I need advise on whether to upgrade my iBookG4 or get a new computer?

Hi everyone! This is my first post here, and after reading through some of the other posts I realize that many people are having the same problems as me with my OS 10.3.9. I have been having issues with my computer for a while, and keep spending money trying to get one problem fixed, but then something else goes wrong. Most recently, I got a new hard drive installed which helped with the speed. Now it appears I need a new battery because it dies every 5-10 minutes if its not plugged in. After buying an iTouch, I realized that 10.3.9 isn't compatible with any of the new ipods, or newer versions of itunes, etc... So after talking to multiple people in Apple stores and over the phone I have been told many different things about how to upgrade my computer (just like many of you). A few people have told me my computer wouldn't be able to handle leopard, so I should upgrade to the OS before that. My worry is that since my computer is going on 5 years old, and I keep spending all this money on trying to get it fixed, and getting different pieces of advice, should I just try and sell my computer and buy a new one? I'm not very good with the technical terms, but this is what i know about my Mac:
Processor: 1.07 GHz PowerPC G4
Memory: 768 MB DDR SDRAM
Capacity: 74.39 GB
Available: 46.13 GB
Used: 28.25 GB
If anyone could help me figure out if my computer can handle the new leopard (and work like new for more than a few months), or if its smarter for me to buy a new computer I would really appreciate it. I am at the point where if spending money now on a new Mac will save me in the long run I'm willing to do so. Any advice will help! Thank you!

Lindsay,
Your iBookG4 is still a pretty awesome Mac. Like already said, it has the power to run Leopard, but it depends if you have an internal DVD drive.
Then I suppose you have to add up the cost of the OS, perhaps another 512MB RAM, iLife 08 and replacements for any favourite apps that you currently use (Leopard breaks a lot of stuff, but Intel breaks even more). Compare it to the cost of a new MacBook, which wil have all of that included and be 3-4x faster too.
It also depends on what you want to achieve with your iBook. My PMG4 still cuts it today, I still use it in preference to my new Mac Pro, It's about the same age as your iBook, and I'll only stop using it when it becomes "painfully" slow. My 1 year old son currently uses the Mac Pro (parts for a Mac Pro are easier to replace than those for a PMG4).
I think your choice is simple, if you can a cheap copy of Tiger, use that, it'll get your iPod Touch up and running. It came in DVD and 4 CD version (by request).
Leopard will work for you too but a lot of the best eye-candy requires quite a meaty graphics card and you may need a RAM upgrade and replacement software - OS9 Classic is not supported in Leopard.

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This is my first post to this forum primarily because my X61 has been such a workhorse that I haven't needed help until now. I love my X61--it's small, powerful, and does what I want it to do. However, read on...
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You love it.
Pro new laptop
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Insides of new laptop will be squeaky clean, free of dust.
New laptop will be covered by warranty.
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Given your positive experience with the X61, have you considered Lenovo's newest X series, the X200, X200s, and X200 tablet?
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