People traveling (the ideal laptop market) don't want to carry around extra dongles and crap that will only get lost.
I hope they don't need power then
But seriously, since there is a market for laptop mice, USB lights, USB fans and so on, it doesn't seem to be a problem adding one extra thing in your bag.
Then add the optional modem. You can get a modem cable for free - I have at least 100 of them.
There is no optional modem. A $2500 laptop with no modem. You show up at the hotel having forgot your modem, and they've got plenty of phone cables to loan you, but without a modem you're screwed. Having forgotten my VGA adapter on my last trip, this is heading downhill fast. Can't plug into an S-Video display either. Basically if you show up anywhere outside of a major metro area (with an Apple store) without your extra dongles, cables and junk, you're screwed.
What happends if the power adadpter plug is set on top of the keyboard while it is being set up? what if the magnet clings to the bopttom of the ALUMINUM body or a component within in transport?
It is 8x read, 4x write - is this different from before?
Slot-loading SuperDrive (DVD±RW/CD-RW)
* Maximum Write: 4x DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD+RW, and DVD-RW; 24x CD-R; 10x CD-RW
* Maximum Read: 8x DVD-ROM (single layer); 6x DVD (double layered), DVD-9, DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW, DVD+RW; 24x CD
This guy has it right, there is no change in the ComboDrive. This is a case of Apple marketing the old drive as 8x. But here is what it says on the PowerBook G4 Spec page:
8x SuperDrive (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
So, do you think that this 8x designation applied to all functions? No, it looks like Apple is giving more detail about the drives capabilities on the new page. People are over-reacting.
As for the rest of the complaints....
The modem should be BTO, but a USB unit is easy enough to stick into your laptop bag. FWIW, I have a 12" PB and can't remember the last time I dialed on my modem (3yrs?). Most hotels have wireless now. If I'm forced to use a cable, I feel like I'm slumming.
Also, as a 12" owner, I have used an S-video adapter to connect to a TV on the few occasions that I used the feature. This is a real small issue. I'm sure Apple did market research before making this move. C'mon...really....how often do you use the S-Video connection?
And the Power Cord is just plain cool. Whoever the nimrod is that was bonding with his PC buddy and thought it would erase disks should wake up. Do you really think Apple wouldn't have tested this significant aspect of the MagSafe? I'd say they did, since they went to the trouble of including 'safe' in the name. Can you imagine the public outcry if every MacBook Power cable began to erase disks. LOL. Face it...its cool as hell.
As for the name...
It just doesn't roll off your tongue. I've been saying PowerBook for so long.
There is no optional modem. A $2500 laptop with no modem. You show up at the hotel having forgot your modem, and they've got plenty of phone cables to loan you, but without a modem you're screwed. Having forgotten my VGA adapter on my last trip, this is heading downhill fast. Can't plug into an S-Video display either. Basically if you show up anywhere outside of a major metro area (with an Apple store) without your extra dongles, cables and junk, you're screwed.
There will probably be a modem available for the Express Card/34 slot. Buy one. Slam it in and leave it in. OR....
get your $h!4 together and check your laptop bag before leaving on an important trip to make sure you have everything.
But seriously, since there is a market for laptop mice, USB lights, USB fans and so on, it doesn't seem to be a problem adding one extra thing in your bag.
Nonsense. The internal modem should stay there. The floppy drive too. Ooops.
This guy has it right, there is no change in the ComboDrive. This is a case of Apple marketing the old drive as 8x. But here is what it says on the PowerBook G4 Spec page:
8x SuperDrive (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
So, do you think that this 8x designation applied to all functions? No, it looks like Apple is giving more detail about the drives capabilities on the new page. People are over-reacting.
No, what you mean is, the guy you quoted is right, the Superdrive specs for the MacBook Pro are worse than for the PowerBook.
The PowerBook G4 can write to single-layer DVDs at up to 8x, and can also burn dual-layer +R media. The MacBook Pro drive can only burn up to 4x, and only single-layer media. It sucks.
Quote:
Originally posted by a_greer
What happends if the power adadpter plug is set on top of the keyboard while it is being set up? what if the magnet clings to the bopttom of the ALUMINUM body or a component within in transport?
hmm...magnet, Mr meet hard disk!
