New Powerbook 12" (Anyone Have One?)

[Abraxsis]

I placed my order for a powerbook 12" on Sept 4 and seeing they still hadnt shipped they upgraded my order to the new upgraded Powerbook,which was a very nice thing to do in my book:D . Im wonder though does anyone here actually HAVE a new upgraded 12" PB in their poscession? Or is anyone here in my case with an upgraded order already in shipment? The site says on or before this comeing Thursday. Man I hope it ships this Thursday seeing my original order was placed on the 4th of this month.


Anyone?

[Lord Bodak]

I placed my order on the 10th and it is also scheduled to ship Thursday the 25th.

[etoiles]

I ordered mine on the 10th and it is scheduled to ship on the 26th. It's a BTO...my new 40gig iPod is waiting in its box...

[ProcrasT8]

I've been looking to get a 12" PowerBook for a few weeks now and I decided to wait until Mac Expo in Paris to see if there would be any announcement for the PowerBooks. Boy, all that waiting sure paid off. I checked the Apple website on the September 16th and lo and behold, there it is! Needless to say, I placed an order right away on the same day itself. A few days ago, they've posted an estimated shipping date of on or before September 25th for my PowerBook. I hope it gets here by the end of this week... :D

[QCassidy352]

placed my order for a combo BTO yesterday and I've got an "on or before 10/1" date. I don't have a good feeling about that though... :-/

[Abraxsis]

I wouldnt expect it for a long while. I placed my order on the 4th of this month and they just moved me back to the 3rd of Oct. Im seriously pissed, one month???? That is ridiculous, if you cant produce machines faster than that you shouldn't be in business. Apple shouldnt release products unless they can fufill the demand they are going to create. Im a first time Mac buyer/switcher, and I like the idea of OSX being stable and UNIX based seeing I am a long time user of *nix/*BSD and I really wanted this computer. But if they move me back again Im cancelling the rest of the order. Ill take my 1400.00 bucks elsewhere.

[notjustjay]

my order got bumped too... was 9/25, now 10/3.

:(

[Lord Bodak]

It's new hardware and you have to accept that it may not be immediately available. When the new 12" was announced it was clear that it was not yet available and the dates really were estimates.

Mine was also bumped from 9/25 to 10/3. But they did upgrade me to overnight shipping-- too bad 10/3 is a Friday.

[PixelFactory]

Abraxsis,

How would you have felt if they shipped a Revision A 12" Powerbook to you? You probably would have recieved it the same day as the Paris Expo and been very disappointed to have the older version. It's only two weeks and I'm sure you'll be happy with your purchase.

[notjustjay]

Looks like they upgraded my shipping too... cool! ("Bestway")

As for your question, Pixelfactory, in my case I did order the Rev. A Powerbook so I was fully expecting to get a Rev. A. I knew I took a risk ordering it the week before the rumored new updates came. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that Apple had cancelled my order and replaced it with an updated model... BUT, I would have been able to live with my decision had they kept the order at a Rev. A. Had they done so, I'd surely have one by now... even if not, I could have picked one up yesterday while I was browsing the university campus computer bookstore.

I guess in the long run I'm content to wait the extra week or two to get the updated model, but it does annoy and disappoint me. I realize the position Apple is in, but I am becoming aware from reading these forums and Usenet that this is very common for Apple. They really need to make it really, really easy for people like me to switch. I would prefer Apple delaying the announcement by a week, and then allowing people to get "instant" gratification, than these announcements and misleading ship times that jump back. I was really looking forward to having my first Apple computer arrive by early next week.

I mean, this isn't a trivial cost. I work hard for the money I'm giving Apple (which appears to be MUCH more than I would ever have been comfortable giving Dell and Microsoft), I want to see it being used well :)

Here's hoping for next Friday.

[alxths]

Noooooo... this means my 10/1 ship date is most likely more like 10/7ish...

[Abraxsis]

I also knew that I was taking a risk by ordering a few weeks before the rumored upgrades, and I was acceptable with that. Im pleased that Apple took the liberty to upgrade my laptop, but Im more ticked with the fact that someone released a new product, AND listing 5-7 day ship times when it is blantantly a lie. Tactics like this makes me wonder about the health of the company, not the quality of their product. It may be a cheap shot but Apple did have to be bailed out with money from Microsoft which owns a big chunk of Apple now. Im basically saying that as a former computer buisness professional I find it unethical and unprofessional to tell someone about a product you can't deliver in a reasonable amount of time. And no, I dont think a shipping upgrade is proper compensation for a 1800.00+ purchase being unreasonably delayed. I guess my opinion comes from the fact that Im not a Mac "zealot" and I dont like waiting when I dish out so much money.

