i *LOVE* PowerBook G4 Aluminums!

[dmmcintyre3]

I saw the eMac thread and thought I would create one for the AlBooks.

mine is a 15 inch 1.67 GHz with 2 GB RAM and a 100 GB 5400 RPM HD (Factory installed)

One of my friends has a 1.25 GHz with a 100 GB 5400 RPM HD (he installed it himself) and 1.5 GB RAM (the .5 of that was one of the 512 MB chips from my PB. He had 1.25 before I gave him that)

[Fizzoid]

I do regret selling my 1.5Ghz 17" PowerBook which was in A1 condition, still had it's original box, manuals, everything, all still wrapped too, but having a MBP and a uMB I just couldn't justify keeping it. Fantastic screen it had, seemed much better quality than my MBP.

[Rodus]

I will keep using my 12" little Al until the day it is beyond repair. I don't need more then a fast G4 when I'm on the road, it's size makes it very portable and I've never had a single problem with it. One of the best laptop series' Apple ever made.

[steve2112]

I love my 17" 1.67 PB. Sure, it kind of stretches the definition of portable, but it still makes a nice couch computer. I keep it in the living room for those times when I'm on the couch and want to jump online or something. It still looks new, and I'm paranoid about putting food or drinks near it.

[iMpathetic]

Let's see:

- 1 1.67GHz 17"
- 1 1.67GHz 15"
- 1 1.33GHz 12"
- 1 1.5GHz 12'

Sold all of them though.

[powerdave]

Replaced my 15" Powerbook G4 with a new 15" Macbook Pro... the PB always seems like a much neater, smaller laptop when I go back to use it.

The keyboard is better, has a matte screen with a really slim surround, it's colours-matching... all good things. Can't really find any bad points about it, whereas the glossy screen on the MBP is still annoying me.

I do like the large trackpad on my MBP though. Pity 'Macbook Pro' is such a lame name. Sounds like a Fisherprice computer compared to 'Powerbook' imo.

[andrewsd]

My powebook 1.25 ghz was my favorite and hands down the best computer I ever used and as far as quAlity. ... Way better then the apples new offerings. Miss it; to bad I sold it :(

[OnTrack Studios]

Using my 12" 1.5ghz as we speak. My macbook pro just stays on my desk connected to an external monitor. The PowerBook is so much more mobile.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3443/3212356611_983670fe3a.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3043/3320622734_0c178e5be8.jpg?v=0

[philbeeney]

My 17" 1.5 is still going strong and will be 5 years old in August. I've had to replace the hard drive (failed one month after Applecare ran out) and added an extra 1GB of ram, but apart from that it's in pristine condition and I still have the original box, manuals, etc.

As a desktop replacement sitting on an iCurve, it's a fantastic machine. A lovely matte screen (none of this glossy rubbish) and it's still powerful enough to perform all of my required tasks. I have been thinking about replacing it with a new MBP, but every time I come back to the same conclusion that it does the job and there isn't anything it can't do, especially as I now have the iPhone for when I travel.

[dmmcintyre3]

Really if my PB supported 4 GB RAM, longer lasting battery and had a Core 2 Duo I would be happy. maybe a 1680x1050 screen too! (Yes iMpathetic I am talking about screens again)

[zephead]

Even though I've got a Core Duo MacBook that probably outperforms a G4, I've always wanted to get a 12" PB, just because it's that cool.

Also, I've always wanted an iMac G4. I think those still look better than the current Alu iMacs.

Basically, G4 designs > all. :D

[skinniezinho]

I love those babies,someday I'll buy a 12' one..when the prices come down..
Here in portugal they ask 400eur for them (most of them with dead battery) when a macbook costs 500 or even 350 with dead battery!

[UltraNEO*]

Oh.. I love and miss my G4 Alu.. :(


Has to be the shortest ever relationship with any Mac.
I bought a 1Ghz Alu PowerBook G4 15, when they we're lunched and love it but within a month of ownership I accidentally dropped it. It was an unrecoverable mess, to put it short! :rolleyes:

Well.. I'd imagine it's in PowerBook Heaven now :)

[OnTrack Studios]

Even though I've got a Core Duo MacBook that probably outperforms a G4, I've always wanted to get a 12" PB, just because it's that cool.

Also, I've always wanted an iMac G4. I think those still look better than the current Alu iMacs.

Basically, G4 designs > all. :D

you'll be happy with the 12" 1.5ghz. Anything less is gonna be sluggish. I wouldn't recommend the iMac. It looks great but performance wise it's not gonna cut it. And I paid $420 for my 12" on craigslist.

[dmmcintyre3]

Basically, G4 designs > all. :D

What happened to the G4 style designs. (The Mac Pro is as good as the PM G4 designs) The PB Titanium was good (other than the hinges). It was not form over function like the MBA. The 12 inch PB was not form over function ether. We need a 3 LB MacBook Aluminum with FW 800, express card, 1440x900 screen and a dedicated GPU.

Oh.. I love and miss my G4 Alu.. :(


Has to be the shortest ever relationship with any Mac.
I bought a 1Ghz Alu PowerBook G4 15, when they we're lunched and love it but within a month of ownership I accidentally dropped it. It was an unrecoverable mess, to put it short! :rolleyes:

Well.. I'd imagine it's in PowerBook Heaven now :)

What did you buy to replace it?

[thejadedmonkey]

Basically, G4 designs > all. :D

Not just the G4, but all of Apple's designs from that era. the iPod that came out at that time, with a MOVING WHEEL. like, physical responce.. that was the day. I still want a 12" G4 Powerbook... And I know that even if Apple were to make a 12" Macbook Pro, it wouldn't be as good as the 12" Powerbook.

Thanks Apple crap industrial designers. :(

[UltraNEO*]

What did you buy to replace it?

After the accident and no insurance (a fall from the 23rd floor!!), I had to wait.

Eventually I bought a beautiful PowerBook 12" 1.5Ghz, kept that for a few years then sold it :eek:
now i regret selling it :(

Apple will never make another machine like it!! How sad is that? They tried with the popular MacBook but it's still a little tooo big!
Sorry, the MacBook Air's a failure in my book.

Currently I'm a owner of several Macs:

PowerMac G4 Cube 450/1.5Gb/80GB/16Mb (running OS9)
iPod 5Gb 1st Gen. ClickWheel (boxed never used)
MacBook White 2.1Ghz (boxed, tested, Jpn Kbd)
MacBookPro 15" 2.2 Matte/4Gb/SD/320Gb/128Mb Gfx
MacBookPro 17" 2.6 Matte/4GB/BD/500Gb/512Mb Gfx
MacPro'07 2.8 octo 8Gb/SD/2100HD/1TB
MacPro'07 3.2 octo 20Gb/BD/3870HD/2.78Tb RAID5
ACD HD 30" (two off)
Dell 3008WFP

[iMpathetic]

Really if my PB supported 4 GB RAM, longer lasting battery and had a Core 2 Duo I would be happy. maybe a 1680x1050 screen too! (Yes iMpathetic I am talking about screens again)

You're never going to be happy, then. :)

I just hope you know that Apple isn't going to care about or notice your little resolution crusade in the slightest.

[Sehnsucht]

Really if my PB supported 4 GB RAM, longer lasting battery and had a Core 2 Duo I would be happy. maybe a 1680x1050 screen too! (Yes iMpathetic I am talking about screens again)

LOL but then again if it had a Core 2 Duo, it wouldn't be a PowerBook. :p

I believe it does have a TI FireWire chipset, though. :cool:

You're never going to be happy, then. :)

I just hope you know that Apple isn't going to care about or notice your little resolution crusade in the slightest.

Harsh.

[iMpathetic]

Harsh.
Yeah, I know, but there are a lot of people who plaster their posts, sigs, and avatars with "we want matte" or "pardon Bob" or "1680x1050 on a 15 inch laptop".

It gets annoying after a while, and no matter how vehemently you protest something, it's not going to be changed.

I do feel your pain though, dmmicintyre3. I once had a ThinkPad with a 15" 1600x1200 screen. That was awesome.

[jessica.]

