Help me pick a new powerbook/ibook

Question

I got the go ahead from my boss to pick out a new laptop (the ibook G3 12.1 800 is broken and oudated.) I know this is subjective but wanted some thoughts on what's important to have and what's not. I'm trying to keep it around $1200-1400
Some things I'm considering
1) really want a superdrive
2) With most specs being equal, is it that great advantage to get a powerbook over an ibook?
3) I've grown accustomed to 12 inch screen, but wouldn't a 15 be really nice? (I do all my computing on this screen)
4) Is the backlit keyboard that big of a deal?
5) Bundled software is not that important
6) What do you think about buying apple-refurbished and or slightly discounted models?
7) Any other suggestions in your experience, like, 'I wish I would've got this' or I paid more for this but didn't really use it, etc.
On this computer I will do some simple web design, word processing and brochures for my company, some but not a lot of video editing, and other general tasks. Thanks All

Answer 1

Hi Bruce,
Welcome to Apple Discussions
I can't tell you whether you should pick a iBook or not, but I can give you some of the facts. First of all, your price range ($1200 - $1400) is less then the cheapest Powerbook (new).
1) really want a superdrive
Well, for $1300 you can get the 14" 1.42Ghz iBook. The only thing I don't like about the 14" is that some people notice that the resolution isn't as good as the 12". Its very minute, but both models have the same pixels even though they have different screen sizes. It comes with a SuperDrive like you want and it has 60Gb hard drive, which should last some time.
ith most specs being equal, is it that great advantage to get a powerbook over an ibook?
I find that the 12" Powerbook is not that big of a step up from the 14" iBook, so I don't usually suggest it. I would get the 15" if I were to get a Powerbook. Anyways, the real differences is that it has a better display, better video and graphics support, FireWire 800, PC Slot, better SuperDrive, and a faster processor. Basically the display will be much clearer and the resolution is higher. The Powerbook lets you hook up external monitors like the Cinema Display without any "hacks". FireWire 800 transfers information at 800Mbs rather then FireWire 400 at 400Mbs (USB 2.0 has 480Mbs). The problem with FireWire 800 is that its not as common and the products are more expensive. The SuperDrive has the DL (Double Layer) feature.
I've grown accustomed to 12 inch screen, but wouldn't a 15 be really nice? (I do all my computing on this screen)
The 15" I think is a whole lot better if you are big into graphics and like to have multiple applications/windows open (don't forget watching movies too). The only problem to is that the 15" looses its portability feature depending on if size matters. A 15" is going to have bigger case and it is going to take up more room, for some people that is a negative.
Is the backlit keyboard that big of a deal?
I like the backlit keyboard because it is easier to see those buttons that one isn't used to typing when they are in the dark. It is hard to differentiate between F2 and F3 or F5 in the dark. I believe this also might make the battery loose its charge faster but I don't know.
Any other suggestions in your experience, like, 'I wish I would've got this' or I paid more for this but didn't really use it, etc.
I am big into media editing, programming, and things of that nature, which need a faster computer. I bought the iBook G3 1.33Ghz for school and for traveling. It has served me well for those purposes, but it is time for an upgrade. I am giving this to my dad so when he's traveling or sitting in bed he can go online to check his email and do his work. I suggest buying an external hard drive that is at least as big as the one that you buy in your computer. It is a good idea to back your computer up periodically. I have too many photos to fit on my 40Gb hard drive, so I put my iPhoto 6 Library on my SmartDisk CrossFire 160Gb. I also would recommend buying a Apple Wireless Mouse because it is so better then using the track pad. The only negative is that it doesn't have a scroll wheel.
I can't tell you which to buy, but you should think about what you are going to use your computer for now and in the future. If you are not going to use many "pro" applications (Aperture) then I don't personally see the need for a Powerbook. It really depends on how you think you are going to use it and your budget.
I hope that helps,
Jon
G4 1.33Ghz iBook, G4 iMac 1Ghz, G3 500Mhz iBook, Macintosh 128K, eMate...   Mac OS X (10.4.3)   Airport EX, Moto Razr, iLife '06, SmartDisk 160Gb, Apple BT Mouse, Sight..