Aluminium is not magnetic. Also, as another poster said, it's almost certainly the port rather than the cable plug that has the magnet in it.
re: Superdrive comparison, stats below from Apple site today. PB drive is definitely better. Probably Apple quietly cutting component costs to maintain margin with the new chips. Remember that the G4 has been out for a while, so is probably much cheaper than the spanking new dual-core Yonahs.
Macbook:
* Maximum Write: 4x DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD+RW, and DVD-RW; 24x CD-R; 10x CD-RW
* Maximum Read: 8x DVD-ROM (single layer); 6x DVD (double layered), DVD-9, DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW, DVD+RW; 24x CD
It can be. Aluminium glass is used in some very interesting magnetic experiments.
Before you go Aluminium glass? WTF! Are you mad? It is a metal! Anything can be made into glass. You liquify it then quench by spraying onto a very cold spinning cylinder. Glass science, it's a beautiful thing Completely off topic but I just thought I'd mention it
Oh to be one of you that doesn't use a modem. Sure, on biz trips I don't use it but every time I go to the country with my wife it's indispensable. Oh yeah, how do you expect to receive FAXES without it? I don't often, but it happens.
Last thing I sometimes travel to countries where almost NOBODY has highspeed .
OK, so those of you who want a modem will have an extra thing to carry, but, come on. It's not as if except for the damn modem you get to just carry a naked laptop around and never have to remember anything.
Same goes for a DVI to S cable. If you plan to use your G4 laptop for presentations in places where you can't be sure what's on hand, at a minimum you'll be toting a power supply, a VGA cable, DVI to VGA adapter, an S cable, composite cable, mini to double RCA cable, maybe an extra battery or two, probably a USB presenter remote. Anything less and you run the risk of getting caught short. Honestly, you should probably be carrying your own projector, given what some people have on hand.
The idea that you show up somewhere where they only have an S input display and you're screwed because you forgot your DVI to S adapter is no more a kick in the head than showing up where they only have a VGA in on their projector but no cables and you didn't bring any.
The reality is that with the slew of stuff that you need to carry to be really sure you've got it covered adding in a cable and a USB modem isn't exactly a crushing burden.
Firewire 800 - Not cool but they've been slowly phasing out Firewire in favor of USB technologies, i. e. iPods. Expect this to happen with all the lines. Apple may also have inside knowledge on future peripheral connection technologies from inside Intel.
S-Video - Can't say I'll lose any sleep or shed any tears over this one. Any particular reason this matters?
Internal Modem - What's a modem? Oh that. Honestly selling it for $50 is pretty silly. They should include it with all laptops like they do with the DVI/VGA adapters, but oh well. Including it internally is like going back to the floppy.
PCMCIA - What they replaced this with is an order of magnitude better.
8x DVD - This is perplexing. I hope it's a mistake in the spec page an will be fixed soon. Especially if this is the eventual replacement for the PB G4. This is just not cool.
With Apple hyping the power of the newer processors and noting they run cooler, it's odd that they left out the expected battery usage times in the specifications. They've also upped the AC adapter to 85W (from 65W), so I wonder just how long these new laptops will run on a charge?
It can be. Aluminium glass is used in some very interesting magnetic experiments.
Before you go Aluminium glass? WTF! Are you mad? It is a metal! Anything can be made into glass. You liquify it then quench by spraying onto a very cold spinning cylinder. Glass science, it's a beautiful thing Completely off topic but I just thought I'd mention it
Would that be transparent aluminum, like from Star Trek V (the one with the whales)?
Comments
Originally posted by 1984
People traveling (the ideal laptop market) don't want to carry around extra dongles and crap that will only get lost.
I hope they don't need power then
But seriously, since there is a market for laptop mice, USB lights, USB fans and so on, it doesn't seem to be a problem adding one extra thing in your bag.
Originally posted by e1618978
It is 8x read, 4x write - is this different from before?
Slot-loading SuperDrive (DVD?RW/CD-RW)
* Maximum Write: 4x DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD+RW, and DVD-RW; 24x CD-R; 10x CD-RW
* Maximum Read: 8x DVD-ROM (single layer); 6x DVD (double layered), DVD-9, DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW, DVD+RW; 24x CD
Unless Apple's page is wrong, the Superdrive is single layer, not dual layer like the PowerBooks.