I do love mine but it sits in the original box begging to be given away or sold. Someone asked me about it this weekend to which I said I'd sell it to him. I am very close to selling it but I am having a real hard time doing so. :(

[iMpathetic]

I do love mine but it sits in the original box begging to be given away or sold. Someone asked me about it this weekend to which I said I'd sell it to him. I am very close to selling it but I am having a real hard time doing so. :(

I remember seeing it laying it on its side attached to a 30" ACD in a setup thread a year or so ago. That was an awesome setup.

[Cassie]

I'll never understand how you people can deal with resolutions that high. I guess my eyes are just bad.

[iMpathetic]

I'll never understand how you people can deal with resolutions that high. I guess my eyes are just bad.

HAHAHAHAHAHA 800x600 HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[dmmcintyre3]

I'll never understand how you people can deal with resolutions that high. I guess my eyes are just bad.

Your eMac is 1280x960!

[iMpathetic]

Your eMac is 1280x960!

She can set it to 1024x768 with no loss in image quality. Gotta love CRTs.

[SuperCompu2]

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a9/NavyWings/IMG_0605.jpg

My wonderful G4 serving alongside my CD iMac. What a great duo they make!

[iMpathetic]

Is that a 15" or a 17"?

[Hrududu]

I always drooled over the Powerbook G4's when they came out. By the time I could get one, the MBP had just been released, so I missed out on owning a 15" Powerbook. I ended up buying an 867MHz 12" to use when out and about, but once I found out how much I loved it and how often I ended up using it, I sold the 867MHz model and purchased a 1.5GHz model. I'm glad I did, it runs awesome and the extra 128mb of RAM doesn't hurt either.

[Dustman]

HAHAHAHAHAHA 800x600 HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Up until a couple years ago 800x600 was the most popular resolution. I believe the most popular is still only like 1024x786.

I actually use 800x600 because I generally use the computer from across the room. Having it at 1920x1200 would be a little impossible to see, although having 800x600 on a wide lcd looks pitiful. I second missing CRT!

[dmmcintyre3]

believe the most popular is still only like 1024x786.

Probably from all the junk PC laptops sold with 1024x768 screens. (looks at mom's thinkpad)

[Cassie]

She can set it to 1024x768 with no loss in image quality. Gotta love CRTs.

Yep. One of the many reasons I prefer my eMac over my iBook.

On another note, I've switched to 1024x768 on my PC, because I got a much larger monitor. (Old one was 13", new one is 21"..still CRT. :p)

[Str8edgepunker]

Probably from all the junk PC laptops sold with 1024x768 screens. (looks at mom's thinkpad)

Actually, some dells are shipping with 15.6" 1366x768 resolution screens. Go figure that one out because I like having a lot of vertical resolution on laptops. This is one of the MANY reasons that I love Powerbooks because they always had a bit extra vertical resolution in the 15" series (1280x854 vs 1280x800 and 1440x960 vs 1440x900).

I recently picked up a 1.67ghz 15" HiRes Aluminum Powerbook over ebay in great shape (fortunately) and am currently going through several stages of liking it. I know that for a long time I didn't really care for the new design but I'll slowly get there. :D

I will say though that I do wish that they were Dual Core. Oh well. Maybe its in another universe where Apple stayed PowerPC.

[iMpathetic]

Yep. One of the many reasons I prefer my eMac over my iBook.

On another note, I've switched to 1024x768 on my PC, because I got a much larger monitor. (Old one was 13", new one is 21"..still CRT. :p)

Can it do QXGA? *drool*

[dmmcintyre3]

I will say though that I do wish that they were Dual Core.

There were some rumors about it but they never came true.

On another note, I've switched to 1024x768 on my PC, because I got a much larger monitor. (Old one was 13", new one is 21"..still CRT. :p)

1024x768 on 21 inch? Please use at least 1600x1200.

LOL but then again if it had a Core 2 Duo, it wouldn't be a PowerBook. :p

Power in PowerBook had nothing to do with PPC because there were 86K PowerBooks.

[Cassie]

Can it do QXGA? *drool*
*Doesn't know what that is, but assumes not.*
1024x768 on 21 inch? Please use at least 1600x1200.
Anything that I need my glasses to read is not OK with me. :p


Power in PowerBook had nothing to do with PPC because there were 86K PowerBooks.

You're right about there being PB's before the PPC, but eventually, that's what the "Power" prefix came to mean, even though it wasn't originally meant that way.

[iMpathetic]

*Doesn't know what that is, but assumes not.*

You're right about there being PB's before the PPC, but eventually, that's what the "Power" prefix came to mean, even though it wasn't originally meant that way.

2048x1536. :eek:

Yeah, that's what I was gonna say... they're not called x86books, are they?

[dmmcintyre3]

Anything that I need my glasses to read is not OK with me. :p


I need my glasses to see a 21- 30 inch Standard Definition TV but not 1920x1200 on a 15 inch screen. (it is distance that gets me not size)

[SuperCompu2]

Is that a 15" or a 17"?

My PowerBook is a 15", the iMac is a 17"

[awmazz]

Even though I've got a Core Duo MacBook that probably outperforms a G4, I've always wanted to get a 12" PB, just because it's that cool.

Also, I've always wanted an iMac G4. I think those still look better than the current Alu iMacs.

Basically, G4 designs > all. :D

Only one thing missing from the 12" model - backlit keys. I personally believe buying a used 12" Powerbook would actually be a superior choice to the current netbooks on offer now.

And totally agree with you re the G4 iMacs. After the G4 iMacs and Powermacs, Apple's design philosophy has become more 'conservative', so I look at them as the pinnacle or golden age of Apple design.

[awmazz]

You're right about there being PB's before the PPC, but eventually, that's what the "Power" prefix came to mean, even though it wasn't originally meant that way.

The 68K's were known as Macintosh PowerBooks, while the G3 and G4s were just PowerBooks.

I suspect the PowerMac (and PowerPC chip) name was actually derived from the PowerBook name which came first by a couple of years while the desktops were still called Centris, Quadras and Performas, so they just adopted the 'Power' name from their laptop range when it came time to introduce the new processor and desktops.

[dmmcintyre3]

And totally agree with you re the G4 iMacs. After the G4 iMacs and Powermacs, Apple's design philosophy has become more 'conservative', so I look at them as the pinnacle or golden age of Apple design.

I have alwase wanted a 20 or 24 (I know they did not make one) inch iMac G4 as a external HD/Monitor/Super/BlueRay Drive. Would be a cool mod.

The 68K's were known as Macintosh PowerBooks, while the G3 and G4s were just PowerBooks.

My PB 1400 (PPC)(603e I think) was a "Macintosh PowerBook 1400CS"

[awmazz]

My PB 1400 (PPC)(603e I think) was a "Macintosh PowerBook 1400CS"

True. A PPC chip but still regarded as part of the original Macintosh PowerBook line. As I mentioned, it was the G3s and G4s that dropped Macintosh from the name so the first (no Macintosh) PowerBook was the PowerBook G3 with the 750 G3 chip.

[chrismacguy]

I have alwase wanted a 20 or 24 (I know they did not make one) inch iMac G4 as a external HD/Monitor/Super/BlueRay Drive. Would be a cool mod.



My PB 1400 (PPC)(603e I think) was a "Macintosh PowerBook 1400CS"

I would also like a 24" iMac G4, but the only problem would be... the weight. You could probably drop it through a floor. an iMac G4 as an external monitor... now that has given me an idea!

[dmmcintyre3]

I would also like a 24" iMac G4, but the only problem would be... the weight. You could probably drop it through a floor. an iMac G4 as an external monitor... now that has given me an idea!

I picked up a friend's friend's 17 inch iMac G4 and it was so heavy.

Now if only my PB had a 1440x960 screen like the model after it.

I have no intel Macs at all in my house. I don't have any PC's that would make a good hackintosh ether (2.8 GHz Pentium 4 desktop 1.5 GB RAM 160 GB 7200 RPM HD, 3 GHz Pentium 4 Thinkpad with 40 GB 4200 RPM HD, 512 MB RAM and 1024x768 screen or 1.67 GHz PowerBook G4 with 1280x854 screen, 2 GB RAM and 100 GB 5400 RPM HD. Take your pick [I'd pick the G4])


it was the G3s and G4s that dropped Macintosh from the name so the first (no Macintosh) PowerBook was the PowerBook G3 with the 750 G3 chip.
What is this then? A Macintosh PowerBook G3? Really if it can run OSX it is a PowerBook instead of a Macintosh PowerBook
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2287
The Macintosh PowerBook G3 (M3553), shown in Figure 2, closely resembles the PowerBook 3400. It has a small, six-color Apple logo on the exterior display housing, and two small vents on the display housing.
http://km.support.apple.com/library/APPLE/APPLECARE_ALLGEOS/HT2287/24604_2.jpg

[awmazz]

Good catch. Mactracker confirms that is very true. The first G3 was still named the Macintosh PowerBook G3 as it was basically still the older Macintosh PowerBook 3400 design just with the 603 chip upgraded to the new 750 'G3' chip.

