Ok I shot down some of your stuff earlier (or I like to think I did)
So now what PowerBooks need...
1) More battery life, I have a particularly low capacity battery that I will demand be replaced when I send it it in for white spot repair, but battery life does suck
2) Higher Res could be an option because I could use things slightly smaller on my 15" AluBook, but it isn't a real problem for me, it's basically perfect
3)G5 architecture, and I mean faster bus, faster ram, faster processor, the works, I understand this makes need 1 hard (impossible?) to do. This isn't really a need as much as a want, it will soon become a need though.
4)This is a want, not a need, but I wish my powerbook was more durable, I'm afraid to hurt the thing, I just don't feel like the display is properly protected.
Just cost. Apple likes to use displays across lines to save on costs - witness the 12" iBook and PowerBooks, 17" iMac and PowerBook.
A build-to-order option presumes cost. For instance, to get the higher resolution, Apple will charge $200? (And $200 is an already pricey considering Dell only charges $50 or so). So those who want the regular resolution won't lose anything.
A build-to-order option presumes cost. For instance, to get the higher resolution, Apple will charge $200? (And $200 is an already pricey considering Dell only charges $50 or so). So those who want the regular resolution won't lose anything.
Just perusing the Dell and IBM sites; I don't see any build to order options other than external displays for increased resolution screens. Maybe I'm just not digging hard enough, though.
Everything is too big. You don't have to worry about text being too small with higher resolution because you can always make it bigger. However, I always feel cramped on my PowerBook.
How about making the OSX more customizable as a solution. I find the PB's resolution to be fine but frankly the menu bar type, columns and dialog boxes too big.
oh yeah, that's the other big thing that needs to be improved, BATTERY LIFE!
my alubook gets about 2:30 hours average, 3 if I'm lucky, the most I've got was about 3:20 that's just sucky.
my brother gets like 6 hours on his iBook
I hope that some new battery tech comes out, or something, I really want to see 6+ hours in the powerbooks
I also hope that somewhere a couple years from now maybe, some 3rd party will release better batteries for the current Pbooks like has been done with the tibooks.
BTO screen options awould help this situation..(at the very least)...
this is one aspect that I find problematic in all Apple notebooks, that being Apple screen technology and performance is really behind in terms of overall specifications...
overall nit brightness, viewing angles, native resolutions, and contrast ratios, are all inferior to the current Professional notebook PCs...
despite all of its screen shortcomings I still love my PBs...
In the end the PB line needs to be updated in a hurry, if Apple is to continue to assert itself on the overall notebook market...
Well since this thread has become more of a wish list then a discussion, I'd also like an LCD that has lower settings then the ones now, and that you can see easily your display when outside in sunlight.
I am waiting to replace my aging Titbook 400 for about half a year now, but the current crop of Powerbooks just don't thrill me.
I am waiting for two out of the following three to be met:
- higher pixel density (BTO would be fine with me). You all may have problems with your eyesight, but the jaggy, coarse display with visible black lines between pixels is just sub-standard to me. I don't want a UXGA screen like Dell offers (1920xsomething and rather dim) either, but 1440 or 1620 on 15" would be just fine with MacOS X's ultra-large fonts and mushy anti-aliasing.
- A G5 or similar CPU offering high memory throughput. I bought myself a cheap-n-ugly Centrino for my work duties since Apple is dragging it's feet and the thing just flies when doing Java
- much better battery life. The Centrino achieves 3.5h decoding DivX to 5h surfing and typing. I have yet to see any Apple Powerbook with the same battery runtime.
I have a really hard time understanding why Apples Powerbook sales have surged over the last year, because feature-wise they don't match the wintel competition any longer.
"Finally, it's got a ATI Mobility FireGL T2 video card, which is better than the cards in the G5 desktops."
Not everyone needs a 9600 or better, so they're BTO options on PowerMac G5. The FireGL is a professional (rather than 9x00 "Pro" ), ISV certified version of the 9600. The Mobile 9600 is probably the same speed as it for most users intents and purposes.
I honestly hardly ever use my PowerBook without it being plugged into the wall -- it's pretty much a portable desktop (which is wonderful and works perfectly for going between school and home); so I can't comment on battery life issue (but mine's an older Ti 867 --- have things really declined this much with the AlBooks?).
This Sony Vaio screen technology is interesting, but really not neccessary. I hardly ever have my TiBook's screen at 100% brightness (usually a step below half). But I guess I really haven't paid attention to the competition's offerings over the past year -- it really has become impressive, and impressively priced. It's quite interesting that Apple can lay claim to such powerful notebooks at prices significantly lower than the competition on most ends.
But, yes, Apple must reinvigorate the line soon. I know they are working on the tech necessary to provide all the things we wish, and they'll do it up even better than we can conceive! I.E., I think we're all in for a big treat, since Apple knows better than anyone what they have to deliver.
And...I agree --- 1280X854 is perfect on my PowerBook. I think it's sort of like loud music, this "high resolution" craze. You don't know it's loud anymore after you're deafened; remember when you first used a 15" LCD of the current PowerBook's resolution ---- it was amazing (and still is by my account).
No I'd rather have a PB, but you guy have to admit, IBM is firing on all cylinders these days. Rather nice to have them on your side in the R&D side...and a serious chip making competition against Intel.
Comments
Originally posted by THT
About the higher LCD resolutions. Really, what does it matter to people if it was a build-to-order option?
Just cost. Apple likes to use displays across lines to save on costs - witness the 12" iBook and PowerBooks, 17" iMac and PowerBook.
