Greg Joswiak's Feature Presentation

[Rustus Maximus]

I'm curious...all these folks talking about these magificent Dell 15" laptops you're all going to rush out and get...can I see some specs? model numbers of the specific laptop you are comparing the 15" Ti to?

Thanks,

Rustus

 

[jaedreth]

Same old same old

Thank you, MacNews...

The last TiBook update *was* pathetic.

The (DVI) model was released on 04/02, the (1GHz/867MHz) model on 11/02.

The differences:

1) CPU: 687/800 upgraded to 876/1GHz. Not bad.

2) No longer have to lift up the keyboard to reset PMU. It's a key command now.

3) Can't think of anything else.

So besides some *minor* upgrades, it seems this update was introduced so that we wouldn't have a PowerBook G4 (DVI) still... It was almost a "we need an update" update "so let's update something".

The *technology* behind the machine hasn't changed drastically in any sense since the DVI, they just gave it a speed bump, not much else, and gave it a new name.

Now if the last update had been *substantial*, there would be less to complain about.

Now with this info, anyone who says that Apple hasn't left it's 15" customers out to dry is basically not facing reality. I'll admit, though, Steve's Reality Distortion Field has quite a great range, so I don't blame you. But I deeply sympathize with all those who feel justified in their opinions that there should have been *some* update to the 15" by now. Even a small one.

Jaedreth

 

[spercharged69]

I have to wonder if all you people pissing on Windows have ever even used the OS for anything more than browsing the internet at the Library. I don't remember the last time I rebooted any of my windows servers at work, or my programming box at work... or my laptop for that matter, and they're all running great. (...Oh, I guess I let my laptop run too low on batteries and it shut itself down a week or two ago, but besides that... )

Wintel Laptops and Powerbooks all DO the same thing, you run your programs, browse the web, get stuff done. You could make both Windows XP and OS X ****ty unstable operating systems if you don't know what you're doing. Everyone calling people who are debating going Dell (or Sager for that matter) stupid for not wanting to use OS X, I think that is rather unfounded. If I get my projects at work done, in the same amount of time, does it really matter which type of computer I'm using? I'm not a Mac loyalist, or a PC loyalist, I'm a technology loyalist... and as much as I want a Powerbook I'm sad to say that unless Apple releases something, or WORD of something coming out soon, a PC will be a better choice for a computer that will be usable for the next 2-3 years.

 

[Ikash]

steve jobs knows that the 15" PB updates are long overdue and now that g5 is released what can he be waiting for??? the Xserver he need to release soemthing liek the PB before school starts cuz i don't think collage kids or highschool kids are wanting a Xserver

so be realistic jobs and release the pb's already. i bet there already made and waiting hes prob just waiting for the other stocks to dry out witch is bad because no one wants a outdate PB when theres the nice 12" adn 17" to look at compared to the 15

 

[nydoofus]

Originally posted by Rustus Maximus
I'm curious...all these folks talking about these magificent Dell 15" laptops you're all going to rush out and get...can I see some specs? model numbers of the specific laptop you are comparing the 15" Ti to?

Thanks,

Rustus

I wonder about that too. I have a Dell laptop and i'm trying to get away from them. Dell's quality is crap. IF you absoultely need a laptop, at least get an IBM T40 or something. It will last you a lot longer.

 

[jaedreth]

Ignorance

TomA, you have shown your ignorance.

Go look up the chemical composition of Thermite, and tell me what it is used for, and then tell me what I'm talking about. I'm not talking about stressing metals, I'm talking about the most exothermic naturally occurring reaction in the world. And I'm not saying it *would* happen, but *might*. That alone would be enough to stave off a product.

Apple is very sensitive about the possibility of having another flaming powerbook.

(Edited by the Redundancy Ministry of Redundancy...)

 

[Ikash]

im glad apple is thinking, and mabe they even fixed the battery heat issue like in the 12" for the 15" but i think 6 months or longer is planty to solve the problem with the team of workers they have. i know apple wants to give us quality products but waiting is just torture

Avkash

 

[Flowbee]

Originally posted by io_burn


Wintel Laptops and Powerbooks all DO the same thing, you run your programs, browse the web, get stuff done. You could make both Windows XP and OS X ****ty unstable operating systems if you don't know what you're doing. Everyone calling people who are debating going Dell (or Sager for that matter) stupid for not wanting to use OS X, I think that is rather unfounded.

So just because the 2 OS's "do the same thing" in your estimation, we're not allowed to have an opinion about which OS we think is better?

This is a *Mac* rumors site. Most of the people here have decided (for whatever reason) that they prefer the Mac OS. Don't be so surprised. Sheesh.

