OK, so I reckon it's time I get a Mac, been using my friends iBook and OS X is definetly awesome (I still love XP too, don't get it twisted)

The thing is though, is that I have to build a new desktop first (Gotta have a prime gaming rig for the summer and when I have free time during school year). However, I'm only purchasing a mobo, case, cpu, possibly a video card, and all the fans and cooling that I might need. So, this means anything > 2000 is out of bounds, even > 1500 is. So, at first, I considered a Mac Mini, but it just seems to me like they're crippled, in which I would like some Neowin opinions on it. And then on top of that, I'm thinking it'd be a lot more convenient to have a laptop. What I want to know is, is the Powerbook WAY better than the iBook? Or could I live with the iBook? I need to be able to do basic stuff pretty much, but I want Tiger to run smoothly.

However, if the Mac Mini is good enough, I think I could work with it.

Opinions please on what I should do

The Mac mini is far from crippled. It would be somewhere between the iBook and the PowerBook in terms of performance. For most uses, it is more than adequate. Look at the specs on my systems. I use them for pretty much everything the average person would use a computer for, except video editing (I COULD, but it would take a while). If you need a laptop, an iBook is a good deal. They aren't that far behind the PowerBooks in performance, and they tend to be a little tougher, have better wireless range, and a little longer battery life.

The 1024 x 768 resolution on the iBooks are a big turn-off for me...but I think I can work with it if I have to..

I really think it might be in my best interest to get a Mac Mini, cheapest and I can always just get a video switcher (I think)

Gonna be weird with two sets of mice and keyboards though..

Then get a KVM and just use one set (I'd recommend a Logitech set since most of their USB keyboards have both sets of symbols on them, Mac and Windows). Their mice and trackballs have never done me wrong.

Yeah, I'm probably gonna get that iBook though, they're alot better for productivity (essays, research, etc etc). But if an iBook is really out of the question, I think I'll get a Mac Mini.

Would a DiNovo set be alright for the mouse and keyboard?

Any USB keyboard and mouse will work, but you might have to get remember the different key combinations when you switch between Mac and PC. I suggested the Logitech only because it's the only one I know of that has both sets of markings on the keys.

OK - if you get a Mac Mini - just be sure that you add plenty of RAM to it - max it out if you can - 1 GB should be good.

I have one with 512 MB of RAM and that is fine for all that I do - with the exception of iPhoto.

I have 15k photos at about 1-3 Mb's a piece... so my collection is about 25 GB's total.

My system would use around 290 MB's of physical and about 900 + in virtual memory - talk about SWAP hell...

RAM RAM RAM.
Bill

jeeeeeeeesus!

15,000 pictures of what?!

you travel a lot?

PRON!

Damn, you bumped it a ton of days just to say that? :\

But yeah, now my dad is talking to me about buying me a Powerbook again but I know I'd end up getting his older one if a new one is bought. I don't mind though, his is a 1.33 ghz PBook...

I'll update if I ever get a Mac...

i have a 1.33ghz powerbook and its amazing. it's way better than an ibook. i helped my uncle buy a new 1.2ghz ibook recently and the ibook doesn't have the same level of fit and finish as a powerbook (and other things).

if you go with an ibook and compare the two later on, you might regret it if you had a chance to get a powerbook instead

What about the Rev A iMacs on Apple's website now. They come with the same warranty as a new product but they are a lot cheaper.

Mac G5 1.6GHz/ 256MB/ 80GB/ Combo/ 56K/ 17-inch - Apple Certified Refurbished
Original price: $1,299.00
Your price: $899.00
Estimated Ship:
1-2 business days
Free Shipping

iMac G5 1.8GHz/ 256MB/ 80GB/ SuperDrive/ 56K/ 17-inch - Apple Certified Refurbished
Original price: $1,499.00
Your price: $999.00
Estimated Ship:
1-2 business days
Free Shipping

iMac G5 1.8GHz/ 256MB/ 160GB/ SuperDrive/ 56K/ 20-inch - Apple Certified Refurbished
Original price: $1,899.00
Your price: $1,399.00
Estimated Ship:
1-2 business days
Free Shipping

That or get $100 off of a new one with an education discount (if applicable).