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Apple PowerBook G4 Notebook (1.67GHz PowerPC G4, 512MB, 80GB, DVDRW/CD-RW, Mac OS X, 15.2
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More…- Spec Navigator
- Processor
- Memory
- Display
- Storage
- Battery
- Dimensions
- Other Features
- Networking
- Multimedia
- Software
- Interface Connections
- Included Devices
- Warranty
Display
| Display size | 15.2 inches |
| Maximum resolution | 1280 x 854 |
| Aspect ratio | 16:10 |
| Display type | Active Matrix LCD (TFT) |
Storage
| Total HD Size | 80 GB |
| Included drives |
|
| Slots |
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Networking
| Included network card |
|
Interface Connections
| Interface connection |
|
Not Much RAM for Multitasking
The more RAM your laptop has, the faster programs will run and the greater number of windows you can work in at one time. If your needs are simple and you rarely do more than two things at once on your PC, the relatively modest amount of memory that comes installed in inexpensive laptops will be enough. Today the standard amount of RAM shipped in most PCs is 2GB. If you like to multitask--say, you want to launch a search for a file and start backing up data to a disc while you watch a news video--you need more memory.
Suited for Commuting and Other Short Trips
Because of its midsize screen and other middle-of-the-road characteristics, this notebook qualifies as an all-purpose portable. Though it might not have the biggest hard drive or all the latest card slots, its features--and accordingly, its price--are a good fit for most people who need to get work done in mainstream applications. On this laptop, you'll be able to compute comfortably in word processing, spreadsheet, e-mail, and browser applications, and enjoy music or a DVD movie with headphones. This laptop, lighter and easier to carry than a desktop replacement, is also a better choice for commuting and other short trips.
Supports DVD Burning
This laptop is equipped with a DVD burner, a slightly older type of optical drive. If you don't need the ultrahigh recording capacity of a new Blu-ray optical drive, and you don't care about watching high-definition movies on your laptop, a DVD burner should suit you fine. It can read and burn data, music, or video discs up to 8.5GB in capacity. A DVD burner is, of course, backward-compatible with CDs, but it cannot play the newer Blu-ray media because the two types of optical-disc technology use different lasers. In a couple of years, Blu-ray will completely replace the DVD disc format.
Handle Heavy Loads of Streaming Data With Firewire
Many laptops have one built-in FireWire port, also known as an IEEE 1394 (the name of the official standard) or i.Link (Sony’s name for it) port. This connection comes in handy if you download massive video files. Even though USB ports have caught up to FireWire in speed--attaining 480 megabits per second to the latter's 400 mbps--FireWire is still better at handling heavy loads of streaming data. Unlike USB, FireWire can even quickly transfer data between devices (such as printers and scanners) without a PC. The new FireWire 800 standard, IEEE 1394b, is twice as fast as standard FireWire 400 or 1394a, but it hasn't caught on with mainstream users; it's available mainly as an add-in card for power users.
Connect Peripherals With Bluetooth Technology
This short-range wireless technology is everywhere. Whether you activate it on a laptop by way of an external on/off switch or through software, the small internal Bluetooth card automatically detects other Bluetooth-equipped devices within 30 feet and sends and receives radio signals over an ad-hoc "piconet," or personal wireless network. Bluetooth is an especially convenient way to add external peripherals or partner the laptop with other devices, such as a cell phone, printer, or digital camera. Bluetooth works only over short distances to connect devices around your home or office, sending small chunks of data at a leisurely 1 megabit per second.
Be Wary of Battery Life Specs
Take the battery life you see advertised for any laptop with a grain of salt. Why? A few vendors still use unrealistic testing parameters in order to report the longest battery life possible. For example, a "tested" laptop simply might be turned on, with the screen brightness lowered to the darkest level, and allowed to run down without anyone touching it. When the laptop undergoes typical, everyday use--say, with the screen brightness turned up to a readable level and with the user working in several applications or playing a CD or DVD movie--its battery life could be much shorter than a vendor's claims.
Review Now! Already own it? Tell us What You Think
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Reviewed by: whirled
Strengths: Very fast, intuitive and easy to use. Beautiful sleek design.
Weaknesses: It's pricey and doesn't come with any really practical software.
