new to MACs, want to find a good G4 powerbook

Looking for tips of what to look for.

I think I want either a 15 or 17 inch, with airport and superdrive.

prefer OS 10.5.

Other than that, I am not sure what to look for.

I have been playing with a new MACBOOK and a new MACBOOK PRO (not mine, can't afford a new one - - but I LOVE it, trying to get an older, similiar model !) for about 2 months now and am convinced I need a powerbook G4 now !

uhm, okay - I have heard NOT to get the Titanium, as that had was an earlier model, and is prone to have expensive hinge problems, so I am focusing on the aluminum models.

has anyone purchased a powerbook from

http://www.wegenermedia.com/alum15.htm

I have been trying to learn something from Wikipedia ( I know, I know .. !) here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PowerBook

i would like, ideally, the newest macbook with the 7200rpm hdd, which came out after OCT 2005, but that might be only the top of the line POWERBOOK.
but I guess a 5400 would be decent as well . uhm, don't need a HUGE hdd, I kep most items on an external backup disk anyways.


What else should this MAC NEWBIE look for ? Do the powerbooks have a USB port on each side ?

Which was the first PB series to include bluetooth, if any ? thanks!

-Dave

ALL your help is greatly appreciated !!



thanks!!

A couple of recommendations:

Do not buy a PowerPC-based chipset if you can afford not to. It immediately limits your future on this platform. If you can find an Intel-based machine that is in your price range, go in that direction.

Apple refurbs are worth looking at. Often you can get a great deal on a newer machine. There is a link at the Buyer's Guide link in my sig, or you can find a link from the Apple store itself. There is a refurbished Macbook there for only $899; the link you provided lists the machines starting at $600. Seems like a no-brainer to me.

To find specs on every Mac ever built, google Mactracker.

Even the older macbooks will outperform the pbs. Look for a used macbook on ebay in the $600 range if that's all you have to spend.

I bought a Mac today ... different than intended, but ..

I found a good deal on a SEALED Air on ebay.

I was researching all day about work arounds for the one usb port issue, and found a few things I will invest in.


a BELKIN CableFree USB 4 Port Hub (MSRP, $200)http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=356042


and am thinking about a CRADLEPOINT Router http://www.cradlepoint.com/ctr500/ctr500.php
for my Verizon USB Modem, the pantech UM150, which I already verified will work with the AIR. I was gonna get one of these anyway for my PC, so I can put it somewhere in my house, next to a window, instead of have the USB Device in the middle of my basement .. !

Thanks for your replies though guys !

I fugured instead of spending $600 now and another $1200 or so later, might as well spend about $1450 and get a NEW AIR on ebay.

It will more than suffice for what I need, by leaps and bounds, after my lifetime with windows issues!

-Dave