ibook G4 good for everday use in college

I am looking to get an affordable notebook for college that can word process and all that good stuff, but also multitask, watch DVD's, be fast, wireless card, good battery life, light, and very reliable as it must last. I have been very impressed with the ibook but have been strictly PC my whole life. Some of the things I read from Mac users say that the OS is so easy, they are reliable, and never get viruses. I have also read from PC users that there are limited services and programs. However I am not into gaming and only want to do basic apps and photoshop and some buisness type stuff as well. I am leaning towards it because i dont believe the "more expensive" line. Anyway I would appritiate some honest and "fairly" unbaised advice on if it is what I am looking for. Thanks for the help.

 

I don't own an iBook yet, but I'm also planning to get an iBook for everyday use in University. I'm currently studying in the Cinema/Communications program at my College (Dawson, in Montreal), so obviously there's a whole bunch of Mac users in my program using Final Cut Pro. I applied for Education in University (in Quebec, you have to go through college, then into University), and I want a laptop for all my notes and such.

Here's the Pros and Cons that I've found for myself:

Pros:
- Great battery Life (4+ with screen turned on and WiFi)
- Amazing Multi-tasking
- Nicest screen I've seen, compared to other 12" notebooks (wide viewing angle, very crisp)
- VERY Durable compared to other PC notebooks
- High Resale value (when you're done school [ ])
- Pretty good Speakers

Cons:
- Not as many games
- Maybe some apps
- 1 mouse button (if that even bothers you)

I've been very impressed with the 12-inch iBook, especially the price (great bang-for-buck). 3 students in my program use POWERbooks, but they're pretty much the same thing, cept a bit lighter and silver. The Keyboard is nice and quiet, and has a nice feel to them. I also don't "believe" in the more expensive powerbooks; the iBook will suit my needs perfectly. Basically, for multimedia (MP3s, DVDs, Internet), Digital Imaging (Photoshop), and school notes/stuff (McGill department of Education uses Macs, don't know what for), and also, along with 2 buddies of mine, we're planning to start a little "video editing" company run by us three, for certain family events like weddings and such, on the side.

But yeah, I'm in the same boat as you; PC user since "birth," and I've been scared to switch for quite a while now, even though I do use OSX at school. If you say you'd only use "basic apps," then I'd say follow me and get a Mac/iBook.

 

oh...and osx works very well with notebooks (sleep/wake are FAST). My dell takes forever to wake from sleep (I blame windows XP). Get a mac...you'll love it. If you really want a PC, then get a desktop...that's the only sector in which PCs are much better than macs, imho.

 

iBooks are a GREAT value...they get even better battery life than the powerbooks! However, the powerbook keyboard is very different from the ibook keyboards and is worth the extra cost in itself (if you plan on taking notes everyday, then you'll appreciate it).

 

I just got a great deal on the pre-speed bump 12" powerbook, open box at 899. That's cheaper than an ibook. I wasn't aware the keyboards are different. I love the powerbook so far, and I've been a PC guy since my last switch in 1999. The ibook is basically the same machine. I think bus speed is a bit slower, and you can't span monitors without a "hack" but neither of those issues are worth the difference. As for compatability, office apps will transfer no problem.

 

It's always best in my mind to get somewhere where you can see both laptops physically, as a data point in your decision. Between the small iBook and Powerbook, I'm not sure seeing them will be as important as someone trying to decide between the 12 and 15 inch Powerbooks, but it's still a good idea.

Next if you look at the specs, you might decide that the performance specs for the Powerbook are worth it. I mean it's not just CPU speed, but it's also CPU cache, and memory speed (I think). Anyway when I looked at the same subject a while ago (before the last speed bump) I decided that a 12" Powerbook is not only a great deal vs. the iBook, but spec-wise I think that it give a lot of bang for buck when put up against most 12" WinTel laptops out there..

Now having said that, in response to your actual questions. Yes OSX is easier in some ways then learning all the ins and outs of Windows and it's less of a target for virus, adware and malware authors. Gaming is definitely a smaller experience on the Mac, but there are some cool games on OSX, like Warcraft, etc. It's definitely a good enough platform for most business stuff and then some. But what someone should tell you is the strength of the platform. And that is the i-Stuff. iTunes is a good MP3 collection manager. iPhoto is a very good digital photo manager. iMovie is by far the easiest digital movie editor, and combined with iDVD, the easiest way to make "home movie" DVDs.

 

thanks to everyone who replied. I plan on going to the apple store to try out the ibook/powerbook.

 

I also live in Montreal and going to CEGEP but looking at the 12" powerbook!

 

If CPU speed is important to you go with the powerbook. You can get a lot high ghz.

 

queshy, which CEGEP are you planning to go to?

I'm probably getting an ibook for university (just got accepted into McGill!), and I'm just waiting till the end of the month where Tiger is pre-loaded. I also read rumors that they might up the specs of the ibooks/powerbooks, so I'm waiting till the end of the summer to get a laptop.

 

i have an ibook g4 1.2 ghz, 768mb ram.
if u r planning 2 only word process and internet, ibook is perfect.

if u want to do more like photoshop or video editing, get the powerbook without hesitation. i get frustrated at how slow my ibook can be and the fact the ibook has a 4200 rpm hard drive really affects performance as well

 

If you're into the arts, than yes, a Mac is best for you. The easy to learn and use user interface really helps the creative process. However, having said that, when it comes to business type applications, most are for Windows ONLY. I'd be taking a program at BCIT (British Columbia Institute of Technology) soon, and the programs they give (and require students to use) are only for Windows XP. I know, the build quality of macs are second to none, but honestly I don't think it's the wisest choice for the program you'd be taking.

J-Money, you're into Cinema right? Of course you are. Hmm.. not sure if this is the right place to ask this, but why not. Am I too old to take part in such an industry? I'm 23, always have been fascinated by theatre, but never had the courage to take "the next step".

 

J-Money Posted - 04/19/2005 : 11:43:37 PM queshy, which CEGEP are you planning to go to?

I'm probably getting an ibook for university (just got accepted into McGill!), and I'm just waiting till the end of the month where Tiger is pre-loaded. I also read rumors that they might up the specs of the ibooks/powerbooks, so I'm waiting till the end of the summer to get a laptop.

(sorry I don't think that's how you quote...lol)

I've changed my mind..not getting a powerbook...gonna get the dell 700m. I'm a LONG time PC user and I don't want to face any compatibility issues, although the Mac seems nice. It jsut worries me that one day I'll need some software for school and it won't be compatible...

Anyways, going to Vanier!

 

hehe i live a few blocks from vanier, but i went to dawson instead(worst decision in my life haha)

anyhoo u guys should check out the fujitsu S6000 series, thats what im getting [ ]

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by cy007

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by J-Money