I intend on shaking a laptop.

[hikeNM]

I'm taking a cross-country motorcycle trip this summer. Many of the miles will be off-road. A laptop will be making the trip with me, within the confines of a backpack. Naturally, there will be much shaking there.

Which laptop does Apple make, or has made that is the least susceptible to breakage from riding in a backpack alot?

I would prefer to purchase a used laptop, so if it breaks I don't feel like I've lost a part of the family.

I would also like it to be able to use either my 1st or 4th generation iPod with it. So, firewire isn't necessary, but it'd be nice.

Also, would like it to be able to run Panther and iLife '05.

Thanks

 

[katie ta achoo]

Maybe an old iBook 12" would do the trick?

 

[Eidorian]

If it's not turned on and you're not applying excessive force you should be fine in your backpack.

 

[hikeNM]

Maybe an old iBook 12" would do the trick?

Would it be better than a clamshell or an G3 Powerbook? Obviously, the 12'' weighs alot less.

 

[katie ta achoo]

well, the 12" isn't a weird size or shape, like the G3 clamshell. I was thinking the 12" would work better because it's sleek, and they can really take beatings. Just be sure your iBook is turned off before you dive off the cliff.

 

[hikeNM]

well, the 12" isn't a weird size or shape, like the G3 clamshell. I was thinking the 12" would work better because it's sleek, and they can really take beatings. Just be sure your iBook is turned off before you dive off the cliff.

I've tried a clamshell out as far as putting in my backpack and getting a feel for the weight.

If someone were to say it's better built, as far as withstanding abuse, I could take the extra weight.

 

[CanadaRAM]

And take some big flash memory cards or USB flash drives to store or backup your data to.

 

[Eidorian]

And take some big flash memory cards or USB flash drives to store or backup your data to.

http://www.lacie.com/products/product.htm?pid=10268

LUV! It's flash right?

 

[emotion]

If the machine is turned off or sleeping it should be ok.

I ride around on a bmx (and a mtb) with my powerbook in my backpack and jump around a lot and have never had any troubles.

 

[Over Achiever]

http://www.lacie.com/products/product.htm?pid=10268

LUV! It's flash right?

No, I believe that's a microdrive, or a 1.8" HD, but definately not flash. In fact the info page states it it's "better than flash" ^^

 

[hikeNM]

If the machine is turned off or sleeping it should be ok.

I ride around on a bmx (and a mtb) with my powerbook in my backpack and jump around a lot and have never had any troubles.

Thanks.

What's the Wifi reception like on your powerbook?

 

[xyian]

I've had an iBook and a PB and I would suggest the iBook for two reasons:
1. Durability
2. Wi-fi reception.

 

[emotion]

Thanks.

What's the Wifi reception like on your powerbook?

Not as good as some PCs, and i guess the ibook. it is one of the weaknesses of the design really.

 

[twoodcc]

Thanks.

What's the Wifi reception like on your powerbook?

the wifi on my powerbook works great. never had any problems, and in comparision with my hp laptop (dv1040us), it's way better.

 

[hikeNM]

the wifi on my powerbook works great. never had any problems, and in comparision with my hp laptop (dv1040us), it's way better.

Thanks. There does seem to be a wide range of opinion on the effectiveness of wifi in the powerbooks.

My budget will probably not allow the purchase of a powerbook, even used. So I probably won't have to worry about it.

 

[emotion]

Thanks. There does seem to be a wide range of opinion on the effectiveness of wifi in the powerbooks.

My budget will probably not allow the purchase of a powerbook, even used. So I probably won't have to worry about it.

It's a well known limitation of the powerbooks due to the metal casing (effectively a Faraday cage).

The ibook apparently has much greater range.

 

[twoodcc]

Thanks. There does seem to be a wide range of opinion on the effectiveness of wifi in the powerbooks.

My budget will probably not allow the purchase of a powerbook, even used. So I probably won't have to worry about it.

yeah i know there's a wide range of opinions. and i also installed another 1 gb of ram myself, to make it 1.5 gb total. and i read where most people said that they have problems when you go above 1 gb of ram, but i've had no problems with mine so far.

glad to help. i prefer the pb over the ibook, but that's just me

 

[twoodcc]

It's a well known limitation of the powerbooks due to the metal casing (effectively a Faraday cage).

The ibook apparently has much greater range.

well, i'm connected wirelessly to my school's network right now (i'm in class). i don't know where the router is, but i have full bars.

 

[hikeNM]

Thanks all!

Didn't mean for this to be a powerbook vs. ibook thread!

 

[twoodcc]

Thanks all!

Didn't mean for this to be a powerbook vs. ibook thread!

it's not. sorry. but you should at least consider a powerbook and an ibook. but it's up to you. we can give you advice, but you don't have to take it.

 

[hikeNM]

it's not. sorry. but you should at least consider a powerbook and an ibook. but it's up to you. we can give you advice, but you don't have to take it.

Understood for sure. Trust me, if a powerbook is within my price range, i'll take it.

 

[whocares]

My 2¢:

Get a used 12" iBook, 'cause:
1. It's smaller, lighter and probably just as tough as the clamshell
2. Plenty of power for day to day use
3. Good battery life (you may wan't to buy a new one if you're getting a second hand 'book)
4. Good wifi, and a modem for when 802.11b/g isn't around
5. Cheap(ish), you won't throw up if you break it/loose it/have it stolen

Store it in a sleeve in your backpack to keep the dust out.
Leave in sleep mode if you wish, the HD will be parked and it uses little power.

 

[crees!]

Buy a Brain Cell from Tom Bihn to store your laptop in inside your backpack. I have one and this thing it GREAT.

http://www.tombihn.com/page/001/PROD/300/TB0300