The renaming came with the new look 'PowerBook G3 Series' that came next.

[iSaint]

I bought a G4 1.67ghz Powerbook three years ago. It's been a great machine. I put in a 250g hd last October. The logic board died a month ago. Apple repaired it after I put the original hd back in. It's like a new machine. I went nearly two months without it, and it's been like getting my first Apple again.

Love my G4 Powerbook!

171723

[chrismacguy]

I'm gonna have to go and ebay one of these now (Looking at the 17" for an iPhoto station - take these from my MacBook and throw them on a bigger screened laptop.) They are truly beautiful machines.

[Quad 2.5 G5 =)]

Really if my PB supported 4 GB RAM, longer lasting battery and had a Core 2 Duo I would be happy. maybe a 1680x1050 screen too! (Yes iMpathetic I am talking about screens again)

My PB has a 1680x1050 screen.
I love it.

Also, if there was an aftermarket Dual Core or a Dual Processor PPC G4 processor upgrade running at 1.67Ghz for the PB, that would be nice.
I wouldn't mind an aftermarket Single-Core 1.6 or 1.8GHz G5 processor for the 17" either.
The 17" is bigger and has more ventilation, so maybe :)

[dmmcintyre3]

My PB has a 1680x1050 screen.
I love it.

Also, if there was an aftermarket Dual Core or a Dual Processor PPC G4 processor upgrade running at 1.67Ghz for the PB, that would be nice.
I wouldn't mind an aftermarket Single-Core 1.6 or 1.8GHz G5 processor for the 17" either.
The 17" is bigger and has more ventilation, so maybe :)

Yours is a 17 inch. If I was doing what I do now when I bought my PB I would have bought the 17 inch HR.

But my next computer if it is 17 inch is going to be 1920x1200.

The dual core upgrade would be a good one. There were some dual core G4's around 2005 so I am surprised Apple did not use one (I think they were waiting for dual core laptops for the MacBook Pro)
I bought a G4 1.67ghz Powerbook three years ago. It's been a great machine. I put in a 250g hd last October. The logic board died a month ago. Apple repaired it after I put the original hd back in. It's like a new machine. I went nearly two months without it, and it's been like getting my first Apple again.

Love my G4 Powerbook!

[attach]171723[attach]

Let me tell you a story with 3rd party HD's and Apple repair. My friend got his logic board fixed for free because he had a 3rd party HD. They must have fixed it first then asked about the hard drive. When he got the call about the repair bill making it to $900 he told them to send it back and he would put the old HD back in. When he got it back it was fixed.

[iSaint]

Let me tell you a story with 3rd party HD's and Apple repair. My friend got his logic board fixed for free because he had a 3rd party HD. They must have fixed it first then asked about the hard drive. When he got the call about the repair bill making it to $900 he told them to send it back and he would put the old HD back in. When he got it back it was fixed.

A similar deal happened to me!

The Apple repair center called wanting $900 to replace the hard drive before they would fix the logic board. They also made a couple of excuses as to why the upgraded hd might be the problem. They were misleading me, so I ranted a bit because the Genius knew the HD was an upgrade, but made the repair offer anyway. They sent it back, I put the old hd in, sent it back to Apple. It came back repaired for no charge and with a new battery!

It's like a new computer, except for some squiggly lines on the screen. Apple said it was from pressing down on the laptop while closed. Anyone else have something like this?

[Quad 2.5 G5 =)]

Yours is a 17 inch. If I was doing what I do now when I bought my PB I would have bought the 17 inch HR.

But my next computer if it is 17 inch is going to be 1920x1200.

The dual core upgrade would be a good one. There were some dual core G4's around 2005 so I am surprised Apple did not use one (I think they were waiting for dual core laptops for the MacBook Pro)


Let me tell you a story with 3rd party HD's and Apple repair. My friend got his logic board fixed for free because he had a 3rd party HD. They must have fixed it first then asked about the hard drive. When he got the call about the repair bill making it to $900 he told them to send it back and he would put the old HD back in. When he got it back it was fixed.

I never knew about the Dual Core PPC G4 in 2005, I always thought that there were only Dual Processor G4s. The G5, however came in these models...
1. 1 Core, Single Processor Chip
2. 1 Core, Dual Processor Chip
3. 2 Core, Single Chip
4. 2 Core, Dual Processors.

[dmmcintyre3]

I never knew about the Dual Core PPC G4 in 2005, I always thought that there were only Dual Processor G4s. The G5, however came in these models...
1. 1 Core, Single Processor Chip
2. 1 Core, Dual Processor Chip
3. 2 Core, Single Chip
4. 2 Core, Dual Processors.


They were developing them in 2004
http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/04/08/18/motorola_developing_dual_core_powerpc_g4_mpc_7447a_successor.html

LOL but then again if it had a Core 2 Duo, it wouldn't be a PowerBook. :p

I believe it does have a TI FireWire chipset, though. :cool:


PowerBook Core Duo! (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=704870)

[student_trap]

I'll never understand how you people can deal with resolutions that high. I guess my eyes are just bad.

totally agree, although it depends what I am doing. For typing, I like to use my G3 ibook in its 600x800 glory, but for photoshop im back to my 23" acd.

[Dagless]

I liked mine fo sho. I suppose thats why I waited for a aluminium MacBook, the plastic ones looked good but I'm a fan of metal enclosures.

My dads got my Powerbook now so at least mines still in the family :).

[McShizzel]

Here's mine. :)

It's the final generation PowerBook: 15" inch screen, stock 80GB HD, 2GB RAM, it has a keyboard protector on it and it's still running Tiger (although I'm thinking about getting Leopard for it).

It still runs great but the flip out prong on the power adapter had a piece snap apart inside so the prong is now loose.

[dmmcintyre3]

totally agree, although it depends what I am doing. For typing, I like to use my G3 ibook in its 600x800 glory, but for photoshop im back to my 23" acd.

I did not know there was a portrait laptop ever made?:confused: Do you mean 800x600? Or do you turn it on it's side and type?

Here's mine. :)

It's the final generation PowerBook: 15" inch screen, stock 80GB HD, 2GB RAM, it has a keyboard protector on it and it's still running Tiger (although I'm thinking about getting Leopard for it).

It still runs great but the flip out prong on the power adapter had a piece snap apart inside so the prong is now loose.

1440x960 screen? Mine has a 100 GB stock HD. Leopard runs great on mine.
with a new battery!

Hope you did not trade a Lithium Ion for Lithium Polymer battery. 657 cycles and ~3500 mAh full charge! I bet they are using lithium ion on the 17 inch MBP now to get to to last 1000 cycles.

[student_trap]

I did not know there was a portrait laptop ever made?:confused: Do you mean 800x600? Or do you turn it on it's side and type?

Whoops! I mean 800x600, but mypoint remains, I prefer the larger pixels for typing.:):):o

[Mark-Mac-Attack]

I have since sold it to a friend, but this was my 12" PB (1GHZ/1.25GB/160GB)

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l235/mdjones3000/DSC07315.jpg

[She]

I have a 12" that's nearly 5 years old and in perfect condition except for one small problem - the fan is starting to die. Do you think it's worth getting it replaced (not tech savvy enough to do it myself) or just put that money towards a new Macbook?

[student_trap]

I have a 12" that's nearly 5 years old and in perfect condition except for one small problem - the fan is starting to die. Do you think it's worth getting it replaced (not tech savvy enough to do it myself) or just put that money towards a new Macbook?

Honestly, and I love my (now also dying) 12" powerbook, I'd save for a new machine, as i't would likely cost a lot, and you never know what may also go wrong a little further down the line.

[dmmcintyre3]

Honestly, and I love my (now also dying) 12" powerbook, I'd save for a new machine, as i't would likely cost a lot, and you never know what may also go wrong a little further down the line.

