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General discussion

Apple Powerbook G4

Sep 17, 2004 10:45AM PDT

I was looking into buying a 15 inch Apple Powerbook G4 and was wondering if anyone could give me some info on it. For example, Will it last me a while or Would you recommend going with a windows pc instead. Also any information on the Apple Company would be appreciated too. For example do they make a quality laptop product? Thanks!!

Discussion is locked

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Re: Apple Powerbook G4
Sep 17, 2004 1:49PM PDT

Apple is rated #1 for both repairs (notebook quality) and technical support.

It is mainly the issue of whether the Apple will do what you want and whether you want to deviate from the PC's most people use at work and home.

If you have friends or some other support with Apple products they are outstanding.

Note, the 15" powerbook LCD model had a recent battery recall (very recent) so make sure you know you have a good battery if you buy this.

Actually, the 17" LCD powerbook only weighs 6.9 pounds (PC 17" LCD models are over 9 pounds) and it does not cost much more (and it did not have the battery recall) so you may want to consider that.

Steve Jobs had the 17" LCD in the hospital while recovering from the pancreatic (non-terminal type) cancer surgery.

This 17" LCD powerbook is at or over $2500 but if you have settled on the 15" model you are over $2000 already.

For a PC the 15.4" widescreen is the effective portable limit due to the weight (for example my 15.4" widescreen Compaq X1000 series weighs 6.5 pounds).

You can't find a mainstream notebook backpack that will hold larger than the 15.4" inch widescreen or 15" square screen but if you are willing to pay the $ check out the Apple 17" LCD powerbook and you can find a satchel for it.

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Re: Apple Powerbook G4
Sep 19, 2004 9:53AM PDT

Thanks for the info Ken, i will look into the 17 inch also! Do you know how the apple wireless connection is and all that? do the powerbooks has wireless built into them? sorry for all the questions but im not too up to date on the whole wireless internet, especially with apple. Thanks!!!

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Re: Apple Powerbook G4
Sep 20, 2004 5:51AM PDT

The Apple Airport wi-fi seems to work very well from what I have heard. See the reviews here on C-net in the wi-fi area.

I assume the Powerbook line has built in wi-fi as if you are spending over $2,000 if better have it. Also, has I stated, Steve Jobs was using the 17" in the Bay area hospital he was recovering in so he was probably using wi-fi there as well.

The Powerbooks are obviously some of the most popular notebooks to use in Starbucks (with Tmobile Wi-fi) as they have all aluminum cases (most PC's try to copy this but with silver paint that eventually rubs off) and very attractive. They also have the DVD/CD-RW slot loading drive (Panasonic) instead of an opening tray that can break off.

And, again, I don't think you can find a 17" LCD notebook anywhere close to the 6.9 pound weight of the Apple Powerbook (that is very close to the 15.4" widescreen Pentium M Compaq X1360US I have at 6.5 pounds).

My friend is an Apple fanatic (works at a Photographer and does digital photo editing and retouching on an Apple desktop) so he would be able to answer more. Perhaps I will try to get him to post an answer here.

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Re: Apple Powerbook G4
Sep 20, 2004 1:37PM PDT

Thank you Ken! You have been a big help! I'm pretty sure my purchase is going to be the 15 inch notebook. Only thing that is holding me back is the many complaints i've read about "white spots" on the LCD screen and how the notebook seems to have a flaw in the latch which is used to open and close. I've read from many reviews that the notebook doesnt seem to close entirely. Most of the reviews that claim this were older ones from last year so im not sure if apple has corrected the problems or not. If you have any info on this please post! Thanks for the help Ken, i really appreciate it!