Apple Releases New PowerBooks

[AidenShaw]

Do you have proof that everything will need to be 64-bit on x64 to get the performance increase? At the risk of restarting a topic that has been thrashed to death previously, 64-bit is mostly about the address space, not about performance.

Go to Tom's Hardware, or similar sites, and search for 64-bit benchmarks. On the same box, it's not uncommon for 64-bit x64 to be 20% faster (or more) than 32-bit x86.

This 64-bit speedup is true for x64 - although you are correct that for PPC there's little to no performance benefit to 64-bit, and sometimes even reduced performance for 64-bit.

The main reason is that when running in 64-bit mode, the x64 has twice as many 128-bit SSE registers, and nearly 3 times as many usable general purpose registers. So, it's not that 64-bit is faster per se, it's that the compiler has a lot more registers to work with.

 

[other]

I just got off the phone with Apple and the guy told me there will be no problems with the whole MB/GB thing. He said I can order 1 GB from whomever, install it, and that I'll then have 1.5 GB - no problem.

This sounds good.

I also asked about whether doing this will be covered by the apple insurance and he said he wasn't sure but that he could connect me to the right dept. But he said if an Apple store person put it in for me (and one of those Apple "Genious" guys said he'd put it in for free for me since of course a monkey could do it), it will definitely be covered. When I was at one of the Apple stores yesterday, I did happen to ask Mr. Genious and he too said it would be covered for sure - though he didn't specify whether or not it's cause he's an apple representative who will be putting it in. Make sense?

Okay. I really can't think of a reason why it wouldn't be covered, but it seems it is so I won't give it any more thought.

Still can't descide though. It's a lot of money. It would probably last me for many years, but then again, if I wait a couple of more months it might be a lot better. I hate playing the waiting game since there is always something new around the corner, but it seems that this time the CPU is already available, but not in large quantities. I want it now!

I don't think Apple would bump these Powerbooks again in January, but who knows? What happened in 11/2002 - 01/2003 when Apple bumped the Powerbook after just two months? Was the 15" TiBook updated in November and then in January the 12" and 17" models were introduced?

I shouldn't admit this, but either I can afford it or I can't, and once all is said and done, I've forgotten about the money and have the best machine possible. Just remember that you can sell it later, without losing too much money at all. The 15" is simply a better laptop than the 12" and easier on the eyes and easier to use because of its size. And it's not that heavy at all. I would take it for what it is (which seems pretty damn nice) and not what it will be changed into in some too-far distant future, considering the amt. of time you'll most likely have to wait for the 2nd of the Intel to come out. If one comes out sooner, you'll be guaranteed to get even MORE money for the one you're about to buy - cause it will be even LESS old. Now of course if you don't really need one right away, just wait for another 6 months to a year. Considering the resale value though, I'd go get the latest and greatest you can get.

I'm considering the resale value. I think about that I get a 10% educational discount, and maybe I'll upgrade the RAM to 2 GB in the future (at least 1.5 GB) which would increase the value without having to pay 'Apple-prices'. Might be able to sell it without such a big loss.

I've been going crazy thinking about Powerbook updates this last month, which is why I don't think I'll last much longer. I really want a computer, preferably with OS X on it.

 

[Greenone]

I'm considering the resale value. I think about that I get a 10% educational discount, and maybe I'll upgrade the RAM to 2 GB in the future (at least 1.5 GB) which would increase the value without having to pay 'Apple-prices'. Might be able to sell it without such a big loss.

I've been going crazy thinking about Powerbook updates this last month, which is why I don't think I'll last much longer. I really want a computer, preferably with OS X on it.

I think the reason I'm having a hard time relating to NOT getting it now that it's FINALLY been updated (albeit slightly) is because I've spent the last two months on here - day after day after sigh...day, waiting and waiting and waiting, with one tease after another. There is no way on earth I'm waiting another day - it's been long enough. I'll just resell it when the time comes, and meanwhile I'll be having some fun, finally be getting some work done, and will have fun showing it off, too! I'm guessing you haven't been waiting (or obsessing) to the extent that I have or you'd be ready to buy, for sure, too!

