Pismos is a Mac clasic?

[mymemory]

I was talking with a very old friend today, actually he is one of the greatest venezuelan musicians. When I was about 14 I saw him on tv once and I said to myself "I want to be like him". Years later I started studies audio engineer and he was one of the teachers. Now, 7 years after my graduation we meet again and at list I can talk to him about things he doesn't know.

The thing is that he has a friend in the US who is one of the Apple designers (my teacher has lots of friend in California), and he told me that he saw the guy a month ago and he had a Pismo, he told him it was the best computer ever!

I know the Cube is a clasic and so on, but the Pismo is a clasic itself. Just imagine that if Firewire 2 come out I can use a PCMCA card and use it (I guess), I can exchange the processor, I can take it up to 1GB of Ram, etc. No other computer out there has such long life after almost 2 years.

Let me tell you that I'm so glad I sent that Cube back when some one wanted to exchange it for my Dual 500, just because I had the change to exchange that tower again for a brand new Pismo. I have so many ports in the back!!!

I just need a real super drive for mine and I think it may be around the corner.

[vniow]

Originally posted by mymemory
I know the Cube is a clasic and so on, but the Pismo is a clasic itself. Just imagine that if Firewire 2 come out I can use a PCMCA card and use it (I guess)

You already can. (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=27651)

[MacAztec]

The Pismo was the best laptop ever built by apple. I can't find ONE flaw with it. Its not mine though, its my dads.

Its great, Airport reception kicks ass, the screen is wonderful. It can be upgraded, has swappable drive modules (i think thats way better then anything else).

I also think it was one of the best looking computers designed by apple ever also. It has sooo many ports too! It has the same ports that are on my PowerMac 500Mhz! Maybe a few more!

[applemacdude]

what about the 17 inch pb...thats a classic too or in a couple of years

[MacAztec]

Originally posted by applemacdude
what about the 17 inch pb...thats a classic too or in a couple of years

Yes, its a great computer, but it isnt the computer the pismo was (is). The pismo today is still more expandable then the new apple laptops. It can run on dual batteries (about 7-8 hours of real battery time)

[tazo]

Originally posted by applemacdude
what about the 17 inch pb...thats a classic too or in a couple of years

the 17'' is something everyone wants but no one can really afford. anyone can uby a pismo now for 500 bux, fix it up, and it is still the best laptop apple has made.

[mymemory]

There is a super drive for the Pismo!!!!!!

I lost the link but there is one for $450 or so.

The 17" is good but I was talking about that with some other fiend and we came to the conclusion that it is "portable desktop computer". It is too big to carry around, it doesn't accomplish all the requirement of a real portable computer but still way too portable.

The best deal right now is the 12" with everything in it with a 17" or 20" LCD, that set up is more functional and cheaper than the 17" itself I think.

Men (and gals) we have so many toys to choose from :D

[Flowbee]

I couldn't agree more! I did a ton of research before I switched last fall. I bought a cube and a pismo. Both machines work flawlessly, I spent about $1500 total, and the best part is that if I do decide to upgrade to the latest [insert rumor here] Mac, I can probably sell them for as much, or more, than I bought them for.:cool:

[Abstract]

*sigh*

I'm relatively new to the Mac world, and while people speak of the Pismo in many of the threads here, I still don't know what one looks like. :( Can somebody show me a pic of a Pismo so that I don't feel like such a doof?

Thanks in advance. ;)

[nickfit]

Being an owner of a pismo for nearly three years, I could not agree more. I upgraded the ram and hard drive twice. Both operations only took a few minutes. I pack it in a messenger bag twice a day as a ride to and from work, and it still holds up. If only the Apple logo was the right side up when the lid is open, and they had designed a better way to keep on the little rubber feet, the machine would be perfect.

I must admit, though, I plan on upgrading soon. Need more video memory to play some games. I would keep the machine if I could, but will probably have to sell it to help cover the cost. But, as mentioned, at least they have great resale values.

[tazo]

Certainly, a pic of the pismo is attached to this message :)

The pismo ranged in speed from 233mhz G3 to a 500mhz G3. They had bays for up to two optical drives, or a 2nd battery. The Pismo is largely considered the best apple laptop ever made, because you can also buy G4 upgrade cards for the laptop, making it usable well past its once thought life span.

-tazo

[Flowbee]

Originally posted by tazo
Certainly, a pic of the pismo is attached to this message :)

The pismo ranged in speed from 233mhz G3 to a 500mhz G3.
-tazo

Not quite.

