[MacUser06]

Hi all,
I'm investigating all my options with a new PowerBook. I just saw Apple's refurbished listing of "PowerBook G4 1.33GHz/ 256MB/ 60GB/ SuperDrive/ AP Extreme Card/ E/ 12-inch/ Aluminum - Apple Certified Refurbished" and then went to Ebay to see how much the older 1.33ghz 12" PB was selling for. They appear to be $900+, so the question is:
Is the newer 12" worth the $500-700 more in price?

Thanks!

[Franz Josef]

Not quite sure from your post what the differnces are between the 2 machines you are comparing, other than CPU. A few points you ought to bear in mind:

1.33 v 1.5 Ghz CPU - not much difference.

256MB RAM - not enough, go for 1GB or at least 768MB.

60GB HD OK

Superdrive much better than combo - very useful to be able to burn DVDs.

[MacUser06]

Originally Posted by Franz Josef Not quite sure from your post what the differnces are between the 2 machines you are comparing, other than CPU. A few points you ought to bear in mind: 1.33 v 1.5 Ghz CPU - not much difference. 256MB RAM - not enough, go for 1GB or at least 768MB. 60GB HD OK Superdrive much better than combo - very useful to be able to burn DVDs.

I pretty much wanted to know if the "new" 1.5ghz PBs are much better than the last version of the 1.33 Ghz PBs. If it's really just a processor jump then the last upgrade isn't really worth the price, in my estimation.

[kretara]

I'd go with the 1.33mhz PB. Simply on price.

I have a 12" 1.33 PB and find it works well for most things. I can't see < 200mhz making the powerbook any better. What you need is RAM. I have 768MB and find that its not enough (I am a web developer so I have tons of windows open and am using photoshop alot, if you are not using it for such things than 512-768mb RAM would be just fine).

[Franz Josef]

Originally Posted by MacUser06 I pretty much wanted to know if the "new" 1.5ghz PBs are much better than the last version of the 1.33 Ghz PBs. If it's really just a processor jump then the last upgrade isn't really worth the price, in my estimation.

Agreed. Spend your cash on sufficient RAM.

[Dave_D]

I've used both 1.33 & 1.5 models extensively...

There's no perceptable difference in performance. Just make sure you upgrade the RAM on whatever model you choose. For me, 768Mb is the sweet spot so that you can open 4-8 apps with ease.

Superdrive burn speeds aren't that important since IMO, the OS is still pretty responsive even though it's burning DVDs in the background.

I DO like the scrolling trackpad feature on the latest model PBs, but that too can be addressed by using a nifty freeware app called iScroll2 for pre-2005 PBs.

Good Luck.

[torifile]

I'd also go for the 1.33. Make sure there's still some warranty left on it and buy the extra AppleCare. This can be purchased any time within the first year after the computer was purchased. If the 1.33 doesn't have warranty left, then I'd have to reconsider.

[nota12b]

Originally Posted by MacUser06 Hi all, I'm investigating all my options with a new PowerBook. I just saw Apple's refurbished listing of "PowerBook G4 1.33GHz/ 256MB/ 60GB/ SuperDrive/ AP Extreme Card/ E/ 12-inch/ Aluminum - Apple Certified Refurbished" and then went to Ebay to see how much the older 1.33ghz 12" PB was selling for. They appear to be $900+, so the question is: Is the newer 12" worth the $500-700 more in price? Thanks!

old v new
1.33 v 1.5 - not much...
256Mb built-in RAM v 512Mb built-in RAM - 'MAYBE' enough to put off additional ram for a bit if you are tight on $$
4x -R only v 8x+/-R media - if format makes a difference to you.

I personally dropped all the way to the refreshed 12 iBook, put in $74 worth of a 512Mb RAM (non-apple authorized, but works like a champ!), and $124 for an 80G HD (plus $39 install at an authorized Apple reseller - Micro Center). Now I feel like I got better than a powerbook since I'm cruising around 4+ hours on a charge, same size display, and all the other benes of the pb for MUCH less than even the refreshed price. (and the extra $200 Apple wants for the SD I put into a plextor external that does up to 16X with both +/- media, 6x for dual layer).

My first Apple, but certainly not my last! LOVE not doing daily M$-support on my own box!! .... Now if I could only get my wife over her fear of the single button....

[torifile]

Get the newly updated iBook. If you're a student, you'll be able to get a free iPod too.