powerbook G4 or Ibook G4?

My gut feel is to go for the PowerBook because the iBook (white, dual usb) had the motherboard recalled, and there have been a lot of repeat failures on models that Apple fixed.

It is going to be a difficult comparison between any two systems because there are lots of variables.

Amount of memory (more important than CPU speed, but easier to upgrade)

Processor speed

Size and/or speed of hard drive

Video card

Size / screen size (my wife preferred the 12" iBook because it is small)

Wifi installed? (those cards seem like they're still expensive, > $60)

You have to decide what you care about and what you're willing to spend money on.

Low End Mac has some helpful information and reviews. As you can see, there are a bunch of different models for each line of laptops:

http://lowendmac.com/pb2/ibook-guide.html

http://lowendmac.com/pb2/g4-guide.html

In my view the ibook is just fine, as in two years he'll be almost 16 and will either want a faster machine or a car...

Powerbooks are great, but look at the costs.

They lose value like a new car rapidly as well, so if it is just about school work and games, get the ibook, unless the games are the reason for the purchase. Powerbooks have more graphics memory and faster processors.

We are talking about a new addiction here.

Unless the iBook is a lot newer than the powerbook, go with the Powerbook G4.

I would recommend a Powerbook G4.

Hi matthew B,

Sorry to keep with the MHz myth, but go for the one with the fastest processor. Normally that would be the PowerBook, but the iBook might be newer and faster. If you can get your hands on them, go to the Apple menu and down to the "About This Mac..." menu command. In the dialog box next to the processor, it will tell you the MHz of the PowerPC processor.

Best of luck and happy shopping.

--Rick

powerbook g4

PB G4

powerbook

They're both pretty much the same.

So, the only question is: Do you want portability? If yes, get the laptop.