Apple Releases New PowerBooks

[sbb155]

go to apple.com NEW powerbooks!@

[sbb155]

here is how you get them
go to apple.com
then HIT the apple tab at the top

17 inch is dual dvi!!!
1.5 and 1.67
thinksecret was right!

[jadam]

1.5/1.67 ghz
512mb across the board

the 15" and 17" can now drive 30" cinema displays.

Price drop of $200 too!

5400rpm hard drive across the board!

[jadam]

Interesting

you can now scroll with the trackpad like you can an ipod. Also, it has motion sensors too on it now.

Ready to Scroll

Scrolling through web pages or large documents on a trackpad can challenge even the most nimble fingers. That’s why every PowerBook G4 features a new trackpad with scrolling capability. Just drag two fingers over the trackpad to scroll vertically and horizontally or pan around any active window. Change this feature to suit your needs: Customize your trackpad settings or turn off scrolling completely via System Preferences.
Takes the Fall

Now every PowerBook G4 is equipped with Apple's Sudden Motion Sensor to help protect your most valuable asset: your data. The Sudden Motion Sensor senses change in axis position and accelerated movement. In the event of a drop or fall, the Sudden Motion Sensor instantly parks the hard drive heads so they won’t scratch the disks on impact, lessening the risk of damage and improving your chances of retrieving valuable data. When the Sudden Motion Sensor senses your PowerBook is once again level, it unlocks the hard drive heads automatically.

[iShater]

Sweet! Any updates are always welcome!

Now I just need $$ to buy SOMETHING! :D

.... anything!

[Platform]

WOW

But it really was needed :p

Why not iLife 05+512MB on the PM and iMac as well :confused:

[rosalindavenue]

Looking at the FSB, these must still be 7447A G4s. I didn't think we'd get a G5 or a dual core G4 (last night's late night rumor) but I was kind of hoping for a 7448. I'll still probably buy a 12", of course.....

[Platform]

BT 2.0 sounds very good as well as 8X dvd :D

[jadam]

Ooo, they added a third speaker to the 12" powerbook to produce midrange sounds like the 15" and 17" powerbook too!

[jadam]

Woooo hooo Optical Audio in/out on the 17" powerbooks!!

[msharp]

i was hopping for a duel core g4........

1.5 to 1.67... so tiny improvement..???? what the hell....

so, it looks like that there SHOULD be a pb g5 this year?...

[DanTekGeek]

Allthought I would have liked to have seen 128mb standard, These updates at least satisfy my worries. Now I can order one!

[mpw]

Nothing to ground-breaking but does freshen the line up a bit.

Good to see the adoption of BT2.0, this is a first for Apple isn’t it?

Bodes well for the future as I believe this will allow stereo quality BT headsets. Looking forward to seeing BT in iPods next time they get update.

[MacRumors]

Apple announced new PowerBooks (http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2005/jan/31powerbook.html) today.

Apple today unveiled the fastest, most affordable PowerBook® line ever, featuring PowerPC G4 processors running up to 1.67 GHz, faster hard drives and a faster 8X SuperDrive -- all housed in the PowerBook's signature aluminum enclosure. All new PowerBooks come standard with 512MB memory, faster graphics, integrated AirPort® 802.11g, Bluetooth 2.0 wireless networking and two new Apple patent-pending technologies—the scrolling TrackPad and the Sudden Motion Sensor.

The new PowerBooks are available at the Apple Store (http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=9eASk0x48lo&subid=1&offerid=13301.1&type=10&tmpid=80&RD_PARM1=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.apple.com%2Feducation%2Fk12%2Filifeandkeynote%2F&u1=macrumors):

12inch, 1.5GHz, 512MB RAM, 60GB, $1499
15inch, 1.5GHz, 512MB RAM, 80GB, $1999
17inch, 1.67GHz, 512MB RAM, 100GB, Superdrive, $2699

[Aaon]

Not a bad update, and the price drops are really nice!

[Trowaman]

Price drops combined with that new trackpad for scrollling, nice. G5, we'll see you at WWDC, but these are still quite nice.

[5thorseman]

No dual 3Ghz G5's?

[arn]

no dual-core I guess... :)

arn

[mkrishnan]

Anyone else noticed they quietly slipped in a scrolling trackpad and the sudden movement sensor a la the Thinkpad? :D

Mmm...is it time to sell my iBook G4 and hops up?

[jelloshotsrule]

it's funny how it's always "the fastest _____ ever".. where the blank is a specific apple product... i'd sure hope they continue to make faster products rather than putting out slower ones..

512 mb ram standard is nice.

other than that, seems pretty much a speedbump, though i don't recall what graphics were in the old ones...

how much were the price drops?

[zelmo]

Cool! I'm not in the market for a new laptop just yet, but it's nice to see Apple do something to refresh the line. And price drops are always nice.

and it's not even Tuesday!

[eazyway]

more RAM larger , faster HD , iLife , Bluetooth and some new technology (and off course small speed bumps) for less money

[h'biki]

Apple announced new PowerBooks (http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2005/jan/31powerbook.html) today.


Price drops are *always* a good thing. For many people, affordability is far more important than latest & greatest.

[Mord]

the return on arn :eek:

dont blame apple for such small updates it's all motorolas fault

i expect mac world paris will be the stage for the g5 powerbook

[moot]

I wonder if this will tempt those who have been waiting to buy a PB?

I for one will continue waiting :p

[virividox]

WAHOOO HEHEHE TIME TO OOGLE

[jadam]

Dont forget optical audio out on the 17"!!

And the ability to drive a 30" cinema display from a powerbook now!

[macgfxdesigner]

Doesn't make sense that the specs are so close and the price is the same, but the PB blows away the Ibook...

link followed:

www.shanegroup.net/huh_apple.jpg

[Lord Bodak]

Great deals. Product release on a Monday... a bit unusual.

Do the SuperDrives support dual-layer burning?

[Nugget]

I notice that the 17" and the faster 15" can drive the 30" Cinema Display, too. That's a pretty big deal (no pun intended) :)

[jadam]

Doesn't make sense that the specs are so close and the price is the same, but the PB blows away the Ibook...

link followed:

www.shanegroup.net/huh_apple.jpg

14.1" screen vs 12.1" screen, and superdrive vs combodrive.

Otherwise apple needs to update the ibooks too with 512ram!!

[Solafaa]

:) i knew they would not get G5 PBs, the heat issue still needs to be addressed first. IMO good updates for the person who needs extra power.

[hvfsl]

Well there is nothing that makes me want to upgrade my 1.33Ghz Powerbook (they even use the same graphics cards as before). Although that new trackpad looks nice, I wonder if you can update the trackpad software on the older powerbooks to support those new features?

[nagromme]

I really like the lit keys on my AlBook... but most of the time I turn them off because they're just bright enough to blend in with the silver--unless the room is VERY dark.

Now they've supposedly made the keys brighter. Good!

Ability to drive a 30" display surprises me. But hey, why not?

That 17" is pretty loaded, whatever the Ghz... fiber-optic digital audio in and out with surround sound :)

If nothing else, people who buy now will have a refined and proven "best version" of the G4 PB line. Others may want to play the waiting game and try the first of the G5s... someday.

[itsa]

Apple announced new PowerBooks (http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2005/jan/31powerbook.html) today.



The new PowerBooks are available at the Apple Store (http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=9eASk0x48lo&subid=1&offerid=13301.1&type=10&tmpid=80&RD_PARM1=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.apple.com%2Feducation%2Fk12%2Filifeandkeynote%2F&u1=macrumors):

12inch, 1.5GHz, 512MB RAM, 60GB, $1499
15inch, 1.5GHz, 512MB RAM, 80GB, $1999
17inch, 1.67GHz, 512MB RAM, 100GB, Superdrive, $2699
The Pepsi promo is going now too.

[wPod]

well so much for powerbook G5 rumors. . . at least until next tuesday b/c i heard they will have the G5s ready by then!!! j/k!!!!

EDIT---
nice, finally apple is getting a clue. 512MB RAM standard!!!!

[jcshas]

I should have known updates were coming soon...I just got a 15" 1.33 GHz in December. Wish they would release a software update to enable trackpad scrolling for all PowerBooks -then I wouldn’t need to use a program called "SideTrack".

[Mord]

Doesn't make sense that the specs are so close and the price is the same, but the PB blows away the Ibook...

link followed:

www.shanegroup.net/huh_apple.jpg

me thinks apple will have a ibook updates up there sleeves

it also looks a little odd tht the powerbooks have 512MB ram standard but the powermac G5's do not :confused:

[miloblithe]

I'm glad the 512MB of RAM for the 15-17 inchers is one DIMM. That is refreshingly unlike Apple.

Nice little update.

[omegalpha]

Great... Price drop is always a good thing! But I don't want a Powerbook! Still waiting for the next PowerMac upgrade.

[AirUncleP]

No Firewire 800 on a 12 model. Why not Apple?

Everything else looks great!

[zac4mac]

Wow, is today Tuesday??

Not a bad update, Freescale's dual core won't be ready till close to the end of 2005, they just got first silicon on the single core a month or two ago, according to a friend at the fab. I guess it's a race between Freescale and IBM to pump out a portable ready dual core; be it a G4 or a G5, I don't care. The ProBooks have to get that distinction over the iBooks.

Z

[attic salt]

This was what I was waiting for...but now I'm just oddly confused and not sure what direction to go.

The price drops and added features are tempting...but when is the Paris thing? When is WWDC? Is it worth waiting to see what happens at these? :confused:

[itsa]

I wonder if this will tempt those who have been waiting to buy a PB?

I for one will continue waiting :p

I will be waiting too... just not enough there to make me upgrade. However... it's a good deal for anyone without a powerbook.
I'm still in hopes for a G5 soon... even if it's another 6months, I can wait.

[Kagetenshi]

All in all I'd say that the extra features now standard combined with the price drop makes this a compelling update. Not compelling enough to jump from my interim iBook yet, but I'm not disappointed with Apple over it.

~J

[Object-X]

At least they stuck in 512MB of RAM. Now if they will just put that amount in the Powermac I'd be happy. :(

Let's hope this is the last G4 update and G5s must be Paris in September.

[Aaon]

how much were the price drops?

It looks like the 12" dropped $100, the 15" and 17" dropped $200 (and please correct me if I'm wrong).

But if you consider the single DIMM of 512mb memory, the 80gb 5400 rpm hard drive (not to mention the speed boost), then the new 15" Powerbook comes out roughly $400 cheaper than a similarly spec'd yesterday's model.

[iostream.h]

Powerbook G5s next Tuesday?

[theonenonlyjoey]

100 GB 5400 RPM hard drive!

[solaris]

I wonder if this will tempt those who have been waiting to buy a PB?

I for one will continue waiting :pSo will wait as well!
Until Apple release an IBM powered PowerBook (G5?)... :)

[itsa]

Powerbook G5s next Tuesday?
LOL.. not that soon. :)

[iGary]

It will be interesting to see how the 1.67 G4 stacks up against the G5, even with the slower bus.

[Steamboatwillie]

I wonder if you can update the trackpad software on the older powerbooks to support those new features?

Here is an alternatve that I use, Sidetrack:

http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/12800

[evilernie]

Finally! This is exactly what I was waiting for, now all I have to do is convince the wife that I need a 15 inch powerbook....


:D

[Gherkin]

My 15" PowerBook is officially out of date. Damn.

[Dont Hurt Me]

It will be interesting to see how the 1.67 G4 stacks up against the G5, even with the slower bus.
Good point, id like to see the comparison of the G4 1.67 and G5 1.6. that would be very good and interesting read on G5 performance.

