The original
Macintosh brought a new type of computer to the world, something in
between a luggable and
a desktop (the first "laptop" PC didn't ship until 1985). The Mac could
be toted around, but it couldn't be run from a battery. This is where
the Mac Portable, its clones,
and the PowerBooks came in.
The first PowerBooks didn't offer quite as much as their desktop
counterparts, but they allowed the user to bring their work with them.
They did allow for some expansion with SCSI ports, 
just like on desktop Macs, serial ports, and ADB ports
(with the exception of the PowerBook
150). Later PowerBooks offered internal CD-ROM drives, PCMCIA (PC
Card) slots, options for two batteries, larger screens, and color
displays.
The major differences between laptops and desktops have remained
consistent over the years. Laptops tend not to be able to accept as
much RAM as an equivalent desktop. Laptops almost always have smaller
hard drives - the PowerBook G4 currently has a
60 GB hard drive in the high-end version (thanks to all those who
corrected my last article - 80 GB is the
largest capacity hard drive offered that can fit into a PowerBook, not
100 GB). The high end G4 tower comes stock with a 120 GB hard drive and
has room for several additional drives.
The question you really have to ask is whether or not you will need
to upgrade your computer significantly in the future. Most users add
some RAM but essentially keep the computer in its stock configuration
for its lifetime. Power users usually add RAM, maybe a new hard drive,
and perhaps replace the video card. Upgrading RAM in a PowerBook isn't
hard, but PowerBooks can only hold so much compared to desktops. RAM
for laptop computers also tends to cost more.
Hard drives are reasonably easily replaced, but the special 2.5"
hard drives are expensive compared to the 3.5" drives found in
desktops, and they generally have a lower capacity.
Replace the video card in a laptop? Forget it. I know of no laptop
where this is possible (if you do, please let me know). Certainly there
is no Mac laptop where you are able to swap out the video card. If
Apple did include this capability, it would lose sales of new machines,
as everyone would be upgrading their old ones.
If you don't mind being limited when it comes to these things, a
laptop may be for you. If you need a faster video card, lots of RAM, a
larger than 80 GB hard drive, a desktop is best.
|
|
|
|
|
| Min/Max RAM |
128/640 MB
|
256/1024 MB
|
256/2048 MB
|
| Std hard drive |
20-30 GB
|
40-60 GB
|
60-120 GB
|
| HD RPM |
4200 rpm
|
4200 rpm
|
7200 rpm
|
| Max hard drive |
80 GB
|
80 GB
|
300+ GB, up to 4 drives
|
| Max HD RPM |
5400 rpm
|
5400 rpm
|
15000 rpm
|
| Video chipset |
ATI Mobility Radeon 7500
|
ATI Mobility Radeon 9000
|
Nvidia GeForce 4 or ATI Radeon 9000 Pro
|
| VRAM |
16/32 MB
|
32/64 MB
|
32/64 MB
|
| Max resolution |
1024 x 768
|
1280 x 852
|
1920 x 1200
|
| 2nd display? |
no
|
yes
|
yes
|
Of course, your other option is to buy both a desktop and a
laptop, if you can afford it. This allows you to have your main desktop
system with more RAM, a bigger hard drive, and a better video card, as
well as a basic laptop that meets your minimum requirements for use
when you are out and about. If you think this is the best solution, you
might try looking at refurbished machines. I noticed that Apple is
currently offering a refurbished iBook for $799, and I'm sure you can
find similar deals
from other Apple dealers.
As for towers? Older G4s (some of which can have their processors
upgraded) are all over
eBay (but be careful - don't buy from anyone with a large amount of
negative feedback, for example) and Mac dealer websites. A used 400 MHz
G4 typically sells for under $800, so you may be able to buy both an
older iBook and a desktop G4 for under $1,600. If you don't mind living
without the most current models, this may be something to look
into.
Both laptops and desktops have their advantages and disadvantages.
The best way to work out which is best for you is to determine which
capabilities you need and which ones you can live without.