So now what PowerBooks need...
1) More battery life, I have a particularly low capacity battery that I will demand be replaced when I send it it in for white spot repair, but battery life does suck
2) Higher Res could be an option because I could use things slightly smaller on my 15" AluBook, but it isn't a real problem for me, it's basically perfect
3)G5 architecture, and I mean faster bus, faster ram, faster processor, the works, I understand this makes need 1 hard (impossible?) to do. This isn't really a need as much as a want, it will soon become a need though.
4)This is a want, not a need, but I wish my powerbook was more durable, I'm afraid to hurt the thing, I just don't feel like the display is properly protected.
Originally posted by THT
13.3" Powerbook G5:
1.4 GHz 970 CPU
700 MHz processor bus
Dual channel PC2700
2 SO-DIMM slots
SATA notebook drive
Display: 1152x768
I'll take 2 please.....
Originally posted by Rhumgod
Just cost. Apple likes to use displays across lines to save on costs - witness the 12" iBook and PowerBooks, 17" iMac and PowerBook.
A build-to-order option presumes cost. For instance, to get the higher resolution, Apple will charge $200? (And $200 is an already pricey considering Dell only charges $50 or so). So those who want the regular resolution won't lose anything.
Originally posted by THT
A build-to-order option presumes cost. For instance, to get the higher resolution, Apple will charge $200? (And $200 is an already pricey considering Dell only charges $50 or so). So those who want the regular resolution won't lose anything.
Just perusing the Dell and IBM sites; I don't see any build to order options other than external displays for increased resolution screens. Maybe I'm just not digging hard enough, though.
Originally posted by Michael Wilkie
Everything is too big. You don't have to worry about text being too small with higher resolution because you can always make it bigger. However, I always feel cramped on my PowerBook.
How about making the OSX more customizable as a solution. I find the PB's resolution to be fine but frankly the menu bar type, columns and dialog boxes too big.
Originally posted by THT
...
13.3" Powerbook G5:
1.4 GHz 970 CPU
700 MHz processor bus
Dual channel PC2700
2 SO-DIMM slots
SATA notebook drive
Display: 1152x768
...
The perfect notebook. Call Steve Jobs, he has got to make this computer!!
sony vaios
my alubook gets about 2:30 hours average, 3 if I'm lucky, the most I've got was about 3:20 that's just sucky.
my brother gets like 6 hours on his iBook
I hope that some new battery tech comes out, or something, I really want to see 6+ hours in the powerbooks
I also hope that somewhere a couple years from now maybe, some 3rd party will release better batteries for the current Pbooks like has been done with the tibooks.
Originally posted by Messiahtosh
So many business freaks wont buy a business laptop unless it is black, regardless of how classy it looks in silver.
I would be first in line to buy a "little black book" (tm)
BTO screen options awould help this situation..(at the very least)...
this is one aspect that I find problematic in all Apple notebooks, that being Apple screen technology and performance is really behind in terms of overall specifications...
overall nit brightness, viewing angles, native resolutions, and contrast ratios, are all inferior to the current Professional notebook PCs...
despite all of its screen shortcomings I still love my PBs...
In the end the PB line needs to be updated in a hurry, if Apple is to continue to assert itself on the overall notebook market...
I am waiting for two out of the following three to be met:
- higher pixel density (BTO would be fine with me). You all may have problems with your eyesight, but the jaggy, coarse display with visible black lines between pixels is just sub-standard to me. I don't want a UXGA screen like Dell offers (1920xsomething and rather dim) either, but 1440 or 1620 on 15" would be just fine with MacOS X's ultra-large fonts and mushy anti-aliasing.
- A G5 or similar CPU offering high memory throughput. I bought myself a cheap-n-ugly Centrino for my work duties since Apple is dragging it's feet and the thing just flies when doing Java
- much better battery life. The Centrino achieves 3.5h decoding DivX to 5h surfing and typing. I have yet to see any Apple Powerbook with the same battery runtime.
I have a really hard time understanding why Apples Powerbook sales have surged over the last year, because feature-wise they don't match the wintel competition any longer.
Dell has 15.4" screens with a 1920x1200 pixel native resolution.
"Finally, it's got a ATI Mobility FireGL T2 video card, which is better than the cards in the G5 desktops."
Not everyone needs a 9600 or better, so they're BTO options on PowerMac G5. The FireGL is a professional (rather than 9x00 "Pro"
This Sony Vaio screen technology is interesting, but really not neccessary. I hardly ever have my TiBook's screen at 100% brightness (usually a step below half). But I guess I really haven't paid attention to the competition's offerings over the past year -- it really has become impressive, and impressively priced. It's quite interesting that Apple can lay claim to such powerful notebooks at prices significantly lower than the competition on most ends.
But, yes, Apple must reinvigorate the line soon. I know they are working on the tech necessary to provide all the things we wish, and they'll do it up even better than we can conceive! I.E., I think we're all in for a big treat, since Apple knows better than anyone what they have to deliver.
And...I agree --- 1280X854 is perfect on my PowerBook. I think it's sort of like loud music, this "high resolution" craze. You don't know it's loud anymore after you're deafened; remember when you first used a 15" LCD of the current PowerBook's resolution ---- it was amazing (and still is by my account).
on a 14 inch display, is there such a thing as too high res - as you crank up the res every thing gets smaller
-naturaly-
and if the tool buttons in an app are too small to see whithout getting the eyestrain headache form hell then what good is high res?
kinda like a 20 inch HDTV - it defeats its own purpose -