[iBook] Decision making help requested

[Richard J Laue]

Jean-Paul said:

>[snip]
>The heaviest usage my new system will experience is when I'm making
>home movies, and Garageband composition.
[remainder snipped]


Hi, Jean-Paul -

You just answered your own question.  BOTH of the things you want to 
do -- video editing and music editing -- will benefit TREMENDOUSLY 
from the larger, wider screen of the powerbook.

And, truthfully, the larger screen is really the only functional 
difference between the powerbook and the ibook.  All the other specs 
are comparable.

I do some audio editing, and I'm just getting into video editing.  I 
also own an iBook -- which I dearly love! -- so I understand its 
limitations.

Here's the straight skinny:  you CAN do audio and video editing on 
the iBook -- I do it all the time -- but it's not pleasant in the 
long run.  I've got a G4 iMac with a 17" screen available where I 
work, and more and more I find myself waiting until I can get on that 
machine, rather than using the iBook.  Everything's easier to see, 
and there's much less scrolling around, plus there's room for 
multiple windows.

About the warranty issue:  in a weird sort of way, you ARE getting a 
"warranty" on the used powerbook, by virtue of your friend being 
willing to take payments.  If the powerbook craps out after two 
months, you won't be out the full purchase price, will you?  So HE'S 
taking as much of a chance as YOU are.

You asked for opinions.  In your situation (editing needs; lack of 
ready cash; not needing ultimate portability) I'd jump on that 
powerbook in a heartbeat!

Cheers -
RJLaue