Apple Releases New PowerBooks

[PCMacUser]

Potential? Yes, but where's the real world gain? In the real world, the ATI x700 shows little improvement over the ATI 9700. Any there is is not worth getting worked up about.

The mobility x700 is twice the speed of the mobility 9700, but it is only slightly faster than the desktop 9700 pro. So in laptop terms, the x700 kicks the 9700's butt!!

All that bandwith means a big load of crap if the chip sucks. The X300 gets KILLED by the 9700 in benchmarks... so I guess PCI Express is not helping that card... you have to deliver the entire package for PCI Express to really deliver better performance. Unless Apple would have added an X700 it would not have made a difference...

Chrispy, the x300 uses shared system memory, whereas the mobility 9700 has DEDICATED memory. In the world of graphics cards, that makes a big difference.

 

[Chrispy]

The mobility x700 is twice the speed of the mobility 9700, but it is only slightly faster than the desktop 9700 pro. So in laptop terms, the x700 kicks the 9700's butt!!

Yes, had Apple gone with the x700 I would be happy. Anything less and I say we are just as well off on the 9700.

Chrispy, the x300 uses shared system memory, whereas the mobility 9700 has DEDICATED memory. In the world of graphics cards, that makes a big difference.

Not all x300 cards use shared memory. They can use it but they can also have dedicated as well.

 

[PCMacUser]

Yes, had Apple gone with the x700 I would be happy. Anything less and I say we are just as well off on the 9700.

Yeah I agree. The PCI express equivalent to the 9700 is the x600, but as it's been pointed out, the transition would've been a waste of time with the upcoming Intel stuff.

This might provide some insight for those interested in laptop video card performance.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=25447

Not all x300 cards use shared memory. They can use it but they can also have dedicated as well.

Oh, my mistake!

 

[mpqtpie]

Lacero mentioned this website on a different thread. It shows you photo-by-photo how to install anything you could possibly think of in a mac laptop. PBFixIt.com

Aw, crap. Just saw that someone posted this here! (*must learn to use vB code more quickly*) And to think I was so happy about using my newly acquired skill of using the url link-thingy. And for any clueless people out there like me, I'll avoid you posting a message asking how I did that by giving you this link (which took me a long while to find) vB Code List

 

[neoxion]

Memory Speed

Is there anybody know well about DDR2 memory?
Why new PBs' memory is running at 333MHz?
It's the same as the older PBs.

PC-2700 = 333MHz
PC2-4200 = 533MHz

Why?

 

[iQuit]

I don't know exactly how it is faster but I do know this.

1.The current PowerBook with DDR2 has no performance increase from the DDR PB

2.They most likely did this because it is one less thing they'll have to change when the Intels come out.

Is there anybody know well about DDR2 memory?
Why new PBs' memory is running at 333MHz?
It's the same as the older PBs.

PC-2700 = 333MHz
PC2-4200 = 533MHz

Why?

 

[davidgilmour]

Disappointed

I do not like the update. In Europe Apple has raised(!) the price of its 12 inch PB from 1519 euros to 1599(!) euros. Ok, if you take the combo drive you get it for 1489 euros....

So we get a 2% (!) price lowering and a 20GB HD upgrade.....

All I wanted was the illuminated keyboard and the built in Isight. I could even do without widescreen.

But still I think I will buy one though but not today. Must work on my disappointment first and if my shrink says that I have forgiven Steve I will buy one...

 

[Chrispy]

Yeah I agree. The PCI express equivalent to the 9700 is the x600, but as it's been pointed out, the transition would've been a waste of time with the upcoming Intel stuff.

Could not have said it better myself

 

[WRXHokie]

Gonna buy a 15" model stock with maybe one exception... should i get the 7200RPM Drive or not? Will it show a noticeable difference in anything?

 

[kenstee]

Yonah = Yawner!

I don't know what you guys are all excited about with the first Mactel PBs. Heck, Yonah isn't even out and its being talked about in the past tense already. Given what we know why anyone would even consider getting a Yonah PB is a mystery to me.

OTOH, Intel sounds like they've got some great stuff ramping up. But, it sure ain't gonna be in the first or even second generation of Mactel PBs.

http://www.digitimes.com/mobos/a20051018PR201.html

Between this and the initial lack of native apps I'll be sittin' this transition out for awhile.

 

[okwhatev]

I guess no one can answer the question about the 7200 drives? ;(

 

[JoeBeCrazy]

Is there anybody know well about DDR2 memory?
Why new PBs' memory is running at 333MHz?
It's the same as the older PBs.

PC-2700 = 333MHz
PC2-4200 = 533MHz

Why?

Well a good reason for that is that the CPU (that's using 7447a) can only serve a front side bus of 167mhz max... so basically the need for ram speed is only 333 (double the 167). The reason behind the DDR2 is that the memory speed will read a bit faster in itself, but the speed of the information being pass around... the same.

But i have to say, i'm very very very very disappointed on the apple release of the new powerbooks. although the screen is nice, the performance did not increase. Did you know that the 1.67ghz Powerbook is actually an "overclocked" powerbook? the real CPU only goes 1.42ghz.

