Found an awesome deal on an early 2005 17" PowerBook G4, and was wondering how the screen of this compares to the 15" models, or even the Hi-res model/MBP 17"s. I have a 2006 17" iMac, and the screen is okay, but I prefer my 15" PB color.
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PowerBook 15" vs 17" screen quality
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Amethyst1
macrumors G3
PowerBook G4 screen vs early MacBook Pro
As an owner of several of these Macs, I would say that even the original MacBook Pro 15" display is substantially brighter and more vibrant than any of the PowerBook G4 displays. The 2008 MacBook Pro 15" is another huge step up in brightness and vibrancy again due to the LED backlight vs the...
forums.macrumors.com
(@AphoticD's post compares a couple of PB/MBP models' screens.)
bobesch
macrumors 68020
It's difficult to compare displays of PB15 vs PB17 in general, I mean, make proper recommendations, since quality of the display might vary on these elder devices (reduced brighness / fading colors /greenish-taint).
I have both a 17"(normal-res) and a 15" DLSD (high-res) PB, but I cannot remember to notice any major difference of the displays except from their screen-resolution. I mean, not the kind of stunning difference like between the Powerbooks and the early-intel MacBookPros: the brightness and quality of the early-intels (A1260/1261) is simply blazing, compared to the PowerBooks.
About 17" high-res screens: my experience on my early-2008 intel MBP4,1(A1261) has taught me that it's BTO high-res display doesn't really matter to me. I've reduced screen-res from high (1920x1200) to normal (1680x1050), because my poor-vision does not cope with everything-too-small, when in high-res.
I guess, the 17" PB compares to the 15"PB in all respects but the screen-size and I think I personally wouldn't benefit from any high-res 17" screen, but would "downsize" screen-res to "normal".
Compared to the 17"PB the early-intel 17"MBP screens are so much brighter, which exceptionally matter's in daylight situations.
I have both a 17"(normal-res) and a 15" DLSD (high-res) PB, but I cannot remember to notice any major difference of the displays except from their screen-resolution. I mean, not the kind of stunning difference like between the Powerbooks and the early-intel MacBookPros: the brightness and quality of the early-intels (A1260/1261) is simply blazing, compared to the PowerBooks.
About 17" high-res screens: my experience on my early-2008 intel MBP4,1(A1261) has taught me that it's BTO high-res display doesn't really matter to me. I've reduced screen-res from high (1920x1200) to normal (1680x1050), because my poor-vision does not cope with everything-too-small, when in high-res.
I guess, the 17" PB compares to the 15"PB in all respects but the screen-size and I think I personally wouldn't benefit from any high-res 17" screen, but would "downsize" screen-res to "normal".
Compared to the 17"PB the early-intel 17"MBP screens are so much brighter, which exceptionally matter's in daylight situations.
Ah, I had forgotten about that thread, thanks for linking to it again.PowerBook G4 screen vs early MacBook Pro
As an owner of several of these Macs, I would say that even the original MacBook Pro 15" display is substantially brighter and more vibrant than any of the PowerBook G4 displays. The 2008 MacBook Pro 15" is another huge step up in brightness and vibrancy again due to the LED backlight vs the...
(@AphoticD's post compares a couple of PB/MBP models' screens.)
Degradation is definitely the biggest problem, although I believe the CCFL tubes can be replaced to regain some of its former quality. Now I anxiously await the machine, hopefully it works good and the screen is nice. If I were to go with a 17" MBP I'd probably get a late 2006 or jump to 2009. Less chance of GPU failure (although it is still an issue, at least on the x1600) and probably runs a lot cooler.
Amethyst1
macrumors G3
The 2006 MBP can also run hot and has a very "aggressive" anti-glare coating on the screen, although I'm fine with it. The difference to my glossy 2007 MBP is like night and day though.
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If you want to kill the GPU real fast, you can try checking if a 1440x900 HIDPI mode works on the high-res MBP. That way, everything would be larger but super-sharp. 😛
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Baldung99
macrumors member
You'd have a pixel density difference between the 17" and 15" models, given same (or similar) screen resolutions. But as for anecdotal evidence, I've only really noticed said pixel density difference between my 15" PowerBook (1280x854) and 17" model (1440x900). But I've gotten lucky and said panels are in really good condition.
bunnspecial
macrumors G3
IME, all the AlBook screens are decent, although I've found a lot of DLSD screens(both 15" and 17") dimmer than earlier PB or the following MBPs.
The real treat if you want that general form factor is the 17" MBP 3,1 or 4,1 with the 1920x1200 screen(which is also LED backlit). It took me a fair bit of hunting to find one of those, as I don't think the 1920x1200 rolled out as standard until the unibodies.
The real treat if you want that general form factor is the 17" MBP 3,1 or 4,1 with the 1920x1200 screen(which is also LED backlit). It took me a fair bit of hunting to find one of those, as I don't think the 1920x1200 rolled out as standard until the unibodies.
Amethyst1
macrumors G3
The 17" 3,1 isn't LED-backlit regardless of resolution. The 4,1 1920x1200 is.
Well, the debate has been put back on the shelf for now, as I ended up getting a 2006 MBP 17" in the mail instead of the PB... Messaged the seller about this and he said it was a genuine mistake, and was willing to swap them out for free. I told him I'd hold onto this (can't really go through the return process currently) and he still gave me a $10 refund for sending the wrong item, so that worked out okay.
This MBP screen is actually quite good. Doesn't seem dull like my PowerBook, colors are still quite vivid and bright. Viewing angles are a bit weak but acceptable. I am worried by the temps of the machine, afraid it's going to burn up as it does run quite hot on Apple's default fan settings and the fans never rev up unless I play a game. I'm considering just using a program to run the fans at high RPM all the time, as then the temps are excellent. Worried I might damage the fans by doing that though, not sure. Posted about that in the MBP board too but if anyone here has tried it let me know.
This MBP screen is actually quite good. Doesn't seem dull like my PowerBook, colors are still quite vivid and bright. Viewing angles are a bit weak but acceptable. I am worried by the temps of the machine, afraid it's going to burn up as it does run quite hot on Apple's default fan settings and the fans never rev up unless I play a game. I'm considering just using a program to run the fans at high RPM all the time, as then the temps are excellent. Worried I might damage the fans by doing that though, not sure. Posted about that in the MBP board too but if anyone here has tried it let me know.