iBook for college kid!
I'm looking for a 12" Apple iBook, and I'm wondering what speed I should get. I'm going to use it mainly for word processing and wireless internet. I already have a pretty hefty Windows notebook, and I just want something small to throw into my backpack to take to class. So obviously I dont think its worth getting a brand new one, what speed should I get? Is 500mhz enough? G3 fast enough? Should I get more speed? I can technically afford a brand new one... but I don't think its worth it for what I'm going to do with it. I just don't want it to chug on webpages and in word processing. I'm planning on getting a refub. one... so HELP!
Comments
Like the previous poster said, G4 processors are the way to go; 800 megahertz is fair, but if you can break the 1 gigahertz barrier, that's great. If you can afford a new model, as you state, go for it. Now, there's nothing wrong with refurbished Apple products if you choose one. However, current iBooks are well-priced and more reasonably equipped, with wireless cards standard and more memory built-in. It's easier with newer models to reach 512 MB of RAM.
I'm currently using an old school 466mhz G4 at work, it is running OSX and has no problems with word processing, browsing the internet or anything else for that matter. I also use Photoshop for heavy batch processing work and it happily chugs away. One thing i have noticed on this is when loading web pages with lots of tables or flash it goes a bit slower than im happy with, by this i mean when you scroll down the page you get refresh lines. This is more than likely down to the fact im running a 21inch screen off it at 1280x1024 which the graphics card is struggling with. With a notebook you wont be at that resolution so probably wont have the same problems as me.
I don't know what models they do but i'd definitley go G4 and would look for something around the 600mhz mark with as much ram as will fit in it. I would definitley not go below 512mb.
Hope this helps a little bit. Let us know what you decide. :-D
They also have refurb offers for a lot less.
Just bear in mind that batteries, over time, degrade. Personally I'd say go for it and spend about $900 on a new one.
The one regret I had when getting the original 667 PB was that I held the configuration to the cheapest I could. I think you would be in the same situation with a used iBook. It will not be long before you want the additional speed as you move more and more to the iBook. Take a good hard look at the Apple site - you do qualify for the educational discount and prices are very good.