Powerbook g4 vs iBook g4

could somebody please tell me the difference in the two? which one is better overall?

Compare the specs.
PowerBook G4 specs http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/powerbook_g4/index-powerbook-g4.html
iBook G4 specs http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/ibook/index-ibook.html
Not a lot of difference. I'm guessing there were more PBs sold.
 Cheers, Tom

Similar Messages

Moving from PowerBook G4 to iBook G4

I am moving from a PowerBook G4 running OS10.3.9 to an iBook G4 running OS10.5.6. I have transferred files and apps using a Firewire connector by rebooting and holding down "t" on the PowerBook and then dragging and dropping the desired files to the iBook. I had hoped that by moving my browser (Firefox), Mail, and Address Book apps from the PowerBook to the iBook and opening them on the iBook that the bookmarks, addresses, etc. would come with them. This has not been the case, and I've gotten an error msg saying that this version of Mail will not run on the OS10.5.6. Any suggestions on how I might accomplish transferring the addresses and bookmarks? Thx.

Thank you. I tried that, but the Firefox bookmarks did not transfer; neither did the playlist from iTunes. The solution was to go into each app and export the bookmarks and the playlist. Everything else worked as it should.

Which is better 12 powerbook or 14 ibook for final cut exprees hd?

which is a better for final cut express HD a 12 powerbook or a 14 ibook? which one should I buy (refurbished of course)

In another post i resolved that a 12 powerbook would be a better choice than a 14 ibbok

12 powerbook or 14 ibook for Final cut?

which is a better for final cut express HD a 12 powerbook or a 14 ibook? which one should I buy (refurbished of course)

Not really.
PowerBook doesn't have a card bus slot. Neither does the iBook.
Then you are left with a single firewire bus PB or iBook and no way to create a second bus.
That isn't an optimum config especially for FCStudio.

Using a powerbook install on ibook

Hello
I just got this ibook G4 running OS 10.3.9. This did not come with the install disk. I have a set of disk from a powerbook G4 which is 10.4 Is there any risk of running this install set on my ibook. I would really like a fresh install of the OS. The girl I bought this from did not have the disk for this ibook. Any info would help. This is my first apple. The disk I got off of CL so I don't want to mess up a good thing at this point. I just want to get everything in my name.
Thank you for any help you can offer. Plus this runs fine but when I type it lags a bit is there anyway to fix that.

seatech>
Welcome to Apple Discussions.
The gray disks may or may not work on your computer. Before attempting anything, I suggest that you make a full clone of your current installation of Panther to an eternal firewire HDD using a utility like SuperDuper or Carbon Copy Cloner.
Check and see exactly which iBook G4 you have. Can you post back with a) processor speed b) 12'/14"? Go to Apple menu > About this Mac and processor speed info there. Also, on the iBook install disks check the version of 10.4 and report back. The last release of iBook G4 1.33 GHz (late 2004) came with Mac OS X 10.3.7 (7T52) or 10.4 (8A428) and the iBook G4 (mid 2005) 14" 1.42 GHz and 12" 1.33 GHz, shipped with Mac OS X 10.4.2 (8D37) and later with Mac OS X 10.4.4 (8G32). If you have a match of disk and computer you can boot the iBook G4 directly and install. If you don't have a match it may still work but it may not, thus the backup.
cornelius

Student! Powerbook 15" or Ibook 14", questions?

I'm a student about to go to college, and recently have been won over by the mac OS from friend and visit to Apple Store.
I'm not sure whether an ibook 14" or powerbook 15" would be a better choice? and have a few questions that would affect my choice!
-Is the overheating problem really bad with the 15" powerbook? (i was set on getting this model but after having read about this problem, seems quite bad???)
-Is the screen resolution on the 14" ibook bad?
-Is the ibook 14" realtively fast at dvd encode, cd rip etc? (the processing speed made me look at powerbook more)
-Is the 128MB Video upgrade worth getting for powerbook?
-Is the widescreen worth getting over ibook's screen, when am big DVD fan? or do DVD's play well on ibook?
Please help!

Is the overheating problem really bad with the 15" powerbook? (i was set on getting this model but after having read about this problem, seems quite bad???)
Don't know check the powerbook discussions
Is the screen resolution on the 14" ibook bad?
Not at all. The number of pixels is the same as on the 12" however so there is a little debate over the crispness of the image but I think it's great.
Is the 128MB Video upgrade worth getting for powerbook?
I would love to have 128mb and if you go with a powerbook and you use graphics heavily (games, photoshop, imovie, video etc.) definetly go for it although it may contribute to the heat factor.
Is the widescreen worth getting over ibook's screen, when am big DVD fan? or do DVD's play well on ibook?
DVD's play as well as the do on most pc's and with the proper connection to a tv you'll get a great picture. A Powerbook seems to be an expensive choice for playing DVD's. As an substitute for a tv/dvd player the ibook or powerbook (ie in a dorm room) will be just fine. Keep in mind that a widescreen dvd will still have bars above and below on a widescreen 15" powerbook.
For my money the ibook is the better deal. If you want you can use the money you save to buy a nice 21" widescreen lcd tv and a dvd player for your movie collection. Having said that if you are a big gamer or heavy graphics user the powerbook may be a better choice (a tower is even better for these types of operations). It really depends on what you plan to use it for.
Good luck with your decision

