For a Mac-user friend who's leaving for the Peace Corps in Namibia, Africa, in 3 weeks, I'm trying to find out ASAP:
1) Which Powerbook available used for less than $500 would be good for e-mail, word processing and -- if possible -- occasional Web access from Third World country. She'll be lucky to have electricity and a connection, certainly not counting on tech support nor repair service, so it must be RELIABLE. 2) Because I'm a PC user, I'm relying only on research. From what I can tell, the Powerbooks came out in this order: 5300, 1400, 3400, G3, G4. Correct? And this is my marginally informed assessment of options: * The 5300 had problems, especially for her situation (it's rated as Road Apple on LowEndMac), plus one of those awful Nicad batteries, no CD-ROM drive, small hard drive, and all-around too limiting, even though she doesn't want a model so new that it's likely to get stolen. * There's nothing but parts available for the 1400 series, far as I can tell, and no compelling reason to look for one anyway (?). * iBooks, current or original models, are too likely to get stolen and more than she can afford, even used. * Based partially on this article http://www.macopinion.com/columns/roadwarrior/99/10/28/index.html, the 3400 sounds like the best bet. Do you agree? Different recommendation? Any suggestions of where to look for one online, with fair prices and some kind of warranty? Have tried PowerMax, eBay, half.com. Judith Broadhurst -- PowerBooks is sponsored by <http://lowendmac.com/> and... Small Dog Electronics http://www.smalldog.com | Enter To Win A | -- Canon PowerShot Digital Cameras start at $299 | Free iBook! | Support Low End Mac <http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html> PowerBooks list info: <http://lowendmac.com/lists/powerbooks.shtml> Send list messages to: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To unsubscribe, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> For digest mode, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subscription questions: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Archive: <http://www.mail-archive.com/powerbooks%40mail.maclaunch.com/> Using a Macintosh? Get free email and more at Applelinks! <http://www.applelinks.com>
