Apple Releases New PowerBooks

[ack_mac]

Thanks for sharing your experience - obviously everyone has a different story. My above advice is simply common sense and fact with regards to the Kingston RAM in question, but hey, again, if you want to take that risk and if it works out for you, that's great. Just don't complain if it doesn't.

Totally agree with Shard on this one.. I made the mistake of buying cheap RAM not once, but twice.. Have not made that mistake again. Also agree that you need to buy from a reputable dealer. I ususally use Crucial and Newegg...

For the record, I have never had bad RAM from Crucial...

 

[~Shard~]

Totally agree with Shard on this one.. I made the mistake of buying cheap RAM not once, but twice.. Have not made that mistake again. Also agree that you need to buy from a reputable dealer. I ususally use Crucial and Newegg...

For the record, I have never had bad RAM from Crucial...

Thanks ack_mac. One word of advice on Newegg though, as I mentioned above, Newegg does not offer a Mac compatibility guarantee (last time I checked at least). Just take it for what it's worth.

 

[ack_mac]

Thanks ack_mac. One word of advice on Newegg though, as I mentioned above, Newegg does not offer a Mac compatibility guarantee (last time I checked at least). Just take it for what it's worth.

Thanks for the advice. I am a very recent Mac switcher, so I traditionally bought RAM from Newegg for my PC's.

I will most likely just stick with Crucial for Mac RAM.

 

[~Shard~]

Thanks for the advice. I am a very recent Mac switcher, so I traditionally bought RAM from Newegg for my PC's.

I will most likely just stick with Crucial for Mac RAM.

Sounds like a good decision. I have heard many people praise newegg and have great experiences with them, so I am not trying to bad mouth them, but all I am saying is that if it's important for you, keep in mind their lack of guarantee.

Congrats on being a recent switcher - if you have any questions, as you've probably figured out by now, just ask them here!

 

[Greenone]

Shard, I can't believe you're not suggesting the one you sent me to! Let's see, they're www.datamem.com. I got my 1 gb ram from them and they guarantee it will fit your mac, they give you 30 days money back if you're not satisified, and after the 30 days you have lifetime warantee for exchange. Doesn't get much better than that. I've had no problems whatsoever with my ram and it was only $104.00 plus another $7.00 to ship from NH to OR.

Good luck!

 

[superfnak]

0423379

cool folks, give 0423379 some rest.
if he can, he´ll come forward with some pictures.
otherway let´s just enjoy the idea of getting the final final revision of the pb.
given the upgrade of the battery plus the lower power consumtion, this would be great.
it would also make sense to provide another step, until they bring the new (rev a) intel pb mid 2006, ´cause it´s still a long way until then.
so, stay tuned, stay cool and let´s have a look.

 

[~Shard~]

Shard, I can't believe you're not suggesting the one you sent me to! Let's see, they're www.datamem.com. I got my 1 gb ram from them and they guarantee it will fit your mac, they give you 30 days money back if you're not satisified, and after the 30 days you have lifetime warantee for exchange. Doesn't get much better than that. I've had no problems whatsoever with my ram and it was only $104.00 plus another $7.00 to ship from NH to OR.

Good luck!

Quite true, I should have mentioned that one, thanks for bringing that up. I'm glad my recommendation to you worked out so well [bGreenone[/b].

 

[deanwaterman]

Last of the 17" previous rev

I had purchased a new 15" the other day and got my academic discount which put it at $1799 before tax. I had several problems with it, so took it back in today to have it worked on. They offered to swap and give me a new one. Well, I took them up on it and while waiting spotted a 17" on the refresh table. It was the previous rev, but had 1GB memory, and in perfect shape.

The Price?

$1799.00

So I ask, what would you do? Would you go back to the 17" at that price or keep your newer 15"?

I walked out with the 17". And as I sit here now and type on it, I cannot see much difference in the brightness of this screen vs the newer 15". I refused to look at the new 17" so I wouldn't be disappointed in the "darkness" of this 17".

I like new shiny things, and the latest models, but I couldn't pass up this deal to get a 17" at one heck of price... Would you have done the same?

 

[Greenone]

I had purchased a new 15" the other day and got my academic discount which put it at $1799 before tax. I had several problems with it, so took it back in today to have it worked on. They offered to swap and give me a new one. Well, I took them up on it and while waiting spotted a 17" on the refresh table. It was the previous rev, but had 1GB memory, and in perfect shape.

