Pre-purchase buyer's remorse?

[realityisterror]

A few may have noticed me trying to sell my iMac G4 here on MacRumors in the past few days. Well I received an email from a Craigslist member earlier today, and it looks like I can work out a deal with him ($25 more dollars, man!).

Well the whole reason behind me selling my iMac was to get some extra money for a new 15" PowerBook. Ever since I bought my iMac about 2 years ago, I've been sort of regretting not waiting a few weeks and getting an iBook G4/saving for a laptop.

Now I've got an offer on the iMac which looks good, I just need to discuss with my dad. But I sort of feel guilty about it. I sort of bought my iMac myself. I purchased with my dad's credit card and the idea was to pay him back after a visit to the bank. However, every time I tried to go withdraw the money, he told me that it isn't a big deal and I don't need to pay him. He's a bit disappointed in my being on the computer so much and thinks I'm not spending enough time in the world accomplishing and learning things.

So I sort of feel bad spending near $2K with tax on a laptop I don't really need, when I already have a computer I don't really need. I've thought about going for an iBook, but then I think I'll be riding the same boat of having a computer I'm not entirely satisfied with after a year or so (especially since it's a laptop).

Give me some advice. The 15" PowerBook is the object of most of my wet dreams and I've wanted one since before I bought this computer, so you know what I basically want to hear. I just want to make sure that my decision is justified in other people's eyes.

Thanks,
reality

 

[VanMac]

I just want to make sure that my decision is justified in other people's eyes.
Thanks,
reality

You shouldnt give a rip about being justified in our eyes.

Talk to your Dad, and take his advice. I'm sure he will provide good insight into the matter.

 

[realityisterror]

I have talked to him, but I want a "Yes, go ahead." or "No, I don't think you should do that." answer.
He keeps telling me to do what I think is best, and I feel like he sort of doesn't want me to go ahead with it.

reality

 

[i4k20c]

I mean idk, it has been two years rite? That's not a long enough time to upgrade in my eyes. If the computer is fine and is suffiant, why not wait off man? This time next year there will be things 20x better, hopefully a intel powerbook reveision b or what not. I got a 12inch powerbook 1.5 month ago, only because i had no computer for school, if i had an old imac, or even a pc comp that was descent (more than 10 gigs of storage) i woulda used it till next year.

I think at the very last point if you wait till next year, you can tell ureself its getting a bit outdated (3-5 yrs is good to upgrade for consumers) imo.

Like the above poster said, i think its up to your dad and what he thinks. I know if it was my dad tho, his response would be the typical.. "why waste money on soemthing you don't need.." and he is right in many ways..

 

[i4k20c]

Just looked at the specs on your comp, it seems plenty enough to hold you off for a bit.. How old are you? Are you going to go to college anytime soon? Getting a job that requires more computing need?

 

[PCMacUser]

Give me some advice. The 15" PowerBook is the object of most of my wet dreams and I've wanted one since before I bought this computer, so you know what I basically want to hear. I just want to make sure that my decision is justified in other people's eyes.

Well, in my opinion, the 15" PB is overpriced for what it is. I bought one (1.67Ghz superdrive) back in May and returned it after two weeks.

Five minutes ago I placed my order for a 12" iBook Now that's a computer with few rivals in terms of size vs price vs performance.

 

[devilot]

You're still in high school so I highly doubt that such a 'powerful' laptop is essential. And I find that there are probably a very few instances where it could be 'justified.'

I say either get a 12" iBook (which is amazing by the way) or just wait...

You're around 15, right? Get a job over the summer and the summer after that-- trust me, save up those pay checks and before you know it, you'll have plenty enough for a 15"er. By then, there might be a much better one out... AND, having earned and saved up that money yourself, you will not need others' opinions to help you feel justified in purchasing something. It will be all of your hard-earned income, and you will feel so proud and so excited about that purchase, not to mention, you'll probably be more likely to take care of it that much more.

If that sounds like too much work or too long of a wait, I figure you can't possibly want it 'that' much.

