[P1] iBook decision - 900MHz G3 vs. current models?

[Mike Wallinga]

I would agree with the other posters who advised you to go for the G4.  
I'm using a 933 G4 (the exact same model you're considering) and came 
from a 700 MHz G3 model.  Granted, the 900 MHz G3 you're looking at 
would perform better than my old machine, but to me, the difference 
between the G3 and G4 is very noticeable.  Sure, for just word 
processing and email and stuff, it's probably not that much different, 
but things like ripping MP3/AAC files from CDs using iTunes is *much* 
faster.  The overall feel of the system is snappier, too, but some of 
that may be in my head.  :-)

In general, I think the added benefits of the G4 model (Airport extreme 
vs. regular airport, better graphics card, better processor) may not 
make a huge difference to you right now (because word processing, web 
browsing, etc. probably won't be that much faster).  But, those same 
improvements in the G4 will probably extend the life of your purchase 
long enough (your iBook won't feel obsolete as quickly) to make the 
initial greater investment worth it.

Just my two cents, hope it helps!
- Mike W.

On Mar 11, 2004, at 7:30 PM, mglists at ca.inter.net wrote:
> Greetings, all!
>
> I'd appreciate any comments on the cost/benefit considerations I 
> should keep in mind in
> choosing
> between the following laptops:
>
> iBook G3/900MHz vs. iBook G4/933MHz (both 14 inch models)
>
> Assume that I would max out the RAM on either (640MB), and that I 
> would install Airport on
> one and
> Airport Extreme on the other, as well as install a 60GB hard drive and 
> opt for the Combo
> drive.