 

[WRXHokie]

I just got off the phone with Apple and the guy told me there will be no problems with the whole MB/GB thing. He said I can order 1 GB from whomever, install it, and that I'll then have 1.5 GB - no problem. He also said he thought it was a smart thing to do. I love how most Apple salespeople are HUMAN BEINGS who don't seem to feel the need to lie to you - or else I've just been lucky so far.

Glad to hear it... i know in the PC world this can sometimes cause problems cause alot of motherboards dont like the mixing and matching of different sizes of RAM.

 

[Greenone]

A link to 1 GB, Kingston brand:

http://www.ec.kingston.com/shop/partsinfo.asp?ktcpartno=KTA-PB533/1G

Way more money than the one John suggested, which was just under a hundred. When I called the company (Kingston), they said the one John suggested (p.15 here, 5 up from the bottom, at the bottom of his response) is not the ideal/perfect fit for the powerbook. Don't know whether or not to believe him but he says Apple's not an easy fit and their KTA-PB533/1G is a perfect fit for sure. Hmmmm...

Anyone else have links to non-apple, better-priced memory?

 

[g0gie]

http://www.ec.kingston.com/shop/partsinfo.asp?ktcpartno=KTA-PB533/1G

Way more money than the one John suggested, which was just under a hundred. When I called the company (Kingston), they said the one John suggested (p.15 here, 5 up from the bottom, at the bottom of his response) is not the ideal/perfect fit for the powerbook. Don't know whether or not to believe him but he says Apple's not an easy fit and their KTA-PB533/1G is a perfect fit for sure. Hmmmm...

Anyone else have links to non-apple, better-priced memory?

All you peoples that want ram need to be posting in the ram thread in the buying advice forum. We already got a thread going. Ill edit the first post to list DDR2 ram, their compatiability and lowerst price/deals, but you guys need to contribute your info as well by posting in the actual thread

 

[other]

I think the reason I'm having a hard time relating to NOT getting it now that it's FINALLY been updated (albeit slightly) is because I've spent the last two months on here - day after day after sigh...day, waiting and waiting and waiting, with one tease after another. There is no way on earth I'm waiting another day - it's been long enough. I'll just resell it when the time comes, and meanwhile I'll be having some fun, finally be getting some work done, and will have fun showing it off, too! I'm guessing you haven't been waiting (or obsessing) to the extent that I have or you'd be ready to buy, for sure, too!

I've been obsessing about the 12" model, been checking Mac Rumors constantly. The thing isn't really about the 15" being a bad computer, it's more about the 15" being very expensive. Again, I would buy it without hesitation (I'm more confident about this now than I was a couple of posts ago ) if Apple just would've used the 7448 CPU with a 200 MHz FSB. I guess this is kind of stupid, but damn it, it would've been better value.

Another question, people claim that the 12" iBook has better WiFi reception than the 12" Powerbook, but is this also true for the 15" Powerbook?

 

[~Shard~]

When I called the company (Kingston), they said the one John suggested (p.15 here, 5 up from the bottom, at the bottom of his response) is not the ideal/perfect fit for the powerbook.

Here is a link to the post you are referring to - just a bit easier than the way you did it.

 

[BWhaler]

I've been waiting for the new PB updates for some time. I have never owned a mac before and this seems to be a good time to make a switch

I do need a laptop but seeing the negative reactions on the new PBs on this formum almost makes me believe that I should not buy one! I certainly do not want to wait for another 6 months, especially now that the first mactels are considered just a "first step" and will be replaced by faster cpu's.

Please tell me, is the 15" PB a bad deal as some people here state? Am I better of with my Dell D610 with a 1024x768 resolution? I could certainly use a final push towards the mac camp

I may opt for an iBook but I like the PB design and screen better. I will be using the laptop for office applications, internet, a little photoshopping, ripping cd's, maybe a little video editting.

