I'm another student facing this powerbook dilemma. I have decided i will not buy any of the current powerbooks, simply because they are outdated and due for a refresh. Yes, it is true that the current offerings (12, 15 or 17) all suit my needs, but it is also true that i will be using this machine for four years and buying a machine that has been current for 7 months will not help my laptops longevity.
I cannot afford the 17" or high end TiBook and i would like a little more screen real-estate than 1024x768. This leaves the low-end TiBook. Essentially i am hoping to end up with a machine with specs that are closer to the current 1ghz Ti. It is my believe that any upgrade will be minor and i am hopping (fingers crossed) that the new low-end machine will have specs that are comparable to the current 1ghz model.
If September comes and there has yet to be an update, it looks as though i will be bringing my 333 iMac to university with me and hope that i can survive for a few weeks until there is a powerbook update. I really hope apple doesn't force me to do this.
I'm another student facing this powerbook dilemma. I have decided i will not buy any of the current powerbooks, simply because they are outdated and due for a refresh. Yes, it is true that the current offerings (12, 15 or 17) all suit my needs, but it is also true that i will be using this machine for four years and buying a machine that has been current for 7 months will not help my laptops longevity.
I cannot afford the 17" or high end TiBook and i would like a little more screen real-estate than 1024x768. This leaves the low-end TiBook. Essentially i am hoping to end up with a machine with specs that are closer to the current 1ghz Ti. It is my believe that any upgrade will be minor and i am hopping (fingers crossed) that the new low-end machine will have specs that are comparable to the current 1ghz model.
If September comes and there has yet to be an update, it looks as though i will be bringing my 333 iMac to university with me and hope that i can survive for a few weeks until there is a powerbook update. I really hope apple doesn't force me to do this.
I think you'll be okay. I bet by mid/late September, you'll be able to get a nice 7457-based, Combo Drive-equipped aluminum 15" PowerBook for $1999 or so.
That'll probably be the "sweet spot" and what most people in your position go for.
I don't blame you...I'd wait too. That's my whole point. If you've got an iBook or first-gen G4 PowerBook or iMac or whatever, the worst case scenario is that you might have to lug it to school and use it for a few months. But that's not horrible, in the big scheme, I'd imagine.
My "beef" was with fickle "platform jumpers" OR people actually holding out for a G5 PowerBook and expecting it tomorrow and then bitch about it when it doesn't show up.
Are you going to eventually sell your 333MHz iMac?
I'm another student facing this powerbook dilemma. I have decided i will not buy any of the current powerbooks, simply because they are outdated and due for a refresh.
Essentially i am hoping to end up with a machine with specs that are closer to the current 1ghz Ti. It is my believe that any upgrade will be minor and i am hopping (fingers crossed) that the new low-end machine will have specs that are comparable to the current 1ghz model.
So why not just save some cash and buy the current 1GHz TiBook?
Believe me, an extra 200 MHz + some more VRAM + DDR are only going to make a minor improvement in performance over the current model. And Apple will charge a bundle for the new machine!
All G4 Powerbooks are going to be out of date in about a year or so anyway (when the G5 TiBooks come), so I don't see the point in waiting to spend more $$ for a (minorly) updated G4 TiBook.
If I recall correctly (I don't own a powerbook at the moment, but i'm looking) the 15" TI book has issues with its Airport range which was improved in the AL books. Maybe this is misinformation or outdated but it was my understanding that it was a real issue. Just this one item I would imagine would be significant to a student.
As far as USB and Firewire the latest revisions would be important as would be the quanity of the ports for certain students. Any photography or video production student would be interested in the latest.
As far as waiting it out I'm in much the same situation, generally not pressed but a laptop would be nice for a trip I'm taking in September. I can easly eliminate that requirement by buying another large flash card for my digital camera.
My personal requirements are good Firewire and USB support, a good complement of RAM, reasonable speed and a CD writer. Hopefully this can be had for a good price. Price is an issue though, if the difference is equal to the cost of a new lens for my camera I could be tempted by a Intel compatable. It is all a question of money allocation, the MAC is a great tool, but so are Mamiya & Nikons lenses. Like camera lens some represent better value than others in the manufacture line up, what is a better value in Apples line could potentially change when the new machines are introduced. The current 15" unit is kinda there and then not there but an improved 12" model may be a better fit for my needs.
Ooo, I don't see it that way at all. I see it quite the opposite: the aluminum models are such an improvement over the 15" TiBook (the surface itself, the hinge, AirPort reception, easily-accessible ports, AirPort Extreme, Bluetooth, faster RAM, etc.) that I think those things combined with this 7457 would make for a delicious 15" PowerBook experience!
