Just used a clamshell iBook for the first time... sweeeeet!
I know this sounds like a silly topic for a post, but I was at a computer store a couple days ago and I used a clamshell iBook for the first time, a graphite 366 MHz one. Wow. I have to say, I wish they still made computers like that.
The two parts that really struck me were the case material and the hinge. The entire thing was extremely smooth with just the slightest texture to it. The trackpad was very nice, better than the more heavily textured trackpads like on the TiBook my dad has. The hinge was great - it moved like a knife through hot butter while adjusting, but there was absolutely no play at all, and it stopped moving the moment I stopped moving it. No slippage.
Now I want one. Unfortunatley, the place wanted $750 for it, which is a bit of a ripoff. The trackpad also had two dents in it that didn't really affect anything, but still decrease the value. Also, I don't really have any need for one... I have a perfectly useful desktop system and I don't have much need for a laptop. But if I ever do get the need for a powerful but cheap supplemental laptop, that's definitely what I'm getting.
Any clamshell owners out there who want to sound off? I think this is really an underrated machine. People make fun of it because of the excess of case plastic, the flashy colors, the handle, and the semi-low 800x600 resolution, but as far as I know it's one of Apple's best-built laptops.
The two parts that really struck me were the case material and the hinge. The entire thing was extremely smooth with just the slightest texture to it. The trackpad was very nice, better than the more heavily textured trackpads like on the TiBook my dad has. The hinge was great - it moved like a knife through hot butter while adjusting, but there was absolutely no play at all, and it stopped moving the moment I stopped moving it. No slippage.
Now I want one. Unfortunatley, the place wanted $750 for it, which is a bit of a ripoff. The trackpad also had two dents in it that didn't really affect anything, but still decrease the value. Also, I don't really have any need for one... I have a perfectly useful desktop system and I don't have much need for a laptop. But if I ever do get the need for a powerful but cheap supplemental laptop, that's definitely what I'm getting.
Any clamshell owners out there who want to sound off? I think this is really an underrated machine. People make fun of it because of the excess of case plastic, the flashy colors, the handle, and the semi-low 800x600 resolution, but as far as I know it's one of Apple's best-built laptops.
Comments
About the track pad. Yes! you're correct. Its the best trackpad ever. Your finger slides over it much easier than any other one I've used.
It also feels more sturdy than the newer laptops. Not flimsy and wobbly. It sure makes it seem like a well built machine.
[ 12-02-2002: Message edited by: Luca Rescigno ]</p>
<strong>It wouldn't be bad if the screen was 1024x768.</strong><hr></blockquote>
yes, especially in OS X
My grandmother uses this computer....
I have not yet installed os X on it mainly because she doesnt know how to use it yet and because on a 800X600 screen, it would be impossible to use almost... :hmmmm:
I didn't travel enough to justify it, but I did enjoy it while I had it. Definitely cool-looking and an attention getter!
I wish Apple would have a "reissue" series clamshell iBook, only this time with 800MHz G3, FireWire, etc. (all the I/O, drive sizes and optical drive choices of the current dual-USB iChiclets).
Now THAT would be a bitching laptop: tangerine, but with a speedy processor and more up-to-date ports and specs!
If I ever get a laptop again, it'll be one powerful and full-featured enough to be my one - and only - computer, that I use at home, lug around, etc. Either a Titanium PowerBook G4, OR snap up a G4-based iBook when that computer makes its inevitable move to that processor.
But the "toilet seat" iBooks were indeed gorgeous and cool as hell...and the first laptop to ever make me want to OWN a laptop, so...
[ 12-02-2002: Message edited by: pscates ]
[ 12-02-2002: Message edited by: pscates ]</p>
<strong>I bought a 366 iBook earlier this fall only because it was so cheap ($250). This thing kicked ass! It has such style and no new mac comes close to it. I installed OSX on it for the guy who bought it. OSX is great on it! There is no problem with the 800X600. I love these little machines and so do the ladies. I can't even count the number of chicks that came up to me and started talking to me about my cute computer. I think Apple should have revised this design and not gone to the new iBook style. And people that bitch about weight can shut up because it is not heavy at all; people just like to whine.</strong><hr></blockquote>
I know if it wasn't for the dual-USB iBooks I never would've gotten an iBook.
<strong>
I know if it wasn't for the dual-USB iBooks I never would've gotten an iBook.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Well, the dual USB iBooks are superior spec wise. But they could have thrown a 13.3" LCD in the toilet seat and made some refinements to the case and changes to the ports, etc. and it would have the been the most bitchin' laptop around.
<strong>
Well, the dual USB iBooks are superior spec wise. But they could have thrown a 13.3" LCD in the toilet seat and made some refinements to the case and changes to the ports, etc. and it would have the been the most bitchin' laptop around.</strong><hr></blockquote>
I still wouldn't have gotten it. The Dual-USB iBooks are much better looking IMO. The clamshells are cool but the dual-usb's are great looking.
I've unintentionally put my Graphite SE through Hell.
It's survived drops, bumps, spills, and (no joke) me slipping and sliding down a pretty steep, snowy hill at our local state park with it in my backpack!
It still runs like a champ.
I've never owned one of the newer models, but I find it hard to believe Apple's claims that the new 'books were more durable that the originals.
Jeff
The old ones are more solid. Yes, they are slower, but the 466 is a great value and it has a DVD-ROM drive, which many iBooks do not.
Some of the colors were dubious (the first graphite model was ugly), but the tangerine iBook ranks as one of the most stunning computers ever made. It actually seemed to glow. The first time I saw one in person, all I could do was stare.
The new iBook is very nice, but I really wouldn't mind if it had some of the character - and some of the tactile quality - that the clamshell has.
<strong>
The old ones are more solid. Yes, they are slower, but the 466 is a great value and it has a DVD-ROM drive, which many iBooks do not.</strong><hr></blockquote>
<img src="graemlins/bugeye.gif" border="0" alt="[Skeptical]" />
MOST of the new iBooks either come with CD-ROM, DVD-ROM or the Combo drive (CD-RW/DVD-ROM)
So you cant say that many iBooks dont have a DVD drive...
Also the older iBooks suck resolution wise....
800x600 is too small for the average computer user...
<img src="graemlins/oyvey.gif" border="0" alt="[No]" />
[ 12-05-2002: Message edited by: Proud iBook Owner 2k2 ]</p>
<strong>
Also the older iBooks suck resolution wise....
800x600 is too small for the average computer user... </strong><hr></blockquote>
800x600 is fine for users who aren't using photoshop or any other power apps. It is perfect for people who are just doing word processing, web browsing and email.