I have been trying out some various apple laptops,
primarily for use as a writing tool, though I want to
surf wirelessly.
I want small size, battery longevity, cool running,
wireless ability (doesn't have to be built-in as long
as I can add on).
I love those 12" white iBooks and would buy a used one
of those in a heartbeat, except I keep running into
people who are having repair nightmares with them.
Are the white iBooks really just waiting to die? I
just don't want to spend $350-$450 on a 12" iBook and
have the logic board go after a few months.
AFAIK you only hear about problems with iBooks because Mac users are so
particular and so vocal; they're actually quite reliable 'Books that
perform nicely for your intended uses. I really liked the G3/500
"IceBook" that I owned for about a year, and never had a problem. The
500-600 MHz models should be available at decent prices via ebay and/or
the Swaplist, and would do quite well for you.
My thoughts on how well other 'Books I've owned meet your criteria:
- The 2400c is a sweet little PB, BUT...
Good batteries (more than 60-90 minutes of runtime) can be hard to come
by. You might also find the 800x600 10.4" display a little cramped. If
you can find one that's been upgraded with a G3 processor and/or RAM maxed
to 112 MB, you might be able to live with the limitations. The keyboard's
only 87% of standard size so you might find it a little cramped (I didn't
but some folks do).
- A 1400c with a G3 upgrade and RAM maxed at 64 MB is a VERY nice writing
machine -- one of the best keyboards ever in a laptop. The 800x600 11.3"
display seemed to "feel" a little bigger to me; only about an inch larger
diagonally than the 2400's, but felt a bit more usable. (I have a G3/250
1400 I'm looking to sell, if you wanna contact me offlist.)
- If you don't mind the heft (8 lbs. or more with battery, etc.) you'll
find the 3400c an EXCELLENT 'Book for writing and basic internet. The
display is also only 800x600 but it's 12"...and the 144 MB RAM max is is a
nice upgrade compared to the 1400 and 2400; more than adequate for running
OS 9.1 comfortably. I've just switched to a 240 MHz model as my second
Mac, primarily for exactly the uses you indicate -- writing and internet.
All three of the x400 'Books do wi-fi internet quite well with PC cards,
so basically your choice of which to use will largely depend one three
factors: budget, display size preference, and speed (what's "fast enough"
for you). The Dual USB 12" iBooks are of course more modern and more
powerful and the 1024x768 display would feel very roomy compared to the
older 'Books, but you can save a pretty penny by going with one of the
x400's.
HTH,
--
Gene Osburn
Friends don't let friends do Windows
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