Mac Forums

I already have 2 PCs but neither of them are as portable as I need them to be. I just bought an iBook G4 that was refurbished on ebay, preloaded with microsoft office. I needed something small, lightweight, durable, and able to be used all over campus. Purchased for $159, I'm not sure if this was a good idea. Its returnable though. Ohh and I figured I should get that instead of the netbook pcs I was finding. I just need it for taking notes, writing papers, emails, viewing powerpoints, charging my phone, reearch, flash games, and portabilty.

Would you have done the same? Do you have a better suggestion in the same price range? ($250 max)

The G4 iBook is a fine computer and will do what you want it for. However, it is an outdated computer as Apple switched to the Intel chips in 2006. I don't know what version of OS X you have on it, but you should bring it up to 10.6.8. As I said, it will serve you well, but don't expect it to perform miracles. The G4 processor is slow compared to the new Intels. Also, much of the newer software out there requires at least 10.5 as well as Intel processors. If you cloud afford it, the base MacBook Air would be an excellent choice. It has the latest Core i5 and i7 chips as well as solid state storage devices that serve as your hard drive. The lcd panal is also lit by LEDs which give you a brighter image than you will get with the old cold cathode light the iBook uses. The MacBook Air is a machine that will serve you well for many years to come. The G4 was an excellent product in its time, but is now outdated. It still serves a purpose, though. I understand where money can be tight when you are in college, so if you feel comfortable with the iBook go for it. My first laptop was a G4 PowerBook and I loved it and used it until it died. It may have been slow compared to other computers, but its size made it an excellent portable computer. The iBook is in the same category.