What is wrong with it?

[She]

Honestly, and I love my (now also dying) 12" powerbook, I'd save for a new machine, as i't would likely cost a lot, and you never know what may also go wrong a little further down the line.

Thanks, that's pretty much what I figured. This computer's been with me everywhere.. it's going to be a sad day when it dies :(

[student_trap]

What is wrong with it?

Well its quite a sad story for me really (kind of anyway!). About two years ago, my ex-girlfriend spilled half a bottle of coke (about 250-300ml) into the keyboard of my 12". I did all the stuff you are meant to do, such as turning it off for a few days with the battery out to let it dry out. However I was also warned that over time the coke would eat away at the circuitry, in the end leaving me with a dead powerbook.

Fast forward to today, and the weidest things are going wrong:

-Firstly, a couple of times (and I mean only a couple), the screen has not come on when it boots up.
-Secondly, it has lost its ethernet connection (doesn't recognise anything in that port at all) which is the biggest issue for me as it means I can't use it at uni.
-Thirdly, and this is far more minor, but again seems to prove to me that the logic board is being corroded, is that the headphone jack now only sends out sound to the left earphone.

There we go, essentially it feels like my trusty 12" powerbook is slowly withering away. Every time I use it I never know whether some new (hopefully minor) quirk will be present.

[student_trap]

For your info, it was also the last one with 1.5Ghz G4/512/80GB/64mb VRAM/airport/bluetooth 2, bought in 2005

some pics of my dying powerbook:

[dmmcintyre3]

I bet you are mad at your ex girlfriend for spilling coke on it. You should have made her replace it.

[student_trap]

I bet you are mad at your ex girlfriend for spilling coke on it. You should have made her replace it.

I was pretty annoyed when it happened, but she would never have been able to afford to buy me a new one, and I'm not really that sort of person, I kind of just accepted it as a bit bad luck.

To be honest, I have been grateful that it has lasted a further couple of years since that time. I did think that it may have been curtains immediately, instead I got an extra while with it.:)

[California]

I was pretty annoyed when it happened, but she would never have been able to afford to buy me a new one, and I'm not really that sort of person, I kind of just accepted it as a bit bad luck.

To be honest, I have been grateful that it has lasted a further couple of years since that time. I did think that it may have been curtains immediately, instead I got an extra while with it.:)

Now of course, you ran distilled water through the Powerbook so as to dislodge any sugars that conduct electricity and cause shorts to your board?

Every single thread on liquid spills on laptops mentions this distilled water trick. Because distilled water in and of itself will not harm your computer because it does not conduct electricity.

You did this, correct?

[student_trap]

Now of course, you ran distilled water through the Powerbook so as to dislodge any sugars that conduct electricity and cause shorts to your board?

Every single thread on liquid spills on laptops mentions this distilled water trick. Because distilled water in and of itself will not harm your computer because it does not conduct electricity.

You did this, correct?

wow. In a word, no.

That really sucks, when it happened I immediately removed the battery and then posted here on MR for advice. No-one suggested that so I didn't think about it. It makes so much sense, but alas i didn't do it!:(:(:(

[dmmcintyre3]

Try that now to see if it fixes anything. It might still prevent any further problems from occurring.

http://att.macrumors.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=172773&d=1243374909

[McShizzel]

1440x960 screen? Mine has a 100 GB stock HD. Leopard runs great on mine.


1440 x 960 goodness indeed

[dmmcintyre3]

1440 x 960 goodness indeed

I wish mine was the 1440x960 model. But then I would have the lithium polymer battery. I am still on my original battery. (well it is actually a year older than my PB for some reason) 660 cycles 79% capacity!!!

[fun173]

i really really x1000 want to buy a 17 inch one in my opinion they look better than the new ones

[dmmcintyre3]

i really really x1000 want to buy a 17 inch one in my opinion they look better than the new ones

Or the old 17 inch MacBook Pro

[LordOfTheMacs]

Now of course, you ran distilled water through the Powerbook so as to dislodge any sugars that conduct electricity and cause shorts to your board?

Every single thread on liquid spills on laptops mentions this distilled water trick. Because distilled water in and of itself will not harm your computer because it does not conduct electricity.

You did this, correct?
Two months ago, I spilled my cup of water all over my moms MacBookPro, and we just left it on the dehumidifier on it's side for an hour!!!!!!!!!:eek:

[UltraNEO*]

Two months ago, I spilled my cup of water all over my moms MacBookPro, and we just left it on the dehumidifier on it's side for an hour!!!!!!!!!:eek:

Does it still work?

Personally I like to keep liquids away from my equipment.

[happyfrappy]

I've have two Alu PowerBooks a 15" from 2003(Rev A, ordered the day of release) and a year later a 12" that was mainly for education/travel usage until my studies required something better(Thinkpad). The old 15" PB while visually good shape has a bad lower memory slot and a dead SuperDrive which makes it quite useless for normal work.

I'd say the 12" PB is my fave, I missed the chance to buy a PowerBook Duo so the 12" was the closest of small screened Apple PPC era notebook I'll ever get.
Here is a recent picture of the 12" PB next to my Thinkpad:
http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm316/macaddict_mtau/notebook_desk.jpg

[DooDaaDame]

I love my G4 powerbook 1.67Mhz. I have the 17" MBPu Anti-glare that I use for movie making but I can't stop playing with my G4. I use it to cruise the net and keep it at 10.4 so I still have all my great classic apps. It's still in great shape. :D
If you look up the G4 powerbook on wikipedia you will find it's first editions were fraught with problems, but the last revision was and is great!
PS: I also have two Blackbirds that still work one at system 7 and one at system 8.

[dmmcintyre3]

also have two Blackbirds that still work one at system 7 and one at system 8.

I had a PB 165 in 2006 that worked until the SCSI HD died.

[Cameront9]

Wow, this is in the collector's forum? Makes me sad. I'm still using a 4 year old Powerbook G4 15" 1.67...the next to last revision. Got it in June 2005.

Mine just developed the lower ram slot failure, so I only have 1GB of RAM now. I desperately want a new MBP, but can't afford one at the moment. But this Powerbook is still the best computer I've ever owned. Hope it holds out for a Long, long time.

[dmmcintyre3]

Wow, this is in the collector's forum? Makes me sad. I'm still using a 4 year old Powerbook G4 15" 1.67...the next to last revision. Got it in June 2005.

Well they will not run the next OS. They are also 4-6 years old. I have the same PowerBook as you.

[She]

I upgraded from my 12" G4 to a new 13" MBP this weekend and passed the 12" onto my mother in law who's been thinking of getting a laptop. She has a Dell desktop and is considering a Dell laptop.. but I'm hoping she likes the mac OS and switches over to Apple instead :D

The new MBP has been great though by the way.. I was reluctant to upgrade but the moment I opened it and started using it I was in love :p Thought I'd hate the glassy/glossy screen but the colors are so much brighter on it. The backlit keyboard and glass trackpads are awesome too. It runs much faster than the Powerbook (no lag when I'm loading photos in iPhoto) and the 13" screen seems a whole lot bigger than the 12"

Hope I can get a good 4-5 years use out of this one :)

[dmmcintyre3]

I upgraded from my 12" G4 to a new 13" MBP this weekend and passed the 12" onto my mother in law who's been thinking of getting a laptop. She has a Dell desktop and is considering a Dell laptop.. but I'm hoping she likes the mac OS and switches over to Apple instead :D

The new MBP has been great though by the way.. I was reluctant to upgrade but the moment I opened it and started using it I was in love :p Thought I'd hate the glassy/glossy screen but the colors are so much brighter on it. The backlit keyboard and glass trackpads are awesome too. It runs much faster than the Powerbook (no lag when I'm loading photos in iPhoto) and the 13" screen seems a whole lot bigger than the 12"

Hope I can get a good 4-5 years use out of this one :)

Well considering how long these G4's are still useful for some things after a CPU switch it might last 4-5 years.

Even though I have been using my hackbook more and more I still love my PB. There is something about these older Macs that the intels don't have. I miss Apple's G4 era designs.

[macgeek18]

I really want a PowerBook G4,I would give every computer in my room for a pile of PowerBooks and iMacs.I may sell some for one. :D

[dmmcintyre3]

I have noticed something about all the threads in this forum with *LOVE* in the title, They all have pics of the product in question. But every one has crappy pics of the product except mine. Maybe this is also an old camera collectors forum too?