One with legs longer than a year or two, for sure! Especially if you're just writing, surfing, etc.
When the PowerBook goes to a G5, THAT'S when it'll probably get ridiculous in terms of price and all.
I bet the next round of PowerBooks (all three models aluminum and sporting the 7457) will remain at - or VERY close - to where they are now, price-wise.
NOTE: this thread is a response to Neurokid's one above, not wizard's
Wizard, I think you misunderstand me: I'm ALL for the new PowerBooks (and all they'll hopefully have). I advocate waiting because they WILL be better (AirPort reception and all that, of course!).
I feel for those in this current pickle. I'd hate to be there. I don't know.
The choices are only a few and are fairly obvious. It's not for me to decide. I have no control over anything.
I'd love for them all to come out this Tuesday, that way this thread could be closed and we could quit worrying/thinking about it.
Are you going to eventually sell your 333MHz iMac?
I haven't given much though about what i will do with my iMac after it has been replaced. I've had it for four years and it has been running very well the entire time. It is the first mac that i have called my own (ie: not using dad's mac). It has 384megs of ram and a 30gig drive. Contact me in september if you are interested in buying.
Quote:
So why not just save some cash and buy the current 1GHz TiBook?
I can't afford the high end book. When i buy i will be buying something that is in the same price range as the current low end ti. I might end up buying the current top end model at a reduced price, or i might buy whatever the new low-end model is.
Quote:
I'd love for them all to come out this Tuesday, that way this thread could be closed and we could quit worrying/thinking about it.
I would not look at it as being forced to do swomething I'd look at it as trying ot do the wise thing. Why spend your money if your not sure of want what you are buying! Take the iMac to school, you would then be in a position to sell it shortly.
Obviously no one knows what Apple has up its sleeves with the new Powerbook revisions. My geuss is that we will see a significant upgrade with a much faster G4 with the machines in the same price range. I could be completely wrong, but I think Apple is just waiting for a couple of technologies to come together. That being a high speed, low power G4 and a new ATI graphics chip. Throw in a few other bones and you have a nice machine to complement the G5 powerbooks when they come on line sometime next year. So yeah I think it is wise to wait if you can, but this could also be all garbage.
The other obvious issue is that the intel market now has competitive chip technology, Apple must be watching this. the make up and pricing of their Laptops will have to reflect this new reality.
Quote:
Originally posted by Cosmo
I'm another student facing this powerbook dilemma. I have decided i will not buy any of the current powerbooks, simply because they are outdated and due for a refresh. Yes, it is true that the current offerings (12, 15 or 17) all suit my needs, but it is also true that i will be using this machine for four years and buying a machine that has been current for 7 months will not help my laptops longevity.
I cannot afford the 17" or high end TiBook and i would like a little more screen real-estate than 1024x768. This leaves the low-end TiBook. Essentially i am hoping to end up with a machine with specs that are closer to the current 1ghz Ti. It is my believe that any upgrade will be minor and i am hopping (fingers crossed) that the new low-end machine will have specs that are comparable to the current 1ghz model.
If September comes and there has yet to be an update, it looks as though i will be bringing my 333 iMac to university with me and hope that i can survive for a few weeks until there is a powerbook update. I really hope apple doesn't force me to do this.
i finally got tired of waiting for the new Albook, and was about to get myself an 800 or 867 on ebay, or a reconditionned 867 in August, when i will travel to the US.
But last week, suddenly, Apple Russia shaved 770 US $ from the 1Ghz powerbook, and it is now around 2 240 US plus vat, so i have ordered one...
My reason for waiting even if i needed it now, go used ibook or rent....gasp...gasp.a gasp pc (yech)
14-15" screen is near ideal for majority of people
most now need wireless Tibook has lously wireless reception--agree???? so I want wireless and good reception that's why i wouldn't consider tiBook and hope the new enclosure is AL or better reception Tibook
IMO, L3 cache makes a huge real-world difference in performance.
5-10% overall, depending on application - which is nothing to sneeze at.
Quote:
But as processor speeds ramp up, this won't be as much of an issue.
L3 cache doesn't make up for processor speed, it makes up for bandwidth to RAM (i.e., the system bus), and RAM latency (how long it takes for the RAM to "react" to a CPU request). If the 7447 and 7457 have the same CPU clock speed to bus clock speed ratios as the current G4s, and the bus remains MaxBus, L3 cache will be no less necessary even as the CPU clocks higher. Because clock speed really isn't the issue: The issue is how much data can the CPU get, and how quickly.
