Ibook 14.1in 900mhz 256mb 40gb Combo Drive

It has a brilliant, beautiful screen that is a delight to my 60+ eyes. It does everything I need in a flash, including multiple programs, songs, photo management (Adobe Elements 2), and movies with iMovie. The suite of included software, including Apple's digital hub, is fabulous. The machine is gorgeous (though, to be frank, some might say its bright, white finish is akin to a kitchen appliance), extremely sturdy, and it gets warm, but not hot. Best of all, perhaps, is the price: hundreds less than a Powerbook! This is especially true when you factor in the cost of Applecare, the extended warranty program... Applecare provides terrific protection and allows you three years of telephone support from Apple's excellent technical support team.

"What's not to like?" I can only carp about three things. The speakers are pretty lame - "lo-fi," to be sure - but earphones cure that. Another USB input or two would be welcome, but a hub is the answer there. Finally, there is Apple's decision to eliminate a microphone input, this from a company on the leading edge of multi-media - what were they thinking?...

So, for function, for appearance, and particularly for value, I'd urge you to take a long look at the iBook. It's just been bumped to 900MGz, and it has 256RAM standard, so unless you're into CAD/CAM or games with great graphics demands, it'll do the job for you, and you'll have money left over for some other toy(s).

It's worth it.

I went to apple.com, and and browsed to a 12" iBook with comperable fatures to the one I recently acquired. The price offered was 1350. I got mine for about 1500, which leaves about 150 to account for. Since other factors are basically equal, the difference is the screen. You want that difference. The 14" iBook feels spacious, a real trick for a lap top. The screen's extra size makes the lower half of the laptop bigger as well, so that there really is room for the keyboard, and a large palm rest. The clean lines of the design really bring out the most in the display, which is bright and clear. If you've never used a laptop, the screen feels bigger, simply because you're usually closer to it. Additionally, LCDs have a larger usable area than a CRT of the same size. As I sit here typing this review, I can tell: You feel this screen's size.

Size does matter, especially with something like a laptop. If you get a smaller screen, you'll inevitably want a larger screen, but then you'll be stuck with an expensive purchase. So put in the extra cash now. If you have the means, treat yourself to 14" iBook. You'll be glad you did.