People here (not all, just some) can be overly negative and never satisfied. Trust me, they will be the same ones 8 months from now saying how they are "PISSED!!!" about the new Mactel Powerbooks and they are waiting for Rev B's

I would buy your first Mac now. They are amazing computers, and you can get the Mac experience now. Plus NOT ONE PERSON HERE knows when the Intel PowerBooks are coming. Apple has said nothing. Everyone assumes it's June, but not one person here knows for sure.

I strongly recommend you buy your Mac now. At least 8 months of utility and joy. Life's short. And the new Powerbooks are fantastic computers that leave the virus and spyware ridden world of windows behind.

Just so you know I put my money where my mouth is, I just bought a loaded 17" Powerbook. Cost $2,700, and I have no buyers remorse whatsoever.

 

[Greenone]

Here is a link to the post you are referring to - just a bit easier than the way you did it.

Heh heh - thanks!

I hope this doesn't upset anyone too badly, but just one more time for the sake of those who aren't in the mood to switch threads, I'm going to show a link to the best site that someone sent me to, so far (for non-Apple brand memory). It's at Datamen.com and it's $106.00. Hope there are no catches!

http://www.datamem.com/viewcat.asp_Q_C_E_1178

 

[~Shard~]

Heh heh - thanks!

I hope this doesn't upset anyone too badly, but just one more time for the sake of those who aren't in the mood to switch threads, I'm going to show a link to the best site that someone sent me to, so far (for non-Apple brand memory). It's at Datamen.com and it's $106.00. Hope there are no catches!

http://www.datamem.com/viewcat.asp_Q_C_E_1178

The important things are that the company guarantees that the RAM is Mac-compatible, and that it has a lifetime warranty. If so, then they are okay to deal with - of not, I would not recommend them.

 

[digitalbiker]

People here (not all, just some) can be overly negative and never satisfied. Trust me, they will be the same ones 8 months from now saying how they are "PISSED!!!" about the new Mactel Powerbooks and they are waiting for Rev B's

I would buy your first Mac now. They are amazing computers, and you can get the Mac experience now. Plus NOT ONE PERSON HERE knows when the Intel PowerBooks are coming. Apple has said nothing. Everyone assumes it's June, but not one person here knows for sure.

I strongly recommend you buy your Mac now. At least 8 months of utility and joy. Life's short. And the new Powerbooks are fantastic computers that leave the virus and spyware ridden world of windows behind.

Just so you know I put my money where my mouth is, I just bought a loaded 17" Powerbook. Cost $2,700, and I have no buyers remorse whatsoever.

Hey, congratulations on the new PB. I also ordered a 17" the other day. Apple must be getting swamped with sales of the PB. There are at least a dozen or so that have ordered on this thread alone.

 

[DaveClarkOne]

Au contraire

Anyone who uses words like "most underpowered, overpriced notebook..." is obviously a computer "spec specialist," comparing a mac with a pc, discrediting intangibles of the total user experience. Where is the support for his comments? And I don't feel like getting to know someone to weigh the context of his post.

You said: "...now try posting something more constructive instead of picking fights..." Who's inflammatory?

If you knew iGary, you'd know he isn't a troll. Nice try though, now try posting something more constructive instead of picking fights or stirring the pot.

Although the updates weren't as good as they could have been (i.e. 7448 upgrade) to me this just means that Intel PowerBooks are coming even sooner, so it's all good.

 

[devman]

Go to Tom's Hardware, or similar sites, and search for 64-bit benchmarks. On the same box, it's not uncommon for 64-bit x64 to be 20% faster (or more) than 32-bit x86.

This 64-bit speedup is true for x64 - although you are correct that for PPC there's little to no performance benefit to 64-bit, and sometimes even reduced performance for 64-bit.

The main reason is that when running in 64-bit mode, the x64 has twice as many 128-bit SSE registers, and nearly 3 times as many usable general purpose registers. So, it's not that 64-bit is faster per se, it's that the compiler has a lot more registers to work with.

