<p>I was thinking about getting a powerbook as well. I was all set to buy it, and then when I actually went into the store I preferred the ibook--more durable, nicer looking, more student software already loaded on--just more student-friendly in general. I kind of expect to buy another laptop before senior year in college because any computer will seem really slow four years later. I think the difference between an ibook and a powerbook is neglibible in that respect. It seems like most people who are buying macs for college are getting ibooks, which makes a lot of sense. I'd advise you to get an ibook and see how it goes--the powerbook may not last longer, especially if you'll be carrying it around and travelling with it.</p>
<p>I have a powerbook and I love it. I think the ibook is sufficient for everything a college student has to do though (and it's more durable). I didn't really have a choice bc my college only offered 12" ibook or 15" powerbook, so I got the latter. </p>
<p>The XBRITE screen is overrated. I used it for a week before I had to return my sony vaio. Yes it's supersharp, but under most settings when you use it, it's reflective nature gets annoying. Plus, you'll most likely have it on a dimmer setting to conserve power, so you don't really experience the whole effect anyway.</p>
<p>I have the 15" powerbook, and at first I thought it would feel too big but I actually like the extra screen room - I watch dvd's on it a lot. </p>
<p>I adore my powerbook - utterly adore it. But, I do think that ibooks are a better decision for college students. The powerbooks are more fragile, and you have to be careful with them, so you don't scratch the precious thng. They are also pretty expensive. Personally, I like the look of the powerbook a bit better, but Ibooks are still very adorable. I got the powerbook because I favored the professional appearance, and the extra power it boasted. I am very happy with it, but a bit afraid of the damage it will endure if I'm not careful.</p>
<p>I waited a while until I bought a laptop because I heard rumors that the ibook would be introducing a g5 model. I guess it's still a pending decision, so I just went ahead and got the powerbook. I really believe that either laptop will serve a student well. Apple is a fantastic company. The ibooks are more geared towards students, while the powerbook are for the more business professional. I'm not a business woman by any means, but what the h-e-double hockey sticks.</p>
<p><3,</p>
<p>Izzie Bear</p>
<p>I was just configuring a 14" ibook on Apple's site and I realized that the price they show is without tax! Hmm, maybe it won't turn out to be that cheap after all...How much sales tax do I add on to their price to see the final price?</p>
<p>Also, about the free i-pods: It says that you get $225 back, but an ipod costs at least $249, so is it not <em>completely</em> free?</p>
<p>well- i bought mine off the apple canada site- not only did i get hit on the whole usd cad exchange rate, but with the 15% sales tax on the ipod i got, the microsoft office software, and the ibook itself of course. ah, it wasn't so bad after all, considering i don't have to pay for shipping.
of course it ain't free, love-. hehe. what is? that's why i didn't get the ipod mini anyway, i preferred the 20GB model, it's still 40% off (with tax considered)</p>
<p>My family has had a 15" TiBook for like 4 years, and works just as well as the day we got it and never had any problems. Every mac thats ever entered our house has left it working, in other words, not because it was busted. They will only last as long as you take care af it, but thats no different than anything else. Theyre well made, and some will argue that the polycarbonate shell of the ibook is tougher than the pbook shell. if you have the money to spare id go with the pbook, but an ibook, especially in its latest incarnation, is a good investment.</p>
<p>Thanks, anyone else?</p>
<p>I think the deal is for a free mini, so for the other models you just get a discount, not a free ipod. </p>
<p>I don't think they're going to introduce a G5 laptop yet because they haven't figured out a good way to control the overheating a G5 would produce. However, they are switching to Intel processors, which is the reason for a lot of the "to wait or not to wait" debates. I went with not waiting, because hey, I need a computer now, and also because to me, a regular user who doesn't understand that much about computers, I probably won't even notice difference with a different processor. </p>
<p>I really like my powerbook and if you're worried about getting it scratched, I would suggest a laptop sleeve. There are a lot of them designed specifically for the powerbook, so it should fit snugly. Booq is on the expensive end, but you can find a variety of them on ebags.com.</p>
<p>I think taxes depend on what state you live in? My taxes were like $150 or something, but you can't really avoid that...</p>
<p>Hehe bought my IBook on tax free day :)</p>
<p>Oh that is so sneaky!
Too bad there's always tax in NY...</p>
<p>So now that you've had time to explore, what do you think, Majayiduke09.</p>
<p>"New York's tax-free week is August 30 to September 5"
<a href="http://www.rnews.com/Story_2004.cfm?ID=29117&rnews_story_type=18&category=10%5B/url%5D">http://www.rnews.com/Story_2004.cfm?ID=29117&rnews_story_type=18&category=10</a>
there's a catch- obviously, it doesn't apply to items more than $110, which is not a laptop obviously
sigh, i wish they sold them at airports, duty free you know?</p>
<p>hey, I got a 14" ibook about 3 months ago for college this fall, and have use macs my whole life.
1. The screen isnt bad at all...its difficult to see from some angles, but that is true of any laptop. I watch dvds and stuff on mine and it is clearer than my tv.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>The weight is good. its light, but feels solid and sturdy at the same time. </p></li>
<li><p>Its a great looking laptop. very sleek. I put a bunch of cool stickers on mine and it looks pretty good. </p></li>
<li><p>idk what that means</p></li>
<li><p>the speakers are average...not too good if you like to listen to music a lot at a normal/loud volume, or if you watch movies on it. you should invest in some harmon kardon or JBL creature speakers for about $150...they match the white power books and sound great. </p></li>
<li><p>Buy microsoft office, don't use apple works. Download aim, dont use ichat. download ipodrip and ourtunes to help fill up your music library. safari is a good web browser. go ahead and buy applecare...its worth it if anythign happens to your laptop. (my sister spilled a few drops of water on her powerbook and fried it).</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Another thing about XBRITE screens...they attract fingerprints. If you accidentally touch it, it will show a huge smudge. I've touched the screen of my powerbook multiple times and it still looks clean. </p>
<p>Get Adium for chatting; tabbed conversations and pretty interface.</p>
<p>i think that the 14 inch ibook now comes with bluetooth and superdrive as standard</p>
<p>It sure does kimmibee16. I bought the upgraded one last week. I'm so glad I waited.</p>
<p>The only upgrade I wish they'd add is a widescreen!</p>
<p>Does anyone use a nushield on their ibook? I heard it increases screen quality...</p>
<p>since we're mentioning upgrades- does anyone luuuuurv mighty mouse but would luuuuurv wireless mighty mouse better?</p>
<p>I will tell you now that the speakers are crap and anyone who says otherwise is used to crap or just has bad ears. There is no way to make decent sound from something the size of laptop speakers and if you plan to listen to music in your dorm from the computer, you will need to invest ~$100 in some real speakers that have real cones with a diameter of more than an inch...that is of course unless you like tiny bassless sound...</p>
<p>Otherwise, get the ibook, it will be a great computer for you.</p>
<p>Thanks for your imput on the speakers. I have a set of external Altec Lansing speakers so I'd hook it up to those when I'd use my laptop on a desk.</p>