New ibook 14" or pb 15"?

Here are the conf:

ibook 14"

• 1GB DDR333 SDRAM (512MB built-in & 512MB SO-DIMM)
• 80GB Ultra ATA drive
• 8x SuperDrive (DVD±RW/CD-RW)
• iWork '05 preinstalled
• Keyboard & Mac OS X - U.S. English
• AppleCare Protection Plan for iBook
• 14-inch TFT XGA display
• 1.42GHz PowerPC G4
• ATI Mobility Radeon 9550 w/ 32MB DDR video memory
• AirPort Extreme built-in
• Bluetooth 2.0 built-in
total: $1,611

Pb 15"

1GB DDR333 SDRAM - 2x512 SO-DIMMs
• 80GB Ultra ATA drive @ 5400 rpm
• Combo Drive (DVD-ROM/CD-RW)
• 1.67GHz PowerPC G4 w/128MB VRAM dual
• AirPort Extreme Card
• Backlit Keyboard/Mac OS - U.S. English
• iWork '05 preinstalled
• AppleCare Protection Plan for PowerBook (w/ or w/o Display)
• ATI Mobility Radeon 9700
• 15.2-inch TFT Display

$2,477

So there is about $850 difference... if the pb is significantly better than 14" ibook than I would prefer the pb.

I am a freshman and I will mostly use the computer for word and internet. I might play games like sims 2 and sacrifice. Would ATI Mobility Radeon 9550 w/ 32MB DDR video memory be enough for games?

I would appreciate any suggestions.
Thank you

 

guys? surely someone knows?

 

I bought a pre-speedbump 12" pb. My dad got the 14" post speedbump ibook. He does a lot of 2D cad work (versa-cad) and mild spreadsheeting, documents and browsing. I do much more intense spreadsheeting, browsing, iPhoto, iTunes, darwin, X-11 stuff. Both machines work fine for either of us, save that the cad work is much eaisier on the bigger screen, of course. I got the PB on a whim after I'd decided to stay in the windows world, it was an open box unit and was way, way less than new (about $800 out the door). That said, If I'd decided to get an apple at full price, the ibook would do all I need, and be the best value. Given that, I would have gotten a pb anyway, because I like the look better, and can afford the difference in cost. But for me, it is appearance only, the ibook would be fine for my needs. I keep laptops for 3-5 years, so I want to be happy with the look as well as function. If cost was a consideration (like if I was a freshman in college again and spending my hard-earned cash, or my parent's hard earned cash) I'd go for the ibook, it is a fine and fine looking machine. The only thing I can't speak to is gaming, I don't game at all. My research tells me that games on macs are just not as good as games on a capable winbox. I guess the bigger graphics card would help in the pb (the pb card is still "bigger" isn't it?). Also, the widescreen is probably nice. I only wish for widescreen when I'm doing serious spreadsheeting, and even then, 4:3 format is just fine. Bottom line, unless you need the widescreen or graphics card, get the ibook, and buy textbooks, pizza and ah, age appropriate beverages with the extra $800!

 

The PowerBook has a 64-128MB Radeon 9700 GPU which is superior to the chip in the iBook. The PowerBook G4 processor has a slightly faster BUS speed. The case on the PowerBook is Aluminum rather than the heavier polycarbonate that is prone to scratches.

However, the iBook should be able to handle basic games like "Sims 2", etc. Normally I would go on about how the PB will have a much better resale value than the iBook, but since Apple is going to Intel in the next year or so, the G4-based PB's will not hold their value as usual.

One thought though - Do you really need the SuperDrive and extra 64MB VRAM on the PB? The next model down will save you a few hundred dollars. Also, you should order through the Apple Education Store. You will get $100-$200 off as a student.

 

these are already discounted models. the pb I configured has already a combo drive. they say that the pbs will be ubgraded in 4 to 6 weeks is that true?

 

I made a thread in another forum about ibook and powerbook based on what I experienced from looking, touching only (i didn't buy either)

note: i heard the 12" powerbook's screenn is the same as the ibook and different than that of the 15" and 17"

 

thanks for the replies guys. they say that ibook gets dirty very easily is that correct? also, I've seen isuit for the 12" model, do they have covers for the 14" too? I might use a cover because I've heard that ibooks get scratched very easily...

 

give it a nice soap rub down once a week and it'll be good as new or at least, that's what i'm planning to do!