I ordered mine on Jan 10th. Been waiting since, and have raised some stink along the way. But I saved a hefty amount, so that is ok.
It came in this morning at 9:30AM. After clearing and cleaning my desk, I started to unpackage it. I scanned thru the Getting Started Manual, mostly to make sure I charged the battery correct, but also to prolong the suspense.
This thing is a beauty. I wasn't at MacWorld, and haven't seen one at the Apple Store, so I bought it sight unseen (funny term). It almost seems as if this wasn't even built on earth. Certainly the finest manufactured computer I've ever seen, and I was impressed with my TiBook.
Now I open the lid and behold an expanse of silver. Keys match perfectly, trackpad button clicks very nice. Time to boot it up.
WAIT! What the heck is that?!? I have a vertical line of green pixels running from between the F10 and F11 keys to about 80% of the way up the screen. Within 10 minutes of receiving the unit, I'm on the line with Apple Care.
Seems this is the first call they have had about the 17" PowerBooks, at least that is what they told me. After checking a few things, they pass me to a Senior Technician. She says she wants the computer returned to the Engineering group (not the normal return center) so they can "capture" the defect. They will send me a new machine.
Here is the catch. There process is as follows. The send out a mailing label, I repackage the computer and return to them; they process the receipt of the computer and check stock for a replacement machine; then they ship back to me with a 3-6 business day shipping timeframe. Overall, it could take ANOTHER TWO WEEKS to get a functioning machine. And that is if Engineering has some in stock. They are checking now.
We called the Houston Galleria Apple Store and they have 3, but are already sold and paid for. They have a waiting list of 47 people in line, and won't bump me in front of any of those. Now they are calling the two stores in the Dallas area, but if they have stock, I will have to drive to Dallas from Houston to exchange the computers.
This Senior Technician is being very helpful, but right now, demand is greater than supply.
So the waiting continues,
TBoxman
P.S. And now I decide to watch a DVD while I work on my old desktop. The PowerBook won't accept CDs or DVDs. It took the Restore CD and an audio CD earlier, but it won't now. I'm still decharging the batter (don't know why) so I haven't rebooted. Maybe that will fix it. One hour till I know.
Congrats on the "Arrival". for those of you who are interested i've found that when you open up your screen and push back as far as it will go.. the bottom of the screen actualy hits the surface the laptop is on... and will "easily" scratch the surface of the powerbook (bottom of screen). i've already noticed a few small scratches. i covered up that area with clear tape for now...
TBoxman, hard break. Let us know how it all works out, and my sympathies.
Apple Care called me back. Engineering does have units in stock for exchange. They are sending me a shipping label overnight. I will send my computer back to them overnight. They will then check it in, and send me a new computer back overnight. The new computer should be factory sealed, but they may open it to insure that it doesn't have the same problem.
I would expect to have my new replacement PowerBook by Monday or Tuesday. Logistically, it could happen by Friday, but I doubt it.
I cancelled my PC Mall/NAPP order, and went directly through Apple. Apple notified me, and sent me the FedEx tracking number, so I can check as often as I want and see exactly how far my "bundle of joy" has gotten. I guess with the tight security in/out of the U.S., FedEx is estimating 3/27. I placed my order directly with Apple on 3/13!!! (but had ordered from MacMall while I was at Photoshop World), so it wasn't an easy decision to lose my place in line. You can imagine my surprise, and glee, to find that I wasn't going to have to wait that long after all...
Alaska is closer than I thought!!! I received mine today. It looks beautiful, but I haven't had time to do more than take a peek yet. My husband volunteered to do the honors, and transfer my system tonight. I think I'll let him, since he was the original computer geek in the family (the hardware guy).
Personally, I can't wait to start playing with all my graphics software and burning DVDs and will enjoy the blistering speed compared to my current PB 15 667 mHz model (which he and my daughter are still fighting over--could there be an ulterior motive in his offer!!??!!--the loser gets the G3 Pismo that replaces the dead clamshell iBook. We're a Mac-only family, with a G4 tower and Cube, too, but NO ONE wants to sit at a desk anymore).