The Price?

$1799.00

So I ask, what would you do? Would you go back to the 17" at that price or keep your newer 15"?

I walked out with the 17". And as I sit here now and type on it, I cannot see much difference in the brightness of this screen vs the newer 15". I refused to look at the new 17" so I wouldn't be disappointed in the "darkness" of this 17".

I like new shiny things, and the latest models, but I couldn't pass up this deal to get a 17" at one heck of price... Would you have done the same?

The only reasons I wouldn't have done the same are as follows:
1. I like the very newest so it may have higher resale value if I need to sell it sooner than later. Of course mine won't stay the newest for long, I realize, but the prev. generation was SO far back in months that I just feel better about the age of this one, compared to the prev. gen.
2. I like the added 1 hour (supposed) of battery life on the new ones. The screens' resolutions are close enough (between your 17" and my 15") that I can't imagine it should make a difference - so I say that was a good call.
3. I like the portability (barely - it's still pretty heavy) of the 15." The 17" would pretty much be a desktop for me if I had it. But - as far as desktops go - I admit it's nice to know that if you *had* to take it somewhere, it can be taken.

 

[BWhaler]

I had purchased a new 15" the other day and got my academic discount which put it at $1799 before tax. I had several problems with it, so took it back in today to have it worked on. They offered to swap and give me a new one. Well, I took them up on it and while waiting spotted a 17" on the refresh table. It was the previous rev, but had 1GB memory, and in perfect shape.

The Price?

$1799.00
....
I like new shiny things, and the latest models, but I couldn't pass up this deal to get a 17" at one heck of price... Would you have done the same?

I think you made the right decision.

The 17" is amazing, plus, you will get more money down the road when you sell it. So you get a bigger screen for a lower effective price.

I've owned two 17", with the latest on its way. They are amazing. You'll be very happy, IMHO.

 

[mongoos150]

Shard-
I realise that NewEgg doesn't offer a "Mac Gaurantee" but I've had awesome experience with them in the past. Per your suggestions, what site would you reccomend buying ram from?

Also - as an update to my many PB problems - I *do* have the verticle lines (they're diagnol, almost verticle but partially horizontal). thye're most noticable on iTunes, in the left hand side (blue-colored source list). Also my dock has been freezing lately, the only fix has been to open the Force Quit menu. I don't have to actually quit anything, but bringing up the menu makes the dock go back to normal. ALSO - iTunes has been "hanging", on some songs it will skip and get louder and louder (hard to explain, but for example say you're listening to a song with the lyrics "Listen to me baby", iTunes will play "me Me MEMEMEMEMEMEMEMEMEME" and fix itself after about ten seconds)...NOT a song file issue, my files are perfect (and it never does it to the same file twice). I have noticed it seems to do it when I open the Finder (or something hard drive labor intensive). I'm sick of these problems, not to mention I get about 2 hours at BEST of battery life (with BT off, keyboard lighting off, screen at 1/3 brightness). I am going to go take it to a MacGenius on Sunday.

 

[dgdosen]

What is the difference?

mongoos15, you will not simply "be fine" if the RAM meets the CAS latency requirements, so let me explain so that you don't make a potentially bad decision based on 0423379's advice...

The Kingston RAM you have listed above is not Kingston's Mac-compatible RAM, it is their ValueRAM PC Generic (KVR-) series, which is not guaranteed for Macintosh. These guys apparently do not make a claim of Mac compatibility.

Kingston Apple RAM (the KTA- series) is good RAM; but the KVR- series is a risk as to whether it will work or not in your PowerBook.

If you are buying RAM online, my advice is to choose a reputable vendor who tests and guarantees compatibility with your model Mac, hise a lifetime warranty and offers a no-cost return for refund if it doesn't work. This would not include NewEgg, Fry's/Outpost or most PC discounters, who don't offer a Mac compatibility guarantee.

If you are a Mac expert and want to take the risk of using PC Generic RAM in hopes of saving a few bucks (versus perhaps wasting money and time on shipping it back), that's up to you. But I just want to make sure you have all the facts and know the risks before making a purchase.

So, can you tell me the difference between the KVR and KVA? I'm not an expert, but on the surface, I can't see how there'd be an issue with using RAM that has the same spec but isn't "guaranteed". Especially if its from the same vendor. So, can you explain whe the difference is between the two?

