I thought you'd order one right away, Escher... ;-)
The 12"-PowerBook will replace the iBook in the near future. Most of the pro stuff - i.e. FW 800, PC-Card slot and DVI-out - are missing and it is not wide-screen.
I like the rectangular shape of the wide-screen models better than the square ones. Too bad they didn't introduce a 13"-/14"-wide-screen with all the new trimmings instead of the 12".
FW 800, PC-Card slot and DVI-out - are missing and it is not wide-screen.
I like the rectangular shape of the wide-screen models better than the square ones. Too bad they didn't introduce a 13"-/14"-wide-screen with all the new trimmings instead of the 12".
</strong><hr></blockquote>
i [B]so[B/] agree.
why didn't they make "all" powerbooks widescreen, it would have been more coherent and would better differentiate ibooks & alubooks, also allowing a frontal slot-loader?
as to why no 1000/100/10 i just don't understand.
having wiped a little, this is still a great computer, just a shame films & screen-estate isn't a little upped from the ibook?
what resolutions would a 13inch/13"3 16/10 screen have been?
I will be getting one in two or three years when I want a replacement for my iBook. By then, I bet the superdrive is standard.
Oh did anyone notice also that the combo drive 12" is a 24x unit? Rewrites at 10x too. Pretty damn fast for a laptop drive. My iBook's 16x drive isn't actually 16x, it's 4x? there have been problems with the combo drives in this model. I am pestering Apple about fixing it.
Also, on the product page for the 17" PowerBook, it says it has a 1x Superdrive, but on the spec page it says it has a 2x Superdrive. I wonder which one it is?
)I just bought an iBook and I´m kind of happy I did because I have promised myself to never buy a rev a of anything Apple and I would have been too tempted not to buy that lovely thing.
But in two years that AlBook will be mine.
Does that 12 incher glow in the dark too? (hmm that doesn´t sound right <img src="graemlins/bugeye.gif" border="0" alt="[Skeptical]" /> )
No, the 12" doesn't have the glowing keyboard. It also doesn't have FireWire 800 or gigabit ethernet. In fact, it's really more like the iBooks than the PowerBooks, other than the G4. A perfect go-between (exactly what I will want in a few years, when I can afford it).
I'm getting one if I can figure some way to pay for it. It's pretty much exactly what I have been wanting (admittedly it's still too big and heavy for a true subnotebook, but I can live with it).
I got a rev A 500 iBook and it was great. Fit, finish, everything. Loved it.
Got envious of my brothers iBook that had a faster bus but all was still good.
I don't really see this 12" PB as being a true rev A. I almost see it more as being a further rev of the iBook. It will be interesting to see how hot it gets. I believe I will like the metal finish better.
Does anyone know if the hard drive is cushioned with rubber like on the iBook? Dropped mine a couple of times with no ill effects.
Is the hinge design the same? I really like how the iBook lowered its' screen when open.
[quote]Originally posted by GardenOfEarthlyDelights:
<strong>1 GHz will happen, but I'm not so sure about 1GB of RAM. This seems like an iBook with a few updates. They speeded up the bus and threw in a G4.</strong><hr></blockquote>
The 867Mhz chip doesn't bother me nearly as much as the 640MB RAM limit from the iBook. I almost barfed when I read that the base 256MB configuration shipped with a 128MB chip soldered-in and a 128MB chip in the user-accessible slot. What a joke! If at least they had soldered a single 256MB chip onto the mobo!
[quote]Originally posted by RolandG:
<strong>I thought you'd order one right away, Escher... ;-)</strong><hr></blockquote>
I thought so too, RolandG. And I'm still tempted. But aside from a few issues with the specs, I've become more weary of Rev.A products since spending US$300 to fix the screen on my Rev.A iBook (Dual USB).
[quote]Originally posted by kcmac:
<strong>I don't really see this 12" PB as being a true rev A. I almost see it more as being a further rev of the iBook.</strong><hr></blockquote>
That's an excellent point, kcmac. Of course, as others have pointed out, the similarity to the iBook means that the 12" PowerBook shares some of its limitations as well.