Why the heck did apple do this? well for one reason, they didn't want to redesign ANYTHING! basically they just added on the implementation of the DDR2 to run that chipset, primarily to prepare for the MacTel release using DDR2. Otherwise the new Powerbook is a flop!

I hate this... X700 and 9700.. big difference buddy! the X700 runs on PCI-X not the AGP (way too old fashioned). Maybe the Chips may be almost the same, but it's running on a faster highway!

Apple should have just toughed it out just a little bit more to support the 7448 chip. But i heard they had problems with implementing anything new. It was a sure-shot deal for Apple to just use these new Powerbooks as just a test for higher resolution screens and DDR memory. Just to prepare the stock for DDR2 memory for future releases. Also to prepare for the new LCD Screens... Yes my prediction is we're going to see Higher Definition LCD Screens in the near future. Ones that will match the PPI of the new Powerbooks. Also maybe an iSight integrated in them as well.

I guess no one can answer the question about the 7200 drives? ;(

Hey,

Yea I've customed my Apple 12" to a 7200rpm in the past... I didn't see a significant difference BECAUSE the 5400rpm drive has a 8MB cache.. the same as the 7200rpm. SUPPOSEDLY it was faster but i didn't see a difference. What you should look into is what kind of drive is the 7200... that's kinda important. the 7200 drive TravelStar doesn't really compare well to the Seagate's..

So my suggestion... don't go for it.. it's not worth it. You're better off running an external harddrive using Firewire 800 for data.

 

[Legacy]

It sucks the 12 Powerbook was not updated.

However, look at this. Amazon has already updated the 12 superdrive price to $1499, plus they kept the rebate. That means the 12-inch Powerbook, for $1350 after rebate. Not a bad price: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0007KX4WY

Hehe it has (giggles) 60GB--->80GB..i think and superdrive of course..mediocre as it is...

My whole view on this? Disappointing..only one word. If the new freescale chips are capable of 200Mhz then we should have a 2Ghz Powerbook G4 by now common Apple!
Graphics card would have been nice if it was upgraded to 9800 or the new type used in the Imac (sorry my jargon isnt really good) PCI-Xpress is it?
Screen resolution doesnt really cut it guys...you need a G5 to watch HD stuff really NOT a G4..another lil typical illustration of Apple miscalculating, just like they stil fail to include the 9550 chip in the MacMini which should be utilising CoreImage effectively in preparation for the move to Leopard.

Overall? Not worth the buy IMO, iBooks represent far better value for computer power. If you need crunching power and dont care about interface and OS, dont get an Apple buy a PC Laptop, or wait for the Mactels...

Regards

 

[yinyang]

I guess no one can answer the question about the 7200 drives? ;(

supposed to run quieter and cooler on 7200 drives.

still not sure if i'm going to get one of these new PBs....

 

[neoxion]

Pc2700

Could I use PC2700 memory on new PB?

Well a good reason for that is that the CPU (that's using 7447a) can only serve a front side bus of 167mhz max... so basically the need for ram speed is only 333 (double the 167). The reason behind the DDR2 is that the memory speed will read a bit faster in itself, but the speed of the information being pass around... the same.

But i have to say, i'm very very very very disappointed on the apple release of the new powerbooks. although the screen is nice, the performance did not increase. Did you know that the 1.67ghz Powerbook is actually an "overclocked" powerbook? the real CPU only goes 1.42ghz.

Why the heck did apple do this? well for one reason, they didn't want to redesign ANYTHING! basically they just added on the implementation of the DDR2 to run that chipset, primarily to prepare for the MacTel release using DDR2. Otherwise the new Powerbook is a flop!

I hate this... X700 and 9700.. big difference buddy! the X700 runs on PCI-X not the AGP (way too old fashioned). Maybe the Chips may be almost the same, but it's running on a faster highway!

Apple should have just toughed it out just a little bit more to support the 7448 chip. But i heard they had problems with implementing anything new. It was a sure-shot deal for Apple to just use these new Powerbooks as just a test for higher resolution screens and DDR memory. Just to prepare the stock for DDR2 memory for future releases. Also to prepare for the new LCD Screens... Yes my prediction is we're going to see Higher Definition LCD Screens in the near future. Ones that will match the PPI of the new Powerbooks. Also maybe an iSight integrated in them as well.

 

[Greenone]

Waaah - someone please answer my question!

What should I order/have upgraded in the 15" PB? I know I can have a local store add more RAM, but re. hard drive, I'd have to order online.

I'll be using it for writing papers and surfing the net like a madwoman, and also I'll want to store all my digital pics on it, maybe have one or two movies downloaded at all times but no more, have some home movies stored on there eventually, and whatever software the average joe would need (e.g. Office for Macs and a few others). What's most important to me is speed and storage.

