PC Magazine has reviewed Apple’s 17-inch PowerBook G4 featuring a 1-GHz PowerPC G4 processor, 512MB DDR SDRAM, 60GB hard drive, nVidia GeForce4 440 Go graphics, 17-inch TFT display, DVD-RW/CD-RW drive, 802.11g wireless and 10/100/1000 Ethernet networking.
“Our hands-on testing shows that those who preordered the machine from Apple won’t be disappointed. It’s jam-packed with enough drool-worthy features to persuade users to ditch their desktops,” reports reviewer Troy Dreier.
“First and foremost, of course, is the bright, crisp screen. It measures 17 inches corner to corner, with a resolution of 1,440 by 900 pixels in a 16:10 aspect ratio. It’s roomy enough to have two documents open side by side or to have one application in view with its associated tool palettes off to the side. And yes, as Apple’s TV commercial implies, the wide aspect ratio is perfect for watching movies. That screen necessitates an extra-wide chassis, of course, but Apple’s design wizardry has kept the dimensions of the sleek aluminum case as small as possible,” Drier writes.
Drier quibbles with the expansive room in front of the unit’s keyboard, the lack of USB 2.0, and called the 17-inch PowerBook G4’s speakers “tinny and underwhelming.”
Drier concludes his review with, “The price means this dream machine will remain only a dream for many. But those who can afford it will certainly be pleased.”
On the whole, a rather balanced review from PC Magazine. Full article here.
Nice to see this from PC Magazine of all places!