I orderd the Kensington KVR memory from newegg a couple of days ago. It's en route. I'll post to this thread once it arrives.

 

[twoodcc]

mongoos15, you will not simply "be fine" if the RAM meets the CAS latency requirements, so let me explain so that you don't make a potentially bad decision based on 0423379's advice...

The Kingston RAM you have listed above is not Kingston's Mac-compatible RAM, it is their ValueRAM PC Generic (KVR-) series, which is not guaranteed for Macintosh. These guys apparently do not make a claim of Mac compatibility.

Kingston Apple RAM (the KTA- series) is good RAM; but the KVR- series is a risk as to whether it will work or not in your PowerBook.

If you are buying RAM online, my advice is to choose a reputable vendor who tests and guarantees compatibility with your model Mac, hise a lifetime warranty and offers a no-cost return for refund if it doesn't work. This would not include NewEgg, Fry's/Outpost or most PC discounters, who don't offer a Mac compatibility guarantee.

If you are a Mac expert and want to take the risk of using PC Generic RAM in hopes of saving a few bucks (versus perhaps wasting money and time on shipping it back), that's up to you. But I just want to make sure you have all the facts and know the risks before making a purchase.

so shard, what ram would you buy for a new powerbook, and where would you order it from?

 

[kodeman]

Model
Brand Crucial
Model CT12864X335
Type 200-Pin DDR SO-DIMM
Tech Spec
Capacity 1GB
Speed DDR 333 (PC 2700)
Cas Latency 2.5
Voltage 2.5V
ECC No
Registered/Unbuffered Unbuffered
Heat Spreader No
Warranty
Manufacturer Warranty Lifetime

will this work in my new 15" Powerbook? I know they just switched to the ddr2 from ddr but it should still work fine correct? I'm probably wrong. Thanks.

 

[dgdosen]

Quoting myself

So, can you tell me the difference between the KVR and KVA? I'm not an expert, but on the surface, I can't see how there'd be an issue with using RAM that has the same spec but isn't "guaranteed". Especially if its from the same vendor. So, can you explain whe the difference is between the two?

I orderd the Kensington KVR memory from newegg a couple of days ago. It's en route. I'll post to this thread once it arrives.

Well the route ended, and I'm running my new PB on 2GB of the Kingston memory. No issues whatsoever. Might someone be spreading FUD? I do say, running at 2GB is much faster than the stock 512 chip.

 

[fklehman]

0423379 is full of crap--I know this because I'm beta-testing a prototype PowerBook G5 at 1.8 gHz! And it runs Photoshop a helluva lot faster than that pokey 7448, so I should have screen shots up right away, assuming I can peel this 'book off my seared leg flesh. So screw you hippie!

 

[electronboy]

Yawn... these updates were necessary just to keep the aging PB G4 from looking like a laughing stock until Apple really updates the product.

While I like the PB 15" and we have about 10 in our dept. I am looking forward to more powerful hardware. I am nervous about buying a new Intel PowerBook and will probably buy 3 more G4 PowerBooks until the second rev. of the Intel PowerBook is released.

I expect bugs and software to lag behind. We use the PopwerBooks for video, sound and photo editing and I expect all those applications will not be compiled for Intel when the Intel PB ships.

 

[fklehman]

Ok, so I finally ordered my new PowerBook 15"--w00t! Got the BTO 7200rpm HDD and I ordered 2gb of ram from OWC, so it'll be all tricked out. I had planned to do so a ways back but I had Car Trouble that set me back. I've been reading about lots of issues that scare me, but the people who aren't having trouble generally don't post so...anyway this PB will be a mighty boost over my Badass Pismo, but I STILL think the Pismo will be the best Mac I've ever owned. I'll post my own report when it gets here.

PS: I ordered at 10:00pm Eastern Time on 16 November, and the Apple Store currently reports a 1-3 business day wait before it ships. Just FYI for those of you who may be curious.

 

[deanwaterman]

Update

I had purchased a new 15" the other day and got my academic discount which put it at $1799 before tax. I had several problems with it, so took it back in today to have it worked on. They offered to swap and give me a new one. Well, I took them up on it and while waiting spotted a 17" on the refresh table. It was the previous rev, but had 1GB memory, and in perfect shape.