 

[Lord Bodak]

Originally posted by io_burn
I have to wonder if all you people pissing on Windows have ever even used the OS for anything more than browsing the internet at the Library. I don't remember the last time I rebooted any of my windows servers at work, or my programming box at work... or my laptop for that matter, and they're all running great. (...Oh, I guess I let my laptop run too low on batteries and it shut itself down a week or two ago, but besides that... )

I use Windows XP daily at work (programming). I haven't run Windows at home since summer of 2000, when I switched to Linux.

It never ceases to amaze me that my Pentium 200 MHz Linux machine can surf the web faster than a 1.8 GHz Pentium 4 Windows XP machine.

 

[Rower_CPU]

I've never seen a "severe paint problem" on a TiBook. My 1.5 year old rev A has a couple of nicks, but that's it. The rev B and C models that co-workers have are just fine, as is my rev D 1GHz.

Paint issues are nothing more than isolated cases and now FUD.

 

[ben_whly]

It should be noted that if Apple were to update their 15 PB with all the features I've heard people clammering for on these forums (BT, Firewire 800, AL case, Backlit keyboard, speedbump, Airport Extreme). Granted that not all of these things will come true, Apple will be in effect discouraging anyone from buying the 17 or 12' models; unless they want to take advantage of the screen size and portability. It is easily forgotten that this is all business. Apple seems to have no problem selling their current TiBook and by updating the 15 PB along the lines that people are suggesting, they could very well discourage new buyers from even looking at the 12 and 17 inch models...after all many would agree that this new 15 inch would be an ideal Apple Laptop.

Just to throw in my 2 cents, if any powerbook needs to be updated I'd say that it should be the 12 inch. Where there is a disparity between the two 15 inch models and between the 15 and 17. There is no difference betweem the two 12 inch models (save the $200 cost of the superdrive). Plus, the 12 inch is the slowest of all the current powerbooks and does not even have a 1 Ghz option. To those who will bring up the heat issue. All the more reason for the 12 to be re-engineered; many people on Apple's own support forums complain about the heat of the 12 inch.

Thanks,

Ben

 

[dongmin]

Originally posted by sockseller
I think Apple has a problem with doing really well for a while and meeting all their customer's expectations, then losing touch and screwing their loyalists over in order to make a quick buck....

Why do people take this so personally, as if Apple is intentionally trying to alienate their customers???

People, get a life, it's just a friggin computer. When you want to buy a TV and Sony hasn't delivered a new 30" plasma, do you say, 'Boohoo, Sony is out to screw me! No 30" plasma TV when I want it--what are they thinking!?"

Did it ever occur to you people that maybe the new 15" are NOT READY, as in, they don't have any chips beyond 1 ghz to drop into those babies? As others have noted, it's pointless to update it if they can't up the speed. (OK, maybe 3-4 months ago, they could've done an update minus a cpu upgrade; but now, it's probably 1-2 months til the 7457 is out in full.)

It blows that Apple has to rely on Moto for their laptop processors but that's how things are now. For another year at least, Apple is dependent on Moto and their lousy development cycle for the chips for their PBs and iMacs. So yeah, Apple is probably losing some customers (it always seems like two steps forward and two steps back for Apple, doesn't it?), but they can't do anything about it, other than cut prices.

 

[plinkoman]

would you people please stop whining, you'll get your powerbook in a month or two, i don't see why the hell they wouldn't update the case and the ram, and ae and bluetooth while updating the cpu, if you need something now, then get the ti, or buy a dell, just stop whining

 

[tex210]

well duh

I actually have three computers that I regularly work with. An iMac 400 dv se bought in 1999, an imac 600 that I bought at the EOL when FP were released( i figured the performance I recieved from the 400 was outstanding, and the $600 u.s. I spent was a steal), and a powerbook 1400. Remember those? You do not need the latest greatest to make a living with computers, and if you keep waiting, you'll never get anything done. I also have three fully functional dinasours...mac plus, mac 128, and just a classic, from pre ppc days. I've used the 128 occassionally for writing when nostalgia hits. Those keyboards were fantastic! I may not have the money RIGHT NOW, but I will eventually get a G5 or laptop(maybe both), but probably only after everyone else has played with them for six months or so. Then I'll get some work done. You see how the working thing buys the computers? I am not rich, nor silver-spooned, but Apple has spoiled me. I expect my day to be productive. I don't need it to be "New With Clorox!"
Seriously! There are some great deals on current laptops, and if I were a student, that's what matters... how badly do the resellers want to clear out their stock! As for the vaio thing I said earlier, I take it back. I was just made aware that they were shocking people and have been recalled. That's what happens when you rush a product out the door.

 

[billyboy]

I am sure it is the big money involved in the purchase of a Powerbook that is screwing a few heads.