[chrismacguy]

I finally got one of these! - It is in excellent condition, pics will follow soon! My only gripe is that I dont have the better screen (Mine is a 1.67Ghz Top-of-the-line Rev.D 15" - with the extra VRAM) - but for a 4 year old machine, it has only got a single minor scratch, and even came with a new power adapter (!). Next question: how well will this handle Final Cut?

[dmmcintyre3]

Next question: how well will this handle Final Cut?

Aperture works, You just have to not use it while it is generating thumbnails and it is usable

[toolbox]

Oh i couldn't resist this thread. Here is my golden oldie. Power Book G4 running at 867 MHZ. I upgraded my ram to 1.25GB and replaced the HDD which was a 40 GB running at 4200RPM Put in a nice 120 running at 5400

it was a absolute pain to pull to bits, alot of screws some of them shredded from the previous owner.

[Mike Macintosh]

My Powerbook G4 12" 1.5GHz is still my main computer, it has had no probs other then a few black blotches from greasy hands, but other then that the computer still works great, and is still in use.

As a Laptop I still love it and find it mobile enough to take anywhere as it will handle basic things I need when out like watching movies and surfing the net, I plan on getting a iMac to replace it as a main computer, but this will be continued to be used to the day it dies and stops working or I decide otherwise.

[dmmcintyre3]

My battery is in great condition still, and it is from 2004. I wonder why Apple switched to the shorter life lithium polymer battery cells in the newer PB's. I wonder why the battery is almost a year older than the PB itself?

[Bennieboy©]

they are great little machines, my mums buying one off me brother and i jumped on it the other day, it's only a 12" with 1.5Ghz and 1gig a ram but god it's not slow haha

http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u15/ben_7855/091002_085819.jpg
http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u15/ben_7855/091002_085842.jpg

[Mike Macintosh]

I have a 12" Powerbook G4 Aluminum, with 1.5GHz processor and 768MB of Ram (may upgrade to over 1GB soon) it suites me fine for traveling I don't need a powerhorse laptop for just some quick lookups on the net and checking email.

It will however be replaced by a iMac soon as my "at home" computer, but as far as traveling and out of my room it still serves its purpose.

[MattMK45]

1 ghz 15" is what i'm using, i was hoping to buy the 1.5 or upwards but didn't have the money. I love it though, best thing i've ever bought, hopefully upgrading the hdd soon.

[macgeek18]

I love my PowerBook G4 Titanium's,though there not as good as the Alum because of the cracking and bad hinges,there decent and are good everyday machines.

[annk]

I still have my 17" 1.5 Ghz model, and use it as my 'portable' (though I suppose it should really be called draggable :p). I finally replaced the battery this last summer, but other than that it's worked great with no problems at all since 2004.

[dmmcintyre3]

I love my PowerBook G4 Titanium's,though there not as good as the Alum because of the cracking and bad hinges,there decent and are good everyday machines.

Yes they are good, I had one for a while. It was before I got my iBook G4 which was a big pile of junk. That iBook was the only Mac I had to replace the battery on.

I still have my 17" 1.5 Ghz model, and use it as my 'portable' (though I suppose it should really be called draggable :p).

At least it's not a Mac Portable.

I finally replaced the battery this last summer, but other than that it's worked great with no problems at all since 2004.

Mine is still on it's 2004 battery with 738 cycles with 3048 mA/h full charge.

[steve2112]

I still have my 17" 1.5 Ghz model, and use it as my 'portable' (though I suppose it should really be called draggable :p). I finally replaced the battery this last summer, but other than that it's worked great with no problems at all since 2004.

Yeah, my 17" 1.67 stretches the definition of portable. It's not as bad as some of the 17" Windows laptops I have seen (especially the ones with the full keyboard+number pad), but it is still bulky. I don't travel with mine much anymore, since most of my travel is work related, and I use the work machine. When I do travel with it, I get reminded that it is a 17 incher, though.

[macgeek18]

Yes they are good, I had one for a while. It was before I got my iBook G4 which was a big pile of junk. That iBook was the only Mac I had to replace the battery on.



At least it's not a Mac Portable.



Mine is still on it's 2004 battery with 738 cycles with 3048 mA/h full charge.

There good till they decide not to like Leopard,then won't reinstall Tiger right,then won't even reinstall Tiger.That's my day today.

[Archon Gold]

I was thinking about saving up and getting a 17" 1.5Ghz PowerBook G4, does anyone know if these can still perform youtube fine (flash is the one thing that I am worried about.) I don't want to go with the 1.67Ghz models since they are the ones plagued with faulty LCD panels. =[

There good till they decide not to like Leopard,then won't reinstall Tiger right,then won't even reinstall Tiger.That's my day today.

Same thing happened to my MacBook, that hunk of crap. It turned out to be a dead Slot Loading drive, It currently resides in my closet.

[macgeek18]

I was thinking about saving up and getting a 17" 1.5Ghz PowerBook G4, does anyone know if these can still perform youtube fine (flash is the one thing that I am worried about.) I don't want to go with the 1.67Ghz models since they are the ones plagued with faulty LCD panels. =[



Same thing happened to my MacBook, that hunk of crap. It turned out to be a dead Slot Loading drive, It currently resides in my closet.


I finally got a good install of Tiger.looks like I will be stuck with Tiger for a while.I was looking forward to a Leopard portable though.:(

[Archon Gold]

I finally got a good install of Tiger.looks like I will be stuck with Tiger for a while.I was looking forward to a Leopard portable though.:(

For some reason, leopard installs fine on desktops that are even unsupported, but laptops are a different story.

[Spyharpy]

I have a 12" 1.33 Powerbook with 1.25GB RAM that I still use today. It's in perfect condition without a scratch on it anywhere. The screen is flawless. Nice size and weight. I upgraded to Leopard and it runs fine. The only thing I notice is that when I startup, it takes much longer to boot with the screen going from white to blue to white to blue and then my desktop. Not sure why. I did a clean install of Leopard and it still does it. With Tiger, it never did. Aside that, Leopard works beautifully on my Powerbook.

[Archon Gold]

I have a 12" 1.33 Powerbook with 1.25GB RAM that I still use today. It's in perfect condition without a scratch on it anywhere. The screen is flawless. Nice size and weight. I upgraded to Leopard and it runs fine. The only thing I notice is that when I startup, it takes much longer to boot with the screen going from white to blue to white to blue and then my desktop. Not sure why. I did a clean install of Leopard and it still does it. With Tiger, it never did. Aside that, Leopard works beautifully on my Powerbook.

the upgraded graphics engine in leopard may be the culprit, Tiger had a graphics system better optimized for PPC Macs, My PowerMac G4 (733Mhz, 1.25Gbs RAM) would barely boot leopard (I had it hacked) but Tiger will boot fully before my 3rd party LCD TV/Monitor can start up. Thats faster than the Mac Mini I used to use.

[jodelli]

I'm still loving it. 15" 1.67 GHz, 2GB DDR, 160 GB HD

[steve2112]

I was thinking about saving up and getting a 17" 1.5Ghz PowerBook G4, does anyone know if these can still perform youtube fine (flash is the one thing that I am worried about.) I don't want to go with the 1.67Ghz models since they are the ones plagued with faulty LCD panels. =[



Same thing happened to my MacBook, that hunk of crap. It turned out to be a dead Slot Loading drive, It currently resides in my closet.

Wow, I didn't know about the 1.67 models having LCD problems. I may not have bought it had I known that. Mine has been great for 3+ years, though. I had a family pack of Leopard with a couple of spares on it, so I upgraded my PB a few months back. So far, it's been fine with no major hits on performance. As far as Flash: It runs YouTube and Hulu fine, but just don't expect to do anything else on the machine. It absolutely thrashes the CPU and pegs it out. That's on standard def. It really doesn't like trying to run YouTube on higher quality.

[Archon Gold]

Wow, I didn't know about the 1.67 models having LCD problems. I may not have bought it had I known that. Mine has been great for 3+ years, though. I had a family pack of Leopard with a couple of spares on it, so I upgraded my PB a few months back. So far, it's been fine with no major hits on performance. As far as Flash: It runs YouTube and Hulu fine, but just don't expect to do anything else on the machine. It absolutely thrashes the CPU and pegs it out. That's on standard def. It really doesn't like trying to run YouTube on higher quality.