[quote]<strong>It will be interesting to see how hot it gets. I believe I will like the metal finish better.</strong><hr></blockquote>
There's still a chance I'll get this initial version of the 12" aluBook. But I definitely want to operate one in person first, to see how hot it gets, how it sturdy it feels compared to the iBook, etc.
[quote]<strong>Does anyone know if the hard drive is cushioned with rubber like on the iBook? Dropped mine a couple of times with no ill effects.</strong><hr></blockquote>
The HDD in the 12" PB is embedded in rubber just like the iBook's. That's one reason why I'll BTO with the largest possible HDD once I decide to purchase one. I'm really curious to see whether the 12" aluBook is more or less sturdy than the iBook. The 12" certainly looks sturdier than the 15" and 17" models.
[quote]<strong>Is the hinge design the same? I really like how the iBook lowered its' screen when open.</strong><hr></blockquote>
The hinge is not exactly the same. But the hinges on both the 12" and 17" aluBooks feature the same drop-down design. This is much better, IMO, because it eliminates protruding hinges when the 'Book is closed.
I just saw some close ups of the 12" and the hinge does work similar or the same. Great.
Finish and fit looks a little more high tech. All metal. Screws seem to look fashionable.
I have got to believe the aluminum casing will be as strong. I always did like the rubbery plastic feel of the iBook in my hands however.
I think a huge improvement in the case design of the PB over the iBook is the bottom hatch for memory and airport. Lifting up the keyboard on the iBook never did seem right and you had to be very careful to align tabs and not to pop any keys off the keyboard.
While I believe the 800 iBook is a great laptop, I am very happy of the timing of this new PB.
Also forgot to mention that the AC power is now on the left side. That is also nice as it gets in the way of the tray on the iBook and just looks cleaner from a design standpoint.
<strong>I wonder why the 12" is thicker too?</strong><hr></blockquote>
Because it's really an iBook with a G4 processor. Take a look at the case design. Its the same. They just put a slot-load drive where the tray-load drive was and used aluminum instead of plastic. It even has the same ports. They should have called it an iBook G4 and not a PowerBook. Where is the widescreen display, s-video, DVI and other features that make it a PowerBook? This is the iBook G4 people wanted but why call it a PowerBook? I guess it was a cheaper way to make the "executive subnotebook" people were asking for. Boooooo! Hssssssss!
Well, the 12" is clearly a Powerbook shoehorned into an iBook case. Since they did this, I wouldn't expect any changes in form factor for either the RevB 12", or any new iBooks. Logically, if Apple were planning on updating the 12" iBook design they would have used it on the AIBook first, and later iBook revs would use it. However, I would think it's safe to say you won't see any iBook case updates anytime soon.
Really, the only thing on the 12" AIBook that bothers me is the resolution. 1024x768 is just borderline on usable, although for more res you would need a bigger screen. I think the tradeoff is managable. And besides, with truly supported video mirroring you can always hook up to a bigger screen. Use it as a portable when it's portable, and use it as a pretty decent desktop with a big monitor when at home.
More memory would be nice, tough call why they didn't solder more onto the board. PC Slot is negligable to me, although I guess the more toys the better.
Otherwise, it's a great machine. Everyone who wanted an iBook with a G4 got it. Those wanting a subcompact got close to it. But hey, it's got a 60gig drive in it, pretty decent video, and it looks relatively rugged. I'll have to wait and see reader reviews before anything else, and to sit one in my lap and see how many hairs burn off. However, I have the feeling this thing might not be too hot. No, I don't know why.
I am definitely getting one, no question about it! ...I think...
What i mean is, it depends on other unrelated factors. but either way, this is the perfect notebook for me. A week ago, i was talking to my friend about how i was waiting to buy a powerbook with a superdrive and built in bluetooth. thats all that i really wanted. NOw i get a bonus of Airport extreme! what luck.
Regardless of what happens, I will be buying this portable powerbook before I go to France for academic year 03-04. couldnt have been introduced at a better time!