Whatever computer you buy whenever you buy it, no way will it stay current for very long. The jokers bleating about time to go for Dells because they cant have their space age PBs NOW are jumping out the so-called Apple obsolescence pan into the manic PC update fire.

Them that say they want something to last them 3 years go right ahead and buy a crappy old 15" Ti 1Ghz with superdrive NOW, that´ll do it. Forgotten already what Panther promises to do to the performance of a lot worse computers than a Powerbook?

College students off to buy a Dell tomorrow because they cant have a new Apple toy to play with two months ahead of when they need it need a good shaking by their poor parents.

Blimey o Reilly what are some of these people on? I´d love to hear what they had to say if they owned Apple and had burst blood vessels to produce a 1Ghz Powerbook in a 1" thick case, speccing it way beyond the needs of most human beings, only to hear some spoilt kids saying "throw all your inventory away and give me something better NOW".

In case you havent guessed, I´m just a grateful old sap who cant believe how amazing my PB is, and will be for 3,4 or 5 years. Not that I wont be getting a G5 desktop before then, but that´s another story.

 

[tex210]

heat issue 12"

I thought it was well known the heat issue in the 12" is just the hard drive when it is left spinning? On the lower left hand side, not the processor. Spin down when possible will end that though.

 

[vrapan]

Pissing on windows....

A technology loyalist that does not acknowledge the merits of Unix? That does not accept the inefficiency of Windows? I have been using Windows all the way since they were 3.1 gone through every single of their versions i mean every and waited a couple of years on XP as they were supposed to be Stable and trustworthy. Well after 9 years using windows I can say one thing even if you do use your PC only to browse the web Windows can make it so complicated it is not funny. Tried to change the name of a song while it is playing? Tried to connect through a new connection than the one you useually have? Have they not been slowing down after a few months of use? Have you never felt you need to format your HD casue everything goes wrong? Because the System folder is so huge and the start up times so horrible and the system so slaggish? Tried to change more than just the HD of your system and then having to waste 15 - 30 minutes trying to get a new activation code? Tried to install new hardware and windows never giving you the opportunity to install the drivers of the vendor rather installing their ones and then not letting you go over them? Ever having a company to patch their patches because they created a new hole on their system by patching an existing one? I mean do you really want me to go on???? and I have put together and installed and repaired more windows pc than i care to remember about. I have been developing Java C++ even with .Net on them running databases and tuning them and let me tell you I don't think there is such a think as stable trustworthy windows maybe MAYBE Win2000 but they are extremely incompatible with too many things and still have all the problems mentioned above. You can definitely crash any system you want to but my Windows machines were crashing any time they felt like it. My 5 month mac has had only 8 restarts and all of them where because of needed updates. The machine is running weeks without restarting and has never crashed. On top of the please consider installing XP on a 5 yo machine. Please do... I know several people that have a 5 yo Mac and run OS X on it just fine. Panther is supposed to be even faster. So again OS X on Ti anytime than Wintel on the fastest latest Dell...

 

[jaedreth]

Tex210

You're right. It's the HD. Your workaround is the correct solution as well. Not a hardware issue.

Jaedreth

 

[idea_hamster]

Beg to differ....

Originally posted by io_burn
Wintel Laptops and Powerbooks all DO the same thing, you run your programs, browse the web, get stuff done. You could make both Windows XP and OS X ****ty unstable operating systems if you don't know what you're doing.

Substantially, I think that I fall into the category of people who, when it comes to dealing with an OS, don't know what we're doing.

However, at work, I spend time with our IT support remotely accessing my work station, I do other things than what I was working on while my machine restarts after crashing...stuff like that. At home, I lift my PowerBook lid, and there's OS X. Last program to crash? Can't recall. Last restart? Last update that required it.

OS X is, in fact, better. Especially for those of us who don't know how to jockey our OS around tight turns.

Is it the only consideration in buying a computer? Clearly not. But if someone told me that they would never, ever go back to Windows (or OS 9, for that matter), I would have to say, "Me too."

 

[Lyle]

Re: Goldylocks

Originally posted by tex210
I don't get people saying the 12" is too small.

I am sincerely glad for you that your eyes are that young (or old, but strong). But trust me, it's too small for some of us

If I had the money, my old imac dv se 400 would be a new G5 and the 12" would be my portable. If you say it's too hard on the eyes.... well change resolution...

I am a professional software developer and for me, personally, the 12" PowerBook's maximum resolution of 1024x768 doesn't provide enough "real estate". Of course, if it could crank it up to some higher resolution I'd run into some of the other problems you alluded to...

