Ive done quite a bit of research on this, and heard many different peoples opinions. The iBook is more durable in that it is less likley to break flat out, such as an obvoius structural faliure. The plastic however scratches easily, and your shiny new finish is soon ruined. The PowerBooks on the other hand are a bit more likley to get dented, being alluminum. They do not however scratch as easily. If price is not an object, and you , like me, are going to baby your laptop, then Id go with the PowerBook. Treat it well, and it will treat you well. The iBook is designed more with students in mind, and their hazardous lifestyle.