Seems like the backlight on the keyboard has changed since the pre-production models. The QT movie on the Apple Powerbook page showing the backlit keyboard is clearly BLUE while mine seems to be a more soft white like on the sleep light on the Powerbook and the power button on the Power Macs.
I noticed the same thing with mine. It is definitely a white glow, and I have also noticed that on some of the keys the backlight is not too clear/crisp, especially on the function keys at the top.
The backlight almost makes the keys harder to read unless the room you are in is pitch black. When the backlight is off, the characters on the keys appear dark in value. This contrasts well with the light value of the keys. I am finding that as the backlight lights up, the characters become closer in value to the keys themselves; making them very difficult to read. This is just a minor complaint however. It really is an awsome machine.
Well, yesterday the Fed Ex man came and went, not leaving a shipping label or box for the return of my 17" PowerBook. I called Apple Care again and was informed that it could take "up to 3 business days" to receive the "call tags" for the return. Then the shipping should be over night to them, and overnight back to me. I'm still hoping that by mid next week I'll be up and running again.
It's painful to see this thing sit in a box waiting for return to Apple.
The FedEx man just dropped off the call tags and waited while I wrote the case number on the box and filled out the shipping label. It's off to Apple via overnight delivery.
Unfortunatly the wording in the last paragraph of the letter enclosed with the call tags reads:
-----
It is very important that you return your problematic unit as quickly as possible. Once your original product has been received by Apple the replacement product will be shipped to you within 4-7 business days. Please contact AppleCare Support at 1-800-APL-CARE (1-800-275-2273) for any questions.
-----
Sounds like the time frame gets extended every time I communicate with Apple. I recieved my PowerBook on Tuesday and immediately called AppleCare. They should have faxed or emailed me the call tags which consisted of a letter and a shipping label. I would have overnighted the computer to them and they would have had it by Wednesday. They could have then overnighted one back to me and I could be using it now. Instead I'm looking at another 5-8 business days! (4-7 plus shipping to them) At this point it could be as late as Tuesday April 8th before I receive a working PowerBook!
I've been using Macintosh Computers since 1984. I'm starting to have a love-hate relationship with Apple Computer.
Well, now I've played. My husband did a quick and easy transfer by cloning my disk--worked wonders except for having to uninstall MS Office and reinstalling the new copy. All up and running, all pixels gorgeous. I'm really really happy. Fist fight for old machine still going on--when dust clears, I'll know the order of the hand-me-downs. In the meantime, I'm happily playing away... Bliss.
This time I figured squeaky wheel gets the grease, so I called AppleCare Support again to tell them my PowerBook was on it's way to California and to complain about the 4-7 day waiting period. The specialist I spoke to said once the package had been scanned by FedEx he would notify the Engineering group that it was on its way. He said it was "possible" for that group to cross ship a computer, but it wasn't up to him.
So this afternoon I called back once the tracking number was in FedEx's system. I explained that I was trying to get my case expedited. This specialist said he would email the Engineering group and request a new 17" Laptop be cross shipped to me overnight.
Hopefully they will process the transaction today and get it sent out. I would love to be playing with my new toy (ahem, tool) this weekend. He said it would more than likely be Monday.
i've had my bad-boy for a week now.. have been running vpc6x (with windows xp) to work on dev apps for my company, editing videos with fcp and cranking out dvd's witih idvd and dvd studio pro... not a problem so far.. disks come out great.. performance is right where i need it to be.. tunes sound fine on the book... dvd's buring at 1x or 2x.. whatever.. either still takes a while..
gig ram definately helps with vpc..
x-plane is rock-solid
i'm finaly a 'safari' convert... ie for the mac seems so out-dated for some reason now..
the screen is soooo sweet.. and so easy to get used to. (typing this post while chilling out on my bed in the dark.. like having a full-size monitor on my lap.. awesome stuff!! apple definatley rocks with the cool-o-rama hardware.