Overall: I've used both Macs and PCs for about 18 years. But for most of those years, I've always had a PC at home (be it a desktop or laptop). I now work in publishing and was told that I would need to get a Mac because it performs better with graphic elements than a PC. I opted for the powerbook because it took up less room than a desktop model (and I live in a small apartment), and it was just as powerful. The Powerbook works like a dream. I haven't had any problems with it yet -- no viruses, no need to end task out of programs (as I had to do often with windows programs). The Apple store is also helpful with their walk-in help desk (although you may have to pay for some services). They also offer workshops -- some of which are free. What I didn't really like about it -- reasons that I always bought a PC instead -- was that it came with very little pratical programs. It had Garage Band, which is neat, but pretty much useless to me. I would have prefered a better word processor than text edit, which is very rudimentary, I think. All the other programs I need I had to buy separately, such as PhotoShop, etc. Bottom line, if you are going to be working with a lot of graphical elements, this is probably the best choice. You can also get upgrades (faster processor, better graphics card), but it will cost more. If you want a computer to use for mostly word processing, maybe some type of photo editing with family photos, then go with a PC. Most PCs work just as well, cost a lot less and there are more newly developed programs work with PCs before Macs (an example is Google Earth -- it's very cool and I'd love to be able to use it on my Powerbook. Right now I can only use it on my PC at work).
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Reviewed by: garrettks
Overall: Pros:- Brilliant 15" widescreen display. - Striking hardware design, aluminum casing. - Mac OS X, The most elegant and stable consumer operating system I've experienced. - Compared to several Windows laptops I've seen, the PowerBook seems more rugged, less flimsy, higher quality components (inside and out). - Up to 2gb of RAM possible. - Auto screen dimming, backlit keyboard. - Zero configuration to connect to any wired or wireless network. - Top notch Apple service and support, I highly recommend purchasing AppleCare. - Size and weight, compact and lightweight.Cons:- Battery could be better. A friend of mine just bought an Inspiron 6000. While the 6000 seems cheapish, the battery lasts twice as long as my PowerBook battery. - I really can't think of any others, you'll love this laptop!
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Reviewed by: brads79
Strengths: 2G Ram, 2 USB ports and 1 Firewire port, power on and access wireless networking out of the box.
Weaknesses: Machine heats up and only 80G hard drive
Overall: I purchased this Mac after a nearly 10 year lapse since my last Mac (a PowerMac 7200/90). I have become addicted to the ease of the interface as well as the ability to use Microsoft Office and connect with my office's wireless network. I am the only Mac user in my office and none of my coworkers know it. The machine is slim and its sleek design makes it easy to take it anywhere. The wireless card allows access to the Internet in any airport, hotel or coffee shop with Wi-Fi. My Powerbook in conjunction with a .Mac account with 2G of storage allows me to continue to be productive no matter where I might find myself. If Apple increases the size of the hard drive in its next offering and installs next generation wireless technology as well, I see no reason not to continue using a Mac. Hopefiully, more professionals will begin understanding that the costs and time associated with using a Windows network are not worth the trouble when Apple continues to develop extraordinary products like this mobile computer. I urge average to above average computer users to take the 15" Powerbook for a spin because you will fall in love with it as I did...again.
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Reviewed by: ktubaugh
Strengths: The 1.67GHz G4 processor combined with 1 GB RAM and an 80GB 5400RPM hard drive make this thing smoking hot in the performance department. Kudos to Apple for packing so much into such a small package.
Weaknesses: This machine runs hot! Invest in an elevated stand to prolong the life on your machine. Also, the battery life leaves something to be desired. Invest in a spare one if you are a heavy traveler.
Overall: I purchased this laptop to replace my old 15.2" titanium PowerBook G4 667MHz. I considered purchasing a new computer from several other manufacturers, but I eventually settled on the PowerBook. I just fell in love with the responsiveness of the machine and all the great software that comes pre-loaded from the factory. Apple's track record for great support and reliability are unmatched by other companies. I am involved in PC support for more than 2000 machines in a mixed environment (Linux, UNIX, Windows, Mac, etc). I have first hand experience with the support departments of various vendors and I must say that Apple is always the most responsive. As long as Apple keeps improving their products, I will continue to buy them without hesitation. Congratulations to Apple on developing such a great product!
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