May I suggest an alternative: Buy a Pismo (Powerbook G3 with firewire) off of ebay (or a graduating senior) and order a 1.6 Ghz G5 from your campus reseller (and have it delivered to your home if you are going to school out of state). The G5 will be reasonably upgradeable and thus capable of running any software (read "games") that comes out during your four years (keep your fingers crossed) of college. The Pismo will run you $500-$700 and give you the flexibility you need for school work (read "go write your paper in the library while your roomates drink themselves stupid and/or have freaky sex").
The Pismo is capable of running OS X, is relatively light without the batteries in, can carry two batteries if you can't be near an outlet, and has a 14.1" screen which is big enough for two people "watching a movie" from an extra-long twin in a 8'x12' dorm room.
If you want a cheap, but good laptop and only that laptop, then you should grab one of the 15" G4 laptops while you can find one, because whatever replaces it will be more expensive.
If you don't want to lay out $3000 for the Pismo/G5+LCD, you can put together a cheaper desktop option (CRT screen or smaller LCD, or one of the dual G4s, or even an iMac).
Don't get me wrong, having a spiffy new laptop is tons of fun, but you have to ask yourself if you want your primary computer to be fast or portable. If the answer is fast, get a new desktop as your primary machine and pick up a used laptop for cheap when you need portability. You can almost always work out some combination that will not be that much more expensive and will give you much more bang for your buck.
Don't worry about it, soulcrusher, after all, new PBs are going to be released tomorrow, right?
That comment was made because Soulcrusher started a thread, a while back, wherein he claimed that new Powerbooks would be out the day after. Clearly he was wrong. Dead wrong.
That comment was made because Soulcrusher started a thread, a while back, wherein he claimed that new Powerbooks would be out the day after. Clearly he was wrong. Dead wrong.
I was not wrong, they may still be released tomorrow.
Kickaha and Amorph couldn't moderate themselves out of a paper bag. Abdicate responsibility and succumb to idiocy. Two years of letting a member make personal attacks against others, then stepping aside when someone won't put up with it. Not only that but go ahead and shut down my posting priviledges but not the one making the attacks. Not even the common decency to abide by their warning (afer three days of absorbing personal attacks with no mods in sight), just shut my posting down and then say it might happen later if a certian line is crossed. Bullshit flag is flying, I won't abide by lying and coddling of liars who go off-site, create accounts differing in a single letter from my handle with the express purpose to decieve and then claim here that I did it. Everyone be warned, kim kap sol is a lying, deceitful poster.
Now I guess they should have banned me rather than just shut off posting priviledges, because kickaha and Amorph definitely aren't going to like being called to task when they thought they had it all ignored *cough* *cough* I mean under control. Just a couple o' tools.
Don't worry, as soon as my work resetting my posts is done I'll disappear forever.
Comments
I cannot afford the 17" or high end TiBook and i would like a little more screen real-estate than 1024x768. This leaves the low-end TiBook. Essentially i am hoping to end up with a machine with specs that are closer to the current 1ghz Ti. It is my believe that any upgrade will be minor and i am hopping (fingers crossed) that the new low-end machine will have specs that are comparable to the current 1ghz model.
If September comes and there has yet to be an update, it looks as though i will be bringing my 333 iMac to university with me and hope that i can survive for a few weeks until there is a powerbook update. I really hope apple doesn't force me to do this.
Originally posted by Cosmo
I'm another student facing this powerbook dilemma. I have decided i will not buy any of the current powerbooks, simply because they are outdated and due for a refresh. Yes, it is true that the current offerings (12, 15 or 17) all suit my needs, but it is also true that i will be using this machine for four years and buying a machine that has been current for 7 months will not help my laptops longevity.
I cannot afford the 17" or high end TiBook and i would like a little more screen real-estate than 1024x768. This leaves the low-end TiBook. Essentially i am hoping to end up with a machine with specs that are closer to the current 1ghz Ti. It is my believe that any upgrade will be minor and i am hopping (fingers crossed) that the new low-end machine will have specs that are comparable to the current 1ghz model.
If September comes and there has yet to be an update, it looks as though i will be bringing my 333 iMac to university with me and hope that i can survive for a few weeks until there is a powerbook update. I really hope apple doesn't force me to do this.
I think you'll be okay. I bet by mid/late September, you'll be able to get a nice 7457-based, Combo Drive-equipped aluminum 15" PowerBook for $1999 or so.
That'll probably be the "sweet spot" and what most people in your position go for.