Best way to upgrade to a PowerBook from an iBook

I'm getting a used Powerbook G4 and have an iBook G4 what is the best way to get everything(software, settings, OS, etc [iBook has Tiger, powerbook will have Panther]) over to the PowerBook?
iBook G4 12" 768MB RAM Mac OS X (10.4.3)

Tim,
Even though your new PB may be used, you can use the
Setup Assistant in 10.3.x (Migration Assistant in
10.4.x, located in the /Applications/Utilities
folder) that would normally start up when you first
boot up a brand new computer.
You want to connect the two computers together with a
FireWire 400 cable, and boot the iBook with the "T"
key held down so it starts up in FireWire Disk mode.
The Assistant will do the rest/is self explanatory.
See these KB articles:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?path=Mac/10.4
en/mh1642.html
or
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=25773
I recently updated to PB myself from a 3 yr old iBook
and this process worked flawlessly. It may take a
while, but it works!
Good luck!
After this process would I end up with Tiger on my (new to me) used PowerBook or would it still have Panther? I guess what I'm asking is, would the PowerBook end up exactly like my iBook is now, OS and all?
iBook G4 12inch 768MB RAM Mac OS X (10.4.3)

Switching from G3 Powerbook to G4 iBook, need assistance!

I am switching from a G3 Powerbook to a G4 iBook. I have need to recover ClarisWorks and MacDraw from the G3. I read as long as I use Panther or older I can run classic and the programs will work, is this correct? If so, is there anything I need to do other than copy the application folder(including location of it) from the old hard drive to the new hard drive?

In theory, yes. Nothing is guaranteed to work in Classic.
Is it possible to just clone from one computer to the other via Firewire? See Transferring files between two computers using FireWire. Or you could backup to an external drive so you would then have a backup of the old installation available until you were sure the new installation was working properly.

Moving MacWrite from old Powerbook to new iBook

I just had a new hard drive installed on my iBook G4, running OS X 10.4.11. I backed up my personal data, but figured I'd be able to reinstall all my applications since I had original software.
However, I was unable to reinstall MacWrite II for OS 9. I only have a 3-1/4 inch disk with the program, and the disk drive won't work in OS X.
I tried to network the iBook with my old Powerbook G3 running OS 9.2 but they wouldn't connect. I copied the MacWrite files onto my flash drive, and even though they looked perfectly fine when the drive was hooked up to the Powerbook, they didn't on the iBook.
The iBook's OS 9 doesn't seem to be recognizing MacWrite as an OS 9 program.
I can't figure out how I made this work when I originally bought the iBook two years ago. I really need MacWrite so I can get access to old text files. Microsoft Word doesn't have an appropriate translator.
Help?!?

I copied the MacWrite files onto my flash drive, and even though they looked perfectly fine when the drive was hooked up to the Powerbook, they didn't on the iBook.
Could the Flash Drive still be in MS/Dos format? That'll lose half of most files. If so, just format it MacOS/HFS+.
A few other APPs had MacWrite import capabilities...
Adobe PageMaker 6.5 here.
Word Perfect 3
Mac Publisher
Quark 4
Claris/Dataviz document converter.
Likely many more too.
The iBook's OS 9 doesn't seem to be recognizing MacWrite as an OS 9 program.
Was this perchance copied over on that Flash Drive?

Powerbook 6,7 (ibook g4?) hard disc died. Installed new disc. Ibook G4 restore disc (v10.4) produces error " This software cannot be installed on this computer" what can I do?

I formatted the drive using the disk utility and restarted and it still gives the same message.

Boot from the restore disc and select Disk Utility from the Installer or Utilities Pull-Down menu. Take a look in Disk Utility near the bottom when you have the drive (not the Volume under the drive) selected. Is the Partition Scheme listed as Apple Partition Map?
If not, then you need to correct that by selecting the Partition tab, click "Options" and click the Apple Partition Map radio button, then click the "OK" button and then click the "Partition" button on the DU window. If you didn't have APM at the beginning of this exercise, that should solve the problem.
Your 6,7 should be either this machine or this one.

Help me pick a new powerbook/ibook

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

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..

Powerbook G4 can't connect to iBook

Im trying to transfer some files from my Powerbook to an iBook. I have the computers connected via ethernet, and AppleTalk is active on both computer. I can see my Powerbook in the iBook's network screen, however, my Powerbook's network screen is blank. Also, my Network screen is sparratic when opening, sometimes it will, sometimes it won't. I did this same using a brand new MacBook, and the same iBook, and I had no problems at all. Any help would be awesome.

Troubleshooting networking is hard. Can you use Firewire instead? Boot the Powerbook while holding the T key down. The Powerbook should boot into Firewire Target Disk mode, and the Firewire logo should flit around the screen like a screensaver.
Use a Firewire cable to connect the 2 computers. The Powerbook should show up on the iBook desktop like an external harddrive. Transfer files.

