i've had the g4 powercube for 5 years now and the thing is as fast as it ever was. i didnt really do my homework, because you can't really do any internal upgrades (except more RAM).

we also bought a dell about 2 years ago and the thing is as slow as fuck. i dont know if it's the wrong anit-spyware, or if we're not installing enough updates or what, but the thing is ready for the trash or a complete wipe of the hard drive.

i would guess the ibook/powerbook is a way better product than the powercube- so if mine has lasted this long, with no upgrades...
crsmal | 12.27.05 - 7:01 am | #

Turkeyface,

If you're going with a PC, then get an IBM/Lenovo. They're the best of the PC crowd. Built like tanks. As for the whole intel switch, I say buy the last models before the switch. They will be fully evolved and probably a good deal. Of course, Apple will stop supporting them within a year, but tech support is for sissies. Just get a Mac soon so I can know whether or not I should get one.

These Genius Bar people sound like true assholes.
Joe M. | Homepage | 12.27.05 - 9:02 am | #

hp baby

don't let the computer snobs scare ya
pb dot c | Homepage | 12.27.05 - 10:10 am | #

good advice re: if you're going to get a pc, get an IBM - the thinkpad's are the best made and best value around right now.

as for powerbooks, my original titanium got a substandard wireless signal, but i thought that was resolved when they went to aluminum. i know the aluminum models are far better. BTW, in my stuy town 2 bedroom apt, w/ my router in the living room, there's no place in the apt. i can go and get less than a 90% signal. and i get above 60% on 4 of 6 neighbors signals as well. it wouldn't be an issue in your apt, maybe if you were in some manse in the burbs...

as for the other problems you mention, i haven't experienced anything like that (i have 2 powerbooks, home/work, and work w/ 3 people who each have one, no problems w/ batteries or externals). i think i had the only problem out of the bunch - fried the HD on my work powerbook, which i admittedly don't treat well. i was using it docked w/ a keyboard/mouse/monitor, so it was closed, and i stacked some folders on it for like a week - turns out folders are not good dissipators of heat.

you'll always be susceptible to fried hard drives on laptops, they run hot, and heat is a hard drive's enemy. you should back up any laptop, particularly one that sits powered up on your desk at home 99% of the time.
isired | 12.27.05 - 2:15 pm | #

thanks for all the advice people

isired, i may recruit you to join me when i finally go buy something
hans | 12.27.05 - 9:09 pm | #

i was in the apple store in soho tonight--
1) that new 20" imac w/ the media interface/remote is hot.
2) that store is an absolute zoo (especially this time of year)
3) i work 4 blocks from tekserve, far less zoo-like, i'd be happy to help.
isired | 12.27.05 - 11:49 pm | #

I'm not sure what you expected the kid to say. It seems like he gave you pretty decent answers, with the exception of the battery life figure.

I've got a 15" PowerBook and it still makes me tingle with excitement, a year and a half later.
Anonymous | 12.28.05 - 5:45 am | #

dude...jeffs
jeffs | 10.10.06 - 11:26 pm | #