choosing a new laptop

Hello,

i have used macs in the past and i have always really liked them. my current laptop is a hp and its my 3rd laptop in 2 years. Pc's are just junk compared to macs in my opinion.

I am looking at getting a macbook but cant aford a brand new one so i am buying either a used or refurbished.
here is what i use it for.
E-mail
internet browsing
microsoft office
some pictures
some music
sync my blackberry
movies here and there
remote desktop to my work server

i have been looking at

Apple iBook G4 PowerPC G4 1.33GHz 512MB
40GB CDRW/DVD 12.1" AirPort OS X
Part # M9846LLA-R
Refurbished
for $399 us


Apple iBook G4 PowerPC G4 1.2GHz 256MB
30GB CDRW/DVD 12.1" AirPort OS X
Part # M9623LLA-R
Refurbished
$329 us

are these good for my needs or should i look at maybe something like the following

Apple MacBook Core Duo T2400 1.83GHz 1GB 60GB
CDRW/DVD 13.3" AirPort OS X w/Webcam - C
Part # MA254LLA-2C
Refurbished
$529 us

Apple MacBook Core 2 Duo T5850 2.16GHz 1GB 120GB
DVD±RW DL 13.3" AirPort OS X w/Webcam - C
Part # MB062LLA-C
Refurbished
$579

and advice would be greatly apreciated.

Thank You.

Personally even for tasks such as those i would go with the last two you posted:

Apple MacBook Core Duo T2400 1.83GHz 1GB 60GB
CDRW/DVD 13.3" AirPort OS X w/Webcam - C
Part # MA254LLA-2C
Refurbished
$529 us

Apple MacBook Core 2 Duo T5850 2.16GHz 1GB 120GB
DVD±RW DL 13.3" AirPort OS X w/Webcam - C
Part # MB062LLA-C
Refurbished
$579

For not much more you get almost-current technology that will last you probably a long time (if you stick to your low end processing). If you purchased one of the lower-ends that you posted it would last maybe a year or two.

Since any of these would suit your needs, I would say get the newest one you can afford. If you decide later on that you want to do more with your Mac, which is a very distinct possibility, you'll definitely want the increased RAM, HD space and processor speed. For only $180 more, it's still a good deal.

Don't get an old PowerPC model, trust me, the intel ones are tons better.

I also vote for either one of the Intel MacBooks (choice #3 or #4).

- Nick

agree with all of the above...

here is my take .
G4 iBooks and even the PowerBooks .. not worth the $$ you have listed.
if you are in the US check CraigsList daily .. should be able to find one for
200 or less.
They are still good for most of the items you have listed
and will run 10.5 relatively well.
Online video (Hulu) is out with most of them up to 1.33ghz just not enough
Processing Power.
But they are good machines well built to last for a long time.

Go with the Intel's (Chk CraigsList) and go test out the computer first before
you buy.

This will give you better availability in the future and has the Processing
Power for today's applications and will also be able to upgrade to 10.6
Snow Leopard..

You will not be unhappy if you go with a dual core processor, may hurt the
wallet more but worth it ... and don't for get to check CraigsList .. should
be able to get someones older white or Black (mmmm good) MacBook for 500
or Less.

Thank You for all the advice. after reading everyones thoughts here is what I purchased.
Macbook Pro 15.4" 2.0 GHz Intel Core Duo for $641 (includes shipping) from gainsaver.com I think I got a good pric on a nice laptop. they were a little expensive on ram upgrades so I orderd it with only 512mb and i will order 2 gigs from somewhere else.
It will arive on Tuesday. I can't wait

Thanks again.