iBook decision - 900MHz G3 vs. current models

mkgordon

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.

If I buy the G3 iBook, I can save about $450 over the G4 iBook. (Both of these options would be new purchases, with Panther installed.)

MacReviewZone says the following in comparing the G3/900 and the G4/800 12" models:

"G4 iBook has longer battery life, slightly faster System Bus, . . ., better graphics system, slot loading optical drive, optional Bluetooth, dramatically faster USB ports, faster optional wireless networking (Airport). "

http://snipurl.com/G3900vsG4800

My question is, would there be enough of a performance improvement/feature set in the G4 iBook to justify spending the extra cash? I've been told that the G3/900, because of its larger L2 cache, turns in a sufficiently powerful performance that the extra money for the G4 iBook isn't really worth spending.

Does the fact that the G3 iBook can be booted in either OS9 or OSX matter that much?

I am not a heavy-duty user. I plan to use the iBook for DVD watching, web browsing, emailing, word-processing, synching with my Palm PDA, synching with my iPod and maybe getting into digital photography. However, I do find that, over time, the uses to which I put my computer tend to expand.

I would appreciate your suggestions.


Mike
Toronto

Jason H

I've got an iBook G3/900. Its been nothing but trouble. I would say go for the G4 iBook since, in theory, they are not effected by the iBook logic board problems like the G3 iBooks.

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TroutMaskReplica

i agree with jason. it's worth the extra money just to avoid having to send your fried laptop back to apple every three months.

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RobTheGob

I'd get the G4.

Jason H

Sending it back every three months? You mean 3 HOURS after you get it back from service.

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iPod 5th gen 30gig Black {Shure E3 In Ears}
Sony a200, kit lens (18-70), sigma 70-300mm, sony 50mm f1.8

Pelao

Hi
I had a G3/900 and it was great. It will do the things you mention. But you're right - once you have one you may start using it for other stuff and the extra processing power is useful for some things.

The G4 will probably offer you a wider choice of things that can be done with sufficient speed. The G3 can do them, but I reckon the G4 is a better investment.

And I think the other comments are valid: there have been too many logic board problems to ignore. If you can afford it get the G4.

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AdrianL

For what its worth I have a 12inch G3 900mhz iBook. (which is identical hardware wise to a 14inch iBook except for the larger screen) I find it does everything i need with ease. Its plenty fast for everyday use. I use it for the same things you've mentioned. I do think you would be happy with a G3, however if you can afford it definetly go for the G4. I would only suggest getting a G3 iBook if you don't have the money for the G4. That was my situation. I bought my G3 iBook right when the G4 iBook was announced, I was half pissed because I eneded up with the g3 and not th g4 but on the other side i was able to get the G3 900 at a great discount. If it weren't for the discount I would of ended up with the G3 800 Cdrom model. So the G4 anouncment was a bit of a blessing for me in some way or the other. Was able to get the better G3 at a discount for the price I would of gotten for the lesser model and I put the money i saved towards more ram and an airport card.

As for the logicborad problems with the G3 iBooks. Apple has announced extened 3 yr coverage for this problem. I do think problems occur with almost any eltronic device, the only difference here is that this logic board problem has been occuring at a higher frequency than your usual issue. But to apples credit they now offer the 3 year coverage on the problem.

As for the dual boot OS. It means you can boot in to apples older Operating system OS 9. A lot of Mac sofware is still in OS 9 format but this is fastly changing as more and more people are upgrading to OSX . I know the dual boot capability was great for me this year in school as all my cdroms that came with my text books were in OS9 not OSX. Which ment I didn't have to use a public computer to acces my HW and material on the cdroms. In that sense the dual boot computer is awsome.

But as I said earlier get the G4 if you can afford it. And if you need to save some money the G3 will be plenty fast for the stuff you mentioned. Either way you'll be happy.