Is owning both PB and iBook overkill?
I know some here are loaded with hardware. But is it overkill to have both a Powerbook and an iBook?
Say, getting a 15" or 17" PB as your "desktop" and adding a "12" iBook to throw around in your backpack? Spmehow I can't see myself taking the chance of accidently scratching a PB by bringing it to a park bench or coffee shop. The iBook seems so much more robust and the 12" model would be so portable.
Say, getting a 15" or 17" PB as your "desktop" and adding a "12" iBook to throw around in your backpack? Spmehow I can't see myself taking the chance of accidently scratching a PB by bringing it to a park bench or coffee shop. The iBook seems so much more robust and the 12" model would be so portable.
Comments
The PowerBook as a home computer has a few benefits. For one thing, you have portability within the house. Of course you'll also have the iBook, but it might still be useful if you have someone else in the house that could utilize this. Even if it's just you, you can have the iBook for farting around with, or for light duties (you don't even need the most recent model, in this case) and the PowerBook for most of your real work. You can use it at the kitchen table, in your office, etc.
The other huge benefit is the noise output. My 1.5GHz PowerBook is virtually silent. The ONLY way I ever hear it is late at night when the house is dead quiet, and I lean my head over to listen for the hard drive. If you are sensitive to fan noise, you'll appreciate it. They're about a gazillion times quieter than an eMac, for instance.
They're also pretty darn quick machines, too. It's not like you're taking a massive performance hit, unless you are going to be using the computer for games, or intensive 3D work, etc. Of course this really depends on what you use the computer for, but a 1.5GHz PowerBook is powerful enough for a lot of different users.
Yeah, it's a bit extravagant to have 2 laptops, but deciding whether it's "worth it" is a subjective thing. If you'll appreciate some of the benefits of having them, won't be pining for G5-ish power (depending on what you're doing), and money isn't really an issue, then why the hell not?
I've been thinking about getting an iBook that I can carry around with me and not have to worry if it gets stolen or smashed up. It is either that or I'll get a new G5 tower and start carrying the powerbook around again.
Considering you could get a G5 with Cinema Display for the price of a 17-inch PowerBook, I think the combination of a PowerMac G5 with an iBook would make much more sense. You could always run remote desktop from the iBook if you need the power of the G5 away from your desk within your home.
Escher
If you could afford the two laptops, you can afford to carry a 15" PB out there. Remember, computers are just tools. If they get scratched, that doesn't mean a thing. If they break, they can be fixed or replaced. Besides, I have a hard time believing that Powerbooks break from being placed on a park bench.
Originally posted by Aquatic
Which model 12"?
12inch is a 1GHz with 768 RAM. Superdrive and 40Gig HD.
to me, until apple laptops can accommodate video upgrades, you have to be able to use them immediately at 90% capacity, and watch the value plummet every 12 months as technology races along. just my humble opinion, though.
Sadly, I am looking at having to buy a PC desktop, and a really fat one as well, I am in 3D animation and Maya Unlimited isn't available on the Mac (only Maya Complete is). So a PC for my 3d stuff - and everything involved. And an iBook for all my day-to-day stuff.
Les.
My project Mac will be a dual trig (3 GH) G5 with two 30" Apple displays. This setup will anchor my DAW/video/photo station. I am only a hobbyist video and photo man, but a semi-pro musician.
My practical Mac would be a 23" G5 iMac, or whatever happens to be the best at the time. This will be for my digital hub. EyeTV for recording and archiving my favorite shows, iPod sync, External HD for storing all my completed projects, digital camera and camcorder, and a good set of speakers will be permanent fixtures to this setup for the most part. This will also be my email, Web surfing, word processing and light gaming rig. You know, day to day iLife type stuff.
Finally, my porta-Mac will be a 12" or 15" PB. Obviously, I need a Mac that I can take with me for recording lectures, presentations, and interviews. The MicFlex is a perfect companion. Also, I will be able to take some projects with me to edit when I travel.
All of these Macs will be networked via Rendezvous, so moving projects and data from one system to another will be a breeze. Having a project workstation separate from the rest assures that it will always be at full capacity for the heavy lifting and uncluttered from the junk build-up of everyday computing life.
Hey, it's my fantasy and I can do whatever I want in it. I'm only about $15,000 from making it a reality.
As for the original post, get an iMac/iBook combo. That should do you right proud.