Originally posted by JLL
Then add the optional modem. You can get a modem cable for free - I have at least 100 of them.
There is no optional modem. A $2500 laptop with no modem. You show up at the hotel having forgot your modem, and they've got plenty of phone cables to loan you, but without a modem you're screwed. Having forgotten my VGA adapter on my last trip, this is heading downhill fast. Can't plug into an S-Video display either. Basically if you show up anywhere outside of a major metro area (with an Apple store) without your extra dongles, cables and junk, you're screwed.
Originally posted by a_greer
A. Some places do not allow cameras or mics.
Every Mac has a microphone.
Originally posted by a_greer
C. pros have better cameras if needed
You're not supposed to take pictures with it
Originally posted by a_greer
What happends if the power adadpter plug is set on top of the keyboard while it is being set up? what if the magnet clings to the bopttom of the ALUMINUM body or a component within in transport?
hmm...magnet, Mr meet hard disk!
They probably didn't think of that.
Originally posted by e1618978
It is 8x read, 4x write - is this different from before?
Slot-loading SuperDrive (DVD±RW/CD-RW)
* Maximum Write: 4x DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD+RW, and DVD-RW; 24x CD-R; 10x CD-RW
* Maximum Read: 8x DVD-ROM (single layer); 6x DVD (double layered), DVD-9, DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW, DVD+RW; 24x CD
This guy has it right, there is no change in the ComboDrive. This is a case of Apple marketing the old drive as 8x. But here is what it says on the PowerBook G4 Spec page:
8x SuperDrive (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
So, do you think that this 8x designation applied to all functions? No, it looks like Apple is giving more detail about the drives capabilities on the new page. People are over-reacting.
As for the rest of the complaints....
The modem should be BTO, but a USB unit is easy enough to stick into your laptop bag. FWIW, I have a 12" PB and can't remember the last time I dialed on my modem (3yrs?). Most hotels have wireless now. If I'm forced to use a cable, I feel like I'm slumming.
Also, as a 12" owner, I have used an S-video adapter to connect to a TV on the few occasions that I used the feature. This is a real small issue. I'm sure Apple did market research before making this move. C'mon...really....how often do you use the S-Video connection?
And the Power Cord is just plain cool. Whoever the nimrod is that was bonding with his PC buddy and thought it would erase disks should wake up. Do you really think Apple wouldn't have tested this significant aspect of the MagSafe? I'd say they did, since they went to the trouble of including 'safe' in the name. Can you imagine the public outcry if every MacBook Power cable began to erase disks. LOL. Face it...its cool as hell.
As for the name...
It just doesn't roll off your tongue. I've been saying PowerBook for so long.
Originally posted by pmjoe
There is no optional modem. A $2500 laptop with no modem. You show up at the hotel having forgot your modem, and they've got plenty of phone cables to loan you, but without a modem you're screwed. Having forgotten my VGA adapter on my last trip, this is heading downhill fast. Can't plug into an S-Video display either. Basically if you show up anywhere outside of a major metro area (with an Apple store) without your extra dongles, cables and junk, you're screwed.
There will probably be a modem available for the Express Card/34 slot. Buy one. Slam it in and leave it in. OR....
get your $h!4 together and check your laptop bag before leaving on an important trip to make sure you have everything.
gc
Originally posted by pmjoe
There is no optional modem.
Apple sells a USB modem adaptor. I expect people that use modems are also now in the minority.
Originally posted by JLL
But seriously, since there is a market for laptop mice, USB lights, USB fans and so on, it doesn't seem to be a problem adding one extra thing in your bag.
Nonsense. The internal modem should stay there. The floppy drive too. Ooops.
Just kidding.
I love the digital audio in/out option. I work in audio so that's kick arse!
Don't need a modem - nice to see that you can add one though if that's a requirement.
Only thing I'm interested in finding out is the FW target mode. That, and *when* all the universal binaries will be out.
Looking forward to reading benchmarks for these puppies, hopefully including Rosetta emulation speeds for popular apps as well.
This move is really exciting to me! Finally, a roadmap with potential. Woohoo!