The miniBook definitely needs spanning rather than mirroring, especially with a 1024x768 display. OpenFirmware hacks required?
As it seems that it is closer to an iBook G4 (and a rather fine one at that) I'll probably stick with my original plans and get a 15" TiBook, which is now a bit cheaper. Of course I'm hoping that it will get updated to Airport Extreme/Firewire 800/DDR RAM/2x Superdrive/Bluetooth (and stay the same price) soon .
These plans would change if rev. 2 of the miniBook came with the complete set of "PowerBook features" (DVI out, decent amount of RAM, 1GHz, L3 cache would be nice (but unlikely), etc).
Comments
The 12"-PowerBook will replace the iBook in the near future. Most of the pro stuff - i.e. FW 800, PC-Card slot and DVI-out - are missing and it is not wide-screen.
I like the rectangular shape of the wide-screen models better than the square ones. Too bad they didn't introduce a 13"-/14"-wide-screen with all the new trimmings instead of the 12".
So long!
<strong>
FW 800, PC-Card slot and DVI-out - are missing and it is not wide-screen.
I like the rectangular shape of the wide-screen models better than the square ones. Too bad they didn't introduce a 13"-/14"-wide-screen with all the new trimmings instead of the 12".
</strong><hr></blockquote>
i [B]so[B/] agree.
why didn't they make "all" powerbooks widescreen, it would have been more coherent and would better differentiate ibooks & alubooks, also allowing a frontal slot-loader?
as to why no 1000/100/10 i just don't understand.
having wiped a little, this is still a great computer, just a shame films & screen-estate isn't a little upped from the ibook?
what resolutions would a 13inch/13"3 16/10 screen have been?
<strong>what resolutions would a 13inch/13"3 16/10 screen have been?</strong><hr></blockquote>
Same as the initial TiBook screen.
Oh did anyone notice also that the combo drive 12" is a 24x unit? Rewrites at 10x too. Pretty damn fast for a laptop drive. My iBook's 16x drive isn't actually 16x, it's 4x? there have been problems with the combo drives in this model. I am pestering Apple about fixing it.
Also, on the product page for the 17" PowerBook, it says it has a 1x Superdrive, but on the spec page it says it has a 2x Superdrive. I wonder which one it is?
But in two years that AlBook will be mine.
Does that 12 incher glow in the dark too? (hmm that doesn´t sound right <img src="graemlins/bugeye.gif" border="0" alt="[Skeptical]" /> )
I got a rev A 500 iBook and it was great. Fit, finish, everything. Loved it.
Got envious of my brothers iBook that had a faster bus but all was still good.
I don't really see this 12" PB as being a true rev A. I almost see it more as being a further rev of the iBook. It will be interesting to see how hot it gets. I believe I will like the metal finish better.
Does anyone know if the hard drive is cushioned with rubber like on the iBook? Dropped mine a couple of times with no ill effects.
Is the hinge design the same? I really like how the iBook lowered its' screen when open.
<strong>1 GHz will happen, but I'm not so sure about 1GB of RAM. This seems like an iBook with a few updates. They speeded up the bus and threw in a G4.</strong><hr></blockquote>
The 867Mhz chip doesn't bother me nearly as much as the 640MB RAM limit from the iBook. I almost barfed when I read that the base 256MB configuration shipped with a 128MB chip soldered-in and a 128MB chip in the user-accessible slot. What a joke! If at least they had soldered a single 256MB chip onto the mobo!
[quote]Originally posted by RolandG:
<strong>I thought you'd order one right away, Escher... ;-)</strong><hr></blockquote>
I thought so too, RolandG.
[quote]Originally posted by kcmac:
<strong>I don't really see this 12" PB as being a true rev A. I almost see it more as being a further rev of the iBook.</strong><hr></blockquote>
That's an excellent point, kcmac. Of course, as others have pointed out, the similarity to the iBook means that the 12" PowerBook shares some of its limitations as well.
[quote]<strong>It will be interesting to see how hot it gets. I believe I will like the metal finish better.</strong><hr></blockquote>
There's still a chance I'll get this initial version of the 12" aluBook. But I definitely want to operate one in person first, to see how hot it gets, how it sturdy it feels compared to the iBook, etc.
