New PowerBooks (April 19 intro)
While I was waiting for the Apple Store US to go back online with glorious new PowerBooks, I thought that I would start a lovely thread in Current Hardware to discuss the new iron (and plastic) once it is announced.
I'm ready to order a 12-inch Combo. But I cannot safely and with good conscience take delivery before my last law school exam on April 30. So I hope BTO (want the biggest drive) ship times will be about two weeks.
Escher
I'm ready to order a 12-inch Combo. But I cannot safely and with good conscience take delivery before my last law school exam on April 30. So I hope BTO (want the biggest drive) ship times will be about two weeks.
Escher
Comments
I have a question though. How does the video chip in the 12" PowerBook compare to the video chip in the iBook? (GeForce 5200 vs. Radeon 9200) I am inclined to believe the Radeon is better here
Finally, the Apple Store lists ship time as 3-5 days, even on my BTO!
Escher
There is NOTHING to bitch about here, folks. iBooks now can support more RAM, have a SuperDrive option, etc. And PowerBooks all have AirPort Extreme cards pre-installed, saving $99 right off the bat in three of the models (both 12" and low-end 15")
Anyone who's been waiting to get an Apple laptop - either model - today's the day. Or you can be a complete dumb-ass and wait ANOTHER 8-10 months for a G5 PowerBook that may or may not be all you expect.
Now THIS is more like it, Apple. Three-and-a-half months of deadly silence ends last Tuesday and, in seven days, we've now got new eMacs, new video software and brand new portables. Only things left are the iMac and the PowerMac, and I'm betting they'll be something pretty neat.
Go buy a laptop!
Originally posted by pscates
This is an AWESOME, solid and totally realistic, worthy upgrade.
Couldn't have said it better, pscates!
Go buy a laptop!
Check!
Phew. The update came just in time for me to take advantage of the educational discount one last time, before I quit education forever.
Escher
Originally posted by pscates
And the first knucklehead that comes here bitching about the PowerBooks not sporting 1600x1900 resolution - or something equally idiotic - gets a big Moe Howard smack.
That's the best !
Escher
UK store is currently updating but the main store page has the banners. 12" Powerbook starting at £1,149! £150 squid less than the previous rev. Coupled with built-in Airport and this is a very welcome update.
15" is also down to £1,399. I think that's a £200 saving from the previous. Man, I am now spoilt for choice. I was looking at an iBook but with these pricedrops and various other savings (Airport/Bluetooth etc.) my budget is now in Powerbook territory. Sod it, I'll buy 'em all!
But I believe all five previous PowerBooks had Bluetooth built-in, right?
Also, did everyone notice the 12" now has 64MB VRAM. up from 32MB?
I tell ya, if that little thing had the backlit keyboard...
Originally posted by Donny1
12" Powerbook starting at £1,149! £150 squid less than the previous rev. Coupled with built-in Airport and this is a very welcome update.
Gotta love the strong euro. For once the old continent is getting a break instead of the US. Of course, it sucks for me. My savings are in Europe, but I have to buy my PowerBook in the States. At least there's still educational pricing.
Escher
Originally posted by pscates
Wasn't Bluetooth available, built-in, in the PowerBooks before today, all models? I think it was. It was AirPort Extreme that wasn't (but now is).
But I believe all five previous PowerBooks had Bluetooth built-in, right?
Also, did everyone notice the 12" now has 64MB VRAM. up from 32MB?
I tell ya, if that little thing had the backlit keyboard...
All Aluminum PowerBooks have had Bluetooth standard since their first intro in Jan 2003, but Airport wasn't standard on the 12" until now.
Great update. These things are going to sell like hot cakes.
This time last year the 17" was $3299! Then dropped to $2999 last fall. Now $2799? Awesome!
Faster, better, cooler...and cheaper. What's not to love?
I wish I needed a laptop. I'm jealous of you goons buying today.
Originally posted by pscates
Also, did everyone notice the 12" now has 64MB VRAM. up from 32MB?
indeed! Rockin' clamshell mode here I come!
That really makes it easier for me to justify the $300 extra for the 12-inch PowerBook. Not only do I get double the VRAM now, the spanning hack on the 12" iBook only lets you use half its VRAM (a measly 16MB). So the new 12-incher will in effect give me four times the VRAM of an iBook (in clamshell mode).
I tell ya, if that little thing had the backlit keyboard...
That is the one compromise I will have to make. Oh well, I can always trade up to a 12-inch PowerBook G5 with backlit keyboard in 2005. Until then, I'll still have a kickass portable that will also function as a nice desktop with my external LCD panel and a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse.
Escher
Im selling my "old" 17" 1.33GHZ strait away. Anyone interested!?
Is there a benefit to doing this? Wouldn't you want two screens, or is it an issue of desk space? I guess, with an Apple display, you could slide the closed 'Book between the legs of it?
Does my 15" SuperDrive PowerBook do this?
How does it work exactly? Is there a downside or hit, either way?
Obviously, you'd need to use an external keyboard and mouse with the lid closed.