Awesome, I dont need it to do a whole ton of things, I just use light youtube, maybe some light video editing/capturing.

The 1.67Ghz 17" PowerBook G4's were plauged with this infamous problem

http://www.appledefects.com/images/powerbooklcdlines.jpg

unfortunately, my Grandmother's iMac is suffering from the same problem, time for an upgrade for her.

[Wild-Bill]

I got my 12" Powerbook G4 November 2005. Upgraded the RAM to 1.25 gigs and upgraded the hard drive to a 100 gig 7200RPM. I love that Powerbook.

Don't use it as much as my Rev. C Air. BUT, when I first bought the Air it sat in the box for over a week. I was just to used to the Powerbook I found it hard to switch over.

The 12" Powerbook G4 was the best laptop Apple EVER made. Period.


(still waiting for the PB G5)

[Hrududu]

The 12" Powerbook G4 was the best laptop Apple EVER made. Period.

I've had/have lots of Apple laptops, and I don't think I would hesitate to agree with you 100% on that. I loved my 867MHz model enough to buy the 1.5GHz to replace it. I also got my mom and girlfriend each hooked up with a 12" Powerbook.

[Archon Gold]

just got a 12" 1.5Ghz Powerbook G4 :D it also came with the original box and accessories.

Pretty small and good build quality, though it can play youtube videos, it will max out the fans, still not as loud as my PowerMac G4 though.

[macgeek18]

just got a 12" 1.5Ghz Powerbook G4 :D it also came with the original box and accessories.

Pretty small and good build quality, though it can play youtube videos, it will max out the fans, still not as loud as my PowerMac G4 though.


Sweet,congrats on that.My next purchase will be 1.5Ghz 12in PB or Macbook.What ever I get a killer deal on.

[Archon Gold]

Still Rocking my 12" 1.5Ghz

[iMpathetic]

Checking back into this thread... I used to have several of these. I had a 15" 1.67GHz PB for a while which I loved... granted, I got robbed when purchasing it ($800!) but it was a great machine and I do miss it now.

Another PB I had was a 12" 1.5GHz model which was super ghetto so I just sold it...

but now, I'm looking at one of these mofos.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/archive/f/f7/20060403000128!PowerBook_G4_17.jpg

Anyone know how much I would have to shell out for a decent 1.5 or 1.67GHz 17er?

[Archon Gold]

Checking back into this thread... I used to have several of these. I had a 15" 1.67GHz PB for a while which I loved... granted, I got robbed when purchasing it ($800!) but it was a great machine and I do miss it now.

Another PB I had was a 12" 1.5GHz model which was super ghetto so I just sold it...

but now, I'm looking at one of these mofos.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/archive/f/f7/20060403000128!PowerBook_G4_17.jpg

Anyone know how much I would have to shell out for a decent 1.5 or 1.67GHz 17er?

Sadly, $700-$900 unless you eBay.

[dmmcintyre3]

Checking back into this thread... I used to have several of these. I had a 15" 1.67GHz PB for a while which I loved... granted, I got robbed when purchasing it ($800!) but it was a great machine and I do miss it now.

Another PB I had was a 12" 1.5GHz model which was super ghetto so I just sold it...

but now, I'm looking at one of these mofos.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/archive/f/f7/20060403000128!PowerBook_G4_17.jpg

Anyone know how much I would have to shell out for a decent 1.5 or 1.67GHz 17er?
http://www.wegenermedia.com/alum17.htm I bought my 15 inch from there. They have 15 inch MBP's for $600 too. Honestly, I would recommend getting a intel.

[iMpathetic]

http://www.wegenermedia.com/alum17.htm I bought my 15 inch from there. They have 15 inch MBP's for $600 too. Honestly, I would recommend getting a intel.

Yeeeaaahhh.... I head the first gen MBPs had a bunch of teething issues though. I might not have $600 to spend. It might be closer to ~$400, which, you'd think, would buy a lot more Mac now than a year ago.

[Digital Skunk]

Not just the G4, but all of Apple's designs from that era. the iPod that came out at that time, with a MOVING WHEEL. like, physical responce.. that was the day. I still want a 12" G4 Powerbook... And I know that even if Apple were to make a 12" Macbook Pro, it wouldn't be as good as the 12" Powerbook.

Thanks Apple crap industrial designers. :(

Agreed!!!

Not to mention the lineup back then was MUCH more complete than it is now, although Apple is getting better and filling the gaps somewhat.

Personally, the 12" Powerbook is by far the best of the computer era as far as design and performance and specs, etc goes.

The only thing I wish it had was a backlit keyboard, and an easier take apart method.

[dmmcintyre3]

Yeeeaaahhh.... I head the first gen MBPs had a bunch of teething issues though. I might not have $600 to spend. It might be closer to ~$400, which, you'd think, would buy a lot more Mac now than a year ago.

If you get the 17" PB with 1440x900 I would not get a 1.5 or 1.67 because the screen could have the line issue shown about 11 posts back. I think the early mbp issues got worked out by the 2.16 models though.

[Archon Gold]

Yeeeaaahhh.... I head the first gen MBPs had a bunch of teething issues though. I might not have $600 to spend. It might be closer to ~$400, which, you'd think, would buy a lot more Mac now than a year ago.

I recommend looking for a 12", they are great machines, I even own the last revision (1.5Ghz) 12" Powerbook G4.

[iMpathetic]

I recommend looking for a 12", they are great machines, I even own the last revision (1.5Ghz) 12" Powerbook G4.

cult following = stupidly expensive :p

Eh, I'll poke around and see what I can find... getting some more cash money tomorrow (knock on wood) so my choices might expand a little.

[Archon Gold]

cult following = stupidly expensive :p

Eh, I'll poke around and see what I can find... getting some more cash money tomorrow (knock on wood) so my choices might expand a little.

Poke around Craigslist and Kijiji. you might find a good deal =]

[sysiphus]

I'll never understand how you people can deal with resolutions that high. I guess my eyes are just bad.

I'm no fan of the ultra-high displays (1440x900 is almost too much on a 15" for me), but I last time I used a Clamshell (800x600)...wow. So painful for web browsing, even iTunes! Great little machines, but I do wish they'd gotten the 1024x768 screens.

[Archon Gold]

I'm no fan of the ultra-high displays (1440x900 is almost too much on a 15" for me), but I last time I used a Clamshell (800x600)...wow. So painful for web browsing, even iTunes! Great little machines, but I do wish they'd gotten the 1024x768 screens.

the later revisions (firewire based iBook Clamshells) had 1024x768 displays.

[iMpathetic]

the later revisions (firewire based iBook Clamshells) had 1024x768 displays.

Uhhh... I don't (http://lowendmac.com/pb2/firewire-ibook-g3-466-mhz.html) think they did. ;)

[Archon Gold]

Uhhh... I don't (http://lowendmac.com/pb2/firewire-ibook-g3-466-mhz.html) think they did. ;)

Well, Lesson learned. ;)

[macgeek18]

the later revisions (firewire based iBook Clamshells) had 1024x768 displays.


No they didn't.:)My clamshell is the last o the firewire 466's.and it's 800x600.

:)

[zildjansg]

I do still have my Powerbook G4 '15 1.25 GHz 1G RAM with 80GB 5400RPM in tip top condition which my girlfriend currently using now.Honestly, I often barrow it from her(the G4) than my MBP..hehehe..i'll post a picture soon

[dieweisserose]

I have since sold it to a friend, but this was my 12" PB (1GHZ/1.25GB/160GB)

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l235/mdjones3000/DSC07315.jpg

It is nice to read so much enthusiasm in everybody for the powerbook family. I got a powerbook 12' (last release) because it has been one of my dream Apple laptops for years (my first was an Ibook 12').
I would like put a 160 GB hard drive but I am worried for two reasons: can it increase the temperature in the small powerbook body (I hate fan noise!)? Did you see increasing of the speed during opening of files?

[California]

Hard drive manufacturers today pay great heed to heat issues.

I'm running a 12" Powerbook with a 320gb yes 320 gigabyte hard drive and there are NO HEAT ISSUES.

[Archon Gold]

Hard drive manufacturers today pay great heed to heat issues.

