[ktparker]

Hi, I'm a PC user eagerly looking to switch to Mac, much to my father's disappointment. (To make a long story short, my Dell Inspiron 600m laptop is clunky, slow, and likes to stay sleeping when I want it up and running.) Over the past few days, I've decided on getting a Powerbook (they look and feel better to me), but I don't know which size to get -- 12-inch or 15-inch. I've been looking throughout this message board, but I'm still wondering...
Basically, I am a sophomore in college. I currently use my Dell laptop as my one and only computer -- and all the time. I am rarely not glued to this thing. My primary computing uses are e-mail, Internet browsing, iTunes, Photoshop, word processing, Excel spreadsheets, film scanning, and watching CD-ROM lectures for my accounting class. I also use wireless A LOT at home, but mostly just Ethernet at school. Additionally, I sometimes edit videos with Windows Movie Maker, but this isn't too often, especially now that I'm in school. I don't take my laptop around campus much (though I am still in a dorm), but I don't want to be limited since I eventually will. It also needs to be semi-portable so that I can take it from school to home and vice-versa. Currently, my Dell is smaller width-wise at 12.4 inches, so it fits nicely in my bag (Fossil messenger). The 15-inch Powerbook is 13.7 inches, and also weights about 0.7 lbs more. The 12-inch, clearly, is both smaller and lighter than my Dell.
Also, if I get the 12-inch, I will almost definitely spring for the SuperDrive, but I won't with the 15-inch. If I get the 15-inch, I was just going to downgrade from the SuperDrive model so that the processor is 1.5GHz and the keyboard is lighted (neato!). Either way, however, I'm going for the 512 MB RAM and 80 GB harddrive. The aspects holding me back from just getting the 12-inch are the screen size (my current Dell has a 1400x1050 resolution), 1.33GHz processor (is the difference major?), and the Ethernet difference (which I don't entirely understand). I'd say the screen size is what I am most concerned about, however. I love the small text and being able to have many windows within windows, especially in Photoshop.
Based on this, can you give me some opinions? If there is any other information I can give to get a better answer, I will try my best to answer your questions.
Oh, and one last reason I was thinking of getting the 15-inch: My sister is getting the 12-inch. I like to have the technological edge when it comes to she and I, so I am a bit hesitant to get the same thing as her. She, however, is not getting a SuperDrive or RAM and harddrive upgrades.
I also don't mind buying before the Expo, but I probably won't make the purchase until after anyway. I am just (hopefully) getting opinions.

[mr.steevo]

In reply to:

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My sister is getting the 12-inch. I like to have the technological edge when it comes to she and I, so I am a bit hesitant to get the same thing as her.

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Get the 15".
s.

[Taproot]

Agree, no question about it, get the 15".
Where is that man feeling of "bigger is better" in you? /forums/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif
Seriously 12" will be a bit small, especially for photoshop I think.
Oh, and get youre mom to chip in for the superdrive.

[Dubbalubagis]

Hello,
I would also definately go with the 15" powerbook and keep the superdrive. It doesn't sound like you need that extreme portability of the 12" enough to warrant purchasing it.
Plus you just can't have the same computer as a sibling, it just can't happen! /forums/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
One more thing...you should tell your sister to upgrade the RAM.
Dubbalubagis
Apple iBook G4 12" 1.2GHz, 768MB, 30GB, Combo Drive, Mac OS X
Debug Computer Services http://www.click2debug.com

[moose_n_squirrel]

Get the 15". If you're coming from a PC laptop with 1400x1050, going from that to the 1024x768 of the 12" will feel like being forced to move from your bedroom to a closet. You'll still lose a little real estate going to the 15" but not as much.

[Praxis]

15". Better graphics, nicer screen, etc, etc.
The only question is, is it worth the extra money to you? There's a big price gap.
But WAIT TILL AFTER THE EXPO on January 11th!
Also, one other thing.
You're in college? Education discount, man! You can get a full $200 off the 15" PowerBook!
Furthermore, if you want to use the one-time-only discount, sign up as a Student Developer with Apple for $99 and get a bunch of free developers software, then use the one-time-only student developer discount and get huge price drops on everything. $400 off PowerBooks and PowerMacs, $200 off the iMac, $100 off iBook, and you can buy as much as you can fit in one purchase.

[ktparker]

Thank you all for your help. I think I've decided to get the 15-inch, but we'll see if I can make enough money for the SuperDrive or not. I can't wait to make the purchase!
Thanks again,
-Katie

[Praxis]

Remember, Education discount. $200 off!
Just go to Apple.com/store, and click the education button on the left side. Choose shop for yourself, and find your school. Whammo, instant discount. You can see the different prices. The 17-inch is $300 off even.

[Nobody]

Save your money, Apple RAM is a rip-off, go to memoryx.com or memorysuppliers.com and get yourself a 1GB RAM card with the money you saved, your Mac will fly, I added one to my G4 1.33 12 inch Powerbook and I use the Photoshop, InDesign, etc.. and the differance is noticeable.
DVD drives are in a real state of flux right now, I would hold off on the Superdrive, new DVD drives are being improved every day, duel layer, and now Blu-Ray, I dropped the Superdrive from my PowerBook, but I have access to a USB external, which you can now pick up on e-bay for $75.00 to $95.00 or less, and use with multiple computers and operating systems (TDK brand).

[Praxis]

Good point, you can save a TON off RAM from going to a site like dealram.com (I saved over 50% off 512 MB by using dealram instead of Apple).
I'd suggest you look at the reviews and see if anyone has tried them on Macs if there isn't a 'Mac certified' icon. And BTW, check Apple.com/store, go to memory, and choose your PowerBook to find out the exact type (I'm guessing PC3200 or PC2700) of memory you need.