run OS9 apps.

Not everyone needs the latest and greatest Getting a wonderful PB15 for a reduced price if it fills your needs/requirements is fine.

BTW, the same holds true on the PC side of the house.

different machines, in the same household, do fit different needs

wife...dual G4 power mac (with three 10,000 rpm scsi hard drives and 1 gig of ram) with photoshop, illustrator, and pagemaker in os 9

me...pc laptop with windows 98, 160 mb ram, for programming stuff like visual basic and java, business and law related stuff, and internet/email/word processing...and the dual G4 too for those three basics in os 9 or os x (jaguar)

intel imac with 512k ram...he he, yes i said half a gig of ram...for internet/email/word processing and nobody here is holding our breath for a cs native on osx (leopard) and intel until sometime next year so for now, it's a non graphic designer's machine and that's ok...but once it goes native, we will get cs, and 1.5 more gigs of ram, and perhaps then, the intel imac with cs 3 (if there is such a thing in the future) will probably be faster than the dual G4 running adobe stuff on os 9, but we will have to see when we come to that since some designers believe you need 4 gigs of ram to run os x tiger/leopard and the full cs suite at a decent speed...man, tiger/leopard is such a ram hog...what was wrong with jaguar or panther?

 

[plarusa]

Here's my situation. I have a maxed out 12" PB that I've had for about a month. It does what I need it to, but I still manage to run it hard enough to get beach balls, etc. I also find the screen space pretty small when I'm on the road. The warranty is up soon, and I'm debating between spending the money on the applecare or selling the 12" and upgrading to a 15"

I figure the 15" will cost about $1700 with 1.5gb of ram (newest revision with a full warranty).

I don't want an MBP because the glitches scare me and because most of my time is spent on CS which won't be available for a while. I figured whatever I do, I'll upgrade in about a year or so.

So do I spend the $250 (edu discount) on applecare or spend the cash to upgrade to the 15"?

The 15" PB won't run faster than the 12" PB, the specs are about the same. I own both a 12" PB and a MBP, and I can tell you that though the MBP is not perfect, it is a much better computer. It is faster, has a larger and brighter screen, runs Windows at full speed if you need, and most importantly, it is gorgeous. In the long run, I expect the speed difference to become even more significant as more applications are converted to universal. That said, I still enjoy using the 12" PB .