Great style - amazing performance for a vintage - pick one up for cheap!

Looking back from 2012 to a laptop made in 2000 - 2001, I can only say that I am astonished by its performance. For everyday computing (word processing, spreadsheets, presentations and the like) it is every bit as functional as a dual core modern laptop. It plays DVDs faultlessly and has a crystal clear screen with bright colors.
Not all clamshells are equal. Despite the cool colors, I would tend to avoid the 300 MHz processor ones - they are equipped with only a CD-ROM and as these have no USB 2.0 ports (just older USB), don't expect to be able to use an external DVD player. I have no experience with the 366 MHz variant, but the 466 Mz (Graphite and Key Lime) version has an internal DVD and Firewire.
One major issue if you have a WPA2 wireless network is that the airport card in these will NOT support them. You can get a USB wireless card that supports WPA2 (such as a Trendnet TEW-424UB) for about 10 bucks, but don't expect wireless N speeds!
Alternatively, just go to a Mickey Ds or a cafe and pose with your clamshell...
Video: DVDs are great and it seems to work well with ripped movie files, but forget streaming - like the later G4s, it takes a bit of ingenuity to watch youtube without a lot of stop start action.
Battery life: a lot come with dead batteries. However, with a 20 dollar after market battery I am getting 3+ hours on a charge running Office 2004, a usb WLAN dongle and streaming, which is highly creditable.
And then there is the design: this thing OOZES style - shape, colors, glassy apple logos, shiny plastic and matt rubberized body, built-in carrying handle, translucent keyboard and awesome yo-yo power adapter - no wonder this cost big bucks when it was new.
To summarize, the quality, design and functionality of these old laptops make them stand out even now not only as "poseur" machines, but also as real, working tools. Go on, take a punt!