I don't blame you...I'd wait too. That's my whole point. If you've got an iBook or first-gen G4 PowerBook or iMac or whatever, the worst case scenario is that you might have to lug it to school and use it for a few months. But that's not horrible, in the big scheme, I'd imagine.
My "beef" was with fickle "platform jumpers" OR people actually holding out for a G5 PowerBook and expecting it tomorrow and then bitch about it when it doesn't show up.
Are you going to eventually sell your 333MHz iMac?
Originally posted by Cosmo
I'm another student facing this powerbook dilemma. I have decided i will not buy any of the current powerbooks, simply because they are outdated and due for a refresh.
Essentially i am hoping to end up with a machine with specs that are closer to the current 1ghz Ti. It is my believe that any upgrade will be minor and i am hopping (fingers crossed) that the new low-end machine will have specs that are comparable to the current 1ghz model.
So why not just save some cash and buy the current 1GHz TiBook?
Believe me, an extra 200 MHz + some more VRAM + DDR are only going to make a minor improvement in performance over the current model. And Apple will charge a bundle for the new machine!
All G4 Powerbooks are going to be out of date in about a year or so anyway (when the G5 TiBooks come), so I don't see the point in waiting to spend more $$ for a (minorly) updated G4 TiBook.
As far as USB and Firewire the latest revisions would be important as would be the quanity of the ports for certain students. Any photography or video production student would be interested in the latest.
As far as waiting it out I'm in much the same situation, generally not pressed but a laptop would be nice for a trip I'm taking in September. I can easly eliminate that requirement by buying another large flash card for my digital camera.
My personal requirements are good Firewire and USB support, a good complement of RAM, reasonable speed and a CD writer. Hopefully this can be had for a good price. Price is an issue though, if the difference is equal to the cost of a new lens for my camera I could be tempted by a Intel compatable. It is all a question of money allocation, the MAC is a great tool, but so are Mamiya & Nikons lenses. Like camera lens some represent better value than others in the manufacture line up, what is a better value in Apples line could potentially change when the new machines are introduced. The current 15" unit is kinda there and then not there but an improved 12" model may be a better fit for my needs.
Dave
Originally posted by pscates
USB, Ethernet, AirPort, FireWire, 56k modem, Bluetooth.
What's the missing element or "connection to the environment" you speak of?
What is any new Mac going to have, connection-wise, that a current one doesn't? AirPort Really Extreme? BluetoothUltra? ExtraGigaGigaEthernet?
I don't get that portion of your post. But the others sound good.
I'm just glad I'm not a student and don't feel the "clock is ticking". I've got the luxury of being able to "wait it out" with no real penalty.
Perhaps I'm too detached from the urgency of the situation.
One with legs longer than a year or two, for sure! Especially if you're just writing, surfing, etc.
When the PowerBook goes to a G5, THAT'S when it'll probably get ridiculous in terms of price and all.
I bet the next round of PowerBooks (all three models aluminum and sporting the 7457) will remain at - or VERY close - to where they are now, price-wise.
NOTE: this thread is a response to Neurokid's one above, not wizard's
I feel for those in this current pickle. I'd hate to be there. I don't know.
The choices are only a few and are fairly obvious. It's not for me to decide. I have no control over anything.
I'd love for them all to come out this Tuesday, that way this thread could be closed and we could quit worrying/thinking about it.
Are you going to eventually sell your 333MHz iMac?
I haven't given much though about what i will do with my iMac after it has been replaced. I've had it for four years and it has been running very well the entire time. It is the first mac that i have called my own (ie: not using dad's mac). It has 384megs of ram and a 30gig drive. Contact me in september if you are interested in buying.
So why not just save some cash and buy the current 1GHz TiBook?
I can't afford the high end book. When i buy i will be buying something that is in the same price range as the current low end ti. I might end up buying the current top end model at a reduced price, or i might buy whatever the new low-end model is.
I'd love for them all to come out this Tuesday, that way this thread could be closed and we could quit worrying/thinking about it.
Obviously no one knows what Apple has up its sleeves with the new Powerbook revisions. My geuss is that we will see a significant upgrade with a much faster G4 with the machines in the same price range. I could be completely wrong, but I think Apple is just waiting for a couple of technologies to come together. That being a high speed, low power G4 and a new ATI graphics chip. Throw in a few other bones and you have a nice machine to complement the G5 powerbooks when they come on line sometime next year. So yeah I think it is wise to wait if you can, but this could also be all garbage.
The other obvious issue is that the intel market now has competitive chip technology, Apple must be watching this. the make up and pricing of their Laptops will have to reflect this new reality.