heat issuess.. well, i've heard all over the place about 12" powerbooks having heat problems. i can say that when the processor on the 17" is cranking away while producing a dvd it gets fairly warm on the bottom.. but thats about it.
the fan (when it comes on) makes a funky 'whirling' sound as it steps up to speed..
when inserting a dvd/cd the drive sucks the disk in with a loud "WWWHOOMMPPP".. kindof like closing the door on my bmw (nice and solid)
when you extend the screen all the way back.. the bottom edge actualy hits the surface.. i've alreday seen a few small scratches.. so in ther interum i put clear tape on the bottom edge.. yea.. i know its cheezy.. but until i feel comforatable treating this laptop like a laptop.. the tape stays!!
the brenthaven backpack for the 17" is the finest backpack i've owned.. if you like laptop backpacks at all.. spend the dough on this bag.. you wont regret it.!!
my 2nd battery on order shipped this morning
thats all for now.... if anyone wants more information let me know!!
the brenthaven backpack for the 17" is the finest backpack i've owned.. if you like laptop backpacks at all.. spend the dough on this bag.. you wont regret it.!!
bm
I'd like to know more about the Brenthaven backpack. I have a Lowepro that I bought for my 15" that my 17" just fits in, the Whitehouse News Photographer version (I can't fasten the velcro closure on the computer sleeve, but I can zip the section--not quite as safe, but it still sort of works for now) that I like because it also has room for my digital camera gear, Wacom tablet, and other "can't live without" stuff that I take with me on longer trips. I've tried other backbacks, but I find them too hard to root around in to get at my gear, and the roll around briefcases never seem to have enough places to stuff the essentials (camera/battery/chargers/cables).
Any idea how the Brenthaven compares? The Lowepro is light enough/collapsible enough that I don't look stupid if I only need to take the computer, but works when I want to bring along the works... I would like a bit more protection for my new precious, though.
i cant compare your backpack to mine but i can say that it is a very well made bag.. the 17" sleeve alone is worth buying this bag for. dozens of pockets (large and small) with plenty of places to store a few thick books, ipod, dvd's, keys, phone, drink etc... I dont know how large your watcom tablet is.. it may or may not fit as easily. the nice thing about the 17" backpack is that its a very tall pack (of course) so you can fit a few large items on top of each other (like those books i mentioned).
the straps are what sets this bag apart for me though.. when you put the pack on (Either on one shoulder or both) it is "extremely" comforatable..
Comments
I ordered mine on Jan 10th. Been waiting since, and have raised some stink along the way. But I saved a hefty amount, so that is ok.
It came in this morning at 9:30AM. After clearing and cleaning my desk, I started to unpackage it. I scanned thru the Getting Started Manual, mostly to make sure I charged the battery correct, but also to prolong the suspense.
This thing is a beauty. I wasn't at MacWorld, and haven't seen one at the Apple Store, so I bought it sight unseen (funny term). It almost seems as if this wasn't even built on earth. Certainly the finest manufactured computer I've ever seen, and I was impressed with my TiBook.
Now I open the lid and behold an expanse of silver. Keys match perfectly, trackpad button clicks very nice. Time to boot it up.
WAIT! What the heck is that?!? I have a vertical line of green pixels running from between the F10 and F11 keys to about 80% of the way up the screen. Within 10 minutes of receiving the unit, I'm on the line with Apple Care.
Seems this is the first call they have had about the 17" PowerBooks, at least that is what they told me. After checking a few things, they pass me to a Senior Technician. She says she wants the computer returned to the Engineering group (not the normal return center) so they can "capture" the defect. They will send me a new machine.
Here is the catch. There process is as follows. The send out a mailing label, I repackage the computer and return to them; they process the receipt of the computer and check stock for a replacement machine; then they ship back to me with a 3-6 business day shipping timeframe. Overall, it could take ANOTHER TWO WEEKS to get a functioning machine. And that is if Engineering has some in stock. They are checking now.
