Computerworld: Apple ‘has really hit its stride’ with 15-inch PowerBook

20 Comments

“For the past two weeks or so, I’ve had my hands on the latest incarnation of Apple Computer Inc.’s midrange, bread-and-butter PowerBook, the new 15-in. model unveiled in mid-April. And with this version of its sleek aluminum laptops, Apple has really hit its stride,” Ken Mingis writes for Computerworld.

“If the 12-in. PowerBook is too small (or too slow), and the 17-in. PowerBook is too big (it can’t be too fast — right?), then the 15-in. model is probably just right. Speedy? Check. The 1.5-GHz processor shows its stuff in day-to-day tasks. Versatile? Very much so. With AirPort Extreme now incorporated across the PowerBook line, wireless connections are made easy. The SuperDrive allows for easy CD and DVD burning. The backlit keyboard is useful in dimly lit places. Portable? You bet. You get a bright and clear 1,280-by-854-pixel widescreen LCD, full-size (and solid-feeling) keyboard, all in a package that weighs 5.7 lb.,” Mingis writes. “Add to that the fact that Apple dropped the price of the faster of its two 15-in. models by $100, to $2,499, and what’s not to love?”

Full article here.

20 Comments

  1. Although the 15″ is one stunning piece of aluminium computer, I still prefer the 12″. It’s just so perfectly compact for something with everything on board.

    Best computer I’ve ever owned. Mind you, I bet 15″ owners say the same. A PowerBook is a PowerBook is a PowerBook.

    Reply

  2. Dave H,

    I agree, my 12″ iBook is the coolest machine I’ve ever owned. I wish I had a 12″ PB, but I’m not that rich (yet ” width=”19″ height=”19″ alt=”grin” style=”border:0;” />

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  4. I would love the 12″. I’ve drooled over my friend’s PB. The one thing that held me back from getting one is resolution. I wish it did 1200X1024. It would then be perfect in my opinion. 1024X768 is too small for me.

    Reply

  6. Gotta love my PB 17! As a desktop replacement, it can’t be beat (the lightest Windows laptops are 9.9 lbs compared to 6.9 lbs for the PB!!!).
    But, of course, to each his own (Mac, that is).

    Reply

  8. My 17” has been the greatest machine I’ve ever used or seen. I use it for everything both in the MS world as a systems Admin and in the development world. I can’t imagine how I ever worked without it…..

    Reply

  9. I think the 12″ is sexy but I use my laptop as my main computer so really need at least 15″ at least or would have to screw around hooking up a monitor (which costs some bucks too). It WOULD be cool to have it all set up so I could just close my PB (the new lid closed run feature) and have a bluetooth keyboard and mouse and a big display. If I ever hit the lottery I will have to consider it.

    The new 15″ PBs I lust after but am going to gut it out on my 15″ 667 Tibook til the G5 laptop comes out.

    Reply

  10. When my 15″, 1.5 GHz Powerbook arrived last week, I finally threw out my office 17″ iMac. I got an iCurve stand for the powerbook and everything is done and stored on this beautiful to-go package. No more synchronizing of folders and projects!
    I loved my old 867 TiBook, but the new one is just amazing.
    Now, if I were commuting on the train, I would consider the 12″. The 17″ would be the perfect desktop. But the 15″ serves both purposes, so I’m happy.
    I always thought that the keyboard of the Wallstreet was the best I ever had; the TiBook’s keys were a bit too springy for my palate. With the AlBook, the keyboard is just phantastic. I love typing with it.

    Reply

  12. I’d love to have a PowerBook. My iBook’s logic board has just died. Again. Just like many others. But the PowerBook will have to wait. The PowerMac is next on my agenda.

    Reply

  14. >You THREW OUT your 17″ iMac????!!!!!!!!
    Well, to be exact, I gave it to a colleague who was still slaving on a beige G3. But it’s been banned from my office. Let’s face it: the G4/800 iMac couldn’t hold a candle to the 867 TiBook, much less to the 1.5 GHz AlBook. And with Classic programs running, it would sometimes slow down to a crawl. Never had this problem with the powerbooks or with the G4/500 b/w I’m using at home. It’s a great design, but it’s not a very fast computer.

    Reply

  16. I have a 17″ iMac 800mhz at work (at least until my lazy-ass IT guy decides to open the G5 box that’s been sitting in the back room for a MONTH!) and a 667 TiBook at home. Honestly, the TiBook seems a lot faster to me. The front end bus is the only thing better so that makes me really eager to get my hands on the G5.

    Reply

  17. I have had a Sony Vaio Picturebook for awhile, but it was gathering dust on my shelf until I got it down and brought it back to life with Windows XP.

    Man, man oh man … what a barracuda! I’d truly forgotten just how much Windows sucks. Forever loading the software, tens upon ten upon ten of patches, and repatches, and updated repatches. Buggy, real buggy too.

    There are still some tasks I still must do on a PeeCee, and Virtual Windows was, is and most probably never will be acceptable. The VPC program has been an utter failure from the gitgo except very recently and only with those who have the very fastest Macs to crunch that behemoth.

    The Vaio went back on the shelf, and I am back with my 20th Anniversary Macintosh (still, still has the best sound system of any computer ever with its Bose system), my still-too-cool Cube my trusty Wallstreet Powerbook, and from time to time I buy (then resell) a 17″ Aluminum Powerbook.

    I do wish Apple would someday may a Powerbook the size of the Vaio Picturebook (less than half the size of the 12″ PB). Its perfect for travelling, and could handle most desktop and home tasks when hooked up to a keyboard and monitor. I give Sony that much credit. But no more.

    Dang, and even got my Newton to work on my Airport system here in my home.

    Reply

  18. 20th Anniversary Mac is the only computer that has life Time warranty.
    New VPC should have been ready long time ago. Then again Microsoft needs time to transfer all the bugs to Mac too ” width=”19″ height=”19″ alt=”smile” style=”border:0;” /> ?

    American in Finland
    Are you still here? Shouldn�t you move back to America? When does your visa expire? Our alien laws are too kind. Is she still keeping you as a sex toy?
    Go to police and tell that you are kept as a hostage by a Finnish nymfo.
    They will end your suffer ” width=”19″ height=”19″ alt=”smile” style=”border:0;” />

    Now I will go to Sauna and practice for my Longhorn BBQ party.
    And drink lots of Karjala Beer!

    My old Army friends are here for a visit so we will conquere Karjala back bottle by bottle ” width=”19″ height=”19″ alt=”smile” style=”border:0;” />

    Cheers eli Kippis!

    Reply

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