[MMUG] Comparing a Netbook to a 12" PowerBook

[Marc Carter]

I need a small laptop, cheap too, and I was looking at a netbook. However I really don't want to have to use windows and have been looking at running OS X on one. It can be done, more easily on some than others (sadly its harder on the better netbooks like the Samsungs), but its hassle I don't need. Someone mentioned getting a 12" PowerBook, and I have been looking at this.

I can get a really good condition 12" G4 PB 1.5 Ghz for £350, which seems fine, but its a while since I used a G4 anything and I wonder how this would compare performance wise to one of the little netbooks. They are very similar in size, which is why I'm looking, though a bit heavier as they PB is obviously metal. I have considered a MacBook, but its bigger than the pro.

The question is how will a 12" MBP performs compared to a netbook? Leave out the obvious difference of the operating system of course!

Is there a better option? Ultimately I don't want to spend more than about £350 for a small machine, its for email, web, word and excel, presentations, nothing major, but having the power to do more if I wanted is never a bad thing.

Marc

[Drew Reece]

Take a look at http://www.primatelabs.ca/blog/mac-benchmarks/ for reference.

My suspicion is that the netbook may be marginally better but more annoying (keyboard differences etc).

litl too big ? :^)

Re:co

[Patrick Neame]

I saw a 12" Powerbook a few years ago. It was impressively neat.

[Marc Carter]

A friend of mine had one, it was very nice.  It is quite heavy compared to a plastic netbook and it isn't going to be blisteringly fast, but it is a tempting buy.  

[daniel barnes]

I've got a powerbook g4 12" 1.5ghz, I also have a lenovo s10e hackintosh. The Powerbook is marginally faster according to benchmarks, plus it has a better screen, dvd burner, better battery life, better compatability, better keyboard, better graphics card, better sound and runs without having to mess about, on the negative side it is heavier and has a processor that is slowly being  phased out, although it will probably be supported by open source for many years yet. I picked mine up in MINT condition with a new battery for the bargain price of £260 on ebay :-) although i was probably lucky in finding it so cheap.

I'd go with the powerbook personally.

Dan

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From: Marc Carter <marc....@gmail.com>
To: mmug...@googlegroups.com
Sent: Tue, 24 November, 2009 17:32:59
Subject: [MMUG] Re: Comparing a Netbook to a 12" PowerBook

[Robert Sharl]

On 24 Nov 2009, at 17:26, Patrick Neame wrote:

> I saw a 12" Powerbook a few years ago. It was impressively neat.

I had one for a few years and loved it to bits. It was heavy though, and the screen had to be replaced, so check for signs of faded patches on the display.

If you end up getting one, I have a Crumpler Bag that fits it, if you're in the market for that..

Robert

[Marc Carter]

Thanks for the tip, I will check. There are a few out there but most
are very worn out, finding a perfect example will be tough but I'm
going to try!

Let me know more about the crumpler bag, off list if you prefer.

[Marc Carter]

That is a good price, for that money they seem scratched and needing new batteries.  I am going to try and find one, the only negative I can see, apart from struggling to find one, is the weight, but as I lug a 15" MBP around now I doubt it will be heavier than that.