Correct! The performance jump on x64 has much more to do with being register starved previously.

However, regarding PPC it (obviously) depends on the application, but in general it is not "sometimes even reduced performance" it would be most times. For example, OS X itself would see reduced performance.

 

[Nereus]

When can I expect my PowerBook?

I ordered a 15" PowerBook (no BTO) after the announcement and yesterday my order status changed to shipped, when can I expect it? It looks like it will be shipped to Holland first, and then transported to Sweden. I'm very eager to get started with my Mac, and finally switch.

 

[pigwin32]

When the intel chips come out, will you be able to get them installed into the current PB's or will they only work on the future PB's?

When have you ever been able to install a new processor chip in a PB, or any other laptop for that matter. What Apple will provide is the same operating system and applications to run on both architectures.

I too have a TiBook 667 which I also gave a new lease of life with a Hitachi 7K60 7200rpm drive, plus 1GB RAM. Despite it not having things like USB2, FireWire 800, Airport Extreme, SuperDrive, etc I have to agree that it's a great machine and still cuts it performance-wise even though it's well over 3 years old.

So I have high hopes for the 15" with 100GB 7200rpm drive I ordered on Wednesday.

My advice: go for it!

Yay, nothing like an opinion shared. I'm down under and we get to wait a couple of weeks for the new PB's to arrive so I've got some time for the buzz to wear off before actually buying. It has helped temper my enthusiasm in the past but yeah I'm pretty serious about upgrading. I'm also a little Intel-averse, not from chip performance, the roadmap looks pretty impressive. I work as a Windows developer and I've done the Wintel thing since Windows 3.11. It hasn't been an easy journey. I guess that isn't necessarily down to Intel, Burroughs was doing some spectacular things with the 80x86 chips back then. Maybe it's just too close to my day job.

Go to Tom's Hardware, or similar sites, and search for 64-bit benchmarks. On the same box, it's not uncommon for 64-bit x64 to be 20% faster (or more) than 32-bit x86.

This 64-bit speedup is true for x64 - although you are correct that for PPC there's little to no performance benefit to 64-bit, and sometimes even reduced performance for 64-bit.

The main reason is that when running in 64-bit mode, the x64 has twice as many 128-bit SSE registers, and nearly 3 times as many usable general purpose registers. So, it's not that 64-bit is faster per se, it's that the compiler has a lot more registers to work with.

Fair enough, and the binary would have to be compiled to take advantage of those registers. I just don't like to see expressions like "32-bit speed" like speed is down to the bitness of the processor.

 

[macaddiict]

I made the plunge!

I've been keeping up with new PowerBook developments like a hawk... I'm talking multiple-times-per-day checking the rumor sites, forums, etc. (Yeah, it was really pretty disgusting.) Tonight I was trying to get some work done but my Dell D600 was being particularly standoffish. I decided to goof off for a bit and was reading all the new PowerBooks owner's reactions in this thread and it hit me how badly I wanted one of these new PowerBooks. It was 30 minutes until the local Apple store closed, so I decided to call them and see if they had any in stock. The guy who answered said they did and asked if I'd like him to pull one out for me if I was coming tonight. Needless to say, I'm typing this on a new 15" model. They offered me the old 15" w/1GB ram, 100GB HD, and SuperDrive (single layer) for $1699 - a bit less than the new 15" with my student discount applied, but I decided to go for the new one. Wow. It is simply amazing!

I've only spent about 6 hours with it so far, but I can already tell it is a great machine. The PowerBook is actually *slower* than the Dell I'm replacing - but only on paper. So far everything is running much smoother on this PowerBook than it ever has on my Dell.

I know the updates weren't dual-G5s like so many people wanted, but if you're wondering if it is a worthwhile machine compared to PCs on the market - I'd say yes without a doubt. Unless you are a hardcore gamer (get a Playstation, geez!) or do a lot of 3D work, I can't see how the new PowerBooks would be a disappointment. Sure, I'd love to see 15GHz machines, but this is the best that is available right now and it is worth every cent.