We called the Houston Galleria Apple Store and they have 3, but are already sold and paid for. They have a waiting list of 47 people in line, and won't bump me in front of any of those. Now they are calling the two stores in the Dallas area, but if they have stock, I will have to drive to Dallas from Houston to exchange the computers.
This Senior Technician is being very helpful, but right now, demand is greater than supply.
So the waiting continues,
TBoxman
P.S. And now I decide to watch a DVD while I work on my old desktop. The PowerBook won't accept CDs or DVDs. It took the Restore CD and an audio CD earlier, but it won't now. I'm still decharging the batter (don't know why) so I haven't rebooted. Maybe that will fix it. One hour till I know.
other than that. this laptop rocks...!!!!
Originally posted by mrmister
TBoxman, hard break. Let us know how it all works out, and my sympathies.
Apple Care called me back. Engineering does have units in stock for exchange. They are sending me a shipping label overnight. I will send my computer back to them overnight. They will then check it in, and send me a new computer back overnight. The new computer should be factory sealed, but they may open it to insure that it doesn't have the same problem.
I would expect to have my new replacement PowerBook by Monday or Tuesday. Logistically, it could happen by Friday, but I doubt it.
Keeping my fingers crossed,
TBoxman
Originally posted by LatteAddict
I cancelled my PC Mall/NAPP order, and went directly through Apple. Apple notified me, and sent me the FedEx tracking number, so I can check as often as I want and see exactly how far my "bundle of joy" has gotten. I guess with the tight security in/out of the U.S., FedEx is estimating 3/27. I placed my order directly with Apple on 3/13!!! (but had ordered from MacMall while I was at Photoshop World), so it wasn't an easy decision to lose my place in line. You can imagine my surprise, and glee, to find that I wasn't going to have to wait that long after all...
Alaska is closer than I thought!!! I received mine today. It looks beautiful, but I haven't had time to do more than take a peek yet. My husband volunteered to do the honors, and transfer my system tonight. I think I'll let him, since he was the original computer geek in the family (the hardware guy).
Personally, I can't wait to start playing with all my graphics software and burning DVDs and will enjoy the blistering speed compared to my current PB 15 667 mHz model (which he and my daughter are still fighting over--could there be an ulterior motive in his offer!!??!!--the loser gets the G3 Pismo that replaces the dead clamshell iBook. We're a Mac-only family, with a G4 tower and Cube, too, but NO ONE wants to sit at a desk anymore).
The backlight almost makes the keys harder to read unless the room you are in is pitch black. When the backlight is off, the characters on the keys appear dark in value. This contrasts well with the light value of the keys. I am finding that as the backlight lights up, the characters become closer in value to the keys themselves; making them very difficult to read. This is just a minor complaint however. It really is an awsome machine.
It's painful to see this thing sit in a box waiting for return to Apple.
TBoxman
Unfortunatly the wording in the last paragraph of the letter enclosed with the call tags reads:
-----
It is very important that you return your problematic unit as quickly as possible. Once your original product has been received by Apple the replacement product will be shipped to you within 4-7 business days. Please contact AppleCare Support at 1-800-APL-CARE (1-800-275-2273) for any questions.
-----
Sounds like the time frame gets extended every time I communicate with Apple. I recieved my PowerBook on Tuesday and immediately called AppleCare. They should have faxed or emailed me the call tags which consisted of a letter and a shipping label. I would have overnighted the computer to them and they would have had it by Wednesday. They could have then overnighted one back to me and I could be using it now. Instead I'm looking at another 5-8 business days! (4-7 plus shipping to them) At this point it could be as late as Tuesday April 8th before I receive a working PowerBook!
I've been using Macintosh Computers since 1984. I'm starting to have a love-hate relationship with Apple Computer.
I believe they owe me a T-Shirt for my trouble.