 

[Zoowatch]

hi there,

i'm glad u are thinking about all this and ur good conscience makes u feel a little guilty...

i'd advice u that u should spend within ur means
and considering that u are not having a stable income yet...
u should really go slow on getting a top-of-the-line pro machine

desire is one thing (all of us wants the PowerMac Quad + 30" display + 16GB RAM + 2x500GB hard disk... but in reality we also consider how appropriate it is to buy a monster machine like that)

do i need it to make a living? will i be able to utilise it maximally?

can i better invest the money elsewhere? do i need the cash for something more important (ask yourself this even if it's ur dad's money)

so, there's another component to the equation -- ask yourself "do i really need that?"

it's also good to learn to deal with desires... when u grow up, there are a lot to such desire (nice cars, big house, plasma tv) and if u can master that u won't end up with huge debts...

maybe u can try to pay a little more attention on how hard ur dad needs to work before he could earn that amount of income to buy u an Apple... and u will probably think more carefully about the dollars and cents u spend

of course... i'm not saying that u shouldnt get the powerbook....

but i'd like u to consider all those i've mentioned above and think over it for a few days before rushing into buying

remember this: this VERY EASY to spend on something... but once the money is out of ur pocket, it's hard to change decisions... so be patient over this

 

[realityisterror]

Maybe I wasn't too clear in my original post, but I am paying for it myself. It's money that I've worked for over the past year or two, so technically it is my decision.

I really want a laptop, and I really want it to last (which is the only reason why I'm willing to spend so much). I realize I should probably just wait until Intel PowerBooks, but with the recent updates and all...

I think I'm just going to go for it and hope that nothing happens to my investment between now and sophomore year of college... I mean, a PB can last 4 years for me, right...

Thanks for your opinions,
reality

edit: plus, my iMac won't be worth as much by the time Intel PBs come out. not to mention rev. B...

 

[Zoowatch]

great to hear that u've worked hard to save up for the powerbook

i'm sure u'll be really proud of it (so will ur dad)

enjoy the powerbook and take good care of it...



remember get the bluetooth and airport card built-in when u order the powerbook

 

[Demon Hunter]

great to hear that u've worked hard to save up for the powerbook

i'm sure u'll be really proud of it (so will ur dad)

enjoy the powerbook and take good care of it...



remember get the bluetooth and airport card built-in when u order the powerbook

Silly Zoowatch, those have been built-in since Rev. C.

There is a lot of good advice here. I worked at Dairy Queen for a year to afford my PowerBook. Whatever you spend it on... make sure you'll love it. Now is the time to develop financial wisdom.

 

[SummerBreeze]

Maybe you should get your dad to come to the Apple store with you, and really try to talk with your dad about what's going on with the purchase. You might feel less guilty if you allow him to set some limits on your new PowerBook, maybe turning off the router to the internet at a certain time on weekdays, etc. Good luck, hopefully you'll be able to work everything out.

 

[spinne1]

I worked at Dairy Queen for a year...

Mmmmmmmmm. Banana Split Blizzard.

 

[FFTT]

The other day I took my 15 year old daughter to the AppleStore expecting to get her either a mini, an iBook or a new iMac G5 to replace her 5 year old Sony Vaio.

As much as she liked what she saw, she really surprised me telling me that
for what she does, she really doesn't NEED a new computer, but she'd really like some extra RAM for her Sony and an iPod for Christmas.

It may not be a bad idea to sell your current iMac G4, but a PowerBook G4
is not the way I would go.

For the amount you would have to spend on a well equipped 15" PowerBook, you could cover your portable needs with a 12" iBook and then get a new 17" iMac G5 for your home desktop as budget permits.


Your father is giving you the chance to make your own decisions, but it's good that you've asked him for advice.

You won't really NEED a portable until you're heading away to college.
By that time there will be Rev B dual core PowerBooks that will put the current single G4 models to shame.

It also won't be long until you'll be wanting a car, so you might want to think really hard about your priorities.

 

[sigamy]

I just skimmed the thread but I don't think you have told us what you will be using the laptop for? What apps do you run? I know you want it to last but even if you buy a high-end G4 laptop today that isn't saying much...the G4 is so behind.

My advice would be to buy a refurb G4 iBook from Apple or find a good quality used iBook or PowerBook. It sounds to me that you just want a laptop. You like laptops and the portability.

Save some cash and get a laptop to just hold you over for 2 or so years until the Rev B Intel PowerBooks or iBooks come out. Then go for the gusto.