[quote]<strong>Does anyone know if the hard drive is cushioned with rubber like on the iBook? Dropped mine a couple of times with no ill effects.</strong><hr></blockquote>
The HDD in the 12" PB is embedded in rubber just like the iBook's. That's one reason why I'll BTO with the largest possible HDD once I decide to purchase one. I'm really curious to see whether the 12" aluBook is more or less sturdy than the iBook. The 12" certainly looks sturdier than the 15" and 17" models.
[quote]<strong>Is the hinge design the same? I really like how the iBook lowered its' screen when open.</strong><hr></blockquote>
The hinge is not exactly the same. But the hinges on both the 12" and 17" aluBooks feature the same drop-down design. This is much better, IMO, because it eliminates protruding hinges when the 'Book is closed.
Escher
I just saw some close ups of the 12" and the hinge does work similar or the same. Great.
Finish and fit looks a little more high tech. All metal. Screws seem to look fashionable.
I have got to believe the aluminum casing will be as strong. I always did like the rubbery plastic feel of the iBook in my hands however.
I think a huge improvement in the case design of the PB over the iBook is the bottom hatch for memory and airport. Lifting up the keyboard on the iBook never did seem right and you had to be very careful to align tabs and not to pop any keys off the keyboard.
While I believe the 800 iBook is a great laptop, I am very happy of the timing of this new PB.
maybe later this year, for the second revision or something like that.
My right hand does not like typing that damn word.
<strong>I wonder why the 12" is thicker too?</strong><hr></blockquote>
Because it's really an iBook with a G4 processor. Take a look at the case design. Its the same. They just put a slot-load drive where the tray-load drive was and used aluminum instead of plastic. It even has the same ports. They should have called it an iBook G4 and not a PowerBook. Where is the widescreen display, s-video, DVI and other features that make it a PowerBook? This is the iBook G4 people wanted but why call it a PowerBook? I guess it was a cheaper way to make the "executive subnotebook" people were asking for. Boooooo! Hssssssss!
Other than that its a decent deal for the money.
Really, the only thing on the 12" AIBook that bothers me is the resolution. 1024x768 is just borderline on usable, although for more res you would need a bigger screen. I think the tradeoff is managable. And besides, with truly supported video mirroring you can always hook up to a bigger screen. Use it as a portable when it's portable, and use it as a pretty decent desktop with a big monitor when at home.
More memory would be nice, tough call why they didn't solder more onto the board. PC Slot is negligable to me, although I guess the more toys the better.
Otherwise, it's a great machine. Everyone who wanted an iBook with a G4 got it. Those wanting a subcompact got close to it. But hey, it's got a 60gig drive in it, pretty decent video, and it looks relatively rugged. I'll have to wait and see reader reviews before anything else, and to sit one in my lap and see how many hairs burn off. However, I have the feeling this thing might not be too hot. No, I don't know why.
What i mean is, it depends on other unrelated factors. but either way, this is the perfect notebook for me. A week ago, i was talking to my friend about how i was waiting to buy a powerbook with a superdrive and built in bluetooth. thats all that i really wanted. NOw i get a bonus of Airport extreme! what luck.
Regardless of what happens, I will be buying this portable powerbook before I go to France for academic year 03-04. couldnt have been introduced at a better time!
I think I will wait for the 2nd rev. of it though.
Would like something of at least a 1 GHZ and I hope they do the lighted keyboard thing too.
Don't quite have the money at the moment, with X-Mas just happening and all.
As it seems that it is closer to an iBook G4 (and a rather fine one at that) I'll probably stick with my original plans and get a 15" TiBook, which is now a bit cheaper. Of course I'm hoping that it will get updated to Airport Extreme/Firewire 800/DDR RAM/2x Superdrive/Bluetooth (and stay the same price) soon
These plans would change if rev. 2 of the miniBook came with the complete set of "PowerBook features" (DVI out, decent amount of RAM, 1GHz, L3 cache would be nice (but unlikely), etc).