***ibook G4*** (14")

I'm looking at getting a laptop before I go off to university. I see that the ibook g4 comes with a free ipod right now, and with my student discount it will come out to be a very good deal. I've never owned a mac before but am willing to make the switch.

That said, I have some questions for people that have this laptop:
1. How is the screen? I've heard it is just ok...not the brightest and not really good viewing angles. The screen is very important to me...I'm looking for something as vibrant as an xbrite or trubrite.

2. How is the weight on the 14" ibook? (This is the size I'm looking at getting). Skip this one if you have a different size.

3. Over all, is it a nice looking laptop? (I've only seen pictures). Does it get dirty easily?

4. Can you customize keys in to media buttons? I listen to a lot of music, so this is something I'd like to have.

5. Speakers: terrible just like most laptop speakers?

6. Is the resolution a problem?

7. Anything else you want to add that would be helpful!

Thank you!

 

Hi!
I own a 4 year old iBook 12" and hope I can help you with some of the questions...
1. Screen on my iBook is ok, but not on the bright side

2.No idea...

3. It is nice looking, you will definitely get some risen eyebrows. The outside of the iBook is very scratch proof and easy to maintain. The keyboard is white, which means that will get a little dirty after using for a while. But it ain’t no hassle to clean it.

4.Yes, you can. OS supported, no extra programs needed

5.Exactly

6.Not sure, mine is as stated a 12", and with that there’s no problem...
(if I set my current 15" screen to 1024x768 it feels kind of big, but I’m used to 1400x1050)

7. I used my iBook every day for the past four years or so, and I must say that it is a fantastic computer. Now that I bought a new laptop the iBook serves all of my girlfriends (computer related ) needs. If hadn’t had a lust for gaming, I would buy a iBook any day. You’ll especially appreciate that you won’t have to worry about viruses and adware.

 

The iBook is Apple's "consumer" notebook. It packs unbeatable features and value for the price. The drawback is that it is heavier and a bit less powerful than the PowerBook line (made of aluminum). The iBook is actually made of a polycarbonate material which sccratches easily, but at the same time is almost indestructable. If you drop an iBook from about 3-4 feet to the ground, it will most likely survive!

1. The screen is a bit dim. They used to be brighter on older iBook models, but Apple has seemed to change that for whatever reasons.

2. The 14" is just under 6lbs. (a bit heavy). This is the penaltly you pay for the larger display.

3. Yes it is certainly a pretty machine. Apple has never been a slouch when it comes to style. People "ooh and ahh" when they see the glowing apple logo on the back of your display!

3. Yes, you can customize your keys via OS X Tiger or a host of 3rd party applications.

4. The speakers are average with minimal volume. (Terrible like most notebooks)

5. Resolution is not as high as most of us would like. A widescreen iBook will probably come down the pike in 6 months or so.

 

Thanks for the responses! Anyone else?

 

Since u're a girl, you should look into the 12". it's sleek, it's sexy.

the 14" isn't that great compared to the 12", they use the same screen and same pixels. Thus, the 14" will appear less focused and kind of washed out as some have expressed in some other reviews.

as for me, i don't really find it washed out, but i'd prefer 12". It's a small laptop but with a lot of package

i had a 14" asus laptop, now i sold it to get the 12" ibook.

The screen is pretty dim for me, even at the brightest level. I havn't gone outside with it, as i'm sure it won't be viewable.

 

God, where do you live? There must be an Apple retail store or some outlet around your place which you can see for yourself how cool iBooks look!

I was at my local Fry's and after looking at the PC laptops, I went to see the iBook and it was such a sight for sore eyes.

Just picture yourself sipping a latte* and getting stares from using your cool new iBook!

* At your local Starbucks, or maybe a less corporate-y coffee house