TBoxman
Originally posted by LatteAddict
Personally, I can't wait to start playing
Well, now I've played. My husband did a quick and easy transfer by cloning my disk--worked wonders except for having to uninstall MS Office and reinstalling the new copy. All up and running, all pixels gorgeous. I'm really really happy. Fist fight for old machine still going on--when dust clears, I'll know the order of the hand-me-downs. In the meantime, I'm happily playing away... Bliss.
the minnesota store has a WORKING 17" laptop on display, unlike the one at the Apple store on a rotating podium.
So this afternoon I called back once the tracking number was in FedEx's system. I explained that I was trying to get my case expedited. This specialist said he would email the Engineering group and request a new 17" Laptop be cross shipped to me overnight.
Hopefully they will process the transaction today and get it sent out. I would love to be playing with my new toy (ahem, tool) this weekend. He said it would more than likely be Monday.
At least it isn't 4-7 days!
TBoxman
Trackpad acts funny. When my finger is sitting still the cursor is flopping around all over the screen.
Weird buzzing sound when the Powerbook is plugged in.
i've had my bad-boy for a week now.. have been running vpc6x (with windows xp) to work on dev apps for my company, editing videos with fcp and cranking out dvd's witih idvd and dvd studio pro... not a problem so far.. disks come out great.. performance is right where i need it to be.. tunes sound fine on the book... dvd's buring at 1x or 2x.. whatever.. either still takes a while..
gig ram definately helps with vpc..
x-plane is rock-solid
i'm finaly a 'safari' convert... ie for the mac seems so out-dated for some reason now..
the screen is soooo sweet.. and so easy to get used to. (typing this post while chilling out on my bed in the dark.. like having a full-size monitor on my lap.. awesome stuff!! apple definatley rocks with the cool-o-rama hardware.
heat issuess.. well, i've heard all over the place about 12" powerbooks having heat problems. i can say that when the processor on the 17" is cranking away while producing a dvd it gets fairly warm on the bottom.. but thats about it.
the fan (when it comes on) makes a funky 'whirling' sound as it steps up to speed..
when inserting a dvd/cd the drive sucks the disk in with a loud "WWWHOOMMPPP".. kindof like closing the door on my bmw (nice and solid)
when you extend the screen all the way back.. the bottom edge actualy hits the surface.. i've alreday seen a few small scratches.. so in ther interum i put clear tape on the bottom edge.. yea.. i know its cheezy.. but until i feel comforatable treating this laptop like a laptop.. the tape stays!!
the brenthaven backpack for the 17" is the finest backpack i've owned.. if you like laptop backpacks at all.. spend the dough on this bag.. you wont regret it.!!
my 2nd battery on order shipped this morning
thats all for now.... if anyone wants more information let me know!!
bm
Originally posted by BostonMerlin
the brenthaven backpack for the 17" is the finest backpack i've owned.. if you like laptop backpacks at all.. spend the dough on this bag.. you wont regret it.!!
bm
I'd like to know more about the Brenthaven backpack. I have a Lowepro that I bought for my 15" that my 17" just fits in, the Whitehouse News Photographer version (I can't fasten the velcro closure on the computer sleeve, but I can zip the section--not quite as safe, but it still sort of works for now) that I like because it also has room for my digital camera gear, Wacom tablet, and other "can't live without" stuff that I take with me on longer trips. I've tried other backbacks, but I find them too hard to root around in to get at my gear, and the roll around briefcases never seem to have enough places to stuff the essentials (camera/battery/chargers/cables).
Any idea how the Brenthaven compares? The Lowepro is light enough/collapsible enough that I don't look stupid if I only need to take the computer, but works when I want to bring along the works... I would like a bit more protection for my new precious, though.
the straps are what sets this bag apart for me though.. when you put the pack on (Either on one shoulder or both) it is "extremely" comforatable..
bm
Originally posted by BostonMerlin
ramblings.....
... dvd's buring at 1x or 2x.. whatever.. either still takes a while..
bm
Really, I thought they changed the DVD to a 1X
This is great news if your right.