Using iBook 12" for PhotoShop CS2? Durability compared to PowerBook?

I'm thinking about getting a new Mac. I would really like an iMac 20", but that may be too much to spend right now.
I'm thinking an iBook would give me portability, as well as being able to connect to a monitor and keyboard while at home. I suppose it is like a Mac Mini, but with a built in monitor and keyboard.
My questions are:
1. How well will the 12" iBook run PhotoShop CS2, with 1.5GB of RAM? (Is the PowerBook 15" much faster?)
2. Is the iBook more durable than the PowerBooks? I prefer the look of the PowerBook, since the iBook looks like a student laptop, but if it's more durable, I guess I can live with that.
3. Is the 4500 RPM hard drive a big drawback compared to the 5400 RPM drives in the PowerBooks?
I will mainly be using Adobe CS2, Macromedia Dreamweaver and Microsoft Office.
Thanks for any help,
Steve

Hi Steve,
I have a 12" iBook G4 with 1.5gb of ram and I run the adobe creative suite just fine. The ram is definately going to help you in terms of running multiple CS applications at once.
As far as the hard drive is concerned...of course a 4200rpm drive is going to be slower than a 5400. But I dont consider it to be too much of a drawback. Most of my work in CS is done with an external firewire drive spinning at 7200 anyway.
As far as durability goes, i cannot comment on a powerbook as I have never owned one. I keep my iBook in an incase iBook sleve, its with me all the time and so far has been well protected. However, Powerbook or iBook...if you drop it..its going to get damaged in some way.
Good luck with your decision.

Can I connect an Apple 15" external LCD display to a G4 Powerbook or iBook?

Will this type of display work with the G4 Powerbook or and iBook with a VGA adapter or does it require a Power Mac?
Thanks,
Randy

I use an Apple DVI to ADC Adapter with a MacBook with an external Apple Cinema Display HD (23-Inch) with no problem.
http://store.apple.com/us/product/M8661LL/B?mco=MTY3ODQ5OTY

12" PowerBook vs. iBook+Mac mini?

I noticed the specs of each of these models and the 12" PowerBook has the exact (if not worse) specs as the last G4 mac mini:
1.5 GHz G4 167MHz Bus, 512k cache
PC3200 RAM
5400 RPM hard drive
ATi Radeon 9200 AGP 4x, 64MB.
The 12" PowerBook's specs are:
1.5 GHz G4 167MHz bus, 512k cache
PC2700 (worse than the mini's) RAM
5400 RPM hard drive
nVidia Go5200 which is the equivalent of the Radeon 9200.
My main focus is the specs between the 14" iBook and 12" PowerBook, iBook specs:
1.42 GHz G4 142 MHz bus, 512k cache
PC2700 RAM
4200 RPM hard drive
ATi Radeon 9550, 32MB
So the PowerBook has a faster HD and .08GHz more speed than the iBook but isn't the PowerBook's graphics card worse than the iBook? The 9550 out performs the nVidia 5200, in my opinion. So why does Apple charge so much more for a laptop that's not even that much better? $400 -ish price difference for a faster hard drive? I doubt you would be able to tell the difference between 1.42GHz and 1.5 GHz. What's worse is that they fool you in to thinking the PowerBook's graphics are better since it's got more dedicated memory. What's going on? Is buying a 12" Powerbook worth the $400 premium compared to the iBook G4? What are some reasons that justify Apple's higher price for the PowerBook?

The Powerbook has audio in port.
The internal speakers, while very small are still better quality than the iBook.
The casing is higher quality, in my opinion.
The Powerbook supports extended desktop. With the iBook, you are stuck with the best resolution the internal monitor will support unless you run unsupported hack programs that may or may not work with the next OS upgrade.
While I can understand why you might look at one graphics card and say it performs better because it happens to play a few games better due to a recent issue with Invidia drivers and the last OS update, but there are many ways that the card performs better that you are overlooking, possibly because it's not something that matters to you. The Powerbook's video card supports connection to DVI monitors or VGA monitors while the iBook only connects to VGA. (Both have TV connection options as well but ignoring this as they tie on this.) The higher dedicated memory comes in handy when you are running a large external monitor at full resolution and still running the internal monitor.
For a fair comparison, you need to look at all the differences between the two laptops. Now after looking at the differences, you come to the conclusion that they don't matter to you, then you should go with the iBook. I wouldn't trade my Powerbook for the iBook even if you threw in $500 for the trade. I don't want to have to worry about extended desktop being supported in the future.
You can't compare desktop computers to laptop computers. For one, some of them do not come with monitors and they all usually do not have the most power efficient processors. They don't need this because they are plugged in all the time. They don't have a $100+ battery either.
You also have to understand that there are different release dates for some models. This means that a consumer level machine might catch up a little with a pro level machine before the next pro model is released. There will usually be some options like extended desktop that will still remain unavailable or unsupported on the less expensive model. The 12" Powerbook's days are numbered as a computer you can buy as new. The smaller MacBook could be available any day now. I still think that it will be a useable computer for years to come and I don't want an Intel Machine quite yet.

Powerbook g4 vs iBook g4

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