But, Im keeping the iPod.

[QCassidy352]

Originally posted by alxths
Noooooo... this means my 10/1 ship date is most likely more like 10/7ish...

I'm not despairing until they actually move my ship date. Here's to hope! :)

[QCassidy352]

Originally posted by Abraxsis
I also knew that I was taking a risk by ordering a few weeks before the rumored upgrades, and I was acceptable with that. Im pleased that Apple took the liberty to upgrade my laptop, but Im more ticked with the fact that someone released a new product, AND listing 5-7 day ship times when it is blantantly a lie. Tactics like this makes me wonder about the health of the company, not the quality of their product. It may be a cheap shot but Apple did have to be bailed out with money from Microsoft which owns a big chunk of Apple now. Im basically saying that as a former computer buisness professional I find it unethical and unprofessional to tell someone about a product you can't deliver in a reasonable amount of time. And no, I dont think a shipping upgrade is proper compensation for a 1800.00+ purchase being unreasonably delayed. I guess my opinion comes from the fact that Im not a Mac "zealot" and I dont like waiting when I dish out so much money.

But, Im keeping the iPod.

well, to each his own. But if I were you, I'd be thinking that I was far more happy with the upgrade than I was unhappy with the ship time.

As to the "microsoft bailout," that was quite a few years ago now, when apple was really floundering. As of now, I believe that Apple is one of only two computer makers (Dell is the other) to be making money. And Apple has been profitable for quite a while now.

Also, I think that the money from MS was not for stock, but part of an agreement where Apple said it would use MS products (such as IE).

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I really don't think MS owns a big part of Apple.

[solvs]

No, M$ does not own Apple. It was an agreement between the 2 where M$ invested in Apple in exchange for Apple using M$ software, and so that Apple wouldn't sue them for copyright infringement. They later sold their stock (profiting greatly from the deal BTW) and the agreement ended. Or something like that.

I realize you want your laptop now, but you'll be getting it in a few weeks. And you will be very happy with it. You may be able to get a discount with Panther, but you may not. We don't know yet. Could be worse. You could be waiting for the next version of Windows... in 2005. And who knows how much it's going to cost.

If you call Apple and complain enough about your order taking so long (but be nice) you may get some kind of freebie and/or discount. Probably at least free upgraded shipping.

[HasanDaddy]

I'm really tempted to buy a 12" for its weight and portability

anyone wanna convince me?

:D

[doubting_me]

Yeah, I'll try to make a quick go of convincing you.

I currently use a rev. A titanium, and quite frankly it is a great machine. Still has some power (though I have upgraded the ram and harddrive) and is only one inch thick.

However, when you get a portable you want it portable, and carrying this thing around all day with a thin shoulder strap on a briefcase can get tiring and it doesn't always sit well on planes and other cramped spaces.

Well, what about the 15 inch monitor? When I am web surfing, emailing, using iTunes, iPhoto or writing, I don't use the 15 inch. When I am using photoshop, dreamweaver, iDVD, etc. I need more than a 15 inch. By my use, the 15 inch is a bad compromise.

Being an educator I can get a superdrive 12 inch for 1599. I then can get a 17 inch Samsung LCD with DVI connector for around $500. Now, I have a monitor solution for all the work I do. Granted if I had to do large amounts of photoshop or dreamweaver on the road, this wouldn't be good, so I am not trying to get into a debate about what machine is better. I'm just saying if you look critically at what you do, sometimes the 15 inch is a mistake.

There are plenty of scenarios where the 17 or 15 inch is better laptop for a certain person, I'm just giving an example of usage the 12 inch fits nicely.

[cwedl]

My 12" powerbook order has been put back to 3rd October, so much for having for the beginning of the university semester. Apple did this to me before, I wiated over a month for my 15Gb ipod a few months ago. I am fed up of checking my order status, It comes when it comes, I will just have to use my Wintel PC until it comes!:mad:

[etoiles]

same here, my 12"superdrive just got pushed back one week to oct3rd :mad:

[rvance]

OK, this is my first post to Macrumors...and I bring good news...

My new 1Ghz 12" PB Combo arrived today. I got it through a university store, but ordered it several days after the Paris keynote. Not sure I understand the order in which these things are distributed, but it's a beauty, and everyone who has seen it is jealous.

So far it's running great...

[Abraxsis]

well I have decided to wait. I am going to call and complain though, especially seeing that I have been waiting a month and Ive read that certian Apple Stores already have the 12"ers on their shelves.

