Alright, your main culprit is that your system is severely lacking in the Ram department, remember that TC:E's minimum req's are 512mb ram with a 64mb graphics card. I think the reason you're getting problems is because OS X requires a minimum of 128mb in order to run the system, but invariably ends up using a lot more, which leaves your system with a theoretical maximum of 128mb to play with, which is the reason why you're having problems. TC:E is configured to use 192mb for the hunkmeg, 64 for the zonemeg and 48 for the soundmeg, this equals 304mb of available ram - more than you physically have. Having 512mb would allow the game and the OS to both run at the same time and make things much smoother. My advise to you is to double the ram.

thanks for all of your help in figuring this out. i definitely have an out of date computer as far as gaming is concerened. i'll just have to wait till i can afford a new one

-HM

Personally I would go for the cheap option and increase your Ram, at least that way you'll be able to play certain games. Saying that, the iBook is not a gaming machine, so maybe its time invest in a newer Powerbook (to retain PowerPC compatibility) or MacBook Pro if you want portable power.