 

[VanMac]

If your really looking for a laptop, consider the 12" iBook.

I picked one up 2 months ago instead of the PB. Much better price point, and being recently upgraded, would be a decent investment. Fairly close in specs compared to the PB, but really depends what you need it for.

I've found it's performance to be just stellar. I use it for email, surfing, IPhoto, IMovie, and MS Office. Upgraded to 1.5GB of ram, and it just smokes.

 

[Eniregnat]

A few may have noticed me trying to sell my iMac G4 ... ($25 more dollars, man!).

Well the whole reason behind me selling my iMac was to get some extra money for a new 15" PowerBook.

Now I've got an offer on the iMac which looks good,... I'm not spending enough time in the world accomplishing and learning things.

So I sort of feel bad spending near $2K with tax on a laptop I don't really need, when I already have a computer I don't really need. I've thought about going for an iBook, but then I think I'll be riding the same boat of having a computer I'm not entirely satisfied with after a year or so (especially since it's a laptop).

Give me some advice. The 15" PowerBook is the object of most of my wet dreams and I've wanted one since before I bought this computer, so you know what I basically want to hear. I just want to make sure that my decision is justified in other people's eyes.

Thanks,
reality

Do you have debt- pay that off first- likely you don't. If you don't need it, and you don't think you will yet, wait. Put what ever cash you have away into another account, get a CD, and wait until the next PBs come ou or better yet, to spend on a trip to some forign country.

[EDIT] Your dad is cool. If he trusts you to make a good decision, then trust yourself. I would expect that you are quite trust worthy. As a side note, as I believe myself to be an uneducated fool- take your studies seriously (Perhaps a laptop will help you if you use it in class). When your in your 30's you really start to appreciate what you have earned, and thrown away.

 

[yoda13]

Honestly, I love my G4 Powerbook. But if I were in your shoes, I would wait for the second revision of the Intel Powerbooks, or Intel iBooks. The G4 is a solid processor, but it is old school, and no longer cutting edge. I think that you might be sorry if you bought today and then had to live with it when the Intels come out. After all, you don't NEED it, you just want it, it would seem to me. Just my two cents.

 

[PCMacUser]

If your really looking for a laptop, consider the 12" iBook.

I picked one up 2 months ago instead of the PB. Much better price point, and being recently upgraded, would be a decent investment. Fairly close in specs compared to the PB, but really depends what you need it for.

I've found it's performance to be just stellar. I use it for email, surfing, IPhoto, IMovie, and MS Office. Upgraded to 1.5GB of ram, and it just smokes.

Hi VanMac,

Just a side note... did you use the iBook much before you upgraded to 1.5Gb RAM? And if so, how much of a difference did the extra gigabyte make to its speed?

 

[VanMac]

Hi VanMac,

Just a side note... did you use the iBook much before you upgraded to 1.5Gb RAM? And if so, how much of a difference did the extra gigabyte make to its speed?

I used it for a few weeks at least with just the 512MB.

It worked OK, but I really find the extra 1GB well worth it. Fewer beachballs, and everything seems to be 'snappier'. I have a lot of photos in iPhoto, and you can really notice it there. Also doing some minor stuff with iMovie, and the extra ram will help there as well.

 

[realityisterror]

To answer/comment on what has been said since my last reply...

Yes, my dad has a lot of trust in me. Sometimes I think too much so. He doesn't really care if I buy the PowerBook, he just wants me to stop and think about what I'm doing. Also, the PowerBook is strictly for after school. I don't use it during school or anything, and I'm a high A student (top 2%).
I use the computer for basic browsing, chat, email, lots of iTunes, and Word. But I also spend a large bit of time in DreamWeaver and Photo Shop doing web design. I use iPhoto every now and then, but when I do, it's usually for a large project. I love video editing but feel limited by my current computer and my patience (and lack of a willing cast ). I also do a lot of work with archiving and converting videos.
The only reason I'm thinking twice about this decision is because of the Intel announcement. If it weren't for Jobs giving us that news, I'd have no qualms or doubts whatsoever, and I'm completely happy with the "meager upgrades" to the PowerBook.
Ideally, I'd like a 17" iMac and a 12" iBook, but not only is that more expensive, I know I'd end up spending more time at the desk (and I need to get out of my room!). My main problem with the iBook is the lack of a SuperDrive in the 12" and I'm definitely not interested in the 14". The resolution on 12" portables feels limiting to me, and I'd probably end up buying an external monitor which would keep me at the desk more.
All in all, I can justify spending the extra money over the iBook or PB12, I'm more worried about longevity than anything.
Besides, 1.67GHz isn't that slow... I'm thinking that could rival the 1.9GHz iMac. I think the G4 was a well designed processor, but it just can't be pushed anymore. Megahertz myth anyone?
None of my friends believe me when I tell them my iMac is only 800MHz


reality

 