Originally posted by Keda
This guy has it right, there is no change in the ComboDrive. This is a case of Apple marketing the old drive as 8x. But here is what it says on the PowerBook G4 Spec page:
8x SuperDrive (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
So, do you think that this 8x designation applied to all functions? No, it looks like Apple is giving more detail about the drives capabilities on the new page. People are over-reacting.
No, what you mean is, the guy you quoted is right, the Superdrive specs for the MacBook Pro are worse than for the PowerBook.
The PowerBook G4 can write to single-layer DVDs at up to 8x, and can also burn dual-layer +R media. The MacBook Pro drive can only burn up to 4x, and only single-layer media. It sucks.
Originally posted by a_greer
What happends if the power adadpter plug is set on top of the keyboard while it is being set up? what if the magnet clings to the bopttom of the ALUMINUM body or a component within in transport?
hmm...magnet, Mr meet hard disk!
Aluminium is not magnetic. Also, as another poster said, it's almost certainly the port rather than the cable plug that has the magnet in it.
Macbook:
* Maximum Write: 4x DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD+RW, and DVD-RW; 24x CD-R; 10x CD-RW
* Maximum Read: 8x DVD-ROM (single layer); 6x DVD (double layered), DVD-9, DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW, DVD+RW; 24x CD
Powerbook:
* 8x SuperDrive (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
* Burns DVDs at up to 8x
* Burns audio CDs at up to 24x
* Burns data CDs (CD-RW) at up to 16x
Originally posted by Mr. H
Aluminium is not magnetic.
It can be. Aluminium glass is used in some very interesting magnetic experiments.
Before you go Aluminium glass? WTF! Are you mad? It is a metal! Anything can be made into glass. You liquify it then quench by spraying onto a very cold spinning cylinder. Glass science, it's a beautiful thing
Originally posted by Lorre
My guess is only the connector on the Macbook itself is magnetic, and not the plug on the power adapter.
This way I really can't see a lot of issues, except perhaps with external harddisks, but even then...
Great point, I guess I forgot that only one end needs to be polarizes...DO'H
Exitement blocking common sence.
Thanks
Last thing I sometimes travel to countries where almost NOBODY has highspeed .
Same goes for a DVI to S cable. If you plan to use your G4 laptop for presentations in places where you can't be sure what's on hand, at a minimum you'll be toting a power supply, a VGA cable, DVI to VGA adapter, an S cable, composite cable, mini to double RCA cable, maybe an extra battery or two, probably a USB presenter remote. Anything less and you run the risk of getting caught short. Honestly, you should probably be carrying your own projector, given what some people have on hand.
The idea that you show up somewhere where they only have an S input display and you're screwed because you forgot your DVI to S adapter is no more a kick in the head than showing up where they only have a VGA in on their projector but no cables and you didn't bring any.
The reality is that with the slew of stuff that you need to carry to be really sure you've got it covered adding in a cable and a USB modem isn't exactly a crushing burden.
Originally posted by 1984
People traveling (the ideal laptop market) don't want to carry around extra dongles and crap that will only get lost.
so, you want a built in wireless modem...? :P
Firewire 800
S-Video
Internal Modem
PCMCIA
8x DVD
Firewire 800 - Not cool but they've been slowly phasing out Firewire in favor of USB technologies, i. e. iPods. Expect this to happen with all the lines. Apple may also have inside knowledge on future peripheral connection technologies from inside Intel.
S-Video - Can't say I'll lose any sleep or shed any tears over this one. Any particular reason this matters?
Internal Modem - What's a modem? Oh that. Honestly selling it for $50 is pretty silly. They should include it with all laptops like they do with the DVI/VGA adapters, but oh well. Including it internally is like going back to the floppy.
PCMCIA - What they replaced this with is an order of magnitude better.
8x DVD - This is perplexing. I hope it's a mistake in the spec page an will be fixed soon. Especially if this is the eventual replacement for the PB G4. This is just not cool.
Originally posted by Telomar
It can be. Aluminium glass is used in some very interesting magnetic experiments.
Before you go Aluminium glass? WTF! Are you mad? It is a metal! Anything can be made into glass. You liquify it then quench by spraying onto a very cold spinning cylinder. Glass science, it's a beautiful thing
Would that be transparent aluminum, like from Star Trek V (the one with the whales)?