Actually, the Pismo was the last generation of G3 Powerbook and came in 400 and 500mhz versions. One of the main and most obvious differences between it and earlier G3 Powerbooks (wallstreet, lombard) was the addition of 2 firewire ports.

If you're looking to buy one, make sure it has at least a 400mhz processor and two firewire ports, otherwise it's not a Pismo.

Here's some additional info:
http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/powerbook_g3/stats/powerbook_g3_400_fw.html

[ibookin']

Originally posted by tazo
They had bays for up to two optical drives, or a 2nd battery. The Pismo is largely considered the best apple laptop ever made, because you can also buy G4 upgrade cards for the laptop, making it usable well past its once thought life span.

-tazo

They actually could only hold one optical drive, but the 2nd bay could handle many other options as well.

My personal opinion is that the Pismo is a great computer (arguably the best Apple laptop ever made relative to time), but will eventually become a relic of the past. It is crippled by a 100MHz system bus, an 8MB Rage 128 GPU (no QE, which really helps graphics performance) and what will eventually become limited RAM expansion. While you may be able to put a 500MHz G4 in it, that chip is already looking long in the tooth. Like all laptops, it is not built to handle the latest and greatest 4 years down the road.

Still an awesome machine, though. Wish I had one to go along with my iBook.

[merges]

One thing to remember is that Pismos (and the other late-model black PowerBooks) were not as solidly built as the newer PowerBooks, the iBooks, or even older (1xx-series and Duo 2xx series) PowerBooks.

[Flowbee]

Originally posted by merges
One thing to remember is that Pismos (and the other late-model black PowerBooks) were not as solidly built as the newer PowerBooks, the iBooks, or even older (1xx-series and Duo 2xx series) PowerBooks.

Well, mine is 3 years old and, besides the rubber feet coming off the bottom (easily replaced), I haven't had a single problem with the Pismo. You think the TiBooks are more solid? They're very easily dented and scratched. What *specifically* is less solid about the Pismo?

[gotohamish]

Originally posted by tazo
the 17'' is something everyone wants but no one can really afford. anyone can uby a pismo now for 500 bux, fix it up, and it is still the best laptop apple has made.

Sure people can afford them. That's how they're selling them.

I could order one right now if I really wanted, but I don't need/want a 17" laptop right now.

Not all the world has the same debt problems/obsessions as American TV would have you believe.

[merges]

Originally posted by Flowbee
Well, mine is 3 years old and, besides the rubber feet coming off the bottom (easily replaced), I haven't had a single problem with the Pismo. You think the TiBooks are more solid? They're very easily dented and scratched. What *specifically* is less solid about the Pismo?

The plastics on Pismos crack relatively easily; the body flexes significantly; the battery and optical drive bays have loose fits compared to the newer products.

They're still excellent computers, but the newer (and older) PowerBooks (and iBooks) are more solid. Scratches and dents are annoying, indeed, but a minor price to pay for improved durability.

[Flowbee]

Originally posted by merges
The plastics on Pismos crack relatively easily; the body flexes significantly; the battery and optical drive bays have loose fits compared to the newer products.

They're still excellent computers, but the newer (and older) PowerBooks (and iBooks) are more solid. Scratches and dents are annoying, indeed, but a minor price to pay for improved durability.

Well, as I haven't experienced any flexing, cracking, or loose batteries or drives, I'm not sure I can concede your point. In any event, I don't think durability is really an issue when comparing the Pismo with newer Powerbooks and iBooks.

[tazo]

Originally posted by gotohamish
Sure people can afford them. That's how they're selling them.

I could order one right now if I really wanted, but I don't need/want a 17" laptop right now.

Not all the world has the same debt problems/obsessions as American TV would have you believe.

:rolleyes: not many people can afford to spend 3500+ on a laptop like the 17''.

[joscobo]

Originally posted by Flowbee
Well, as I haven't experienced any flexing, cracking, or loose batteries or drives, I'm not sure I can concede your point. In any event, I don't think durability is really an issue when comparing the Pismo with newer Powerbooks and iBooks.


I purchased my Pismo and could not be happier. I have not noticed it feels flimsy or not as solid as other PowerBooks. After 4 years I am still very much attached to this computer. The only reason I would be thinking of an upgrade is for speed and a better graphics card. I really think after other PowerBooks come and go the Pismo will be in demand. Its looks, performance, ports and upgradeability make it a great choice.