[JeffTL]

These look like awfully sweet PowerBooks.

Maybe I ought to think about a 12" PowerBook next time I'm in the need rather than another iBook. Think it's worth the difference? Academic price for a 12" iBook with a 60-gig hard drive, the $45 Bluetooth I'd probably never use so it's just there for comparison, 512MB of RAM, and AppleCare is only $1311 vs. $1638 for the combo-drive 12" PowerBook with AppleCare.

Other differences between the two:

Favoring the PowerBook:
* 300 MHz CPU difference
* Better graphics card with 64 MB RAM on the PowerBook
* Bluetooth 2.0
* DVI
* Dual screen capability without hack
* Scrolling trackpad
* Sudden Motion Sensor
* Smaller
* Lighter

Favoring the iBook:

* Alleged better durability
* Alleged better WiFi
* Price difference of at least $300.

[Photorun]

Still a little bit too pricey for their performance and features compared to some on the peecee side of things. The 64 video card part is smart as it'll help Tiger along better and 512 base memory deserves a "is Apple finally getting it?!?" comment (answer: probably no). Top model should be $2499 and the lowest one at where the 14" iBook left off IMO. Not bad, but not great. Maybe at WWDC they can drop the dual core G4s in there then we'll really be leaping ahead speed-wise and vs. what the peecee lusers use.

[El Duderino]

any one else notice that now when you upgrade your videocard to 128mb, it has dual link DVI included? or is that old news?

[Gherkin]

And is this Apple's first line to come with 512 MB standard? Hopefully from now on, all updated lines will switch to 512 standard.

[Stella]

I still don't know why people were thinking G4 Dual Core - especially since Freescale's Roadmap shows these won't appear until later in the year.

At least the PB have a good amount of memory.

Unfortunately, still - too expensive for what they are.


Anyone notice the scrolling on the touch pad - looks like Apple might be using that piece of freeware that did the same thing.

[atari1356]

I'm glad I bought my PowerBook when I did, right after they came out last April... these updates are really pretty minor. If I had waited for a G5, I'd STILL be waiting! :eek: :mad: :D

[Tomaz]

LOL.. not that soon. :)

Seriously, how many times can you guys laugh about the same joke.... ? :confused:

[hob]

About time with the RAM!! Also, the trackpad thing - would be nice if they released it to all powerbook owners, I'm sure they're still using the same trackpads in all the powerbooks...!

Hob

[ASP272]

The fully loaded 17" is awesome. Driving the 30" is unreal. The 128mb of video memory is refreshing. The "Thinkpad" upgrades are sweet. Altogether, not just a small speed bump. And price drops. How can you not grab one of these? For me, it's just a matter of cash flow. Darnit!

[Deslock]

Educational pricing for 15" with superdrive and 1GB RAM:

$2069 1.5 GHz
$2234 1.67 GHz

Is it worth the extra $165 for the faster CPU? Both come with backlit keys now.

[stealthboy]

I've been thinking about getting a PowerBook for a couple of months now. This definitely is encouraging me to get one right away. I've been looking at the 15-inch *without* SuperDrive, so this speed and memory increase for the same price ($1999) is huge.

Perhaps it's time to take a trip to my local Apple store. Thanks, Apple!

[El Duderino]

in the educational pricing when you downgrade the 17" from 100gig HD to the 80 it jumps up 10 dollars :eek:

[Raveny]

I hope this is not a trend of a cheaper "Power" series...
I want a Powermac/book with no compromises and not a cheap one. They have to be packed with the newest and best technology available. The price is secondary in the "Power" series.
It's better to have a 3000$ 15"PB with more speed etc than a slower 2000$ 15" PB option. I hope the next revision with a G5 will continue the tradition of maxed out laptops (and new materials like liquid metal alloy
:cool:), but if Apple just want to build cheaper PBs...

[atari1356]

Favoring the PowerBook:
* 300 MHz CPU difference
* Better graphics card with 64 MB RAM on the PowerBook
* Bluetooth 2.0
* DVI
* Dual screen capability without hack
* Scrolling trackpad
* Sudden Motion Sensor
* Smaller
* Lighter

Don't forget the ability to use it with the lid closed, with an external monitor and keyboard.... which is what I do about 90 percent of the time. You can't use the iBooks with the lid closed. The PowerBooks also have the PCMCIA slot - and are a much better buy in my opinion.

[moot]

And is this Apple's first line to come with 512 MB standard? Hopefully from now on, all updated lines will switch to 512 standard.

Yeah! Right :eek: Come on, this is Apple we are talking about ;)

[Diatribe]

fiber-optic digital audio in and out with surround sound :)


Am I missing something? :confused:

[hob]

I hope this is not a trend of a cheaper "Power" series...
I want a Powermac/book with no compromises and not a cheap one. They have to be packed with the newest and best technology available. The price is secondary in the "Power" series.
It's better to have a 3000$ 15"PB with more speed etc than a slower 2000$ 15" PB option. I hope the next revision with a G5 will continue the tradition of maxed out laptops (and new materials like liquid metal alloy
:cool:), but if Apple just want to build cheaper PBs...

I know what you're saying... but I don't think they're goin cheap on us...

Oh, and my powerbook casing IS liquid metal alloy... it melts all the time...? :p

Hob

[Switcherooski]

I wonder if this will tempt those who have been waiting to buy a PB?

I for one will continue waiting :p

Ho hum...
I',m waiting too.

[inlimbo]

More software. Is it a Big deal??? im new to mac and this new PB will be my first mac.

"Software Mail, iChat, Safari, Sherlock, Address Book, QuickTime, iLife (includes iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie HD, GarageBand and iDVD[4]), iSync, iCal, DVD Player, Classic environment, Acrobat Reader, Art Directors Toolkit, EarthLink TotalAccess (includes 30 days of free dial-up service with Earthlink activation), FileMaker Pro Trial, GraphicConverter, OmniGraffle, OmniOutliner, QuickBooks for Mac New User Edition, Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac Test Drive, Zinio Reader, Xcode Developer Tools and Apple Hardware Test"

What is Miccrosoft Office 2004 for Mac Test Drive. Is that like a trail version that going to expire in a month?!?

[geoffism]

Update - not bad. Not the craziness that everyone wanted (dual-core or G5), but at this time, I've been waiting for this update. So, time to move on.

It's been fun hanging with the PB "support group".

I guess this tuesday's group therapy is now cancelled.

[virus1]

not a g5 or dual core, but at least it's realistic. :rolleyes:

[Mechcozmo]

I guess this tuesday's group therapy is now cancelled.

I still need it..... My PowerBook is now officially outdated. :( :( :( :mad:

Still neat... but.... :rolleyes: meh....

[SiliconAddict]

Now that we've gotten that out of the way bring on:

1. A good single core Freescale with a better FSB

2. Dual core, yah right maybe this coming winter, with onboard memory controller and a better FSB.

3. G5 PowerBook scaled back for the PowerBook

One way or another WWDC is going to be interesting. In the mean time I'm still sitting with a 3,200 interest free loan. *waves money in front of Apple*

You want it? You gotta earn it.

[moot]

I see that iWork is not included :(

Was Appleworks included before or has it always been extra, I can't remember?

[nagromme]

Am I missing something? :confused:
You are if you don't get the 17" :) That's the one that just gained optical audio i/o.


What is Miccrosoft Office 2004 for Mac Test Drive. Is that like a trail version that going to expire in a month?!?
Indeed it is. If you need very basic ability to read and write Word files, TextEdit (included with Panther) can do it. AppleWorks can do it better. Pages (iWork) can do it better yet. Open-source Office clones are worth a look. But in the end, if you want Office, the real deal, you have to buy it.

[Hoffer]

I've got a 867 megahertz 12" PowerBook. My plan has always been to wait for a G5 PB. The 15" has some nice new specs, but my wait will go on. My Mac mini arrives Wednesday. So, that will have to hold me over on new Mac tech till the G5 PowerBooks come out.

[Sharewaredemon]

More software. Is it a Big deal??? im new to mac and this new PB will be my first mac.

"Software Mail, iChat, Safari, Sherlock, Address Book, QuickTime, iLife (includes iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie HD, GarageBand and iDVD[4]), iSync, iCal, DVD Player, Classic environment, Acrobat Reader, Art Directors Toolkit, EarthLink TotalAccess (includes 30 days of free dial-up service with Earthlink activation), FileMaker Pro Trial, GraphicConverter, OmniGraffle, OmniOutliner, QuickBooks for Mac New User Edition, Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac Test Drive, Zinio Reader, Xcode Developer Tools and Apple Hardware Test"

What is Miccrosoft Office 2004 for Mac Test Drive. Is that like a trail version that going to expire in a month?!?


Yes it is, and though at first I thought it silly, think of all of the people who don't know there is Office for the Mac, these people will be able to play around with it, realise it's there, then buy it. A smart move for Apple in my mind.

[virus1]

More software. Is it a Big deal??? im new to mac and this new PB will be my first mac.

"Software Mail, iChat, Safari, Sherlock, Address Book, QuickTime, iLife (includes iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie HD, GarageBand and iDVD[4]), iSync, iCal, DVD Player, Classic environment, Acrobat Reader, Art Directors Toolkit, EarthLink TotalAccess (includes 30 days of free dial-up service with Earthlink activation), FileMaker Pro Trial, GraphicConverter, OmniGraffle, OmniOutliner, QuickBooks for Mac New User Edition, Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac Test Drive, Zinio Reader, Xcode Developer Tools and Apple Hardware Test"

What is Miccrosoft Office 2004 for Mac Test Drive. Is that like a trail version that going to expire in a month?!?

unfourtunately yes.. so you may consider buying iwork instead. unless you really need the features and excel in MSO, iwork is cheaper and (probably) easier to use.. I know keynote one is great, but have no experience with keynote 2 or pages.

[epochVHS]

I just ordered a 12" maxed on Friday for work, and checked with the purchase department this morning. I suggested they hold off to place the order until tomorrow.
SWEET. now I have extra budget, more computer than I thought I would get, and all because of thinksecret and macrumors.
how lucky.

[virus1]

I see that iWork is not included :(

Was Appleworks included before or has it always been extra, I can't remember?

it has on apple's consumer level computers (imacs, ibooks).. probably not mac minis, and not on powerbooks or powermacs though.

[Bear]

My 15" PowerBook is officially out of date. Damn.It may be out of date (like mine) but it's not too badly out of date.

Let's see Bluetooth 2.0 - I don't use many bluetooth devices and none are 2.0, so I probably won't miss this for a while
1.67GHz processor - not enough faster than 1.5GHz to really notice.
Scrolling trackpad - that might be useful, but since I use a scrollwheel mouse half the time it won't be so bad.
8x Superdrive - When I'm burning DVD's on my powerbook, I'm usually not in a great rush - at least not one where the 8 minute difference is going to be noticed.
100GB drive option - While I tend to always get the largest drive available, since I keep everything on the PowerMac, the 20GB difference on the PowerBookwon't be a bother either.
Lower price - about a $400 difference nice, but not worth waiting 9 months for.
So all in all, I won't have any problems holding out until either dual core G4s or a noticably faster G5 powerbook makes its appearance.

[Nikko1965]

Yeah! Right :eek: Come on, this is Apple we are talking about ;)

512M standard is great but on a 12" there's still only one slot so to upgrade to a Gig you'd still need to take out that extra 256M they gave you and put it somewhere to gather dust while you stick in the €400+ 1G stick you just sold your children for. Make the >>>INBUILT MEMORY<<< 512M next time please so a Gig can become less of a financial drama.