The Price?

$1799.00

So I ask, what would you do? Would you go back to the 17" at that price or keep your newer 15"?

I walked out with the 17". And as I sit here now and type on it, I cannot see much difference in the brightness of this screen vs the newer 15". I refused to look at the new 17" so I wouldn't be disappointed in the "darkness" of this 17".

I like new shiny things, and the latest models, but I couldn't pass up this deal to get a 17" at one heck of price... Would you have done the same?

I took the 17" home and was sorely disappointed. The screen was dark and yellowish in comparison to the new 15" and the screen was also warped. In the end...

I took the 17" back, and grinned from ear to ear when I got a new 15" PB again. It is beautiful and I will never wish for the 17" again (even the new one... It's to big for me...) I think the 15" is the most perfect laptop on the market.

That being said, bring on the intel switch in January... I am ready!

 

[igetit]

17' vs 15' Powerbook

I guess this reply goes to my last two fellow posters. I am about to order a powerbook. I know for sure I need the 7200 rpm Hard Drive because I do a lot of sound editing and Protools stuff. Once I priced both the 17' and 15' the price difference came to $200 since Apple charges $200 for the 7200 rpm HD for the 15' PB but not for the 17'.

I have read people complain about the size of the 17'. Other people praise the extra screen real estate. Other people say the 15' is the best size, but being only $200 away from the 17', should I go for the 17' instead of the 15' and deal with the extra weight but better screen? Any advice from you fellow PB users will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Seasought]

Other people praise the extra screen real estate. Other people say the 15' is the best size, but being only $200 away from the 17', should I go for the 17' instead of the 15' and deal with the extra weight but better screen?

If the extra $200 isn't a concern for you I'd say 'hell yes!' go for it. If I were in your situation I'd just deal with the extra weight in lieu of the bigger, better screen.

Some people are reporting 'horizontal line problems' with the 15" Powerbooks (the credibility of this is somewhat erratic but it should be kept in mind) whereas the 17" powerbooks don't appear to have this particular problem.

So again, if I were in your situation and the extra money wasn't a problem I'd go for the 17" . Just my humble opinion.

**Apologies for not noticing the 'this is in response to the last two posters' in your thread.

 

[igetit]

Thanks Seasought, I just mentioned the last two posters since one of them mentioned going from a 17' to a 15', but your opinion is greatly appreciated.

 

[tekmoe]

had a previous rev 15". sold it and bought the new BTO high-res 17" with 7200rpm drive. BEST THING I EVER DID!@%

17" owns the 15".

kthx baibai.

 

[deanwaterman]

15" vs 17"

I guess this reply goes to my last two fellow posters. I am about to order a powerbook. I know for sure I need the 7200 rpm Hard Drive because I do a lot of sound editing and Protools stuff. Once I priced both the 17' and 15' the price difference came to $200 since Apple charges $200 for the 7200 rpm HD for the 15' PB but not for the 17'.

I have read people complain about the size of the 17'. Other people praise the extra screen real estate. Other people say the 15' is the best size, but being only $200 away from the 17', should I go for the 17' instead of the 15' and deal with the extra weight but better screen? Any advice from you fellow PB users will be greatly appreciated.

I would think the differnce in price is $300, am I not correct on this? There is a $500 price difference, minus $200 for HD... $300 difference. That being said, I would still wonder if I would do the 17".

Why?

I would buy the 15", then for $350-$400 I would buy the Dell 20" display on ebay and have a great monitor for at home and an easy computer to haul on the road. The Dell 20" monitor uses the same panel as the 20" Cinema Display and is brighter. I just read a review from PC Mag about the 20" Cinema Display and 20" Dell and they love the looks of the 20" Cinema Display but give award to the Dell for reproducing colors, contrast and brightness.

$2200 for 15", $400 for Monitor=$2600 for super system!

 

[igetit]

I stand corrected, you are right the price difference is $300. You do bring a good point with the Dell LCD, I am going to look into that. Still, I have an aging G4 upgraded to 1.2Ghz with a Gigadesigns processor and a 19' CRT monitor (that will break my desk anytime now ) that still works ok for certain stuff so I am really looking at the PB as my mobile solution so probably I will go with the 17' because I will have a nicer screen while on the road. Thanks again for your opinion Dean.