...and it's as nice as I hoped it would be. Of course, I'd fondled plenty of PowerBooks at the Apple Store, but it's different when it's yours, and sitting happily on your lap, rather than tethered by cords.

Probably what has made the biggest first impression is the solidity and quality feel of the keyboard. I was happy with the keyboard on the iBook (although it was panned by MacWorld earlier this year), but the one on the PowerBook is a revelation. I've also been pleasantly surprised by the lack of significant heat while I've used it on my lap. I was afraid I'd been spoiled by the iBook's cool-running nature, but the PowerBook hasn't gotten unreasonably warm, so far (but I must admit I set the power saving features to use a lower processor speed, so maybe that's why it's running relatively cool).

The monitor has no signs of spotting (yet), and looks really great. It's nice to have the additional desktop space, compared to the iBook.

I must say that the PowerBook isn't as easy to tuck under an arm and carry around the house as the iBook is. I still think the iBook is a great choice, especially now that they have the G4 processor, so if you don't have either a need (or just an irrational desire) for the extras that a PowerBook offers, go for an iBook.