[GimmeSlack12]

Reality,
I have to say it. Get a grip man. You are casting a lot of doubt on your own thoughts in nearly every post you've made in this thread. Especially saying you don't need the computer and that you don't need is specifically for school (nothing that your current iMac can't do). Now there is such as a thing as too much of a good thing. This would include your wet dreams for a 17" iMac and a 12" iBook. I mean, is that all really necessary? Do you have a car? Isn't it worth waiting until your Freshman year of college and then go ahead and upgrade (depending on when you graduate HS)?
Your Dad is giving the choice to you about what you should do. And it is a lesson he is teaching you, the lesson in making such decisions on your own. But it sounds like he's helped teach you to listen to your conscience. And that is the doubt that I notice that is being cast here. Your conscience is something you want to learn to trust, not ignore.
Wants and needs are difficult at your age. Cause although you worked for that money, it doesn't mean you'll be smart at spending it. Think of saving those bucks.

EDIT: MHz myth?? What does that have to do with anything. This isn't about just having the fastest computer is it? A Mac is good to last at least 3 years (depending of course on what you run on it).

 

[realityisterror]

Well... for one thing, I'm not going to have any need for a car until after college. This purchase will leave me with more than $500 as well, which is more than most of my peers have to begin with. I graduate high school in two years, and I plan on living on campus downtown through college (i.e. nowhere to park/I'd rather bike)...

I suppose it's somewhat like your car. Your signature says you have some mods and whatnot for your car, which personally, I wouldn't think you need. You like working on your car and putting money into upgrades enough that you've even posted your quarter mile speed in your sig. I'm definitely not saying there's anything wrong with that. It's totally cool, but it's the same thing as me knowing I don't need a faster computer. Unless of course, you really do need a faster car Are you running from the cops?

reality

edit: one more thing, for what it's worth. I wanted to get the PB12 until this last update because of price and value. But I feel like the value is pretty much gone now.

 

[Eniregnat]

...Sometimes I think too much so. ... I'm a high A student (top 2%).

Dude, your doing fine. To pull a quote from the Breakfast Club:
John Bender: "But face it. You're a neo maxi zoom dweebie, what would you be doing if you weren't out making yourself a better citizen?" -
I was in the same boat. Now I am a slacker. I should of stayed in that boat.

I use the computer for basic browsing, chat, email, lots of iTunes, and Word. But I also spend a large bit of time in DreamWeaver and Photo Shop doing web design. I use iPhoto every now and then, but when I do, it's usually for a large project. I love video editing but feel limited by my current computer and my patience (and lack of a willing cast ). I also do a lot of work with archiving and converting videos.
The only reason I'm thinking twice about this decision is because of the Intel announcement. ....

I'd wait, especially considering the eventual processor upgrades. I'd hang in there, and if your dieing when the revA new processors come out, then just get a reburb'd version of the previous best processor (likely a g5 tower).

Look, your non academic activities are bettering yourself and the world.

A note about actors, the best will act for a chance to preform. Good writing and a good sales pitch can help get you the talent you need for your productions.

 

[GimmeSlack12]

Actually my signature is just a bad joke. I was intending people to think I put a turbo on my iBook, and its so fast it can actually run the 1/4 mile. So far I've only gotten one PM from someone thinking you can actually do this.

And as for college. Just wait till you get there man, cause things will definitely change by then (I wish I could do it all over again, great great time).
My car is stock.

EDIT AGAIN: When I was your age I was begging my Dad for a 6100/66 PowerPC. We ended up with a 7500/100. That killed me waiting all that time, so I know what you are going through, with REALLY wanting this machine. It's your call man.