Otherwise a decent upgrade.

[Bear]

it has on apple's consumer level computers (imacs, ibooks).. probably not mac minis, and not on powerbooks or powermacs though.The Mac Minis do indeed come with Appleworks. and so do the eMacs. As you noted, it's not included with the PowerMacs or PowerBooks.

Probably under the presumption that people who but the PowerMacs/Books are going to need something stronger than Appleworks.

[chabig]

it's funny how it's always "the fastest _____ ever".. where the blank is a specific apple product... i'd sure hope they continue to make faster products rather than putting out slower ones..
I fly on the airlines a lot. Every flight is announced as "nonstop service to (wherever we're scheduled to land)".

Chris

[Trekkie]

My Thinkpad X40 has the cool little accelerometer drive. I hope Mac OS X has a driver that lets you see what the accelerometer does. It's kinda fun to play with on my Thinkpad. you fire it up and it shows what it thinks the position of the thinkpad is so if you tilt it around the graphic of the laptop rotates with it.

The scroll with two fingers thing is really cool.

But for now I'm sticking with my iMac G5, I need the screen real estate and don't want a 17" powerbook.

[Diatribe]

You are if you don't get the 17" :) That's the one that just gained optical audio i/o.


I just saw it in the specs thanks for mentioning this. Dang I want this for my 12". I wonder why it is only in the 17" and if it is going to come to the other models also...
I want that... :eek:

[billystlyes]

scrolling touchpad.....about time!! :)

[Dont Hurt Me]

The Mac Minis do indeed come with Appleworks. and so do the eMacs. As you noted, it's not included with the PowerMacs or PowerBooks.

Probably under the presumption that people who but the PowerMacs/Books are going to need something stronger than Appleworks.
Also those Pro's dont get Marbleblast or Nanasaur2. Guess Apple figures they should be working on that Mac not playing.

[jelloshotsrule]

I wonder why it is only in the 17"

so they can get people who really want the optical audio to buy the most expensive powerbook. hah

[BubbaJones]

For the 12" it is now cheaper to BTO upgrade the ram to a 512 stick then to order one from Crucial. I like the 5400RPM drive standard as well. Maybe I can convince my other half that we need a new laptop. :D

[virus1]

These look like awfully sweet PowerBooks.

Maybe I ought to think about a 12" PowerBook next time I'm in the need rather than another iBook. Think it's worth the difference? Academic price for a 12" iBook with a 60-gig hard drive, the $45 Bluetooth I'd probably never use so it's just there for comparison, 512MB of RAM, and AppleCare is only $1311 vs. $1638 for the combo-drive 12" PowerBook with AppleCare.

Other differences between the two:

Favoring the PowerBook:
* 300 MHz CPU difference
* Better graphics card with 64 MB RAM on the PowerBook
* Bluetooth 2.0
* DVI
* Dual screen capability without hack
* Scrolling trackpad
* Sudden Motion Sensor
* Smaller
* Lighter

Favoring the iBook:

* Alleged better durability
* Alleged better WiFi
* Price difference of at least $300.

As to the better durability for the ibooks, I think that they break once you break the plastic. My PB goes through a lot of physical crap, but it survives. It just looks worse than an ibook would. And the FiWi, you are correct again. My mom's ibook has no problem's working throughout the house. I had to get an airport express for my living room. Maybe apple forgot that radio waves barley travel through metal.

[zimtheinvader]

eh, not enough of an upgrade...What are the "New Graphics" that Apple is advertising? anyway...pft, the price drop is still not really enough to justify $500 more for the PB vs ibook, plus the powerbooks is STILL not even marginally comperable to the Powermac or even imac!! If they bumped the PM this way (larger hdd, more standard ram, nicer mouse) it might be tempting, but really this BT and some free extra specs are not what I was waiting for...you could have bought this exact 12" in a 15" model 3 mo ago, the only real difference would have been the price...and the 'scroll pad'. I would be interested to see even the 17" run FCPHD or LogicPro effectively...

Plus anyone can get digital audio i/o for >$100, just get a usb adaptor...

[topgunn]

Ok, the long awaited Powerbook updates are out of the way. Now tomorrow I will begin awaiting the Powermac speedbump/price-drop with 512MB standard across the board, the 9600XT replacing the aging GeForce 5200, and 16x superdrives that are dual-layer capable (Pioneer DVR-109). Processor speeds will be 2.0, 2.3, 2.5GHz all dual with prices at $1799, $2299, and $2699 with a low-end single 2.0GHz processor priced at $1399.

*crosses fingers*

[virus1]

The Mac Minis do indeed come with Appleworks. and so do the eMacs. As you noted, it's not included with the PowerMacs or PowerBooks.

Probably under the presumption that people who but the PowerMacs/Books are going to need something stronger than Appleworks.

whoops. forgot about the emac

[Tux Kapono]

Since the iBooks are consumer/life and include iLife, I would think the Powerbooks - business/work would include iWork. It sure works branding-wise - "If it's for work, get the Powerbook" rather than, "If it's for work, determine your needs and then choose between the iBook and Powerbook."

The only reason I see Apple not including it yet, since it's only $79, is because it's not truly iWork until it has a spreadsheet of some sort. How they're going to do the equivalent for Excel what they did with Pages for MS Word has got me totally stumped, but rather excited at the new ground that may be broken.

[Zaty]

Nice upgrade, especially the 512 MB RAM and the sudden motion sensor plus a nice price drop.

[Diatribe]

so they can get people who really want the optical audio to buy the most expensive powerbook. hah

Hmm, Apple has never really differentiated the 15" from the 17" so i wonder if it might be a size issue...

[atlantic]

The price drops are nice. AU$300 off on the 15" Superdrive 1.67 GHz. Now $3200 for those with education discounts. I'm heading down to my local Apple Centre sometime this week.

At least I now stand a chance at convincing my parents to buy me a PowerBook. Even though I know these things don't matter, at least the processor clock speeds (1.67) are on-par with mid-range Centrinos (eg. 1.5GHz to 1.8GHz) and the RAM is now up to scratch with PCs (eg. 512 MB)... So is the Hard Drive at 80 GB. And now 8x Superdrive! yay!

Unfortunately the price drop blows on the lowend 15" model. Less than AU$90 off the 15" Combo. But I'm not interested in that one anyway.

But the question I want to ask is why so long for a crappy speed bump and stupid Bluetooth 2.0 that no one will use? The rest were all available as BTO options before, except for the new features on the 17" of course...

[darkwing]

I sure love watching all this drooling over Apple's latest round of outdated technology. I'll be keeping my rev C powerbook and be waiting for the second generation of something better. I saw no difference at all going from a 1ghz to a 1.5 ghz, and I doubt I'll see anything else with 1.67. I was hoping maybe we'd see an FSB speed bump, and then I would go for it. Oh well.

Back to pretending my laptop's ass isn't being kicked by the Dothan.

Steven

[JonHimself]

Don't forget the ability to use it with the lid closed, with an external monitor and keyboard.... which is what I do about 90 percent of the time. You can't use the iBooks with the lid closed. The PowerBooks also have the PCMCIA slot - and are a much better buy in my opinion.

Is this true? I've only had my iBook for like 3 months or so and was planning on hooking it up my LCD with a BT mouse and KB and keeping it closed... if it is true is there a way around? (Similar to the Screen hack)

PB updates still look nice though, I'm somewhat regretting getting the 14" iBook fully loaded such a short while ago when I could have gotten a nice 12" PB for about the same price...

Hey, also... I'm in the process of converting my friend over to mac because he needs a new computer and I've pretty much got him hooked on getting a PB. Should I tell him to go with these or to wait and see what happens with the G5 or the dual-core freescaling thing? He's not in a hurry (doesn't need it until September) and money is probably not an issue for him. I'm leaning towards telling to wait and see when and how much the big update to the PB is...

[maclamb]

I tried to get into the specifications page under support on apple.com yesterday - but it kept timing out or coming back "page contains no data".
I figured they were updating products - looks like I was right (it works fine today).

[carebear427]

What? No backlit keyboard for the 12"??? What's that all about. I'm very surprised about that! How cool it would be to have a BTO for a backlit keyboard, I'd pay $99 extra just to have it!

[Bear]

...
But the question I want to ask is why so long for a crappy speed bump and stupid Bluetooth 2.0 that no one will use? The rest were all available as BTO options before, except for the new features on the 17" of course...Don't forget the shock sensor and the scolling on the touchpad. It may be a while before some people need BT 2.0 for whatever devices they have, but it's nice for Apple to include it before people are clammering for it.

Remember Apple is at the mercy of the processor developers (Freescale in this case) as to when and how much the can increase the speeds on the systems.

Oersinally, I think that with the larger base memory, the larger hardrives and the noticable price drops (especially on the RAM) I feel that Apple did okay with what they had to work with.

[Porchland]

Well there is nothing that makes me want to upgrade my 1.33Ghz Powerbook (they even use the same graphics cards as before). Although that new trackpad looks nice, I wonder if you can update the trackpad software on the older powerbooks to support those new features?

I'm guessing not. I noticed when the 4G iPod came out and had the shuffle feature on the same menu level as the playlist that Apple didn't do the same for previous generations. It makes sense from a marketing standpoint, I suppose, but it would still be nice to get things in firmware updates that Apple can actually do. I don't expect the 1.5 GHz to be as fast as the 1.67 GHz, the iPod 20 MB to be as large as the iPod 15 MB, etc., but would it really hurt new sales if I could two-finger scrool on my ancient, 6-month-old 17-inch PowerBook?

[ExoticFish]

Now every PowerBook G4 is equipped with Apple's Sudden Motion Sensor to help protect your most valuable asset: your data. The Sudden Motion Sensor senses change in axis position and accelerated movement. In the event of a drop or fall, the Sudden Motion Sensor instantly parks the hard drive heads so they won’t scratch the disks on impact, lessening the risk of damage and improving your chances of retrieving valuable data. When the Sudden Motion Sensor senses your PowerBook is once again level, it unlocks the hard drive heads automatically.

that technology has been shipping with IBM laptops for a little while now. sounds awesome.

[rdowns]

Still a little bit too pricey for their performance and features compared to some on the peecee side of things. The 64 video card part is smart as it'll help Tiger along better and 512 base memory deserves a "is Apple finally getting it?!?" comment (answer: probably no). Top model should be $2499 and the lowest one at where the 14" iBook left off IMO. Not bad, but not great. Maybe at WWDC they can drop the dual core G4s in there then we'll really be leaping ahead speed-wise and vs. what the peecee lusers use.

Must you use the term "peecee luser" in every reply of yours? Really puts you in a bad light.

[Chaszmyr]

I know a lot of people are disappointed about the processors, but it seems like a really good update to me. Correct me if I'm wrong about any of this:

-More standard RAM in the 12''
-Bigger hard drives
-Bluetooth 2.0
-Trackpad Scrolling ability
-Sudden Motion Sensor
-Upgraded SuperDrive
-Dual link in the 17''
-$100 price drop

[propropro]

Does anybody knows if they have higher capacity batteries?

[mkwilson68]

A great relief. Could have been better of course - at least an X700 graphics chip would've been nice. But as I'm waiting for the X800 desktop card (not available in the uk yet) to buy a 30" display, the ability to drive a 30" display is a big plus.

So I just ordered one - I guess I'll be in line for a rev 2 or 3 PB G5 now.

Ti PB now being laid to rest... it has served me well. Hope this one is as good.

