Titanium G4 vs. iBook G4

I'm looking into buying a mac laptop - was planning on getting an ibook G4 when I realized I may be able to get a used powerbook for as much. How does a titanium G4 compare to a newer ibook G4? Is it in any way outdated? How's the battery life? Any difference I should know about?

Hi Patrick,
There's no FireWire 800.
There's no FW800 on any iBooks either.
I think all of them had Airport built in
All TiBooks are AP capable, but not all came with a card already installed.
Also, some things to add to what Marc has already said:
TiBooks use original AP, while new iBooks have AP Extreme built in.
In general, iBooks get better wireless reception than TiBooks (though my TiBook's reception is as good as any iBook would get).
New iBooks max out at 1.42GHz; fastest Ti ever built was 1GHz.
The Ti has a larger, higher resolution 15" display compared to the iBook's lower resolution 14".
iBook has a faster/better GPU.
Ti supports DVI display, iBook does not.
iBook has built in Bluetooth, cannot add internal BT to a Ti.
iBook has scrolling trackpad and sudden motion sensor which parks the HD heads to protect it in case of too sudden movement.
The iBook has a more "robust" polycarbonate case with no paint to worry about. However, it is still possible to find a TiBook with no paint/scratch issues (I have one, though it's not for sale).
Ti RAM maxes out at 1GB, iBook at 1.5, and it's faster DDR RAM.
Ti has a line level sound port, iBook does not.
Marc mentioned the hinges already, but to add to that, TiBooks have had more than their fair share of hinge issues, which is one reason why they were completely redesigned in the AlBook line, and iBooks have the same style of hinge as the AlBooks.
Ti ports are on the back, iBook ports are on the sides. Personal preference, but I like them on the back.
Personal preference again, but in general, I've liked every PB's keyboard better than any iBook's keyboard, though I have not tried the keyboard on the new iBook offerings.
In size, Ti is slimmer and trimmer than iBook. And aesthetically, I've not seen a laptop design I like better than the TiBook. It's a classic in my book.
If price is a big factor, and you find a 1GHz/1GB RAM TiBook in excellent condition at a price lower than the iBook, possibly even with remaining AppleCare warranty, personally, I would lean toward it, even though a new iBook 1.42GHz would definitely be faster.
Other than that, given that the iBook is so much newer, of course it has some newer/better/faster features, so if you can live with the iBook's drawbacks Marc and I have pointed out (PC card slot is a big one for me), that may be the way for you to go.
Good luck with your decision.

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