As for the whole MS thing, yes MS owns a part of Apple. Not normal stock, corporate stock which is different and gives MS a vote in corporate affairs. By no means does MS "own" Apple, but yes they do own a portion. This was one of the points brought up by the DOJ during MS's antitrust hearings, the fact that MS has their hands in one too many related cookie jars.

[miradu]

MY 1 ghz superdrive 12 inch was scheduled to ship to ship on the 25th, but was moved to 10/3. However it shipped on the 27th, and is currently going through custums in alaska.. estimated delivery date is oct 1st though! :(

[yoda13]

if you check the information that Apple sends you when you buy some of their stock, it doesn't list Microsoft as being any type of major stockholder, common/corporate or otherwise. If you look back at the DOJ investigation of MS, I think that you'll find they were pointing out this "agreement" that they had with Apple rather than the fact that they had any type of voting stock or anything like that

[yoda13]

if this wasn't the case, I don't see how their agreement could expire, if they owned a certain amount of stock and this is how that agreement came to be

[punter]

yep, i'm waiting for a 12" combo too. I went to the shop (in Australia) the day after the conference and they said they had them already ordered.

They reckon Oct 1st. I hope so! so close! Although today is a public holiday here so it could be slowing things down.

[baby duck monge]

Originally posted by HasanDaddy
I'm really tempted to buy a 12" for its weight and portability

anyone wanna convince me?

:D

it's really light and portable. and totally sweet. you convinced yet? :D

[cypher]

I've been a PC user for the last 10 years and havnt been a big fan of mac till i saw OS X and the new opwerbooks imacs and ibooks.
This might not be the right thread but i was wondering why the changed the case friom titanium to aluminium?Wouldnt titanium be more durable?
Also is it cheaper to buy a mac outside the US?Cause i think i read someone say that powerbooks were imported.Would it be cheaper han the educational discount fromm apple?

Also what is the best way to fond out how to get the most out of your mac.I know how to use one but taht would be only using th eintermet ,playing movies and such.I can prettty much fix anything on my pc but if somehting went wrong with my mac i would be helpless.Thatsone of the reasons I;m not bying amac.I'm trying them out in my unicersity labs ttrying to get a hang of the OS.Very impressed with the OS but hate that thers only one mouse button.

[doubting_me]

I don't know all of the prices around the world, but comparing prices with the Euro and the Yen, the US prices are cheaper. Significantly enough, though not worth the trouble to convert, buy in America and ship across the Atlantic. However it was worth the trouble for me at least to buy in America (education store) and ship to Japan (the keyboard layout also factored into that decision).

I think the Education site is the best deal in town. It is even cheaper than it was a few weeks ago.

I haven't read any books about using OS X because I have been around Macs and computers so long, I find those books usually too basic and outdated. A great site is www.macosxhints.com. The forums are very helpful. I read the hints almost everday, though most of it doesn't apply to me at the moment. But then something will go wrong or I will want to do something weird with my Mac, and I will remember having seen it on macosxhints. Also, when my friends' machines go down, I will have often seen the cause and fix on hints and can seem like a computer guru when I fix it on the machine on the spot. Also, macfixit.com has good forums and topics.

If you are comfortable with computers then I think the internet is the best. Quite honestly though there is very little tinkering necessary to keep your system running great. No .ini files or registries. Most of the hints are for tweaks because Mac users can be nuts, or the fact that we jump on beta software and use it full time (e.g. Safari, iChat A/V) because we are fanatical. Just stay away from software updates for a week to make sure they don't destroy your system (ala 10.2.8 - which is very rare for Apple) and you shouldn't have any problems.

I think the mac does 95% of what I do on computers so much better than Windows, it is worth putting up with 5% of hassle, but that is me and each user is different.

[cypher]

Thanks for taking the time to reply man.I've already started saving for a mac and am definately goign to buy one even if its not goign to be my primary computer.Thanks again!

[Ipaqman]

what does the shipping thing mean? my order say's shipping meathod 'bestway'. is that the fastest?
ipaqman

[QCassidy352]

my 12" combo shipped today!! Yay!!!!

I don't know what "bestway" means. Mine said various things (as they kept changing my shipping method... but it was upgrades, so who can complain). It said things like "overnight" or "priority 2 day." "bestway?" weird.

[alxths]

I feel like I'm jynxing myself somehow by saying this.... but, my powerbook shipped yesterday(yay). Due to arrive on thursday at 12.. although I'm quite doubtful about that estimate...

Just FYI, it was ordered on the 22nd, is being shipped to Canada and is BTO w/ an AE card.

