Once a powerhouse and still a contributor -- the iBook G4.

The iBooks are at the tail end of their use, but they still support an operating system (10.4.11 for all, 10.5 for many) that will get the job done for someone looking for basic computer needs – surfing the net, email, planning projects, writing papers, organizing music, watching DVDs, et cetera. You dodge most of the hacking and virus problems with Mac products, and there are parts still readily available from secondary sources. The iBook G4 is a relatively inexpensive way to check out Mac's way of doing things as opposed to PCs. Good beginning computer that's simple to operate. Enough room to store photos, videos and such and run a lot of good programs. Downside? No Mac support, usually need new battery (easy to change), rarely come with any software outside of basic Mac stuff (which is a lot) and slow speed in dealing with downloads and streaming. Best upside? Gets you into the world of Macs.

The iBook G4 is still a great machine

The iBook G3 is cute, but it seriously lags, notably in today's Web, and as a result, I think the only place I'd recommend it is with collectors. But a MacBook or modern netbook may be too expensive--and that's where the iBook G4 has value.

The iBook G4 is a serious upgrade from the G3, and really is a different story with performance. Obviously, a 1.2 or 1.33 GHz processor is average in today's world, and handling a modern game, for example, just can't be done on here. But don't think the G4 is a wimpy processor--it's not. It included AltiVec, allowing it to gulp down two registers at the same time, which really feels like an early predecessor to 64-bit in a notebook. And with Leopard, iTunes 10, two-finger scrolling support, and an upgrade to over 1 GB of RAM, it feels like an early MacBook with a G4 in it. And it's light enough I can pick it up with one hand, despite it being a little over half a decade old. And of course, the G4 was no joke of a processor--it doesn't crawl like a Celeron or Centrino from the same era, either, and it still gets 4 hours of battery life. My only complaint is no webcam or audio in, though it does include a mic.

If you're looking for a computer that will run today, the (higher speed) iBook G4s can still take it. However, if you're looking for games or more than this can offer, get a MacBook. And also beware of the infamous GPU problem these suffered. But the iBook G4 is a great compromise between the MacBook and earlier models, and it is still a great machine from Apple that is a joy to carry with you.

A great little "netbook" for a low price.

This is a great little computer for web surfing, note taking, etc. As useful as an low-end PC "notebook" computer out there, at about half the price. The 1.2 gigahertz version I have is plenty fact enough for general use. It runs OSX Tiger with no problems. It is worth getting the memory expanded to 1 gig, as it eliminates any choppiness in playing YouTube videos. You might have to search around a bit for the right (legacy) versions of things like Firefox to run properly on it, but they are out there.

solid and small laptop

I love the 12" size of this laptop. It is durable, and has enough resolution to do everything most people do with a laptop. It is very portable, and stays pretty cool. It is somewhat limited due to the PowerPC processor though, so watching fullscreen Hulu Desktop is not advisable. YouTube works fine also, unless you choose HD, then it may skip if you are going fullscreen. The OS it runs best with is Tiger. It can run Leopard (not snow leopard) but not all of Leopard's features are supported. I liked editing SD videos on it and publishing them to YouTube, and if you need to use dial up Internet for some reason, or use it as a fax machine, that is a unique feature for some. This may be a great laptop for a student who needs to do research and correspondence, but not be distracted with gaming and slowed down with maintenance or limited Hard Drive Space. As long as you find one in good condition, it is a great value.

for its age and its speed its pretty fast.

I mean, considering its age and its speed this ibook its pretty fast. In some website it get stuck but come on... I had net book that has more power than this and still get stuck. I tell you you want a net book buy one of this ibook, because they are as light as the net book and with a few upgrades you will will have an awesome companion. and if you a blessed like me you will spend less than 100 dollars for it.