Mini-Mac: The Smallest PowerBook Yet

Apple's new ultralight power notebook, the $1999 12-inch PowerBook G4, comes with plenty of connections and processing muscle, but it still doesn't provide a flawless computing experience.

At 4.6 pounds, this subnotebook is heavy for a category in which many of the competitors weigh 2 to 3 pounds. And while it is Apple's smallest Mac notebook ever (10.9 inches wide, 8.6 inches deep, and 1.2 inches thick), it wins the title by only a hair: A G3 IBook with the same-size screen and an identical amount of RAM is just marginally bigger and heavier--and costs $450 less. However, the PowerBook G4 is a sleek beauty despite its slightly hefty feel.

The PowerBook G4's matte-silver trackpad and button blend into the case so well, finding them in a darkened environment might be difficult. On my shipping unit, the button had a sticky feel. The keyboard feels roomy, though, and is comfortable to type on.

I found the 12.1-inch screen too small to use comfortably for long periods, especially at the default resolution of 1024 by 768 pixels. Though I don't have bad eyesight, I had to magnify all my documents to make them legible.

The PowerBook offers one FireWire port, two USB 1.1 ports, and an ethernet connection. An internal modem, a microphone jack, and a headphone jack are arranged on the left side of the case; the slot-loading CD-RW/DVD-R drive sits on the opposite side. A small video-out port accepts the included VGA and combination TV-out (composite) and S-Video-out adapters, so you can use an external monitor or TV for a display. The notebook also has built-in Bluetooth and accepts Apple's optional 802.11g AirPort Extreme card ($99).

The PowerBook G4 does have useful DVD-burning capability. If you don't need that, the slightly heavier IBook has most of the PowerBook's functionality and costs less.

SUMMARY

Apple PowerBook G4 (12-inch) Good if you must have a tiny Mac capable of burning DVDs. Price when tested: $1999 Current prices, if available.