[Leica] Re: iBook models

[lrzeitlin at optonline.net (Lawrence Zeitlin)]

On Sep 17, 2006, at 9:28 PM, Bob wrote:

> I looked on eBay and saw a number of Mac iBooks but am not familiar  
> with
> the model nomenclature. Should I be looking for a G3 or a G4 or
> something else, and what OS?

In recent years Apple has made laptops using IBM G3 and G4 PowerPC  
processors. Both have a similar architecture but the G3 peaks out at  
900 Mz while some versions of the G4 can get up to 2 Gz. The G4 also  
has a faster built in graphics processor. To make the best use of  
iLife and other current image processing software, you want a Mac  
laptop capable of running operating system 10.3 or 10.4. All of the  
laptops made in the last 4 years or so will do it. It is just a  
matter of processor speed and type. I'm writing this on a 900Mz 12"  
iBook with a G3 processor. This is the last model that will boot into  
the earlier 9.2 operating system. I bought it from the Apple web site  
as a refurbished model several years ago. Actually it was brand new.  
Apple had just introduced a successor G4 model and was closing out  
its old stock. I wonder if Leica will do the same with the M7.  
Booting into the older system was important to me because I had a lot  
of legacy software, including Photoshop 6, which worked better with  
OS 9.2.

Most of the time I use OS 10.4. Since I am head of the research  
computer committee at my university, I have access to a beta copy of  
Microsoft Vista and from what I have seen, Mac OS 10.4 blows it away.  
The forthcoming Mac OS 10.5 should be even better because it will  
incorporate a native provision to run both PC and Mac software.

If I was starting afresh I would get a new MacBook with the Intel  
processor. This will cost about $1000 but it will come with the  
latest software, a built in wi-fi system (Airport), Bluetooth, and a  
large capacity disc drive. It will also let you run your PC software  
using Boot Camp, Apple's free PC emulator. If you want to spring for  
another $100, the laptop will sport an even higher capacity disc, a 2  
Mz processor, and the ability to burn DVDs. Mac Connection at  
www.macconnection.com will be happy to send you a full catalog.

Almost as good would be last year's iBook G4. It runs all the current  
Mac software at a marginally slower speed than the latest models. You  
should be able to get new closeouts at very favorable prices.

However if you are fan of really classy equipment, try to find a late  
model 12" PowerBook. This is a little jewel of a laptop in a brushed  
aluminum case. It would be a fitting compliment to a shiny new Leica,  
or even a beat up old brassy Leica. It may not work quite as fast as  
the current models but it certainly is pretty.

Larry Z