[Logik]

I'm glad I bought my PowerBook when I did, right after they came out last April... these updates are really pretty minor. If I had waited for a G5, I'd STILL be waiting! :eek: :mad: :D

agreed. i kinda figured the G5 wasn't coming. plus i heard horror stories about revision A systems so i figured i wouldn't buy a G5 or equivalent until at least revision B.

Everyone kept saying G5 powerbook.. not happening guys.. i don't think you'll see it honestly.. at all. at least as you know the G5 in the PM and iMac, you'll get dual core chips probably at MW06 with a completely new system. until then you're probably stuck with what they're offering now until then.

The new trackpad rocks, I honestly hope that the sidetrack guy adds similar functionality to the app. i don't like using the corners so much as i'd like to use the whole pad like this works. if he can emulate the same thing, $15 in his hand. i do like the video ram upgrade, i really wish mine had the 128mb but oh well. i don't do a lot of video related stuff and 64mb outta be enough to handle nearly everything in tiger without much fuss though 128mb would probably run things a bit better. I'm contemplating buying a dual 3.0ghz G5 this year if they come out with it. sometime this fall... heck i run my powerbook in reduced mode 99% of the time i'm using it (even plugged in) so speed isn't a big thing for me and i'm happy with the 1.33ghz model i have here.

not a "bad" upgrade, but could've been better i think, though i was totally expecting this.

[yellowdog22]

The upgrades are nice but its not enough to make me sell my 17" 1ghz just yet. Like alot of people I know with and without powerbooks who want a new portable, they are holding on for the big one. Roll on WWDC.

[BJU1223]

OMG!!! my NEW powerbook is out of date before it even gets here!!! is on the way to my home as we speak yet is alerady outdated before it got here!!! :mad: i ordered when the apple store was out of stock on everything and my est ship time was 2/09 thinking i will get the new one fore sure but apple screw me over and shipped my powerbook out all of a sudden!!! d*mn u apple!!! :mad:

[mrgreen4242]

WOW

But it really was needed :p

Why not iLife 05+512MB on the PM and iMac as well :confused:

Well, I'm not crazy in thinking that if you buy a new iMac, you will get a free update to '05 in the box. '04 is still pre-installed, but you don't have to pay for '05. I can't confirm this first hand, but call up an Apple store and ask if you really are worried about it. :)

As for 512mb, well, even the low end PMs only have 256mb of RAM, so I don't expect the iMacs to get more until they do as well. 256 is USABLE, just not ideal. If yo udo anything beyond email, web browsing, word processing, etc, they ya, you will want more, but for SOME people it's enough...

Anyways, back on topic, nothing about the new PBs compell me to buy one. I'm not really in the market for a laptop, unless it's a complete desktop replacement. I can't see using one of these machines as my primary computer. For $2700 for the 17" model, I think I would rather have an iMac and a 12" iBook still. (Could actually get a 20" refurb iMac and a 12" iBook for that price).

Hate to say it, but I think the PB line is still overpriced and underpowered.

Rob

[jncrow]

Good to see now I just wish my bank account could handle it. :(

[Zaty]

OMG!!! my NEW powerbook is out of date before it even gets here!!! is on the way to my home as we speak yet is alerady outdated before it got here!!! :mad: i ordered when the apple store was out of stock on everything and my est ship time was 2/09 thinking i will get the new one fore sure but apple screw me over and shipped my powerbook out all of a sudden!!! d*mn u apple!!! :mad:

Are you sure, your order wasn't upgraded? Because usually Apple doesn't ship old models shortly before and after the release of new models.

[vtprinz]

Now that that's out of the way, where are the new PowerMacs :D

[maclamb]

I've been using this:
http://www.ragingmenace.com/software/sidetrack/index.html
for over a year to give scolling trackpad capbility

[Chaszmyr]

OMG!!! my NEW powerbook is out of date before it even gets here!!! is on the way to my home as we speak yet is alerady outdated before it got here!!! :mad: i ordered when the apple store was out of stock on everything and my est ship time was 2/09 thinking i will get the new one fore sure but apple screw me over and shipped my powerbook out all of a sudden!!! d*mn u apple!!! :mad:

Don't open the box when you receive it, and call Apple telling them you want to return it. I think you will be able to do it without penalty, but at worst you should only have to pay a 10% restocking fee... Which will be partly covered by the fact the new ones have a $100 price drop

[BJU1223]

Are you sure, your order wasn't upgraded? Because usually Apple doesn't ship old models shortly before and after the release of new models.

i am not sure ... it should be here in an hour ... but i didn't get any email about upgrade of anything ... i sure hope is upgrade because mine is BTO so i can't return it ... i wonder if is wortha try calling them asking for a discount :confused:

[chabig]

you could have bought this exact 12" in a 15" model 3 mo ago, the only real difference would have been the price...and the 'scroll pad'.
The only difference would have been the price? I guess $600-$700 must be pocket change for you?

Chris

P.S. I guess there is nothing special about the $499 Mac mini either. After all, you could have bought a 1.25GHz G4 tower two years ago.

[Flyinace2000]

Now that that's out of the way, where are the new PowerMacs :D

ORDERED:
Product Name: PowerBook 15" 1.67GHz SuperDrive
Options:
065-5644 1.67GHz PowerPC G4 w/128MB VRAM dual
065-5597 512MB DDR333 SDRAM - 1 SO-DIMM
065-5379 100GB Ultra ATA drive @ 5400 rpm
065-5286 8x SuperDrive (DVD&#177;RW/CD-RW)
065-5376 AirPort Extreme Card
065-5290 Backlit Keyboard/Mac OS - U.S. English
Unit Price: $1,999.00

BTW i got that price using the ADC one time use discount. 20% off thanks! 99 to join as a student.

[BJU1223]

Don't open the box when you receive it, and call Apple telling them you want to return it. I think you will be able to do it without penalty, but at worst you should only have to pay a 10% restocking fee... Which will be partly covered by the fact the new ones have a $100 price drop

mine is BTO i can't return it! :mad:

[mischief]

that technology has been shipping with IBM laptops for a little while now. sounds awesome.

IBM has a long list of technologies that Apple's currently featuring in their hardware. I think we're actually seeing the best HW and the best SW companies in the world teaming up on a more serious level to take on the market leaders. I wouldn't be suprised if at some point soon IBM's servers came with the option of XSAN and / or OS X.n Server.

Did no one else find it prophetic that the Apple Logo went permanently blue about the same time Apple started co-designing it's HW with IBM?

[Zaty]

What? No backlit keyboard for the 12"??? What's that all about. I'm very surprised about that! How cool it would be to have a BTO for a backlit keyboard, I'd pay $99 extra just to have it!

Perhaps, it's not technically feasible to squash sensors and wiring into the 12". And before someone gets started on the still missing FW 800 port, there is no space for an additional port. Unfortunately, FW 800 is not backwards compatible, so it wouldn't make sense to exchange the more usable FW 400 port for a FW 800 port.

[chabig]

Does anybody knows if they have higher capacity batteries?
They are the same.

[liketom]

Does anybody knows if they have higher capacity batteries?


no i would assume they are the same old ones 3-4 hours full charge .

[chabig]

What? No backlit keyboard for the 12"??? What's that all about. I'm very surprised about that! How cool it would be to have a BTO for a backlit keyboard, I'd pay $99 extra just to have it!
I think I'd pay for it too. It is moving down the line, though, and I'm sure Apple will include it in the 12" when it becomes possible, and it makes sense. There are likely technical reasons it can't be done today.

[Chaszmyr]

The only difference would have been the price? I guess $600-$700 must be pocket change for you?

Chris

He also seems to be overlooking the different video card, the sudden motion sensor, and the bluetooth 2.0

[Ysean]

I ordered a PowerBook last Monday and received it last week. I've read (on rumor sites) about a policy in which you can return your product for an exchange if they updated the product you ordered within 10 days. Well, it looks like they both updated the product (and lowered the price?). Is it true I can exchange the product? What do I need to do to accomplish this?

Thanks,
Ysean

[Zaty]

i am not sure ... it should be here in an hour ... but i didn't get any email about upgrade of anything ... i sure hope is upgrade because mine is BTO so i can't return it ... i wonder if is wortha try calling them asking for a discount :confused:

Should you really get an old model, don't open the box and call Apple immediately and complain about it. Like I said Apple has never shipped old models within 10 days (I believe) of a product upgrade.

[Chaszmyr]

I ordered a PowerBook last Monday and received it last week. I've read (on rumor sites) about a policy in which you can return your product for an exchange if they updated the product you ordered within 10 days. Well, it looks like they both updated the product (and lowered the price?). Is it true I can exchange the product? What do I need to do to accomplish this?

Yes it is true, but they likely won't work with you if yours was BTO. Just give Apple a call. A 10% restocking fee will be applicable.

[BJU1223]

Should you really get an old model, don't open the box and call Apple immediately and complain about it. Like I said Apple has never shipped old models within 10 days (I believe) of a product upgrade.

will do ... thanks ... i feel better now :o

[m4rc]

OMG!!! my NEW powerbook is out of date before it even gets here!!! is on the way to my home as we speak yet is alerady outdated before it got here!!! :mad: i ordered when the apple store was out of stock on everything and my est ship time was 2/09 thinking i will get the new one fore sure but apple screw me over and shipped my powerbook out all of a sudden!!! d*mn u apple!!! :mad:

I thought the same, but have been assured by the reseller I ordered through it has been upgraded. However I have cancelled it and ordered a 15" with 128MB graphics card, 100Gig hard drive and 1 Gig Ram, cost me £40 more than before and all I had before was 512Ram and the uprated graphics card.

So I'm happy!

[Chaszmyr]

Should you really get an old model, don't open the box and call Apple immediately and complain about it. Like I said Apple has never shipped old models within 10 days (I believe) of a product upgrade.

Complain vehemently if necessary.

[deputy_doofy]

Finally, the new PBs are here and everyone can stop guessing. Of course, people will continue whining.
Ok.... so the new PBs aren't the best. They're still a nice value for someone buying a PB for the first time. For me, with my 1Ghz 12" PB, it's not really a big deal.

[VicMacs]

Well there is nothing that makes me want to upgrade my 1.33Ghz Powerbook (they even use the same graphics cards as before). Although that new trackpad looks nice, I wonder if you can update the trackpad software on the older powerbooks to support those new features?


somebody said it already but yeah, get sidetrack... its cool


new pbs on a monday? why?

G5 coming in June! yipee

but still these are the laptops for 2005 so go out and get one if you have not already.. and if you have a sub 1ghz pb sell it now before they floor-rocket

[Zaty]

I ordered a PowerBook last Monday and received it last week. I've read (on rumor sites) about a policy in which you can return your product for an exchange if they updated the product you ordered within 10 days. Well, it looks like they both updated the product (and lowered the price?). Is it true I can exchange the product? What do I need to do to accomplish this?

Thanks,
Ysean

Oh dear, you probably got one of the last Rev. C models ever built. -:)I believed they haven't shipped any PBs for two weeks or so. Call them and ask if you can return it.

[macOSX-tastic]

i think that this is great news.

i think now apple have reached the end of the G4 powerbook line, the rev.D.
if a G5 or dual core G4 is around the corner, then this is what will be the most reliable revision of the Powerbook to date. i think that i would prefer a last rev G4 to a G5, because of all the problems that it will incur (remeber the warping and oven like Rev.A's?

i am very tempted by this revision, there has not been a better time to buy :D .

tastic.

[Ysean]

Yes it is true, but they likely won't work with you if yours was BTO. Just give Apple a call. A 10% restocking fee will be applicable.

Hmm... well I bought mine with student discount so it looks like I'll be a little more out of pocket. Oh well. I want the faster cpu, larger HD, and illuminated KB.