Initial reactions: widescreen is awesome! Battery life is much better than I thought it would be - so far I've been on battery for almost 4 hours and it says I have 30 minutes remaining. This is from a full charge, installing everything known to man, surfing the web, copying massive amounts of stuff of my old Dell over wireless. I think the 5.5 hour estimate will be within reach during normal use. The backlit keyboard is much brighter than my friend's older 1GHz 15" - or at least it seems like it. The screen is definitely brighter, but don't expect retina-burning XBRITE type backlighting. The only gripe I have so far is that the edge of the PowerBook is flat, not sloped like most laptops. For people like me who don't lift their hands off the wrist rest while they're typing it's kinda uncomfortable. Actually, one more gripe - a two button trackpad would have been awesome. Oh well, the scrolling ability is awesome. Leave it to Apple to do it right. The hard drive is SO QUIET compared to my Dell. The SuperDrive makes a clicking noise every time I restart, and is overall a bit louder than the Dell's drive. I have had a little bit of problems with my USB mouse after the machine wakes from sleep, but I think this will be something I can fix with the proper driver... hopefully. I copied my iTunes 4.9 library straight from the PC right onto the new PowerBook... opened iTunes 6 on the PowerBook and crosses my fingers and GUESS WHAT - after about 30 seconds of "updating library" everything was just as I had left it. All my ratings, all my album art... It honestly should NOT have been that easy!

Overall, I'm very pleased with the machine so far. On top of everything else, it runs cooler than my old Dell - especially on top where your hands are. My old Dell is like typing on an iron most of the time.

My first Mac since the PowerBook 1400c... LOVE IT!

 

[daroe]

I would buy your first Mac now. They are amazing computers, and you can get the Mac experience now. Plus NOT ONE PERSON HERE knows when the Intel PowerBooks are coming. Apple has said nothing. Everyone assumes it's June, but not one person here knows for sure.

I strongly recommend you buy your Mac now. At least 8 months of utility and joy. Life's short. And the new Powerbooks are fantastic computers that leave the virus and spyware ridden world of windows behind.

Thanks for all your good remarks! I will order my PB this week!

 

[Deepdale]

The screen is definitely brighter, but don't expect retina-burning XBRITE type backlighting.

Thankful there will not be a need to order any protective eye goggles. Your review was very helpful and I know you will enjoy your new PB for years to come. Maybe later today I will have a chance to inspect them myself ... mostly interested in seeing the difference in the screen brightness that Apple cites.

 

[BWhaler]

Order placed:

17" Powerbook with the 7200 RPM drive option (I hope this was the right choice.)

Another gig of memory coming from Crucial.

This is going to replace the Rev B 17" I currently own. While each individual bump over the past two years was incremental, I think all three rolled together will give me a nice performance boost.

I think this will be enough hardware to hold me over until the rev B. Intel Powerbooks with the Meron chips.

 

[devman]

I've been keeping up with new PowerBook developments like a hawk... I'm talking multiple-times-per-day checking the rumor sites, forums, etc. (Yeah, it was really pretty disgusting.) Tonight I was trying to get some work done but my Dell D600 was being particularly standoffish. I decided to goof off for a bit and was reading all the new PowerBooks owner's reactions in this thread and it hit me how badly I wanted one of these new PowerBooks. It was 30 minutes until the local Apple store closed, so I decided to call them and see if they had any in stock. The guy who answered said they did and asked if I'd like him to pull one out for me if I was coming tonight. Needless to say, I'm typing this on a new 15" model. They offered me the old 15" w/1GB ram, 100GB HD, and SuperDrive (single layer) for $1699 - a bit less than the new 15" with my student discount applied, but I decided to go for the new one. Wow. It is simply amazing!

I've only spent about 6 hours with it so far, but I can already tell it is a great machine. The PowerBook is actually *slower* than the Dell I'm replacing - but only on paper. So far everything is running much smoother on this PowerBook than it ever has on my Dell.