[regio67]

The pismo ranged in speed from 233mhz G3 to a 500mhz G3. They had bays for up to two optical drives, or a 2nd battery. The Pismo is largely considered the best apple laptop ever made, because you can also buy G4 upgrade cards for the laptop, making it usable well past its once thought life span.



If I wanted to upgrade my pismo today to a G4, how much do you guys think it would cost? Reading this column makes me very happy, I didn't know the pismo was such a valued laptop...I have to say, I love mine and I think its the best purchase I've done.

"The top paragraph is a copy of Tazo's comment above."

[Flowbee]

Originally posted by regio67
If I wanted to upgrade my pismo today to a G4, how much do you guys think it would cost? Reading this column makes me very happy, I didn't know the pismo was such a valued laptop...I have to say, I love mine and I think its the best purchase I've done.

The Newer Technology G4/500 upgrade for the Pismo costs $289 from Other World Computing.

http://eshop.macsales.com/Catalog_Item.cfm?ID=4728&Item=NWTNPG4P500

[krimson]

Has anyone tried to upgrade the video board on a Pismo?

My bro-in-law has a dead Pismo that im considering doing some Frankenstein work on it.. i haven't tried fixing it yet, but he said it was nearly perfect when it died. A local tech told him LB is probably bad, and at that time it was more logical to get an ibook than to replace the LB.

I haven't opened it up yet, but i've seen photos of the rage128 that's inside. Im wondering if it's possible to obtain another (pref Radeon) video board from..lets say an 2002'ish ibook, hack the port openings if need be.

[regio67]

Thanks for your input Flowbee!

[Vector]

What about the Wallstreet. The second G3 powerbook (after Kanga but it was short lived) with a radically new enclosure compared to previous powerbooks. It had dual hot-swappable modules and dvd capabilities. My wallstreet is beginning to feel lonely with all of this Pismo talk.:(

[illumin8]

Get with the times folks. The Pismo is horribly outdated and way overpriced. Most of the used ones selling on Powermax are going for between $700 and $1000. On top of that, you'd have to put a $400 Superdrive, $250 G4 upgrade, and $150 worth of memory in it just to make it half as fast or capable as a 12" PowerBook. Plus it's several years old so you'll probably need to buy new batteries for it as well.

Once you've spent $2000+ on your Pismo and realize you have an antiquated piece of crap that can't even run Quartz Extreme and is crippled by a 100 mhz. bus you'll be kicking yourself wondering why you didn't just buy a brand new 12" PowerBook in the first place.

FW800 in a Pismo? Are you smoking crack? A 500mhz. processor and 100 mhz. system bus wouldn't even come close to handling any task that requires FW800.

To me computers are tools to do a job. I want the most capable tool for the job. If you want to collect antique computers and put them in a museum or something that's fine, but they cease to be useful as tools at that point. They are now "works of art" or "collector's items".

The same people that are nostalgic for Pismos are probably the same fools still running Mac OS 9.2.2 and wishing Apple would stay in the "good ol' days". This is the same mindset of people that keep their old non-electric typewriters to write letters on because they're so much better than those "new-fangled word processors".

Go back to the stone age, luddites...

[5300cs]

And get of that stupid Atari 2600, too :rolleyes:

For you, if you want to shell out the clams and buy a new machine, that's cool, but there are some people here who still remember their roots and actually like collecting, believe it or not!

Get some respect

[Flowbee]

Originally posted by illumin8

To me computers are tools to do a job. I want the most capable tool for the job. If you want to collect antique computers and put them in a museum or something that's fine, but they cease to be useful as tools at that point. They are now "works of art" or "collector's items".


Not everyone needs to render video or huge graphics files all day long. As a writer, there is no way that a $3000 17" Powerbook would make me any more productive. FW800? Don't need it. Superdrive? No thanks. The Pismo runs Panther just fine, along with MS Office, Dreamweaver, Safari, iTunes, etc.

The only *fools* here are the ones that think everyone needs to have the fastest computer on the market to be productive. Talk about buying into Apple's marketing machine hook, line, and sinker.

Did someone mention tool?