... or keep the highest resolution and make the default text larger, or.... just use zoom if you REALLY have bad eye sight.... Why not zoom on the road and have a seperate display for home?

Sure, or maybe I could just install a big magnifying glass over the LCD. Give me a break.

The prices are great right now? If it's the xtra 124 mhz.... well, ask God for a little patience, say the serenity prayer, and see what happens.

LOL Yes, I'm trying very hard to be patient, I promise. And you're absolutely right; the 12" PowerBook is an excellent choice at a good price, if it fits your particular needs. I have stood there at CompUSA and worked on one, though, and I know that that particular model isn't the right choice for me.

ps. Dell? not even the same market. Seriously. If you had said vaio, maybe, but dell? Get an ibook.

OK, for the record, Dell is never going to get another dime from me. Period. Now, IBM, that's another matter...

 

[Trinity570]

What did you expect

How many of you truly expected a hardware update today knowing full well that Steve Jobs was not giving the keynote. Since when has there been any kind of significant hardware update not introduced by Jobs? I don't recall one. So why then is everybody so hot and bothered by the fact that nothing of significance was introduced or updated today? I could have told you as soon as the keynote speaker was announced that nothing was going to come of today's keynote. The more recent history of Apple announcements has shown that Expo's are generally not the venue for these kind of announcements. I would not be surprised at all if the Powerbooks or iBooks or whatever are introduced next week or someother point in the near future.

Since when do college/high school students need the latest and greatest Mac? To do what? Get a current Powerbook and be happy. I've been using my Powerbook G3 for 3 years now quite effectively and can't afford a new one anyway (as much as I would love to acquire the 17" PB).

So, my point? Quit whining and be happy with what is available. The current line-up is quite enticing on it's own merits.

 

[tex210]

lyle

Does zoom really feel that unworkable to you? Imagine people who truly have bad eyes. It is a blessing for them. In call centers there are people who are legally blind working with easy access. I guess they are being unrealistic. I myself would love an 8" with zoom and expose as my work around. Truly portable.

 

[Dirgothboi]

Supposed Whiners

Now I have been reading the posts on this subject all day, and just cant believe how people are being attacked for complaining that they dont want to buy the present PBs. I bought a 12" when they first came out and was quite dissapointed by the performance of the machine(besides all of the technical flaws). The 17" is just way out of the question for me to buy since I am a student so I have been hoping to sell my 12" and buy one of the new 15" PBs whenever they come out. And I will not buy a laptop that chips or gets crappy wireless signals. I love the 15" for the fact that it has the best performance but how can someone complain at people who dont want to buy a laptop that will chip on them and lose its signal. So the only thing for people like me to do is wait since the 15" is obviously flawed. Though I would not call it obselete, it is just not worth it when something that fixes those obvious problems is coming.

 

[Lyle]

Originally posted by Rustus Maximus
I'm curious...all these folks talking about these magificent Dell 15" laptops you're all going to rush out and get...can I see some specs? model numbers of the specific laptop you are comparing the 15" Ti to?

I am a potential "switcher", but have refrained from making wild-eyed threats about buying some other vendor's notebook (and thus single-handedly causing the downfall of Apple). I don't think it's productive. And I am on record as stating that the Dell Computer Company will never, ever, see a dime of my money

But since you asked, yes, I am looking around to see what some of my other (non-Apple) options are. Over lunch I went to the Gateway Store and priced their 400XL notebook, which in my estimation was closest to the 15" TiBook. I trust that you can find your way to Gateway's web site and so I won't go through the exercise of posting that model's technical specs, or its price. But suffice it to say that that I can almost pick up one of these suckers and an iBook for less than the cost of the 15" TiBook.

Another option I will surely consider is an IBM ThinkPad. Unlike the Gateway 'books, I have worked on a ThinkPad in the past and it was a very reliable box. Of course, if I recall correctly, you pay a little extra for the privilege of owning a ThinkPad

 

[Winston Smith]

Well I badly want a 15" P'Book, my Bondi iMac is very tired.
I could go straight out and get a 12" (I might yet) or something running another OS. But I like Apple although whatever I get I will have to sort of learn a new OS (I'm OS 9 at the moment).

However I want my machine to use at home for 'normal' everyday use and as a Hub for my digital stuff.
With a new Apple machine I'll get a great music program, a great way to organise my photos, a chance to do something a little creative of all my video clips of my kid and put them on a DVD for my family to see as well as the OS that runs them without spending a penny extra.

15" feels the right size for me and I don't want a machine designed 3 years ago with flaky paint and poor wi-fi reception.

So I'll wait - boy will I wait - but if this new machine lasts me as well as the original iMac it will be worth the wait AND cracking value.

Only trouble is my daughter badly wants the iMac and that is putting the pressure on!