[hulugu]

mine is BTO i can't return it! :mad:

Don't open it as someone suggested and call Apple, nicely ask them if they wouldn't mind exchanging your BTO for a new machine. Nicely ask them.

[Caiwyn]

Well, all the G5 "hints" turned out to be premature. They're not even using the new MPC7448 from Freescale, with the 200 Mhz bus speed, 1 MB of L2 cache, and lower power draw (for longer battery life). Which means this is just an overclocked 7447A. Very disappointing.

Still, the price reduction, faster and more compatible superdrive, and especially the faster hard drive are all a welcome improvement. I said I'd get the next revision, and I'll be purchasing a 15" Superdrive model tonight.

It's worth noting, though, that that 1-pixel "apple_g5_powerbook" image in the source code is back again. I think we can expect to see a G5 powerbook later this year, possibly at WWDC.

[mrxak]

You fools! Tomorrow they're going to announce the G5 Powerbook! Don't get worked up over this model, it'll be outdated before the first one even ships!

Anyway, I'll be getting a 15" 1.67GHz. I have a dual 2.5 G5 PowerMac, so my purchase is based on things other than speed. I need a laptop, and this last G4 rev looks mighty nice. I do hope many of you wait for WWDC for your G5s. I want to get my PB quickly, without long shipping delays ;).

[SiMac]

I only gone and ordered a brand spanking new PB 15"/1.67/SD !
Decided on the stock 80Gb HDD - was this the right decision?

Also, I only hope that their shipping date of 2 weeks (in the UK) is realistic.

[Kagetenshi]

Perhaps, it's not technically feasible to squash sensors and wiring into the 12". And before someone gets started on the still missing FW 800 port, there is no space for an additional port. Unfortunately, FW 800 is not backwards compatible, so it wouldn't make sense to exchange the more usable FW 400 port for a FW 800 port.

FW800 is entirely backwards compatible. Thanks for spreading misinformation, though.

~J

[slffl]

They had BETTER put the illuminated keyboard and light sensor on the 12" next go'round! I'm sick of them not including things just to make the models different. I want small AND I want the ambient light features!

[Caiwyn]

They had BETTER put the illuminated keyboard and light sensor on the 12" next go'round! I'm sick of them not including things just to make the models different. I want small AND I want the ambient light features!

I think the problem with doing that is sensor placement. Right now the sensor is under the speaker panels on the 15" and 17" models. That space doesn't exist on the 12" model, I doubt it'd fit under the tiny speaker grille on the 12".

[deebster]

The 15" Combo Powerbook doesn't have the option to up the GPU to 128MB, and the price (in the UK) has gone UP from £1349 to £1379.

Way to go Apple

:confused:

[BornAgainMac]

This means I no longer have the fastest Powerbooks on the planet!

[Zaty]

FW800 is entirely backwards compatible. Thanks for spreading misinformation, though.


~J

Technically yes, but you need an adapter. That's what I meant.

[wisof]

ok, the day finally comes, eh?!

question, do you guys think some other revision will come round when Tiger is released? When is Tiger scheduled for release anyways?

[zwida]

Anyway, I'll be getting a 15" 1.67GHz. I have a dual 2.5 G5 PowerMac, so my purchase is based on things other than speed. I need a laptop, and this last G4 rev looks mighty nice. I do hope many of you wait for WWDC for your G5s. I want to get my PB quickly, without long shipping delays ;).

Just ordered the 17" PB BTO. Ships in 3 - 5 days. Sweet.

[Diatribe]

FW800 is entirely backwards compatible. Thanks for spreading misinformation, though.

~J

They use entirely different connectors.

[geoffism]

Lay to rest your tired soul....

Replacing with a sleeker, faster model.

I personally am not upset with the revision. I was tempted to purchase the Rev C. PB last august/sept... and all the Mac afficianados were telling me to hold off, that new PB's were on the way. We are finally here.

This will put me in line for Rev B of the next Gen.

I got a bumped 15": the memory to 1G, 128 Vram, and 100G HD.

[Caiwyn]

ok, the day finally comes, eh?!

question, do you guys think some other revision will come round when Tiger is released? When is Tiger scheduled for release anyways?

If Tiger is released at WWDC, then yes, I believe that a G5 Powerbook will accompany it. If Tiger is released any time sooner than that (some speculate a Feb. 14th release date), then no.

[macnews]

No G5 or Freescale - who cares. Faster is better but the big news is the price drop. Apple doesn't tend to increase their prices and as of late have been dropping prices across the board. Cheaper iPods, cheaper upgrades for the mini, the mini itself - even the iMacs were cheaper when introduced a year (compared to standard).

I think this bodes well for when a G5 or Freescale chip does show up. People complain about Apple's prices. I think the 17" PB is now more competative than ever. And please spare the examples of other laptops priced at less. I konw they exist but I said it is more competative now.

Some articles have already pointed out Apple makes a great profit with the volume they sell now. If they increase that volume the profits could greatly soar. It looks like Apple is willing to at least cut some of that profit margin as it moves more product. Economies of scale can be a very good thing!

[narco]

Lots of negatives on this story. Obviously the G5 powerbook isn't coming soon, so what do you expect Apple do? I think this is a nice little update, plus the price drops. If Apple released the PB G5 now and it had a ton of problems because it was a rush job, you guys would complain about that too.

Fishes,
narco.

[mxpiazza]

tiger will see a firm release date, if not release, at WWDC in june. i'm pretty impressed with the updates, they're doing the best with what they have, but the fact that they waited so long to update with so little makes me think they wanted this update to be much bigger, but they couldn't get the tech to go...

for all of those people still saying how you are going to wait, you must not need a computer or that 12" Rev A 867 Mhz PB must be going strong still. after all the issues with the Rev A TiBooks and Rev A AlBooks, what makes you guys want the Rev A G5 powerbook so badly? and look at the difference between Rev A and Rev B of the PowerMac line, i'm sure we'd see the same differences in the PB line. I want to see the G5 PB's released, because it brings us that much closer to a Rev B G5 PB, but everyone on these boards is in la la land if they think it is going to be announced at WWDC, or anytime soon.

[dnnx]

'bout time, of tro the apple store I go...

see people, G5 pbooks will be a while, a little thing called physics gets in the way :)

[djpedro]

After looking at these new machines, I sincerely believe that there is not going to be a G5 powerbook this year. Take a look at the updates that these new powerbooks got.

Yes, they are 'speedbumps' but they are pretty substantial new features:
The 17" has dual dvi, the keyboards have been improved, and there are two new technical features, the track pad, acceleration detection, BT 2.0, and 8x burners, plus lower starting prices all around.

Apple last released updates to their Powerbook line in April 2004, 9 months ago. Those had not nearly the new features that this one did, yet they soldiered on for almost a year.

Does anyone think that apple is going to release an entirely new range of machines in just FIVE months?

Think of the logistics. They engineered these new machines, and simultaneously must also be gearing up for a massive product revamp only 5 months away. It just doesn't seem realistic.

What do you all think?


If Tiger is released at WWDC, then yes, I believe that a G5 Powerbook will accompany it. If Tiger is released any time sooner than that (some speculate a Feb. 14th release date), then no.

[dxm113]

Any info on an upgrade in bus / chache along with the speed bumps?

If this has been posted somewhere and I missed it. . .sorry, I've been having problems accessing this server

[rosalindavenue]

Any info on an upgrade in bus / chache along with the speed bumps?

If this has been posted somewhere and I missed it. . .sorry, I've been having problems accessing this server

Bus and cache are the same-- these are 7447 G4s. I was hoping for the 7448 with the 200 FSB-- no dice. They weren't ready yet.

[displaced]

They use entirely different connectors.

Please do some research:

From the firewire-1394 (http://www.firewire-1394.com/what-is-firewire-800.htm) website:

FireWire 400 devices use a 6-pin or 4-pin connector while FireWire 800 devices use a 9-pin
connector. Existing FireWire 400 devices can be plugged into either type of port with the appropriate cable. FireWire 800 devices can achieve FireWire 800 speeds only when connected to a FireWire 800 port.

[deputy_doofy]

After looking at these new machines, I sincerely believe that there is not going to be a G5 powerbook this year. Take a look at the updates that these new powerbooks got.

Yes, they are 'speedbumps' but they are pretty substantial new features:
The 17" has dual dvi, the keyboards have been improved, and there are two new technical features, the track pad, acceleration detection, BT 2.0, and 8x burners, plus lower starting prices all around.

Apple last released updates to their Powerbook line in April 2004, 9 months ago. Those had not nearly the new features that this one did, yet they soldiered on for almost a year.

Does anyone think that apple is going to release an entirely new range of machines in just FIVE months?

Think of the logistics. They engineered these new machines, and simultaneously must also be gearing up for a massive product revamp only 5 months away. It just doesn't seem realistic.

What do you all think?

Strangely, I think it is possible.
Hypothetically, let's say they will release a G5 or dual-core G4 in another 5 months. If they had not done the update they did today, Powerbooks would have gone from 4/2004 to 6/2005. To me, that seems completely unacceptable. Also, the 12" iBook was on par with the 12" PB (until now). This would have eaten into some of the sales of the 12" PB for the next 5 months. That cannot be financially healthy. At least until the next updates, the PowerBooks have slightly distanced themselves again.
Just my 2¢, though.

[relimw]

Ok, the long awaited Powerbook updates are out of the way. Now tomorrow I will begin awaiting the Powermac speedbump/price-drop with 512MB standard across the board, the 9600XT replacing the aging GeForce 5200, and 16x superdrives that are dual-layer capable (Pioneer DVR-109). Processor speeds will be 2.0, 2.3, 2.5GHz all dual with prices at $1799, $2299, and $2699 with a low-end single 2.0GHz processor priced at $1399.

*crosses fingers*

Pfft...Right except for the speeds... 2.3, 2.5 3.0 GHz :)

[brap]

Well, once again the 12" is the poor relation. I hate the way that simply because it has the smallest screen (and therefore the lowest base price), it constantly retains cheaper components, and fewer BTO options as if it's a lesser model.

I'll be keeping mine for a while to come, thanks.

[dongmin]

So, is this the long-awaited 7448 or an 'overclocked' 7447???

The bus is still 167 mhz.

[tjmcardl]

I heard that it's a typo, and they actually are G5s!!

:D

[hansen]

This update looks great to me! The bigger harddisk and ram was the kind of update I would have added to the old one plus DVD burning (was that already in the old one?). And the price drop!

With all the talk about the heating problems with G5 I wouldn't buy the first generation of G5 books.

I'm looking for a computer that is truly portable. I want to use it kicking back on the sofa in the weekend, taking it with me for working/studying, sitting outside. If it's burning hot that wont be useful.

What are your experiences with 12" vs. 15". I want it as small as possible, but not so small it becomes useless. I'm doing web surfing, word processing, email and an occassional game (not a key issue for me).

(This will be my first Mac!)

[deputy_doofy]

I heard that it's a typo, and they actually are G5s!!

:D

That can't be true. I know someone who works at Apple.... or, um, I mean, someone that might work at Apple.... it could be that his spouse works at Apple.... well, ok. I know someone who has eaten an apple that says that these Powerbooks actually have the new Cell processor.

[Trekkie]

Technically yes, but you need an adapter. That's what I meant.

That's not 'technically' that's 'it is'

You don't need an adapter, just a cable with 800 on one end and 400 on another. An adapter does some type of conversion, where this is part of the specification.

[Caiwyn]

Well, once again the 12" is the poor relation. I hate the way that simply because it has the smallest screen (and therefore the lowest base price), it constantly retains cheaper components, and fewer BTO options as if it's a lesser model.