Originally posted by Cosmo
I'm another student facing this powerbook dilemma. I have decided i will not buy any of the current powerbooks, simply because they are outdated and due for a refresh. Yes, it is true that the current offerings (12, 15 or 17) all suit my needs, but it is also true that i will be using this machine for four years and buying a machine that has been current for 7 months will not help my laptops longevity.
I cannot afford the 17" or high end TiBook and i would like a little more screen real-estate than 1024x768. This leaves the low-end TiBook. Essentially i am hoping to end up with a machine with specs that are closer to the current 1ghz Ti. It is my believe that any upgrade will be minor and i am hopping (fingers crossed) that the new low-end machine will have specs that are comparable to the current 1ghz model.
If September comes and there has yet to be an update, it looks as though i will be bringing my 333 iMac to university with me and hope that i can survive for a few weeks until there is a powerbook update. I really hope apple doesn't force me to do this.
i finally got tired of waiting for the new Albook, and was about to get myself an 800 or 867 on ebay, or a reconditionned 867 in August, when i will travel to the US.
But last week, suddenly, Apple Russia shaved 770 US $ from the 1Ghz powerbook, and it is now around 2 240 US plus vat, so i have ordered one...
My reason for waiting even if i needed it now, go used ibook or rent....gasp...gasp.a gasp pc (yech)
14-15" screen is near ideal for majority of people
most now need wireless Tibook has lously wireless reception--agree???? so I want wireless and good reception that's why i wouldn't consider tiBook and hope the new enclosure is AL or better reception Tibook
I'd prefer a laptop but it is more important for the hardware not to get outdated quickly.
Originally posted by neurokid
IMO, L3 cache makes a huge real-world difference in performance.
5-10% overall, depending on application - which is nothing to sneeze at.
But as processor speeds ramp up, this won't be as much of an issue.
L3 cache doesn't make up for processor speed, it makes up for bandwidth to RAM (i.e., the system bus), and RAM latency (how long it takes for the RAM to "react" to a CPU request). If the 7447 and 7457 have the same CPU clock speed to bus clock speed ratios as the current G4s, and the bus remains MaxBus, L3 cache will be no less necessary even as the CPU clocks higher. Because clock speed really isn't the issue: The issue is how much data can the CPU get, and how quickly.
Originally posted by Gamblor
Don't worry about it, soulcrusher, after all, new PBs are going to be released tomorrow, right?
I'll bet you'd feel silly if they actually were released tomorrow
May I suggest an alternative: Buy a Pismo (Powerbook G3 with firewire) off of ebay (or a graduating senior) and order a 1.6 Ghz G5 from your campus reseller (and have it delivered to your home if you are going to school out of state). The G5 will be reasonably upgradeable and thus capable of running any software (read "games") that comes out during your four years (keep your fingers crossed) of college. The Pismo will run you $500-$700 and give you the flexibility you need for school work (read "go write your paper in the library while your roomates drink themselves stupid and/or have freaky sex").
The Pismo is capable of running OS X, is relatively light without the batteries in, can carry two batteries if you can't be near an outlet, and has a 14.1" screen which is big enough for two people "watching a movie" from an extra-long twin in a 8'x12' dorm room.
If you want a cheap, but good laptop and only that laptop, then you should grab one of the 15" G4 laptops while you can find one, because whatever replaces it will be more expensive.
If you don't want to lay out $3000 for the Pismo/G5+LCD, you can put together a cheaper desktop option (CRT screen or smaller LCD, or one of the dual G4s, or even an iMac).
Don't get me wrong, having a spiffy new laptop is tons of fun, but you have to ask yourself if you want your primary computer to be fast or portable. If the answer is fast, get a new desktop as your primary machine and pick up a used laptop for cheap when you need portability. You can almost always work out some combination that will not be that much more expensive and will give you much more bang for your buck.
Originally posted by Gamblor
Don't worry about it, soulcrusher, after all, new PBs are going to be released tomorrow, right?
That comment was made because Soulcrusher started a thread, a while back, wherein he claimed that new Powerbooks would be out the day after. Clearly he was wrong. Dead wrong.
Originally posted by KANE
That comment was made because Soulcrusher started a thread, a while back, wherein he claimed that new Powerbooks would be out the day after. Clearly he was wrong. Dead wrong.
I was not wrong, they may still be released tomorrow.
Now I guess they should have banned me rather than just shut off posting priviledges, because kickaha and Amorph definitely aren't going to like being called to task when they thought they had it all ignored *cough* *cough* I mean under control. Just a couple o' tools.
Don't worry, as soon as my work resetting my posts is done I'll disappear forever.