[ColoJohnBoy]

I can't decide between a 12" and a 15". As nice as the backlit keyboard would be, it isn't at all necessary for me. My only concern is the difference in graphics chips - I play The Sims and SimCity 4 quite a bit - they are both a bit stodgy at times, even with a full 1 GB of RAM and an ATI Radeon Mobility 9000 64MB chip. Any thoughts?

[Abraxsis]

Well my Powerbook 12" FINALLY shipped yesterday. Currently sitting in the Taiwan International Airport going through customs I imagine. The estimated delivery says Oct. 3rd but I dont know how acurate that is, I might call FedEx and see. I was starting to get pretty mad seeing I ordered my Powerbook on the 4th of Sept. making it near a month since I ordered. I imagine that lots of BTO machine are going to get delayed again.

I have heard though that the heat problem has been solved and now the laptops only get marginally hot. Ive heard also that the LCD has been upgraded from the crappy one that was in it. My friend has a 867 12" PB and Ive always felt that the screen just did not meet Apple's standards.

OK then have a great day guys.

[brutus]

Dear Abraxsis,

as I am not sure which one to buy please let us know about the display and the heat issue as soon as you get yours!

That would be great!

[etoiles]

yay, my 12"PB Superdrive shipped today !
Still in Taiwan, but at least there is hope...should arrive within 2-5 business days. Would be nice to have it for the week-end, but I am not holding my breath.

[Abraxsis]

This question is for anyone who has already recieved their 12" Powerbooks, shipping from Taiwan, and FedEx was the carrier.

How long from the ship date till you recieved it in the states??

[fraeone]

Ive heard also that the LCD has been upgraded from the crappy one that was in it. My friend has a 867 12" PB and Ive always felt that the screen just did not meet Apple's standards.

That's what I'm interested in too--a side by side comparison of the two screens. If the screen is improved I'm all over it.

fraeone

[QCassidy352]

hehe, we must be in the same shipment; mine is sitting in the Taiwan airport too! :) Supposedly it will be delivered by 10:30am on Friday (10/3).

I'd have to say that if you're not satisfied with game performance on a 64 MB Radeon 9000 the card in the 12" will not do it for you. Better go for the 15" with that totally sweet 9600. But for me, since I only play war3, the 5200go will be just fine.

[Abraxsis]

You know I find it strange that a 5200 Go doesnt seem to be enough for anyone. I had a old GeForce 2 MX 400 in my big desktop PC and I never had any problems with it. It would run games just fine, albeit at slightly reduced graphics but more than playable, games that's recommended graphic card was a GeForce 4. The new chip is a GeForce FX 5200 Go, the exact same chip that shipping in desktops. So which is it? Do people just have to have photorealistic gaming systems, or do these (e.g. anything newer than a GeForce 4) just completely suck?

[brutus]

I am used to playing on my desktop pc athlon xp2500 gf4 ti4600 1gb ram but thats not the prob. On my tibook667 with its radeon card you just cannot play any new games. Army ops sucks, even older games like deus ex suck in lowest resolution. Besides, its kind of an investment in the future. Why buying a 2000 bucks piece with a week grafik device if you get a good one for a few bucks more. It dont want to buy a new one soon so...

...its at least reasonable to ask for performance in advance...

[Abraxsis]

Well one gaming on a latop is never going to be great. Two, what video card did the 667 have in it? If its a Radeon 7500 no wonder it wont run new games, seeing its the equivalent of a GeForce 2. Laptop wise a new PB is going to be a huge jump on the graphics scale.

[QCassidy352]

yes, the Tibook 667 DVI had a Radeon 7500. The earlier (non-DVI) 667 had a mobility Radeon (not sure exactly which one) with 16 VRAM.

I'm using an ibook with a Radeon 7500 right now and I must say, it's not that bad. As I posted before, I'm no hard core gamer, but the 7500 is still ok. And the 5200go will be a lot better than that.

But if you're in to games like UT2003 or Doom 3, a 12" PB is probably not the best choice. Spend the extra to get a 15" with the 9600, which is really a great portable chip. But I agree with Abraxis - unless you're a heavy gamer, there's nothing wrong with the 5200go.

[brutus]

Yes. I guess you are both right. But what I need is a benchmark comparison between the two: the pb 15 with 1ghz and the radeon 9600 and the pb 12 with the go5200 to see if its worth the extra money. That would be great!

[brutus]

Just read a review in the most important and serious german computer magazin. They tested a old and a new 17 pb and and an old 1000 ti book and a new 1000 alloy pb.

results are really disappointing. Batteries in the 15 alloy only last 2:15!!! due to smaller battery and 2:30 in the 17". This is really a bad joke. My old one lasts 4 hours.

benchmarks are bad as well. The only real advantage the new ones show in cinebench2003. all other benchmarks are close or equal especially for the 15 alloy!!! Game performance in quake was even better for the 1000 ti than for the alloy.

the lack of level 3 cache was somehave equaled by a bigger level2 cache so that didn't seam to be the problem.

