IMac 20in compared to a 15in Powerbook?

Question

Okay, I know this has been a posted in similar forms before, but I need to ask my own question. I have a 12inch, G3 iBook. On Saturday I will be getting a new Mac. I am having a difficult time with this. the 15inch Powerbook appeals to me because it's not a G3 (hehe), and it's portable. But to be honest, I rarely go anywhere with it. I admit, when I do it's nice. I guess it's like using 4-Wheel Drive. Those who have it, don't often use it. Anyway. I think I want the ability to take it places, but is it worth the sacrifice to give up 20inches of real estate and a fast processor for graphics and video work? Any thoughts, please. Experiences with either and such would be great! Thank you everyone.

Answer 1

Hi Maeler,
I used a 12" PB G4 for the last couple of years, often as a "defacto desktop", hooked up to a larger external screen and keyboard etc.
I bought an imac G5 a couple of months ago. THe iMac is simply brilliant for the sort of stuff I do (writing things, messing around with maps, spending to much time on the discussion boards here, etc etc). The screen is excellent, and the speed bump from the G4 Pb is impressive (though my PB was an older, 867 MHz model of course).
You get other extras thrown in, too, of course, like a much larger HD and a less problematic DVD burner than some people seem to be reporting on the PB's.
I still need a notebook , say 25% of the time, and I simply kept my PB12 for just that reason. It does the job fine when I'm "in the field". But the imac beats the pants off it when I'm at home! Why not get the iMac for your desktop and hang on to your G3 ibook for those comparatibely rare occasions when you need something portable? Used this way, the iBook remains valuable too, but you have all the advantages of a more modern processor, big screen, and oodles of storage when you really need them.
You can also afford to "option up" an iMac, and spend a few $$$ on an external backup drive, or on software or other peripherals too, for the same amount you would spend on a PB15. Don't forget that things like RAM, large HD's and Applecare also all cost a lot less for an iMac than they do for a PB 15.
Cheers
Rod