[joscobo]

I agree that the newer computers are generally better than the older ones. But I think you are basing the concept of utility on the premise of speed. The utility of the Pismo is premised upon several factors. The two drive bays are a big plus in certain applications. I personally use a computer primarily for writing and the Pismo's keyboard and ergonomics make it an excellent machine for that task. I also do some video editing, photoshop and illustrator work. The Pismo does these tasks very well. It doesn't do most of these things as fast as the newer book, but there are other factors to consider. So the overall utility makes it a good choice for anyone I feel. I'll be upgrading soon to a new 15 inch powerbook. But I want anyone who is considering a Pismo because they don't want to pay the premium for a new powerbook to know they aren't making a bad decision. I doubt I'll sell my Pismo after i purchase a new one. Its just that good. Not fast mind you but still very good.

[beefcake]

I don't think illumin8 was suggesting that everyone run out and buy a 17" PB. It seems to me that he was arguing that it is pointless to pay $2,000+ for a Pismo when you can buy a new 12" PB or iBook. I don't think there's anything wrong with using an old computer, in a few years I'll be using one and hopefully love it as much as Pismo owners love their's. However, I would not recommend that anyone (aside from collectors) buy Pismo now. I, like many (but not all), use my computer as a tool, and if I can get more speed for my money with minimal sacrifice (casing, extra ports) I'll do it 100% of the time. Buying a Pismo now, while not wrong, is impractical.

[illumin8]

Originally posted by Flowbee
Not everyone needs to render video or huge graphics files all day long. As a writer, there is no way that a $3000 17" Powerbook would make me any more productive. FW800? Don't need it. Superdrive? No thanks. The Pismo runs Panther just fine, along with MS Office, Dreamweaver, Safari, iTunes, etc.

The only *fools* here are the ones that think everyone needs to have the fastest computer on the market to be productive. Talk about buying into Apple's marketing machine hook, line, and sinker.

Did someone mention tool?
In that case I think a 800 mhz. G4 iBook would cost less and perform better than a Pismo. And it would be more future proof.

[illumin8]

Originally posted by beefcake
I don't think illumin8 was suggesting that everyone run out and buy a 17" PB. It seems to me that he was arguing that it is pointless to pay $2,000+ for a Pismo when you can buy a new 12" PB or iBook. I don't think there's anything wrong with using an old computer, in a few years I'll be using one and hopefully love it as much as Pismo owners love their's. However, I would not recommend that anyone (aside from collectors) buy Pismo now. I, like many (but not all), use my computer as a tool, and if I can get more speed for my money with minimal sacrifice (casing, extra ports) I'll do it 100% of the time. Buying a Pismo now, while not wrong, is impractical.
Thanks, that's exactly what I was trying to say. You just did it without making as many people mad. ;)

[yadmonkey]

Forgetting the members here who are obviously uncomfortable with reminiscing, I too have a fondness for the Pismo. Anyone who would insinuate that these things are less sturdy than the TiBooks or especially the new Aluminum ones has probably not owned both.

Another nice thing about the Pismo - it was the first powerbook to feature software-based DVD decoding, meaning you didn't need a PCMCIA card to watch a DVD. While there probably aren't many times you'd want to use the PCMCIA slot for something else while watchng a DVD, its just nice to not carry an extra card or bother with swapping them.

And hot-swappable drives/batteries are great! I hadn't though about it before, but Pismo probably is the sweet-spot on the powerbook line.

[mms]

Besides Firewire and and increased processor speed, what's different in the Pismo than my Lombard? I think they have the same casing and haven't noticed many drastic changes.

Also, are there good G4 processor upgrades for the Lombard as well?

[yadmonkey]

Originally posted by mms
Besides Firewire and and increased processor speed, what's different in the Pismo than my Lombard? I think they have the same casing and haven't noticed many drastic changes.

Also, are there good G4 processor upgrades for the Lombard as well?

There's not much difference aside from what you mentioned, plus the switch from hardware-based to software-based DVD decoding. I believe there is a G4 processor upgrade available, though I haven't looked in a while.

[GeeYouEye]

The Pismo is one of a few truly 'classic' PowerBooks. Some other notable ones: the 540c, the 100, and the Duo 280c. Personally, I think the TiBook will become a classic too, but only time will tell for it. I had a Pismo for a few months (it was a school computer), and I loved it. Could do pretty much anything for as long as you needed it to, thanks to the dual battery bays. I did a lot of video editing on that thing... ah, the good old days.

[Powerbook G5]

My Lombard also feels lonely. It sucks, the Pismo is just a super awesome version of the Lombard. Mine looks like the Pismo but lacks the Airport, Firewire, speed bumped G3, etc.