I own a 15" 667 ti and ordered a 12" pb today. Hope I won't regret that decision.

[Abraxsis]

COMING TO YOU LIVE FROM MY NEW POWERBOOK 12"

Well I got it a day early, and already love it. I have charged it yet so I dont know about the heat issue while charging but while running on battery the heat is nil. As for the LCD it doesnt seem to be as washed out as the old ones, but I havent done a side by side comparison as of yet. Ill keep everyone posted as cool new things develop. One thing though, I was under the impression that iDVD wouldnt even start up if there wasnt a Superdrive present??

[QCassidy352]

hooray, I just got mine as well!!! It's *amazing.* btw, I also got iDVD even though I have a combo drive...

[Lord Bodak]

Originally posted by Abraxsis
This question is for anyone who has already recieved their 12" Powerbooks, shipping from Taiwan, and FedEx was the carrier.

How long from the ship date till you recieved it in the states??

Mine shipped Monday and I received it today (in Norfolk, VA).

I am now officially a switcher! Can't wait til I can go home and set it up!!!!! :D

[ProcrasT8]

I've had the new 12" PowerBook for about a week now (I got mine on September 26th). It's the combo drive with 40GB hard drive. I bought an Airport Extreme card and an additional 512MB of DDR RAM (1GB a bit too pricey for me) seperately and stuck it under the hood. Installing the Airport Extreme card was a cinch, although memory installation took a bit longer because I was somewhat unfamiliar with the proper placement in the slot. Overall, it wasn't that big of a deal and got it up and running.

After having it around for about a week, it truly exceeded all my expectation. Battery life is about 3 hours on average on a full charge (give or take half an hour, depending on what you're doing). As for the heat issue, it seems similar to the old 12" when I checked them out at the Apple store, in my opinion. However, the "heat issue" never bothered me on the old 12", and it sure didn't bothered me on the new 12". Yes, you can feel the warmth but I can live with it. The display is great, it seems to be really bright. I had mine turned all the way down for the most part (I prefer a slightly dim screen). If you're concerned about the brightness of the LCD, you shouldn't be, it's not even an issue. I haven't really spend too much time testing the video card as I was busy with work and projects. I haven't been playing too much games, Warcraft III was probably the last game I played extensively, and that was about a year ago. The build is very solid, and the hinge is very sturdy too. Opening and closing the LCD is really smooth (not a single creaking noise), even after using it for hours.

In conclusion, if you're happy with the old 12" and want something better along the line or you simply want something portable to carry around with you all the time without sacrificing on performance, this is as good as it gets for now. Then again, you probably don't need me to tell you that.

[etoiles]

my 12"superdrive was still in Taiwan last night, scheduled to arrive on monday, and this morning when I checked it said it was on the Fedex truck here in California !!!! I should get it today !!! WOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO...
(yes, I am excited :p )

[einsteinium]

I got my 12" Powerbook today, I'm so excited. I walked into my campus bookstore and they had several in stock. When I tried to order one last night through Apple.com they told me I had an expected ship date of "on or before 10/14". I can't wait to get home and start playin with it.

[jasylonian]

I just got my 12" PB Combo/60gb/ape and I found a stuck pixel. It's pretty and blue, but I still want to get rid of it. I keep hearing about a massage technique and was wondering if anybody would care to elaborate.

[ProcrasT8]

Originally posted by jasylonian
I just got my 12" PB Combo/60gb/ape and I found a stuck pixel. It's pretty and blue, but I still want to get rid of it. I keep hearing about a massage technique and was wondering if anybody would care to elaborate.

Just try using a soft cloth and wipe around the dead pixel region. It might become unstuck and go away once you massage it.

[jasylonian]

i think i'm screwed:( oh well, at least i got the pb.

[NicoMan]

Originally posted by cypher
Very impressed with the OS but hate that thers only one mouse button.
Plug in any Microsoft or Logitech (to name but a few) USB mouse and the 2nd button and the wheel will work straight away. No need for driver...

[AllenPSU]

Originally posted by Abraxsis
Well my Powerbook 12" FINALLY shipped yesterday. Currently sitting in the Taiwan International Airport ... I imagine that lots of BTO machine are going to get delayed again.

What is your BTO configuration? I ordered one on the same day you did and it is still waiting to ship. (My updated order is for a 12"PB/768/60/COMBO/AE)

Thanks.