[geeks] The new G4 iBooks - anyone getting one? (looking for feedback)

[Kurt Huhn]

On Fri, 24 Oct 2003 16:38:43 -0700 (PDT)
Francisco Javier Mesa-Martinez wrote:

> As far as I got from talking to the apple people on campus, the 12"
> powerbook has more cache, better graphics, possibility of superdrive,
> and can do dual head. The ibook, has slower processor, smaller cache,
> and it can not do dual head only mirror (from the factory at least).
> The ibook G4 has better battery life though.
> 

The new G4 iBook has a superdrive, which is just slicker than pig snot. 
At least I think so.  From the factory, the external video out will only
do mirroring.  It's an easy task, though, to insert a couple OpenBoot
prameters to make it do true dual-head setup.  Works *really* well.

I don't know about graphics, and I'm too lazy to look right now, but
for what you'd use a 12" laptop for, it owuldn't matter much to me. 
Mine has an ATI Mobility M7, or some such thing, and it works great for
what I need it to do.  I wouldn't want to play Medal of Honor or Return
to Castle Wolfenstein, but as a good mobile UNIX-y workstation, it can't
be beat.

> I need to make a decision soon, I was in love with the 15" powerbook,
> but the G4 ibook even loaded up is about $500 less with both academic
> discounts.
> 
> I believe that the new ibook's keyboard looks a tad less plasticy than
> the previous generation.
> 
> Damn apple, now I can not decide! :)

Have you got an Apple store close by?  I went in to one to
feel/touch/try all the laptops and then I decided on the 12" iBook. 
I've also had occasion recently to use one of the new 15" Powerbooks. 
It's nice, but that keyboard would take some serious getting used to. 
The keys are *huge*, and spaced rather oddly.  My fingers did *not* like
it at all....

-- 
Kurt                        "I'm utterly clueless...." 
kurt at k-huhn.com                          Verisign VP Chuck Gomes