I know the updates weren't dual-G5s like so many people wanted, but if you're wondering if it is a worthwhile machine compared to PCs on the market - I'd say yes without a doubt. Unless you are a hardcore gamer (get a Playstation, geez!) or do a lot of 3D work, I can't see how the new PowerBooks would be a disappointment. Sure, I'd love to see 15GHz machines, but this is the best that is available right now and it is worth every cent.

Initial reactions: widescreen is awesome! Battery life is much better than I thought it would be - so far I've been on battery for almost 4 hours and it says I have 30 minutes remaining. This is from a full charge, installing everything known to man, surfing the web, copying massive amounts of stuff of my old Dell over wireless. I think the 5.5 hour estimate will be within reach during normal use. The backlit keyboard is much brighter than my friend's older 1GHz 15" - or at least it seems like it. The screen is definitely brighter, but don't expect retina-burning XBRITE type backlighting. The only gripe I have so far is that the edge of the PowerBook is flat, not sloped like most laptops. For people like me who don't lift their hands off the wrist rest while they're typing it's kinda uncomfortable. Actually, one more gripe - a two button trackpad would have been awesome. Oh well, the scrolling ability is awesome. Leave it to Apple to do it right. The hard drive is SO QUIET compared to my Dell. The SuperDrive makes a clicking noise every time I restart, and is overall a bit louder than the Dell's drive. I have had a little bit of problems with my USB mouse after the machine wakes from sleep, but I think this will be something I can fix with the proper driver... hopefully. I copied my iTunes 4.9 library straight from the PC right onto the new PowerBook... opened iTunes 6 on the PowerBook and crosses my fingers and GUESS WHAT - after about 30 seconds of "updating library" everything was just as I had left it. All my ratings, all my album art... It honestly should NOT have been that easy!

Overall, I'm very pleased with the machine so far. On top of everything else, it runs cooler than my old Dell - especially on top where your hands are. My old Dell is like typing on an iron most of the time.

My first Mac since the PowerBook 1400c... LOVE IT!

Good for you. Congratulations. Nice to see someone not affected by some of the negativity here.

 

[~Shard~]

Anyone who uses words like "most underpowered, overpriced notebook..." is obviously a computer "spec specialist," comparing a mac with a pc, discrediting intangibles of the total user experience. Where is the support for his comments?

Why are you asking me? Ask him. And don't be so quick to judge.

You said: "...now try posting something more constructive instead of picking fights..." Who's inflammatory?

You're the one who called iGary a troll, I was just defending him and pointing out the uselessness in calling someone a troll - what purpose did your post serve?

And now you respond to me? How about responding to iGary's reply, it's right here in case you missed it.

If you want to be inflammatory towards iGary some more, go ahead, and if he feels like it's not a waste of time to respond, he will. End of story.

Now, moving on, how about those new PowerBooks?

 

[hob]

I have over $10,000 worth of Apple hardware sitting in front of me, and no I'm not bragging. I'm as big an Apple nut as the next guy, but Apple doesn't have a portable that I can use to go mobile with my photography work and still remain efficient - why should I pay a premium for that?

No offense to anyone, but Apple's portables are beautiful and elegant, but lacking in performance compared to the rest of the market.

I'd buy a 17" PB in a heartbeat if it had what I needed. Until Intel, Apple remains behind.

Fact.

Troll indeed.

Now I'm interested - what exactly would you require?

 

[efoto]

Aren't these type of threads supposed to end at some point relatively near the release of the product?

I mean, how many pages can we have about people bitching about the current npr and already speculating for the next npr?? Shirley you all have something better to do....

 

[~Shard~]

Aren't these type of threads supposed to end at some point relatively near the release of the product?

I mean, how many pages can we have about people bitching about the current npr and already speculating for the next npr?? Shirley you all have something better to do....

Yes, normally they do, but we seem to have a lot of people who still feel like expending negative energy with regards to this discussion. Let 'em whine...