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powerbook g4 12" -> MB or MBP

V

VespR

macrumors regular
Original poster
Jun 16, 2004
169
0
Hi guys,

I currently have an old 12" that I think is probably due for an upgrade now, although I really don't want to let the thing go as it is an absolute thing of beauty, and tis a shame apple haven't replaced it with something else. But oh well...

Anyway, obviously I would prefer the same form factor, so I'm leaning towards the mb coz of its 13". But I've grown used to the superior hardware the powerbook ranged offered over the inferior sibling of the ibook. One such gripe I have is, my brother also owns a 12" ibook. And I've noticed that not only is the build quality much more superior on the powerbook, but the components are simply better. For instance, when we play music/movies you can clearly hear a difference in the quality of the speakers supplied with the laptop. Something I wouldn't want to sacrifice if I got a macbook.

Can anybody with previous use of a powerbook/ibook and upgrade to macbook/pro offer any comparison to that of the speakers and also the build quality of the two? I'd prefer the form factor, but equally I want something that will last like my g4 (3 years+ now), and will still offer great resale value. Currently my powerbook looks almost new, mainly due to the indestructable allum casing. It's never been scratched or dented. Whereas the ibook seems to warm to anything that can chip it. Not to mention the glue holding the plastic to the screen is fading on the ibook, but I have had no such issues on the powerbook.

any advice is greatly appreciated.


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also in the buyers / advice forum, but I assume I'll get a bigger response here!
 
I would say the only flaw of the Macbook is poor speakers. The Macbook is a super machine. It's certainly no slouch performance wise. The iBook/Powerbook performance gap is out the window now with Intel.
What really needs to be asked is. What do you need your computer for?
Do you require a computer for heavy loading applications? The Macbook will do anything you throw at it really. As will a Macbook Pro
 
I do anything from your run of the mill, emails/music/movies/photos -> to video editing/video encoding/the odd football manager/looking forward to vmware/parralels for work applications on windows, and possibly the odd spout of sql server.

I guess looking at that then I'd sway to the MBP. But I don't want a 15" machine. The beauty of the 12" was it's spec 3 years ago, was only shy of the 15/17"ers, but was a fair bit ahead of the ibook. I love the fact 12" powerbooks still resale quite nicely on ebay, and that's due to their suprior build quality. And like you said, the macbook speakers sound naff, I like watching movies in bed with the machine on the side table...

I may just get the new imac, and wait for apple to pull out the finger on the ultra portable macbook pro. Come on apple, sort it out!
 
Well acc to rumor. Apple are may have a smaller version of the Macbook Pro. If they don't come out with it, what I would say to you is pick yourself up a Macbook, fill it up with 2gb of ram and you have yourself a very fast and powerful machine in a nice form factor too.
If your in no rush for a new machine just yet. I'd wait out as a buyer. Macworld is in a few months, leopard around the corner etc so who knows!
In saying that, if you just want a new machine go for a macbook with loadsa ram. Only reason I'd say for Macbook Pro is if your using demanding apps for 3D etc and need the extra screen estate. They also have LED displays too though... :)
 
you are right, but those macbooks do have poor speakers....... I think I'll wait for the leopard/macworld release. Surely apple know there's a market out there for an ultra portable mbp!

btw nice photos from yourself and the mentor!
 
bmcgrath said:
Well acc to rumor. Apple are may have a smaller version of the Macbook Pro. If they don't come out with it, what I would say to you is pick yourself up a Macbook, fill it up with 2gb of ram and you have yourself a very fast and powerful machine in a nice form factor too.
If your in no rush for a new machine just yet. I'd wait out as a buyer. Macworld is in a few months, leopard around the corner etc so who knows!
In saying that, if you just want a new machine go for a macbook with loadsa ram. Only reason I'd say for Macbook Pro is if your using demanding apps for 3D etc and need the extra screen estate. They also have LED displays too though... :)
Click to expand...

Depends on what you want to do with it, personally I got the MBP so I could have the performance, for the many things that I do now and later. There is also the factor if you may or may not play games on it in the future.
 
VespR said:
you are right, but those macbooks do have poor speakers....... I think I'll wait for the leopard/macworld release. Surely apple know there's a market out there for an ultra portable mbp!

btw nice photos from yourself and the mentor!
Click to expand...

I agree. I'd love to have a really small laptop, then have a nice 23" Apple display to plug into when I'm home for editing photo's etc.
Oh we'l see what Apple have up their sleeve ;)
And thank you!
 
At uni I was doing 3d modelling in maya. I no longer do that anymore, so it outgrew it's use and I got a really good price on it! Anyway, I'll wait for macworld, if nothing comes, then I'll look for a refurb/used macbook and save for the 2.8 imac!

Still find it shocking the bottom macbook doesn't come with a dvd writer...
 
Still find it shocking the bottom macbook doesn't come with a dvd writer...[/QUOTE said:
I know!
Bit of a joke if you ask me. Should just be a standard these days.
Especially when ya see other comapnies put HD/Blu ray dvd's into their machines....
Click to expand...
 
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