old PB vs new PB - the value question??

[bazzakite]

Ok, I'm trying to decide between something like
(A) a used (12 months or less) 15" PowerBook 1.67GHz 100G with 1Gig Ram whihc can be found on eBay for about AUS $2500
or
(B) latest 15" PB 1.67GHz 80G with 1 Gig Ram brand new from apple about $3,500

Used for basic stuff but often used for on-the-road video editing and DVD work - everything to using HDV cutting and mastering.

Dilemma is whether to buy used, save dollars for now and look to upgrade again when the PBs go Intel.
OR
Go the latest and greatest now, as they look awesome and Intel in Pb is ages away!!

Your thoughts?

No sleep less nights yet, but I can't stop thinking about it!

 

[Bear]

I'd recommend the new PowerBook (with full warranty).

You'll want the higher resolution screen for what you'll be using it for.

Remember, nobody knows when any particular product line is going Intel. Also, while you'll still be able to get new PPC software for a bunch of years, will want you want to run be available to run natively on the Intel Mac? Some of the "Pro" type applications may take longer to go Intel - and these are the ones that won't run well (if they run at all) under Rosetta.

 

[Texas04]

I have the SAME PROBLEM!


Thanks Bear, you pointed me in a good direction
Apple Account: How much to save: $600 more.....

 

[Bear]

One more point. Buying a new system guarantees legal copies of Tiger and iLife 05. A used system could come with Panther and iLife '04.

Sometimes it's more cost effective to buy a new system due to software versions.

 

[anthonys]

Is the extra $1000 worth a bit more real estate on the screen to you? It may be because of what you do .. but I'd be tempted to get the old model if it's still got the warranty, tiger and 05 apps.

The biggest change for the 15" is the screen and price drop. The screen you can't get on the old model but the price drop has meant the second hand market has had to drop prices too.. so really it's just the screen you're getting on the new one.

 

[generik]

Also you won't really know if the HDD and memory on the ebayed model are authorised Apple installed components..

Just another point to keep in mind.

 

[thairs]

That price difference you've listed is a huge amount($800+ american). If you can avoid it, don't buy the apple ram, which will lower the cost somewhat. I was in a similar predicament, and for the price difference for me ($200) I went with the new 15" model with the higherv res display.

 

[bazzakite]

mmmmmmm

yeah -still not sure which way to go

higher res screen would be nice for video work and potentially presenting to clients
but
saving AUS$1,000 I could put towards all sorts of things

mmm???????

 

[deanwaterman]

Other things to consider

Is the other computer you are looking at equipped with SD? If so, it still is not a DL, which could be useful if you have a lot of video content to burn on a disc. Also, consider that the new 15" also includes optical audio in and out, something the old 15's don't have. The memory is upgraded from 2700 to 4200, which implies it should run a little faster. The 64 VRAM to 128 VRAM is also a huge consideration with video and gaming.

I suspect if you get after market memory from Crucial, your extra cost will only be around $800.00 You get a new computer, fresh out of the box, new warranty, and the latest in technology offered on the PB.

Yes, I could think of something to do with that extra $$$ But fixing the computer when broken, upgrading to Tiger or iLife 05' shouldn't have to be one of them.

 

[generik]

yeah -still not sure which way to go

higher res screen would be nice for video work and potentially presenting to clients
but
saving AUS$1,000 I could put towards all sorts of things

mmm???????

If budget is really an issue try to get memory upgrades through 3rd party vendors instead. Apple's memory is almost twice as expensive as regular ones.

 

[godbout]

I would definately get the old one... $1000 is alot of money for a higher res screen and a bit better battery life... you can still get applecare if it is less than 12 months old and then you can put that $1000 into add ons, software, protection, etc. Or save it and grab a intel PB that much earlier. That is just my opinion but make sure you get it from someone who has taken care of it etc...

 

[bazzakite]

mmmm again!

Yes, in terms of second hand PB I'm only looking at 1.67 PBs, that are less than 12 months old and have Tiger and iLife 05.

My calculations show hat I can still get a 2nd hand PB with everything I want for $1,000 (australian dollars - which equals about US$770) less than the latest.

So I'd be paying for
- high res screen - nice
- optical audio in and out - not sure I have a use for this?
- memory upgraded from 2700 to 4200 - good for video
- VRAM upgrades from 64 to 128 - good for video

mmmmmm
the pondering continues

 

[emotion]

Without a doubt I'd buy new. I'd very rarely choose to buy a second hand laptop unless that price difference was a lot greater.

Memory expansion for the new machine is cheaper, the HD situation is better, the SD is better, the screen better, battery life is a LOT better(big consideration...).

It'll be a while before the old ones drop to a price that can compete with the new ones.

 

[bazzakite]

it's expensive downunder

just comparing US versus Aust prices!!

For a new 15" 1.67 PB with 1x1Gig ram everything else standard
- US cost is $2200 - which equates to AUS $2860
- in AUS we have to pay AUS $3500 (includes our 10%GST) whic equates to US $2700



ANyone flying to Australia soon??

no wondering I'm eyeing off used PBs from the US on eBay

 

[emotion]

We face a similar prob in the UK.

 

[Bear]

just comparing US versus Aust prices!!

For a new 15" 1.67 PB with 1x1Gig ram everything else standard
- US cost is $2200 - which equates to AUS $2860
- in AUS we have to pay AUS $3500 (includes our 10%GST) whic equates to US $2700

Remember US prices do not include the Sales Tax. So the adds up to about $200 depending on where in the US it's purchased. Yes, there's still a price difference, but that cuts it down some.