Dilemma - Should I get a new Macbook or an old Powerbook?

Hi guys,

I already own an iMac, and that's pretty much my main computer, but I need to get a laptop as well for when I'm traveling...etc. I'm a graphic designer.

I'm seeing a lot of the old Powerbooks around on Ebay. Great condition, very reasonably priced (I think). Like the one sold here:

Apple Mac Power Book G4 17 inch wide screen laptop on eBay, also, PowerBook, Apple Macintosh, Computing (end time 23-May-09 16:44:44 BST)

Do you think I should go for one of those? Or just go to the Apple store and get one of the new Macbooks. It would really have to be one of the basic 13 inch ones. I can't afford a Macbook Air or Macbook Pro, unfortunately.

So, old powerbook? or new Macbook?

Thanks a lot!

with Snow Leopard right around the corner and it and the future releases of OS X being Intel only i would avoid getting a PPC and go for an Intel machine.

Yeah. In fact, it could be worth waiting to buy a new machine with SL already on it. I would go with a White MacBook.

I would carefully analyze what you would be using it for, and what apps you run most often. If it is for internet and email, Powerbook it for sure. However if you are going to be doing the graphics design work, go MacBook to save yourself the hassle of future apps not being able to run on the Powerbook. Heck, you can't even install iLife in its entirety on a Powerbook these days!

I can sympathize with your dilemma. For graphic work, the Powerbook and Macbook Pro are much better from color work. The Macbook is NOT! Definitely wait and see what Apple does this June.