It doesn't just have the smallest screen. It has the smallest total volume for air to travel and cool the system. It also has the smallest component layout for components to fit into. Both of these are factors as well.

[Caiwyn]

You don't need an adapter, just a cable with 800 on one end and 400 on another.

Actually, a cable with "800" on one end and "400" on the other would technically be an adapter. I think what you mean is a cable with a 9-pin connector on one end and a 4/6-pin connector on the other.

But you're right. Firewire 800 is completely backwards compatible from an electrical standpoint.

[bredlo]

Must you use the term "peecee luser" in every reply of yours? Really puts you in a bad light.

Bit of a double-standard, no? :rolleyes:

[ryaxnb]

What's with all the negativity in reactions? :confused: I wasn't expecting G5s till mid-2005 at the earliest, and then not in the 12-inch model. Apple's PowerBooks are often almost a generation behind Power Macs:
Portable: 16Mhz 68000 vs. Mac IIci at 25Mhz 68030
PowerBook 170: 25Mhz 68030 vs. Quadra 900 25Mhz 68040
PowerBook 540: 33Mhz 68LC040 vs. Power Mac 8100 601/80
PowerBook Lombard: 400Mhz G3 vs. Power Mac G4/450.

[Caiwyn]

So, is this the long-awaited 7448 or an 'overclocked' 7447???

The bus is still 167 mhz.

Overclocked 7447A, yeah. The 7448 would at least have 1MB of cache, if not the 200 Mhz bus, not to mention a lower power draw for better battery life. It's very disappointing.

Still, on the bright side, this is probably the last revision of the G4 before the G5 powerbook comes, and should be plenty stable. Were it a G5, I wouldn't buy one without getting the AppleCare extension. I'll be buying the 15" superdrive model tonight.

[SiliconAddict]

Well, all the G5 "hints" turned out to be premature. They're not even using the new MPC7448 from Freescale, with the 200 Mhz bus speed, 1 MB of L2 cache, and lower power draw (for longer battery life). Which means this is just an overclocked 7447A. Very disappointing.


*sighs* I wish people would take a couple doses of reality. There was NO chance in hell of Apple releasing anything other then a speed bumped G4 when no apple event was planned. Guys THINK for a dang second. Jobs and Apple are not going to release such a major upgrade without some massive announcement. Lets see what turns up at WWDC. Things could get REALLY interesting then.

[deputy_doofy]

*sighs* I wish people would take a couple doses of reality. There was NO chance in hell of Apple releasing anything other then a speed bumped G4 when no apple event was planned. Guys THINK for a dang second. Jobs and Apple are not going to release such a major upgrade without some massive announcement. Lets see what turns up at WWDC. Things could get REALLY interesting then.

Yup. The Powerbooks are a popular line. There's just no way that they will do a super-upgrade to these machines without a little party behind it.

[shawnce]

What's with all the negativity in reactions? :confused: I wasn't expecting G5s till mid-2005 at the earliest, and then not in the 12-inch model. Apple's PowerBooks are often almost a generation behind Power Macs:
Portable: 16Mhz 68000 vs. Mac IIci at 25Mhz 68030
PowerBook 170: 25Mhz 68030 vs. Quadra 900 25Mhz 68040
PowerBook 540: 33Mhz 68LC040 vs. Power Mac 8100 601/80
PowerBook Lombard: 400Mhz G3 vs. Power Mac G4/450.

I guess people got used to the time when the G4 clock speed totally stagnated for a long time and hence Apple laptops ended up with the same CPUs and clock speeds as the PowerMacs (minus the dual CPU option).

[spasticmutant]

I just noticed - the new Powerbook claims to support the new 30" display.


Apple Cinema HD Display (30" flat panel)
Note: The 30-inch Apple Cinema HD Display requires dual link DVI support. This option is built-in to the 1.67GHz, 17-inch PowerBook G4 but requires customers to upgrade to 128MB VRAM option on the 1.67GHz, 15-inch PowerBook G4.

*sigh*

A girl can dream, can't she?

Anne Marie

[Caiwyn]

*sighs* I wish people would take a couple doses of reality. There was NO chance in hell of Apple releasing anything other then a speed bumped G4 when no apple event was planned. Guys THINK for a dang second. Jobs and Apple are not going to release such a major upgrade without some massive announcement. Lets see what turns up at WWDC. Things could get REALLY interesting then.

As I'd said all along, I didn't really expect a G5. But there were some interesting clues pointing to one, even if they weren't substantial. What I DID expect was for Apple to use the 7448. That would've still constituted a "speed bump," but one with double the L2 cache, a faster system bus, and lower power draw, which would've made for better system performance, less heat, and lower battery life overall. But I guess it wasn't meant to be. Oh, well.

[Surreal]

so they can get people who really want the optical audio to buy the most expensive powerbook. hah

they may have me. 100 dollars difference when i match specs. they may make me buy the 17 inch behemoth. i don't want 17 inches...i really don't. it BEAUTIFUL...but big.

but optical in AND out...i am a student...and i make music on my comp. i have to upgrade from my powermac 450 G4 to use some of my choice programs...so i was going to buy a mac mini for cost effectiveness. but 1 gig is not really that great for audio...and i want a laptop....and...17 inches of screen..might be..no..they're winning...they're winning good god...

no FSB increase? none... audio...must get audio in and out...need more bandwidth.

the 9700 will run unreal tournament reasonable well...right? only game i really play on the comp...

what is the difference in battery life between the 17 and 15 inch? i may have to forego optical audio if the battery suffers too much...as i live in NY and train rides are long.

[atari1356]

Is this true? I've only had my iBook for like 3 months or so and was planning on hooking it up my LCD with a BT mouse and KB and keeping it closed... if it is true is there a way around? (Similar to the Screen hack)

It's true, the iBook wasn't built to operate with the lid closed:

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=88199

[Zaty]

That's not 'technically' that's 'it is'

You don't need an adapter, just a cable with 800 on one end and 400 on another. An adapter does some type of conversion, where this is part of the specification.

Whatever, my point only was that you can't connect a FW 400 device without a converter plug (or whatever those connectors are called) or the kind of cable you mentioned. Usually, FW 400 devices don't come with either of those.

[slffl]

I really like the lit keys on my AlBook... but most of the time I turn them off because they're just bright enough to blend in with the silver--unless the room is VERY dark.

Now they've supposedly made the keys brighter. Good!

.

I'm wondering if this is a software issue. When I first got my 17" RevA PB, the illuminated keys and ambient light sensor work flawlessy, just the right amount of keyboard light. However, now it works like crap and I find myself doing the same as you, and also having to turn UP the keyboard light in total darkness.

[thedoc1111]

Bad News: My 12" PB is finally out of date
Good News: By not dropping it and using Side-Track there is no reason to trade up

(Yes I went for the 80GB 5400rpm upgrade and am very pleased)

[Zaty]

Well, once again the 12" is the poor relation. I hate the way that simply because it has the smallest screen (and therefore the lowest base price), it constantly retains cheaper components, and fewer BTO options as if it's a lesser model.

I'll be keeping mine for a while to come, thanks.

I wouldn't call it a lesser model, it's just that internally, the 15" and 17" are based on a similar design whereas the 12" is more related to the iBook due to its form factor. As for BTO options, the only thing you can't do is upgrade the VRAM to 128 MB.

[wjdennen]

When the G5 laptops arrive, they might represent a new "class" of PowerBook. Obviously, this would be a high end class.

iBook --> PowerBook G4 --> PowerBook G5

sort of like:

mini --> eMac/iMac --> PowerMac

When they do arrive, I wouldn't expect a G5 laptop at the current G4 PowerBook prices. I'd think they'd be much higher, aimed squarely at the high end.

what do you think?

[jdawg4324]

Just ordered the new power book this is what I got

PowerBook 15" 1.67GHz SuperDrive
Part Number: Z0B6
8x SuperDrive (DVD±RW/CD-RW)
512MB DDR333 SDRAM - 1 SO-DIMM
Backlit Keyboard/Mac OS - U.S. English
AirPort Extreme Card
1.67GHz PowerPC G4 w/128MB VRAM dual
100GB Ultra ATA drive @ 5400 rpm

Estimated ship: 3-5 business days
Delivered within 5 business days after shipping
1 $2,279.00 $2,279.00
Recycling Fee*
1 $8.00 $8.00



Order Subtotal: $2,287.00
Free Shipping: $0.00
Estimated Tax*: $168.08
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Estimated Total: $2,455.08

Very happy cant wait till it gets here anyone else waiting for their little baby. :D

[tabbeus]

Did anyone else notice that the education price for the 12 inch didn't drop? Prior to the release it was 1599 with 200 off, now it is 1499 with only 100 off. Still 1399. That's bushleague. I will wait for the g5 and hopefully a backlit keyboard to go along with it.

[starstreak]

Speaking from a guy who just got his PB 12in in December, I can live with the upgrade they did. It was a "fair" update. Although I wish they came out with it 3 weeks earlier so I could've returned mine. :)

What I am jealous about is the 8x superdrive. I have the 4x and I swear its the slowest thing out there. Doesn't feel like its burning at 4x. Also I hate the fact its the only dvd burner in my house thats a -R. Everything else is a +-R and I bought all +R disks.

Does anybody know if the scroll feature will be an added software update?

Now I would've been ticked if the 12in came with a better screen and/or faster video card. As it is now, I think my 12in with the 60gig 7200rpm will still open most apps faster than the newest PB and I doubt that the extra 200mhz is a big difference.

[atari1356]

When the G5 laptops arrive, they might represent a new "class" of PowerBook. Obviously, this would be a high end class.

iBook --> PowerBook G4 --> PowerBook G5

sort of like:

mini --> eMac/iMac --> PowerMac

When they do arrive, I wouldn't expect a G5 laptop at the current G4 PowerBook prices. I'd think they'd be much higher, aimed squarely at the high end.

what do you think?

When the PowerBook G5 is released (or even a PowerBook with dual-core G4 processor) Apple wouldn't have any reason to keep the older PowerBook G4's around. They'll just bump the speed of the iBooks up a bit. The G5 processor isn't any more expensive to make than the G4 as far as I know...

[Lacero]

So how will Apple describe these new PowerBook updates in their manuals? The PowerBook (scrolling touchpad) or PowerBook (Bluetooth 2.0) or PowerBook (SMS).

[CubaTBird]

:o i just feel so glad that my ibook doesn't look outdated to apple's current line of computers like the mac mini or even the current ibooks and i got mine like last june! :p

[chabig]

Did anyone else notice that the education price for the 12 inch didn't drop? Prior to the release it was 1599 with 200 off, now it is 1499 with only 100 off. Still 1399. That's bushleague. I will wait for the g5 and hopefully a backlit keyboard to go along with it.
At the bottom end, Apple doesn't have as much room to play with the prices. Every other Powerbook configuration is $200 off retail.

Look at it this way, it only costs you $100 more to get the Superdrive.

Chris

[krisjon]

Quite a yawner of an update if you ask me.

[speleoterra]

[QUOTE=...pft, the price drop is still not really enough to justify $500 more for the PB vs ibook,

Oh yes it is. I have the latest edition of the 12" and having the PB over the iBook is worth the attention. I use it everywheres and I'm glad I did not get the larger 15", this baby is just awesome. People love when I say, its not a laptop,..its a Powerbook! They just their heads in awe. Even a hot waiteress at the pub comes up, strokes her finger accross the open lid and coyly says; "Smooooth", so I come back with; "Not as smooth as the owner" She laughs and blushes at the same time. SMOOOOOTH! don't tell my wife! :eek:

[Blue Moon]

It may be out of date (like mine) but it's not too badly out of date.

