I need an expert's opinion. Would you recommend buying this ibook?

Question

There's the thing, I can't afford an imac right now, however there's an ibook that may well serve for the time being.

Apple 12.1" iBook G4 12.1", 1.33 GHz PowerPC 7447a (G4), 1GB, 40GB HDD, Slot-Loading Combo Drive, Mac OS X 10.4.2 Tiger - Refurbished (C- Stock) - Refurbished - APIBOOK/G4-R

Grade C

System tested and functions correctly , Operating System reloaded
Notebook will show some signs of wear on case keyboard and palm rest
Small scratches in screen
missing manual

Apple Quality That Fits Any Budget
This iBook G4 comes equipped with a G4 PowerPc Processor (1.33GHz), 1GB of memory, a 40GB hard drive and a slot-loading DVD-ROM/CD-RW Combo Drive, perfect for managing your multimedia libraries ripping your CDs and watching DVDs on the road. It includes Airport Extreme (802.11g) and is Bluetooth 2.0 enabled, meaning you can stay connected to your home network or favorite hotspot while using your bluetooth mouse.

Solid-State Trackpad
Supports precise cursor control, tap, double-tap, and drag and scrolling capabilities (including two-finger scroll).

Sudden Motion Sensor
Sudden Motion Sensor technology protects your precious hard drive data by automatically shutting down in the event of unexpected drops.
Features
Video Features Case Type: Notebook
Video Features Form Factor: iBook (12-Inch)
Video Features Apple Order No: M9846LL/A
Video Features Processor Speed: 1.33 GHz
Video Features Processor Type: PowerPC 7447a (G4)
Video Features Standard RAM: 1024 MB
Video Features Standard Hard Drive: 40GB (4200 RPM)
Video Features Standard Optical: 8X "Combo Drive"
Video Features Pre-Installed MacOS: X 10.4.2(8D37)
Video Features Maximum MacOS: X 10.5.8
Video Features Warranty: 90 Days
Tech Specs
Tech Specs Processor Speed: 1.33 GHz
Tech Specs Processor Type: PowerPC 7447a (G4)
Tech Specs Processors: 1
Tech Specs Geekbench: 684
Tech Specs Processor Upgrade: Soldered
Tech Specs FPU: Integrated
Tech Specs System Bus Speed: 133MHz
Tech Specs Cache Bus Speed: 1.33 GHz (Built-in)
Tech Specs ROM/Firmware Type: Open Firmware
Tech Specs ROM/Firmware Size: 1MB
Tech Specs L1 Cache: 64k
Tech Specs L2/L3 Cache: 512k (on chip)
Tech Specs RAM Type: PC2700 DDR SDRAM
Tech Specs Min. RAM Speed: 333 MHz
Tech Specs Standard RAM: 1024MB
Tech Specs Maximum RAM: 1.5GB
Tech Specs Motherboard RAM: 512 MB
Tech Specs RAM Slots: 1
Tech Specs Video Card: Mobility Radeon 9550
Tech Specs VRAM Type:DDR SDRAM
Tech Specs Standard VRAM: 32MB
Tech Specs Maximum VRAM: 32MB
Tech Specs Built-in Display: 12.1" TFT XGA
Tech Specs Native Resolution: 1024x768
Tech Specs Standard Hard Drive: 40GB (4200 RPM)
Tech Specs Int. HD Interface: Ultra ATA/100
Tech Specs Standard Optical: 8X "Combo Drive"
Tech Specs Standard Disk: None
Tech Specs Standard Modem: 56k v.92
Tech Specs Standard Ethernet: 10/100Base-T
Tech Specs Standard AirPort: 802.11b/g (Standard)
Tech Specs Standard Bluetooth: 2.0+EDR (Standard)
Tech Specs USB Ports: 2(2.0)
Tech Specs Expansion Slots: None
Tech Specs Expansion Bays: None
Tech Specs Battery Type: 50 W h LiIon
Tech Specs Battery Life: 2 Hours
Tech Specs Pre-Installed MacOS : X 10.4.2 (8D37)
Tech Specs Maximum MacOS: X 10.5

I need an expert's opinion or what do you think of it. Thank you!

Answer 1

It's alright. You won't be able to do much with it if you don't get OS X 10.5 Leopard though. Many programs that I used when I had a mac wouldn't work on Tiger, as it is typically not supported anymore.



Otherwise, it seems fine. It's probably not worth more than about $100-$150 USD or CAD, but you won't be able to find any Intel Mac notebooks under $400.



If you don't need it to be a notebook, there are places and people who sell Mac Minis, with a Intel Core Solo for $200. Check refurbishers and online classifieds. Any Intel Mac will be better than a PowerPC (has a Gx processor), as they can run Snow Leopard and possibly Lion, and are compatible with all new programs.



Christopher

Answer 2

These computers were slow in the Naughties, they would be glacial now.



The PVC enclosure is fragile, cheap, and annoying.



Only being able to run OS X 10.5 is somewhat limiting.



Also, you neglected to include the price. One or two hundred dollars might be okay for a good example, I would not pay anything more than that.



If you want an iMac, get an iMac. You will get much more performance for your money buying a used iMac than an iBook unless you absolutely need the portability.

Answer 3

40GB HDD System Bus Speed: 133MHz 1GB ram Standard Ethernet: 10/100Base-T





A camera has more storage now - I would not buy this over 6 years old stuff

Answer 4

No it is not excellent

Better then go with macbook pro Or windows laptop