I called the 800 apple number and here's what the salesperson recommended when I told him about how many pics I have to store/want to store, plus what I need the laptop for:
He suggested I order an upgrade in speed of hard drive, because it loads hardware faster (going from 5400 to 7200 rpm) and from 512 to 1 gb of memory. That's $180.00 each. Did he leave anything critical out, e.g. is there anything else i need to do to make other parts faster too, like when multi-tasking, opening and closing windows, etc.?

Ok that's it (a lot...sorry). Please someone respond - I trust you guys at this point - even if you just validate what the salesperson said! Thanks.

 

[muffinman]

no intel? no 13.3 inch? nothing that great. just resolution, battery life, and some little things here and there. G5????? INTEL?????

 

[Legacy]

Waaah - someone please answer my question!

What should I order/have upgraded in the 15" PB? I know I can have a local store add more RAM, but re. hard drive, I'd have to order online.

I'll be using it for writing papers and surfing the net like a madwoman, and also I'll want to store all my digital pics on it, maybe have one or two movies downloaded at all times but no more, have some home movies stored on there eventually, and whatever software the average joe would need (e.g. Office for Macs and a few others). What's most important to me is speed and storage.

I called the 800 apple number and here's what the salesperson recommended when I told him about how many pics I have to store/want to store, plus what I need the laptop for:
He suggested I order an upgrade in speed of hard drive, because it loads hardware faster (going from 5400 to 7200 rpm) and from 512 to 1 gb of memory. That's $180.00 each. Did he leave anything critical out, e.g. is there anything else i need to do to make other parts faster too, like when multi-tasking, opening and closing windows, etc.?

Ok that's it (a lot...sorry). Please someone respond - I trust you guys at this point - even if you just validate what the salesperson said! Thanks.

get an ibook 14inch w/ superdrive

 

[stefan15]

Man... no 12" updates, that's rediculous. Some people don't want a massive monster to lug around all the time.

No price cuts or upgrades to iBooks, no price cut on the 12" PB... rediculous.

 

[kkrip]

Guys please suggest to us that we're newbies where to buy additional memory for the powerbooks we've ordered I went on newegg.com to buy memory and it says that runs at 533mhz and apples PC2-4200 DDR2 runs at 333mhz What the hell is going on?
PLEASE HELP

 

[saj042]

This update was bogus, but I had been waiting for it and now I still need a computer so I guess I'll have to get it. Does anyone know what kind of hard drive the pb's have? I want to get the 7200rpm but I've read that not all 7200's work faster than 5400. Also, does anyone know if it uses much more battery power, going from 5400 to 7200rpms. And is that ram speed right? I went to crucial's website and selected the powerbook with new display and the ram they have is pc2-4200 but at 533mhz and its a whole lot cheaper. I don't get this at all. Hard drive option and RAM issue is killin me. Need some help guys.

 

[kenstee]

Guys please suggest to us that we're newbies where to buy additional memory for the powerbooks we've ordered I went on newegg.com to buy memory and it says that runs at 533mhz and apples PC2-4200 DDR2 runs at 333mhz What the hell is going on?
PLEASE HELP

The 533 will run just fine. EXCEPT it will be running at 333 on your PB. Don't worry about it.

 

[pigwin32]

I guess no one can answer the question about the 7200 drives? ;(

The answer is "it depends". If you have lots of RAM then a faster hard drive may not be that big an advantage, but this also depends on what you're using the machine for. If you're doing video work then you need lots of RAM plus a fast and large HDD.

My personal experience, I put a 60GB Hitachi 7200RPM drive into my TiBook 667 and it honestly felt like a completely new machine. Of course the original drive was a 4200RPM drive so quite a leap up to 7200RPM. Going from the 5400RPM drive to 7200RPM you may not notice quite the same effect.

A faster drive will help when the disk access becomes the bottleneck. This will occur when the processor needs to go to the disk a lot because it can't keep sufficient data in memory.

 

[Greenone]

get an ibook 14inch w/ superdrive

Thanks for replying, Legacy...only the 14" ibook is significantly heavier than the PB - and the increase in the PB's screen size - albeit only an inch - makes me happy. Ibooks have a better value, I agree, but I like the advantages of the PB over the ibook, and I'll manage financially. No time to wait for the intel one.

No thoughts on how much speed and storage to add, eh? I know...we newbies - or "green ones" - aren't much fun.

 

[Legacy]

Thanks for replying, Legacy...only the 14" ibook is significantly heavier than the PB - and the increase in the PB's screen size - albeit only an inch - makes me happy. Ibooks have a better value, I agree, but I like the advantages of the PB over the ibook, and I'll manage financially. No time to wait for the intel one.

No thoughts on how much speed and storage to add, eh? I know...we newbies - or "green ones" - aren't much fun.

well you havent got much choice with speed lol 1.67 is the 15/17" speed at the moment, upgrade to 1GB ram is a must, if you can 1.5GB would be an investment in the long run. Im not really a fan of 7200rpm drives..someone still has to convince mee its worth payin all that money for such a small speed bump. Thats about it! 80GB should be ok for your needs. I got mine on student discount (in UK) so I got a gig of ram and 60gb w/ my 12" ibook for the normal retail price (£700) hehe.

G luk with ur purchase