Let's see Bluetooth 2.0 - I don't use many bluetooth devices and none are 2.0, so I probably won't miss this for a while
1.67GHz processor - not enough faster than 1.5GHz to really notice.
Scrolling trackpad - that might be useful, but since I use a scrollwheel mouse half the time it won't be so bad.
8x Superdrive - When I'm burning DVD's on my powerbook, I'm usually not in a great rush - at least not one where the 8 minute difference is going to be noticed.
100GB drive option - While I tend to always get the largest drive available, since I keep everything on the PowerMac, the 20GB difference on the PowerBookwon't be a bother either.
Lower price - about a $400 difference nice, but not worth waiting 9 months for.
So all in all, I won't have any problems holding out until either dual core G4s or a noticably faster G5 powerbook makes its appearance.

Thanks mack, you just helped me decide on whether to update my 800 mhz PB. All points apply but the first; however, speed, for now, isn't really a problem.

[tabbeus]

At the bottom end, Apple doesn't have as much room to play with the prices. Every other Powerbook configuration is $200 off retail.

Look at it this way, it only costs you $100 more to get the Superdrive.

Chris

A valid point. A valid point indeed. Two questions, when is WWDC, and when does everyone think Tiger will come out?

Thad

[Kagetenshi]

They use entirely different connectors.

Different form-factor? Sure. They're pin-compatible, though. They're as incompatible as normal USB is to that boxy USB they put on things for no apparent reason, which is to say not at all.

~J

[billystlyes]

Quite a yawner of an update if you ask me.

No G5 what a let down! I guess they could not find a way to cool it.

[geoffism]

A valid point. A valid point indeed. Two questions, when is WWDC, and when does everyone think Tiger will come out?

Thad
I don't think they have "officially" announced WWDC. Funny thing though, you can find dates for 2006 WWDC, but not 2005. More than likely June/July timeframe. I think Tiger will be ready for public release by then.

I personally would be suprised if a G5 PB is announce there. That would give this revision a lifespan of only 5 months. I would anticipate MWSF '06.

But you never know, and I don't have any inside sources.

I ordered my "pimped" G4 this AM. Probably get is sometime next week.

[noelister]

Hey, Just purchased my first powerbook. :) I was wondering if anyone can point me in the direction of a good case for my new gem. Thanks!

[corywoolf]

When the G5 laptops arrive, they might represent a new "class" of PowerBook. Obviously, this would be a high end class.

iBook --> PowerBook G4 --> PowerBook G5

sort of like:

mini --> eMac/iMac --> PowerMac

When they do arrive, I wouldn't expect a G5 laptop at the current G4 PowerBook prices. I'd think they'd be much higher, aimed squarely at the high end.

what do you think?

nice idea, but doubt it, the ibook is towards the imac/mini/emac crowd. apple doesn't want to have 9 diff. models (not including an additional version of each one)

the 12" powerbook will likely be a g4 at first. I think the 12" will be dual g4, the 15" will be dual g4 or single g5 (depending on the version you want), the 17" will be a (standard) single g5. the ibook will be slimmed down a bit. There will be a mix of anodized aluminum and regular white imac styling. It will probably be trimmed in aluminum. I would think the powermac 3 Ghz will be arriving at WWDC along with the powerbooks. the ibooks will probably be introduced next November. I wish they'd bring the ibooks in before september (to catch the back to school crowd) New ipods should be coming in april. The new ipods will most likely be all anodized aluminum like the mini, but it will have something the make them different. The mini's should just get a 5Gb drive. asteroid should be arriving along with the new ipods in april. I think the ipod will have a garageband mini app. on it. the asteroid will probably connect with the ipod or mac. the emac will be discontinued, rushing in a new era of mini mac education bundle.

[ipodmann]

Those who kept talking about G5 powerbook need to take a long break. We will not see them for quite some time. One of the reasons is Tiger and the other is heat. According to the Apple Rep Tiger will make the G4 Powerbooks scream.

The fact that all Apple could do in one year is bring them up by 167 mghz speaks volumes of the barriers they have to break. I still think it will be one year minimum. The PowerMacs are having a hard time going past 2.5 if they have plenty of space for fans.

[Deefuzz]

Cool update, dig the scrolling track pad and the sensor...and price drops are ALWAYS welcome!

Though I still think I am going to hold out until I see a new model...hopefully SOMETIME this year :)

[jouster]

[QUOTE=Even a hot waiteress at the pub comes up, strokes her finger accross the open lid and coyly says; "Smooooth", so I come back with; "Not as smooth as the owner" She laughs and blushes at the same time. SMOOOOOTH! don't tell my wife! :eek:

Frrr Chrrsakes, is this a computer forum or an adult web site? :p

Reminds me of the type of stories that begin something like this:

"You'll never believe what happened to me the other day at the Apple Store. Well, there's this genius that works there, and when I took my *hard* drive in for repairs, she said, "You know, I've always hoped you would choose a day I was working - my twin sister and I wondered if you felt like...

{...biiiiiig snip...}

...anyway, phew! It was the best day of my life! I'll certainly be going back there for more service!"

I used to read a lot of those stories for...uh...research purposes, and I can tell where that one was going.

[Diatribe]

Please do some research:

From the firewire-1394 (http://www.firewire-1394.com/what-is-firewire-800.htm) website:

FireWire 400 devices use a 6-pin or 4-pin connector while FireWire 800 devices use a 9-pin
connector. Existing FireWire 400 devices can be plugged into either type of port with the appropriate cable. FireWire 800 devices can achieve FireWire 800 speeds only when connected to a FireWire 800 port.

No need to do research. My argument still stands and is valid. They use entirely different connectors. You'd need a different cable than the one your device most likely shipped with, which is something that is not Apple-like.
From an electrical POV it is totally backwards compatible but that's not always the only thing that counts...

[Diatribe]

Different form-factor? Sure. They're pin-compatible, though. They're as incompatible as normal USB is to that boxy USB they put on things for no apparent reason, which is to say not at all.

~J

As said above, I never said they were incompatible. I just said they used entirely different connectors, which you'd need a different cable for.

[Hoffer]

Hopefully they come out with a cool new PowerBook at MacWorld 2006. I bought my current 12" PB after it was announced at MacWorld 2003. I got it with Applecare. So, one year from now, my Applecare will expire and I'll be ready for a new PB.

[technocoy]

say that WWDC is too soon. i am one of the unlucky few who bought my 1Ghz 15' titanium at the update in nov, only to have them release the ALL-NEW 15" in january. two month update cycle. I think the situation here is they thought they would have something in one way, shape or form by now. they didn't, and they knew they would draw heat from consumers and press if they didn't do SOMETHING. so there you have your new powerbooks. this update is a hold-over. G5, G4 dual core i can't say, but i can say that i believe something new is not far down the road.

technocoy

[itsa]

I don't think they have "officially" announced WWDC. Funny thing though, you can find dates for 2006 WWDC, but not 2005. More than likely June/July timeframe. I think Tiger will be ready for public release by then.

I personally would be suprised if a G5 PB is announce there. That would give this revision a lifespan of only 5 months. I would anticipate MWSF '06.

Just because they "announce" something does not mean it's going to be ready to ship. Add another 3 months to that and we could see G5 PB's in 8 months.

[tortfeasor]

From my order status page:
PBG4 15/1.67/SD/CTO Z0B6
On or before 02/07/2005 $2,324.00

1.67GHz PowerPC G4 w/ 128MB VR 065-5644

1GB DDR333 SDRAM - 2x512 SO-D 065-5377

80GB Ultra ATA drive @ 5400 065-5283

8x SuperDrive (DVD-R/CD-RW) 065-5286

Country Kit/AirPort Extreme 065-5376

Backlit Keyboard/Mac OS 065-5290

Not Applicable 065-4681


Any idea what the last thing is for? I don't remember ordering a "Not Applicable" :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

[itsa]

If they would just be upfront as to when they see G5's or D-core coming out... I think people could make better call on rather to buy now or not. I think if they came right out and said, no G5's until 06 they would sell a bunch of this line. But having everyone clueless is keeping buyers away!

[kasei]

I have a 1.33 Ghz 17" PowerBook and I have been considering getting another one in a couple of months. I definitely like the sound of the 8x superburner. The one on my system now is pretty damn slow. Also the ability to power a 30" monitor is great.

I may have to get one before I lose my student discount after April.

[iPlm]

I'm not sure but didn't the 15.2" powerbooks have 10/100BASE-T ethernet controllers? Now they have Gigabit Ethernet 10/100/1000BASE-T. Maybe I'm wrong, I didn't pay much attention to it in yesterday's models.

And also I thought the Super-Drive can only burn DVD-Rs?
'....And now the SuperDrive supports burning of DVD+RW, DVD-RW and DVD+R formats in addition to DVD-R format.'

[geoffism]

Hey, Just purchased my first powerbook. :) I was wondering if anyone can point me in the direction of a good case for my new gem. Thanks!
I am partial to the Timbuk2 bags. (http://www.timbuk2.com/)

or the Crumpler Bags (http://www.crumplerbags.com/home.php)

Both are good, durable (little expensive), but have padded sleaves for your laptops.

Since I ordered my PB this AM, I now get to watch the Order Status site like I was waiting for the announcement on new PB's.

me = freakazoid

[kilpajr]

I should have known updates were coming soon...I just got a 15" 1.33 GHz in December. Wish they would release a software update to enable trackpad scrolling for all PowerBooks -then I wouldn’t need to use a program called "SideTrack".

IMO, the new scrolling feature is one of those little features that would improve productivity and your daily experience. I got my Powerbook in August and I'm happy with the performance and features but when I saw this feature, I thought, man, I wish I had that. I just downloaded and installed SideTrack. I can now scroll with the trackpad but that's not even the most useful feature to me. I have the lower right corner set to right-click. Thanks for the tip, jcshas!

[joe90]

I wonder if this will tempt those who have been waiting to buy a PB?

I for one will continue waiting :p

i can resist everything except temptation. ;)

after holding back for (what seems like) ages to buy a powerbook, finally an update!

Ordered the following this afternoon:

G4 15.2" 1.67GHz SuperDrive
ATI Mobility Radeon 9700 128MB dual
1GB DDR333 SDRAM - 1 SO-DIMM
100GB Ultra ATA drive (5400rpm)
8x SuperDrive (DVDR/CD-RW)
AirPort Extreme Card
Backlit Keyboard & Mac OS

1684.72 GBP higher education price. like a few others have been saying it will be my first apple so am a little too excited at the moment. :D

[noelister]

I am partial to the Timbuk2 bags. (http://www.timbuk2.com/)

or the Crumpler Bags (http://www.crumplerbags.com/home.php)

Both are good, durable (little expensive), but have padded sleaves for your laptops.

Since I ordered my PB this AM, I now get to watch the Order Status site like I was waiting for the announcement on new PB's.

me = freakazoid

Thanks for the info.

I will be doing the same until it is in my hands :)

[djpedro]

Don't you mean roar? :-D
[QUOTE=ipodmann] According to the Apple Rep Tiger will make the G4 Powerbooks scream.


Seriously tho, one of the interesting things about the newest powerbooks is that apple is offering scrolling technology *for the first time ever*
With any luck they will extend this to a mouse! Although right click may never come...

[mox358]

If they would just be upfront as to when they see G5's or D-core coming out... I think people could make better call on rather to buy now or not. I think if they came right out and said, no G5's until 06 they would sell a bunch of this line. But having everyone clueless is keeping buyers away!

