Smallest, newer mac???

[jeb]

Hello

I am very novice to mac, so need a bit of guidance..

I have seen some older macs, very small, looks like the screen is 12", because the new macbook 13", is to big for me.
So i am looking for a older second hand, mac, and as small as possible, i dont mind the screen the screen is smaller than 12".
My primary use is surfing on the internet, and some smaller homework writing, thats all.
Would be nice if it had wireless internet build in, not to slow and not techically outdated, as i plan to keep it for 3-4 years.
So what should i look for???

Cheers

 

[mo_albaker]

depend on your budget!!
really get a macbook.
if you are a student, apple knocks off 200 or 300 dollars "not bad for a student offer"
----
Mohammed

 

[ephemera]

you won't find a notebook from apple with a screen smaller than 12". also, those laptops are getting to be maybe 2-3 years old and i'm not sure if they'd last another 3-4 years like you want. the macbook is about two inches wider than the 12" powerbook (12.78" vs. 10.9") and slightly thinner. also, the macbook will actually last for the duration you required.

 

[Eric559]

I have seen some older macs, very small, looks like the screen is 12", because the new macbook 13", is to big for me.

It's only one more inch!

 

[Levi]

The 12" PowerBook, is vastly outdated (runs on G4s... we've been through G5, Core Duo and Core 2 Duo since then). It's cool, and still serves a purpose; but as a main computer it's vastly underpowered (saying that the G4 I've been using for the last 18 months is even older, so I suppose it depends what you'll be using it for). It will surf the internet wirelessly, and write homework, but if you're planning on keeping it for 3 - 4 years, the amount of software you can run later will decrease.

I think if you're planning on using it as a main computer for the next 3-4 years, you should be getting the best you can afford now; not technology that was old when it was discontinued 18 months ago.

 

[yellow19man]

depend on your budget!!
really get a macbook.
if you are a student, apple knocks off 200 or 300 dollars "not bad for a student offer"
----
Mohammed

Plus, if you buy before September you get a free iPod Nano thrown in. Also, there is a printer rebate too. So you could walk out of the store with a discounted laptop, a free iPod, and a free printer.

Nice deal eh?!

 

[blinkdude182]

Keep in mind that the new Mac OSX Leopard will come out in October and you might wanna have a computer that can run it very nicely.

 

[TWM]

depend on your budget!!
really get a macbook.
if you are a student, apple knocks off 200 or 300 dollars "not bad for a student offer"
----
Mohammed

i wish they knocked off 2 o 3 hundred. i saved $100 in mine being a college student. it was nice, and pretty much covered tax.

By the way, i bought a macbook... and love it!

 

[jeb]

If i go for the older 12", what model should i go for???
Still, it will only be used for internet, and a little bit of writing... ;-)

 

[Levi]

If i go for the older 12", what model should i go for???
Still, it will only be used for internet, and a little bit of writing... ;-)

Any of them will run a browser and run a word processor, but I'd recommend going for the newest one so you can do so much more (I find a Mac that would only be used for those two things slightly wasteful... you'll want to do more once you get your hands on iLife). PowerBook G4 12" with (I believe) a 1.5GHz processor. Not sure on the rest of the specs, you'll have to look it up.

 

[iKitten]

Hey, jeb, I initially got the 12" PowerBook for the same reason, liked the size better than the MacBook. I ordered it from Powermax.com and tried it for a couple days (they have a good return policy). For being used or refurbished, PowerBooks generally aren't that good a value! Besides price, the problems I had with the PB were that it ran significantly slower than the MacBook and the display was not nearly bright enough. It is a sweet looking little machine though ~ it was hard to send it back. If you are committed to a PowerBook, I'd get a 1.5Ghz (the most recent model). If you get one with less gigs than that it's just a hassle, imo!

 

[Eric559]

If i go for the older 12", what model should i go for???
Still, it will only be used for internet, and a little bit of writing... ;-)

Like said, anyone will work good for internet and writing. If you do get an older one, don't plan on having it for three to four years.

 

[technologist]

Any of them will run a browser and run a word processor, but I'd recommend going for the newest one so you can do so much more ...PowerBook G4 12" with (I believe) a 1.5GHz processor. Not sure on the rest of the specs, you'll have to look it up.

Yes, the 1.5GHz G4 was the last of them, and a great machine it is, too. To get the most out of one, max out the memory (they can only hold 1.25GB...which is just about right.) As typing-and-browsing machines, they're still usable.

Compared to a Macbook, they're .6 pounds lighter and considerably smaller.

 

[dadsgravy]

The 1.5ghz 12" powerbook should do you just fine if that is what you want. I have a 2003 1ghz 12" powerbook with panther, that still rocks the house. I rarely ever notice a difference between it and my macbook, except for the obvious, the screen and the aluminum case.
It won't last another 4 years, but i'll get two more out of it with out a problem. And that is what makes a mac so great.

The 1.5ghz 12" was discontinued at the beginning of 2006, it's 2007 pushing 2008, I think that computer will hold up very well for three more years. Just make sure it has the super drive, max out the ram and your set.
Here is a link that will tell you all about the 12" powerbook. Except for the processor, the specs are still pretty comparable to a macbook.

http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/powerbook_g4/stats/powerbook_g4_1.5_12.html

Here are some links where you might be able to buy one:

http://www.smalldog.com/

http://www.macofalltrades.com/

http://www.megamacs.com/v1/

http://dealmac.com/

Good luck! And I hope you find what you are looking for. newer isn't better and old macs still kick butt!

 

[jeb]

Thanxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx!!!

a lot, really helpfull guys !

Cheers