I'm running a 12" Powerbook with a 320gb yes 320 gigabyte hard drive and there are NO HEAT ISSUES.

I was thinking of slapping a 100Gb 7200RPM HDD in this thing, though the current stock 4200RPM HDD heats the thing up like a mother after a while.

Maybe I should go with a 64Gb SSD?

[Hrududu]

I was thinking of slapping a 100Gb 7200RPM HDD in this thing, though the current stock 4200RPM HDD heats the thing up like a mother after a while.

Maybe I should go with a 64Gb SSD?
Well drives today are built with better bearings and lubrication, so even a faster drive may run cooler than 5 year old 4200RPM drive. I too would like to get a 7200RPM drive in my 12" Powerbook, but just don't have the time to do that right now. 7200RPM drives made a HUGE speed difference in my MacBook Pro and G4 Cube.

[iShater]

It is nice to read so much enthusiasm in everybody for the powerbook family. I got a powerbook 12' (last release) because it has been one of my dream Apple laptops for years (my first was an Ibook 12').


That is how I got mine. I still use it as my travel/away from my desk system even though I got an AlMBP as my primary.

[California]

I was thinking of slapping a 100Gb 7200RPM HDD in this thing, though the current stock 4200RPM HDD heats the thing up like a mother after a while.

Maybe I should go with a 64Gb SSD?


I ran a 100gb Travelstar 7200rpm in this same Powerbook 12". NO HEAT ISSUES.

But no one makes these 100gb/7200rpm PATA 2.5 drives anymore so, good luck.

Written extensively on the speed comparisions between the 320gb 5400 and the 100gb 7200rpm. They are equal.

It may be interesting to put a ssd in the Powerbook, but it really is much more cost effective to get a 320gb. I just could not see not having the storage space with a solid state drive.

[dieweisserose]

wonderful! I will go defenitely for a 320 giga (wd scorpio blue, right?).
On ebay-China you can find 7k100 @7200 rpm, but I would prefer more space on the har drive.
SSD are too expensive for me and there is no sense to spend twice the value of the laptope just for the har drive.

[dieweisserose]

Hard drive manufacturers today pay great heed to heat issues.

I'm running a 12" Powerbook with a 320gb yes 320 gigabyte hard drive and there are NO HEAT ISSUES.

Thanks! It seems interesings... At the moment I don't need such a big space but if the performance are increased and there is no heat issues I think it is a good upgrade.

[zildjansg]

sorry for a noob question,can i install Leopard on a PB G4 1.25Ghz 1G RAM 80HDD?

thanks

[Archon Gold]

sorry for a noob question,can i install Leopard on a PB G4 1.25Ghz 1G RAM 80HDD?

thanks

Yup, as long as your Mac is faster than 867Mhz, and is a G4, then you're fine.

[zildjansg]

Yup, as long as your Mac is faster than 867Mhz, and is a G4, then you're fine.

thank you very much for the kind reply..im planning to put 1G RAM to my PB(to make it 2G) G4,what type of RAM will i purchased?will i still pruchased the same as installed?again sorry for the very noob question.

[iShater]

thank you very much for the kind reply..im planning to put 1G RAM to my PB(to make it 2G) G4,what type of RAM will i purchased?will i still pruchased the same as installed?again sorry for the very noob question.

The max RAM a 12" PB can take is 1.25GB, are you use you have 1GB right now? I believe 256MB is on-board and only one slot is available for upgrade.

[dernhelm]

I have a 17" G4 PB that still gets a ton of use - DVDs, music, surfing the net, pages (for homework assignments) etc.

The screen is dying (got about 25 vertical lines of various colors stuck on). I hate to get rid of it, though. I've been thinking about repair, but it is so darn expensive to repair the screen on these things.

I'll probably just use it till it dies.

Definitely the best computer I've ever owned.

[iShater]

I have a 17" G4 PB that still gets a ton of use - DVDs, music, surfing the net, pages (for homework assignments) etc.

The screen is dying (got about 25 vertical lines of various colors stuck on). I hate to get rid of it, though. I've been thinking about repair, but it is so darn expensive to repair the screen on these things.

I'll probably just use it till it dies.

Definitely the best computer I've ever owned.

It depends on how portable it has to be, a small investment in external display, kb/mouse and you are golden.

[Archon Gold]

The max RAM a 12" PB can take is 1.25GB, are you use you have 1GB right now? I believe 256MB is on-board and only one slot is available for upgrade.

Bingo.

[Hrududu]

The max RAM a 12" PB can take is 1.25GB, are you use you have 1GB right now? I believe 256MB is on-board and only one slot is available for upgrade.
Its not a 12" Powerbook. Its a 15" model and it will support 2.0GB of PC2700 RAM. There is no such thing as a 1.25GHz 12" Powerbook (or 17" for that matter).

[zildjansg]

The max RAM a 12" PB can take is 1.25GB, are you use you have 1GB right now? I believe 256MB is on-board and only one slot is available for upgrade.

thanks iShater,but mine is a 15' PB G4 and have a 1G RAM,if im not mistaken there is a vacant slot available.tahts why my query is that can i just add another 1G ram on that slot.

[zildjansg]

Its not a 12" Powerbook. Its a 15" model and it will support 2.0GB of PC2700 RAM. There is no such thing as a 1.25GHz 12" Powerbook (or 17" for that matter).

many thanks to you Hrududu,yes its a 15' PB G4.so will i grab for a 1G PC2700 RAM?is that the correct specs?

[Hrududu]

many thanks to you Hrududu,yes its a 15' PB G4.so will i grab for a 1G PC2700 RAM?is that the correct specs?
Thats correct. And yes, if you have a slot empty all you have to do is pop in another RAM module. I actually just ordered a 1GB stick for a Powerbook and the best price I found was THIS ONE (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820236309) at Newegg. There is a mail in rebate, so you end up getting it for $25

[zildjansg]

Thats correct. And yes, if you have a slot empty all you have to do is pop in another RAM module. I actually just ordered a 1GB stick for a Powerbook and the best price I found was THIS ONE (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820236309) at Newegg. There is a mail in rebate, so you end up getting it for $25

cool!big thanks to you.anyhow know how to upgrade my 64mb videocard on a PB?

[Archon Gold]

cool!big thanks to you.anyhow know how to upgrade my 64mb videocard on a PB?

You can't, it's integrated.

[zildjansg]

You can't, it's integrated.

thanks Archon Gold.

[Dagless]

My 12" Powerbook did me well through university, but I just can't use it anymore. The display is terribly dark, performance isn't great and the trackpad? Well after trying a multitouch trackpad I can't go back.
Gave it to my dad and he seems happy with it. Great machines. And I'm sure its one of those things that would survive a nuclear apocalypse.

[zildjansg]

another noob question(sorry for this):can I attached an external web cam(iSight prob) to a PB 15?

thanks

[dmmcintyre3]

another noob question(sorry for this):can I attached an external web cam(iSight prob) to a PB 15?

thanks

yes

[zildjansg]

yes

thanks so much.

[DanBUK]

My 12" 1Ghz has become really sluggish with Leopard and current itunes and safari.

I no longer have the Tiger disc (my PB originally shipped with Panther(!))

Any tips on how to downgrade back to Tiger? I long for the days when it wasn't a frustration to use.

[Archon Gold]

My 12" 1Ghz has become really sluggish with Leopard and current itunes and safari.

I no longer have the Tiger disc (my PB originally shipped with Panther(!))

Any tips on how to downgrade back to Tiger? I long for the days when it wasn't a frustration to use.

Sorry bud, you're going to have to buy tiger again.

[Melkor]

I've been using my PowerBook G4 1.67Ghz since I got it 4 and a half years ago. I absolutely love it, but it has gotten a bit slow and the hard drive is full. Any tips on speeding it up? I'm worried there might be dust blocking the fan or something, is it worth opening up?

[Hrududu]

I've been using my PowerBook G4 1.67Ghz since I got it 4 and a half years ago. I absolutely love it, but it has gotten a bit slow and the hard drive is full. Any tips on speeding it up? I'm worried there might be dust blocking the fan or something, is it worth opening up?
Buy a newer & faster hard drive for it. You can get 320GB for less than $100 on newegg. Definitely clean the dust out too. If its gotten dusty and the fans aren't working as well, it could end up overheating and burning itself up.

