Few questions...

[Sideonecincy]

Well I recently sold my iBook and I decided that I am going to sell my powermac also and switch to a MBP. Does anyone else use the laptop as their main computer, do you miss having a desktop?

My friend suggested that if I buy a mbp, and miss having the desktop so much, just to buy an external monitor and keyboard and hook it up like that. Is the mbp, able to close the laptop and yet have it still run on an external monitor? Also, how hard is it to install the 160gb seagate internal hd into the mbp? Ive only installed ram into laptop, but have installed drives into desktops. Ive read that some people on here have installed it on their computer and seem satisfied.

Finally, just wondering how much I could/should expect to get for my powermac:
Case and everything is in great shape
Single 1.8 (the 8 dimm kind)
2.5 gb of ram
410 gb storage (160 and 250)
Superdrive (dvr-107d)
GeForce FX 5200
Airport card
Tiger

 

[mad jew]

Does anyone else use the laptop as their main computer, do you miss having a desktop?

Well, I went the opposite way and can't imagine going back. Having said that, my laptop is an original G4 iBook so it's hardly a power house. I reckon you're probably doing the right thing. I guess there's always the option of getting a desktop later down the track anyway.

Is the mbp, able to close the laptop and yet have it still run on an external monitor?

Yeah. This is called clamshell mode and is a feature of pro Mac laptops. You'll want an external keyboard, mouse and monitor though.

Also, how hard is it to install the 160gb seagate internal hd into the mbp?

Well, have a look at this iFixit Guide as to how hard it is to get to the hard drive. It's more difficult than installing RAM, but it's by no means impossible.

Finally, just wondering how much I could/should expect to get for my powermac...

Sorry, no idea.

 

[CanadaRAM]

Yeah. This is called clamshell mode and is a feature of pro Mac laptops. You'll want an external keyboard, mouse and monitor though.

Or really skinny fingers and eyes on convenient stalks...

Finally, just wondering how much I could/should expect to get for my powermac...

Go to eBay and do an Advanced search for Closed Auctions only, on the type of Powerbook you have. Reject the prices of those which didn't sell and those that were obviously scams or defective units.

 

[mad jew]

Or really skinny fingers and eyes on convenient stalks...

Or an incredibly helpful carbon-based, wool-covered animal of some sort that can live inside the MacBook and telepathically transmit data to and from the machine using a new horn-based technology that is conveniently water and flame proof...




...Of course, the external keyboard and mouse thing might be easier.


Oh, and eBay is an excellent place to learn equivalent prices.

 

[Peyton]

Well they do call them 'desktop replacements' and for good reason. they are stable, and basically a thinner and more portable iMac. I think you'll be pleased with it, Macs have great resale so I'd say if you weren't completely satisfied you could surely find some to pay a nice amount for it.

As for the hard drive, there are several online step by step photo guides you can find to help you.

 

[Sideonecincy]

Well they do call them 'desktop replacements' and for good reason. they are stable, and basically a thinner and more portable iMac. I think you'll be pleased with it, Macs have great resale so I'd say if you weren't completely satisfied you could surely find some to pay a nice amount for it.

As for the hard drive, there are several online step by step photo guides you can find to help you.

Ah I know I am going to be satisfied with the mac but its just switching from desktop to laptop for primary computer is the only thing that worried me

 

[matticus008]

Ah I know I am going to be satisfied with the mac but its just switching from desktop to laptop for primary computer is the only thing that worried me

If you would be satisfied with an iMac, then a MacBook is no big transition. But in terms of switching from a PowerMac, it can be a little problematic. Having multiple large hard drives internally and all the cables tucked away on the backside of a big box are really very nice features.

You'd be much worse coming from a desktop PC, because of the huge array of PCI hardware that you'd have to give up for overpriced USB/Firewire alternatives and a big pile of AC adapters. But if you're the type that doesn't go gaga for extra gadgets, a notebook is a fine option as a desktop replacement.

 

[Demon Hunter]

Ah I know I am going to be satisfied with the mac but its just switching from desktop to laptop for primary computer is the only thing that worried me

I've used a laptop as my "primary" computer for two years. These are the only concerns:

1. I wash my hands all the time. But that means I get sick less, right?
2. It's fragile. It's expensive. It obeys gravity.
3. You will spend a lot on accessories and endless laptop carrying devices (or at least I do)!
4. You will lust after Cinema Displays.

I am also investigating the possible benefits for infant care...