[iBook] G4 PB or iBook?

[William Wiseman]

> Hi there, I'm a student looking to shell out a bit to
> replace my trusty, but overworked G3 300mhz clamshell.
> Priority-wise, I'm looking for something with a good
> battery life and lightweight.
>
> Would someone be kind enough to paint a picture of how
> I might choose the Powerbook or the iBook?
> I'm assuming I'd probably be getting the 12" version
> of either model as well in order to maximize battery
> use.
>
> Thanks,
> Al

Al,

I've been using a 12" iBook G4/800 for school this semester and I have 
been very happy. I did up the RAM to 640MB and I added an Airport card 
but those were the only changes. Under normal usage, such as in the 
library, I average about 4-5 hours with the airport turned off. With 
the airport on and doing heavy browsing, editing and/or switching apps 
frequently I average about 3.5 on the battery.

I looked at both the 12" iBook and PowerBook and found for me, the 
extra expense of the PB wasn't justified. If I needed a Superdrive, 
FW800 ports or if I was doing presentations, I might have gone for the 
PB. The speed difference just wasn't big deal when I tried them out and 
the larger HD wasn't a big factor either. The weights of the two 'books 
were very similar with the iBook being slightly higher.

I carry mine in a Booq pack in a sleeve most of the time and don't 
notice the weight anyway. If I'm only carrying the iBook and a few odds 
& ends, I use a SJDesigns LapTrap and hardly notice I'm carrying it.

I would watch the Apple Special Deals area also. I picked mine up for 
about $300 less than the current retail (at the time).

JeffW.