[840quadra]

I have a 17" G4 PB that still gets a ton of use - DVDs, music, surfing the net, pages (for homework assignments) etc.

The screen is dying (got about 25 vertical lines of various colors stuck on). I hate to get rid of it, though. I've been thinking about repair, but it is so darn expensive to repair the screen on these things.

I'll probably just use it till it dies.

Definitely the best computer I've ever owned.

If you feel brave enough, I would recommend buying a replacement screen from iFixit, or ebay, and just replace it.

I am considering one of these systems for my "stay at home" laptop.

[kraunsky]

seems as though this is a pb thread i might as well post here, i have a dell latitude d620, core duo 1.8ghz, 1gb ram, 160gb hdd. i am interested in getting a powerbook g4 17inch model, people say ANY mac is faster then pc, is this true? will i notice any speed difference? i'm interested in selling my laptop, and buying the pb, having my pc desktop + an intel imac or mac pro...

[dmmcintyre3]

seems as though this is a pb thread i might as well post here, i have a dell latitude d620, core duo 1.8ghz, 1gb ram, 160gb hdd. i am interested in getting a powerbook g4 17inch model, people say ANY mac is faster then pc, is this true? will i notice any speed difference? i'm interested in selling my laptop, and buying the pb, having my pc desktop + an intel imac or mac pro...

Your dell would be faster. You can see if it is a decent one to hackintosh. Just google dell latitude d620 hackintosh to see if it will work. Since it is a older one it should be easier.

[Archon Gold]

seems as though this is a pb thread i might as well post here, i have a dell latitude d620, core duo 1.8ghz, 1gb ram, 160gb hdd. i am interested in getting a powerbook g4 17inch model, people say ANY mac is faster then pc, is this true? will i notice any speed difference? i'm interested in selling my laptop, and buying the pb, having my pc desktop + an intel imac or mac pro...

Depends on the Mac, If it's a 1.33Ghz or above G4, then you should be fine as long as you max out the RAM and put a fast hard drive in it.

for example a 300Mhz PowerMac G3 is NOT faster than your dell latitude.

[kraunsky]

Your dell would be faster. You can see if it is a decent one to hackintosh. Just google dell latitude d620 hackintosh to see if it will work. Since it is a older one it should be easier.
Yeah, I wouldn't trust myself though, I'd somehow blow up my computer haha :/
Depends on the Mac, If it's a 1.33Ghz or above G4, then you should be fine as long as you max out the RAM and put a fast hard drive in it.

for example a 300Mhz PowerMac G3 is NOT faster than your dell latitude.

Well It'd be a Powerbook G4 1.67GHz.

[gauchogolfer]

Buy a newer & faster hard drive for it. You can get 320GB for less than $100 on newegg. Definitely clean the dust out too. If its gotten dusty and the fans aren't working as well, it could end up overheating and burning itself up.

I've got a 1.67GHz 15" PB, with 1.5GB RAM but the original 80GB HD. It's getting pretty full, too. How easy is the HD upgrade?

[BeestieHalls]

I really love the look of the 15 inch Powerbook.

What would be a fair price for one on eBay?

[Hrududu]

I've got a 1.67GHz 15" PB, with 1.5GB RAM but the original 80GB HD. It's getting pretty full, too. How easy is the HD upgrade?
I've never actually done a 15" Al Powerbook G4. If they didn't change too much between the Powerbook and first MacBook Pro's then it isn't terribly difficult. I replaced the HD in my MBP in about 35 minutes, but I have the service manuals.

[dmmcintyre3]

I've never actually done a 15" Al Powerbook G4. If they didn't change too much between the Powerbook and first MacBook Pro's then it isn't terribly difficult. I replaced the HD in my MBP in about 35 minutes, but I have the service manuals.

I think you just take the top case off and swap the drive. Then put the top case back on. I have a PDF of the service manual for a 15 inch PB. (first gen)

[Digital Skunk]

I think you just take the top case off and swap the drive. Then put the top case back on.

Yeah, that's pretty much it. It's about 25 screws or so and once you get the top case off the drive is right there on the lower left.

In my experience, the worst machine to take apart is the beloved 12" Powerbook G4. Love that machine with a passion but hate to take it apart for the life of me.

[ObsidianIce]

Depending on what you do you'll be more than fine. I was on a 1.67 15 inch for a very long time and very happy. Since it was the latest version there were basically no issues with the machine. I used if for 3 years for work and personal and never had 1 problem. I actually just picked up a 17inch version for my girlfriend since i wasn't wanting to drop the dough on a new 17inch machine. Finally have all PCs out of my house :D. It's still more machine than she needs since she basically uses it for writing, surfing and school work. It handles 10.5 without a problem. Telling us what you use it for would help us give you a better recomendation

Yeah, I wouldn't trust myself though, I'd somehow blow up my computer haha :/


Well It'd be a Powerbook G4 1.67GHz.

[macgeek18]

I plan on getting a 15" or 17" PB 1.67 for a bedside media center and a Mac laptop that can perform very well and I can take it with me places where I wouldn't take my MacBook because of the chance of it being broken or stolen,I'd be upset but I'd rather have a PM stolen than my MB.

[rpang]

I just picked up non-booting 12" PB G4 from the e-waste bin from my building. I cracked it open and replaced the HD with a working one I have lying around. Loaded up a Tiger Install disc and it ran!!!

After putting in parts I have lying around, including a new battery, RAM, and airport extreme card, I have a fully functioning G4. Its only a 1Ghz processor, but after putting in the 1GB stick, its pretty snappy. My only complaints are that flash video (YouTube) is choppy and it runs hot.

I'm debating whether or not to sell it, or just keep it as my new travel computer.

[Archon Gold]

I just picked up non-booting 12" PB G4 from the e-waste bin from my building. I cracked it open and replaced the HD with a working one I have lying around. Loaded up a Tiger Install disc and it ran!!!

After putting in parts I have lying around, including a new battery, RAM, and airport extreme card, I have a fully functioning G4. Its only a 1Ghz processor, but after putting in the 1GB stick, its pretty snappy. My only complaints are that flash video (YouTube) is choppy and it runs hot.

I'm debating whether or not to sell it, or just keep it as my new travel computer.

my 12" 1.5 acts the same, it'l run youtube fine but can get very hot.

[zildjansg]

Hi Guys,really need your help and expert advice.My Powerbook G4 1.25 1G RAM and 80g hdd runs sluggish esp on facebook games(hehehe) and you tubes,do i need to replace faster harddive?do i need to boost up my RAM?sorry im a complete noob.
Btw PB runs OS Leopard

Thanks

[rpang]

Hi Guys,really need your help and expert advice.My Powerbook G4 1.25 1G RAM and 80g hdd runs sluggish esp on facebook games(hehehe) and you tubes,do i need to replace faster harddive?do i need to boost up my RAM?sorry im a complete noob.
Btw PB runs OS Leopard

Thanks

You are SOL. Flash sucks on PPC chips. A faster HD or RAM will not solve it.

[zildjansg]

You are SOL. Flash sucks on PPC chips. A faster HD or RAM will not solve it.

Thanks for the reply.SOL means?S***t Out of Luck?lol!,anyhoo.so with my situation, imean having my 15 PBG4 running sluggish, will there be no more remedy at all?

[Archon Gold]

You are SOL. Flash sucks on PPC chips. A faster HD or RAM will not solve it.

Though it maxes out the fans on mine, Youtube runs fine on my PowerBook perfectly.

[zildjansg]

Though it maxes out the fans on mine, Youtube runs fine on my PowerBook perfectly.

wow!lucky you.I wonder why my PBG4 lags.:(

[digitalmac]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 3_1_3 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/528.18 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/4.0 Mobile/7E18 Safari/528.16)

I still have my PowerBook 15" with me. It's over 5 years old now. After I bought my MacBook Pro, I hardly use it again. Now I am thinking of redeploying again. Any good idea? I am thinking of using it to serve music instead of my current Intel iMac. But have not decided yet as I need to find out how it fits into my current home setup.

[max¥¥]

never actually has a pb g4 but i LOVE 12" apple laptops there my little ibooks:apple: where so much better than my 2 current pc laptops, just a shame thy died:(

[lacoste-rocker]

I still haven't been lucky enough to get my hands on a 17" PowerBook G4 I want one so BAD!