Or the opposite - if you KNEW a new revision was coming in a few months would you honestly buy this revision? By keeping release dates secret Apple sells FAR more Powerbooks from people who don't know what's coming in six months or so.

Look how many people are holding off already on this board because there *might* be a revision coming. Give them an exact date, and you're sure to sell NOTHING between now and then, effectively killing your sales until you ship this promised product. Doesn't sound like good business to me.

But just my 2 cents.

[KrysBaz]

I'm confused.
I thought it was going to be a new powerbook tuesday week
I know today felt like the longest day in the world at work, but really, did I miss a day? :confused:

[erroneousuk]

No need to do research. My argument still stands and is valid. They use entirely different connectors. You'd need a different cable than the one your device most likely shipped with, which is something that is not Apple-like.

Good thing they don't already include a mini-to standard DVI adaptor with the 12" PB, or a mini-DVI to VGA adaptor... that'd very unApple. :D

[shane-o-mac]

I for one am very pleased!

Was anyone really expecting a G5 with all the heating issues. And dual core seemed a bit of a reach too. Basically apple did the smart thing: they updated a line of proven winners!!! THis is a much better move then hastily putting out a G5 that could of been a repeat of the 15" powerbook in 2003 with the numerous screen display issues.

I personally just want to buy the best ( meaning the most well equipped apple w/o any hardware issues) for my money...and lets face it even with the price cut it is still a lot of money. The Ram, HD, and G4 uprgrades the powerbook line worth the their weight in mmm..aluminum. I admit Apple made us wait along time for what seemed like not that impressive of an update. For me a soon to be new mac user and a poor college student, if I am going to shell out $2,000 for a new apple I def want a sytem that has no issues and is as well equipped from out of the box as possible. With the upgrades I now feel I am comfortable enough to do that........here comes my new 15" powerbook.....yeehawww!!!

[Grip]

Well, it looks like this will be the final update before the rev. A G5 PBs so what the heck? I'll bite. ;)

[djpedro]

Yes, but if they "announce" a brand new powerbook and not ship it for 3 months, they are going to TANK sales of their existing ones.


Just because they "announce" something does not mean it's going to be ready to ship. Add another 3 months to that and we could see G5 PB's in 8 months.

[secret_G_man]

I got my credit card in hand and ready to buy. What are some of the better places to buy, without having to pay sales tax in CA? I'm trying to find the 15 inch with the 100 gb hd.

Anyone already bought it from someone other than the Apple Store?

Any help, much appreciated!!!! :D

[aap]

New powerbooks blegh,
I had such high hopes for a little nice powermac update, but no no no :(

[quackattack]

meh.... as much as I am sad that my PB is finally out of date, i don't have upgraditis nearly as bad as i thought.

8x superdrive and 100Gb HD are the most tempting things.

drop sensor is cool, but i'll count on just not dropping mine :D

optical audio out is amazing on the 17", but thats still too big for me, put it in the 15" and we'll talk

i dont think i need BT 2.0 for my one BT mouse, still cool, however.

don't have or want a 30" display, don't care

how much better is the scoll thing over sidetrack? not much i'm guessing not much.

finally a speed bump is always appreciated.

all in all fairly yawn-worthy. sorry to bah-humbug. lets just count on the next revision blowing us away!

-quack

[bredlo]

Hopefully they come out with a cool new PowerBook at MacWorld 2006. I bought my current 12" PB after it was announced at MacWorld 2003. I got it with Applecare. So, one year from now, my Applecare will expire and I'll be ready for a new PB.

I think Hoffer makes a great point. Apple sells all it's machines with the option of AppleCare, which extends the protection for your machine out to 3 years.

I don't think many people would buy it, and therefore Apple would have to rethink the program, if they were trading their machines up every year or two. Feeling like your 1.33 Ghz PowerBook is slower, or terribly out of date because of this morning's announcements... is pretty silly when you think about it.

The last great leap forward in our operating system was the transition to X. Once you bought a machine that was built with OS X in mind (anything with a G4 in it, pretty much,) I contend that you have a decent machine for general computing, and I think Applecare is proof of that

I'd bet that most Mac users are satisfied with their machines for 2-3 years, which is very different than the people on this forum (myself included) who feel the need for speed everytime Apple gives us a speed bump. It's great to be at the bleeding edge of Apple's latest and greatest... but it's an expensive lifestyle when you can get by quite well with any recent (built within the last year or so) Mac.

[Frobozz]

go to apple.com NEW powerbooks!@

These are really nice updates. The G5 PB won't be that much faster than these when they're out, and they'll certainly be more expensive. Basically, you get all the bells and whistles at a low price now.

The new trackpad features are awesome. I'm seriously thinking about getting the 15" 1.67 ... but I'm buying my RAM aftermarket.

[geoffism]

all in all fairly yawn-worthy. sorry to bah-humbug. lets just count on the next revision blowing us away!

I personally was counting on this one due to my TiPB on life support.

And I believe the real temptation for any PB user that is "in the market" will be when the G5's come out. How many of you are willing to jump on the first rev? I won't get into the problems that have been discussed. We all know them. That would make me a little trigger shy. This bump was perfect timing for me.

Gotta love MACS, but don't forget to show some love to AppleCare.

[BWhaler]

Maybe apple forgot that radio waves barley travel through metal.

Look at the side of the Powerbook display.

See those gray pieces of plastic?

Do you think the antenna is possible behind that?

Maybe Apple knows a thing or two about building computers. And don't forget that the iBook is the best in the industry, the benchmark. Of course it's going to be better than the Powerbook since it is better than everything else.

[billystlyes]

These are really nice updates. The G5 PB won't be that much faster than these when they're out, and they'll certainly be more expensive. Basically, you get all the bells and whistles at a low price now.

The new trackpad features are awesome. I'm seriously thinking about getting the 15" 1.67 ... but I'm buying my RAM aftermarket.

I agree the new trackpad scroll and drive lock are great. I would have ordered today if it they would have thrown the G5 in it. Thus I'm going to wait a little longer and see what happens.

[erickg]

I got my credit card in hand and ready to buy. What are some of the better places to buy, without having to pay sales tax in CA? I'm trying to find the 15 inch with the 100 gb hd.

Anyone already bought it from someone other than the Apple Store?

Any help, much appreciated!!!! :D

To the best of my knowledge www.amazon.com offers $150 rebates and you don't pay sales tax, that's where I would go to buy if I lived in the US. However, you would be stuck with an 80 GB HD as I don't believe they to BTO. May be worth the sacrifice?

I just checked and the new powerbooks aren't on the site yet, however the old 15" (with superdrive) have 5 left in stock, so the new ones should come soon.

[PieMac]

To the best of my knowledge www.amazon.com offers $150 rebates and you don't pay sales tax, that's where I would go to buy if I lived in the US. However, you would be stuck with an 80 GB HD as I don't believe they to BTO. May be worth the sacrifice?

I just checked and the new powerbooks aren't on the site yet, however the old 15" (with superdrive) have 5 left in stock, so the new ones should come soon.

I hope so, because that's what I'm planning on doing as well. You save an additional $134.00 (at least for the top of the line 15") by avoiding sales tax.
I called them earlier today and they couldn't really give me any concrete info. Just to keep checking the website. One article I read said that other online retailers should be selling them later this week...hope that's correct!

[oskar]

eh, not enough of an upgrade...What are the "New Graphics" that Apple is advertising? anyway...pft, the price drop is still not really enough to justify $500 more for the PB vs ibook, plus the powerbooks is STILL not even marginally comperable to the Powermac or even imac!! If they bumped the PM this way (larger hdd, more standard ram, nicer mouse) it might be tempting, but really this BT and some free extra specs are not what I was waiting for...you could have bought this exact 12" in a 15" model 3 mo ago, the only real difference would have been the price...and the 'scroll pad'. I would be interested to see even the 17" run FCPHD or LogicPro effectively...

Plus anyone can get digital audio i/o for >$100, just get a usb adaptor...

AFAIK, Final Cut Pro HD runs fine on an "old" 15" PowerBook. If working with DV FCP is flawless in fact on a PowerBook. If you want to work with HD, of course you can't get as many streams as you can on a PowerMac G5. But it does run the app "efectively".
So this PowerBook update has to run FCP video streams better now that all models come with a 5200 RPM hard drive and a slightly faster processor.
As for Logic Pro, can't say much there except that that's an audio app. So if FCP runs well, so must Logic.

[tabbeus]

Look at the side of the Powerbook display.

See those gray pieces of plastic?

Do you think the antenna is possible behind that?

Maybe Apple knows a thing or two about building computers. And don't forget that the iBook is the best in the industry, the benchmark. Of course it's going to be better than the Powerbook since it is better than everything else.

Regardless. My iBook gets a substantially better signal compared to my cousin's powerbook. I know my antenna is under my keyboard, not on the display. Do the new PB have the antenna on the display or something? By the way, it would be perfect marketing for the G5 to come out in summer. This update has enticed so many waiting for the newest update to go ahead and purchase whereas they would not have if they waited for a while. If it the G5 comes out in summer, they can get everyone who is holding out, along with those who just bought one to trade in and get the G5. Anything further than summer would be too long. WWDC is would give them the opportunity for a huge announcement and the next major event is MWSF correct? And that is too long. At least I hope.

[mpw]

...i dont think i need BT 2.0 for my one BT mouse, still cool, however...how much better is the scoll thing over sidetrack? not much i'm guessing not much...

These and the RAM upgrade are the big issues for me. In reverse order;

More RAM as standard can never be a bad thing and will hopefully extend through the rest of the ranges soon.

Scrolling trackpad sounds useful in its self and show a willingness for new methods of input. There's now a reason to have two fingers on the trackpads will this translate to two fingers being useful for future mice?

BT2.0 adoption of this tech. agains points toward a better future. Combine this with Motorolas new HT820 BT stereo headphones and you can listen to your iTunes while you run naked round your flat at midnight without annoying your roomies! Hopefully Apple will make a better headset in keeping with their design style and launch it with the 5th generation BT iPods (next Tuesday please)

[matticus008]

What? No backlit keyboard for the 12"??? What's that all about. I'm very surprised about that! How cool it would be to have a BTO for a backlit keyboard, I'd pay $99 extra just to have it!

The hardware component that drives the fiber-optic lighting system is a pretty sizeable piece. There's just no room for it in the 12" PowerBook.

[appleface]

apple is offering scrolling technology *for the first time ever*
With any luck they will extend this to a mouse! Although right click may never come...

that'd be cool if they incorporated at touch pad onto the top of a mouse. the touchpad could be for scrolling (vertical or horizontal) and clicking. the mouse movement could be for moving the cursor. just an idea.

[wisof]

I'm not sure but didn't the 15.2" powerbooks have 10/100BASE-T ethernet controllers? Now they have Gigabit Ethernet 10/100/1000BASE-T. Maybe I'm wrong, I didn't pay much attention to it in yesterday's models.

And also I thought the Super-Drive can only burn DVD-Rs?
'....And now the SuperDrive supports burning of DVD+RW, DVD-RW and DVD+R formats in addition to DVD-R format.'

Can anyone comment on this? I do not quite remember, but these should be added to the list of updates if they are valid.

[wdlove]

Well it seems that Apple is surprising us once again, making an announcement on a non Tuesday. This would seem to mean that there won't be a PowerBook update at WWDC. Although you can never say never.

[Trekkie]

Bit of a double-standard, no? :rolleyes:

Actually not really, one indicates that product is from the demon itself while the other blames the user who just wanted a computer and that's all they had at the store ;)