The most cost-effective long-term solution, Upgrade or Buy Newer Computer?

I am looking for the most cost-effective long term solution for me as an self-employed interior designer. I need help making a decision: Is it reasonable to upgrade my iBook G4 (RAM, operating system)(+bigger hard drive)(+buy new rechargeable battery)(+buy new portable power adapter)?; or do I need to abandon it and buy a newer apple computer (0-2 years old)?
ABOUT MY MAC:
Hardware Overview:
Machine Model: iBook G4
CPU Type: PowerPC G4 (1.1)
Number Of CPUs: 1
CPU Speed: 1.2 GHz
L2 Cache (per CPU): 512 KB
Memory: 256 MB
Bus Speed: 133 MHz
Boot ROM Version: 4.8.7f1
I will appreciate your suggestions very much! Thanks a lot in advance!

Hi Cali and Welcome to Apple Discussions,
I think that decision would depend on how you plan to use this laptop. In addition it would depend on your client base and the image you need to project.
I used to be a commercial producer. If I was still doing that today I'd need to project a successful up to date image. My clients at the large agencies were/are attracted to the latest technologies. I would have the hippest iPhone apps and probably a 15" Unibody MacBook Pro.
I have a pro photographer client who wanted to buy an iMac a few years back but I insisted she buy a Mac Pro with at least two of the largest Cinema Monitors she could afford.
She has thanked me multiple times since she says her clients are so impressed with her images when she displays them on those large monitors.
So it would depend on how you're using the laptop and your client base.
The first thing I see with your iBook is that your RAM is pretty minimal. If you update that would be the first thing to do.
This is actually the iBook that I use and for me it's very cost effective. They're both 1.2 GHz machines. I use a 14" around the house and a !2" when we're traveling. It is very cost effective for me as I purchased them broken for under $125 total. I use salvaged drives and RAM. It works for me since my business is repair and the clients are impressed how well my 5 year old iBook works.
Richard

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