bigrustyjc said:
Does anyone remember how big the update was last time? What is the normal update amount Apple has generally done for laptops? (I'm sure many of you guys know a lot better than I do.)
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PowerBook Updates Imminent?
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Does anyone remember how big the update was last time? What is the normal update amount Apple has generally done for laptops? (I'm sure many of you guys know a lot better than I do.)
NewbieNerd said:
The last update was pathetic! It included a dual layer dvd burner, hard drive shock system, and minor speed bump (1.5 to 1.67). While the update was nice it was hardly a performance boost on the 7 month old hardware at that time.
I'm planning to get a 15" PB when they are updated, but I'm not maxing out the ram through Apple. OWC sells Samsung 1GB DDR2700 ram (apparently the same brand that Apple installs in their machines) for $165 each--much cheaper than from the Apple Store. Just about anyplace is cheaper ram than the Apple Store. Then I plan to eBay the 512 that came with it.
I too am a student, and the buying process isn't too tedious. When I bought my iPod photo in January 2005 at my local Apple Store (Newark, DE), they asked to see my student ID and that was it. I don't remember how it worked last time I bought a computer, which was my trusty Pismo in March 2001, but from what I've heard Apple will check your student credentials on occasion (kind of like the random searches at the airport). I'm going to by my PB from Apple as well since there is no sales tax in DE.
Anyway, there are so many ways in which the PBG4 is deficient that its hard to know what to hope for--no PCI-e, no build-to-order option for the Seagate 120GB HDD, mediocre GPU, no DDR2, no G5 to support the DDR2 (but let's not get into the G5 debate again). Personally, I'd most like to see a better GPU for "futureproofing" the computer as much as possible--ATI Mobility 9800 at least. GPU seems to become the bottleneck long before any other component in notebook computers (exhibit A being the 8MB ATI Rage Pro in my Pismo), especially with the anemic GPUs Apple consistently gives us. But I think we'd better just be happy with whatever we get, if we get anything at all. Don't get me wrong--PBG4 is a great computer, even if it is a bit long in the tooth at this point. But I'm willing to wait and hope to get more bang for my buck.
I too am a student, and the buying process isn't too tedious. When I bought my iPod photo in January 2005 at my local Apple Store (Newark, DE), they asked to see my student ID and that was it. I don't remember how it worked last time I bought a computer, which was my trusty Pismo in March 2001, but from what I've heard Apple will check your student credentials on occasion (kind of like the random searches at the airport). I'm going to by my PB from Apple as well since there is no sales tax in DE.
Anyway, there are so many ways in which the PBG4 is deficient that its hard to know what to hope for--no PCI-e, no build-to-order option for the Seagate 120GB HDD, mediocre GPU, no DDR2, no G5 to support the DDR2 (but let's not get into the G5 debate again). Personally, I'd most like to see a better GPU for "futureproofing" the computer as much as possible--ATI Mobility 9800 at least. GPU seems to become the bottleneck long before any other component in notebook computers (exhibit A being the 8MB ATI Rage Pro in my Pismo), especially with the anemic GPUs Apple consistently gives us. But I think we'd better just be happy with whatever we get, if we get anything at all. Don't get me wrong--PBG4 is a great computer, even if it is a bit long in the tooth at this point. But I'm willing to wait and hope to get more bang for my buck.
VisualForces said:I just bought an iBook through Amazon. This way I got a $100 rebate, didn't have to pay tax, and Amazon gives me 30 days to return it...even if it's opened. No "restocking fee" like Apple has. Apple's return policy is one of their biggest downfalls. If a new PowerBook comes out in the next 30 days, I'll just send the iBook back to Amazon and snag a new PB...and still not pay tax and get it shipped free. I'm a student too, but Amazon's rebates are about the exact same as Apple's student discounts. But add in no tax and a 30 day return policy and I have no reason to order from Apple.
this is a great effing idea!!!! my plan is to buy the 12' PB saturday night with the free ipod and hold onto it for a week without opening the box...
then again... the amazon route with no tax is a great idea! just no free ipod but the 12' is still 1399 with the rebate.... hmmmmm, what to do........
Imminency is in the eye of the fanatic buyer... Really, 5 more days to go and i'll get whatever is available...
tekmoe said:correction: i believe they went from a 4x super drive to an 8x super drive. but not dual layer. we are hoping it becomes dual layer with the next update.
Yes ,you are correct. I was thinking 2x and wrote dual layer. Wishful thinking on my part I guess.
I am hoping that these delays to upgrading the PB mean that we do have a better upgrade coming prior to the Christmas buying season. I am hoping for low power dual core G4's at 2Ghz, 200 mhz FSB, new hi-res, hi-def display 1920x1080, dual layer superdrive, 7200 rpm HD's, ATI X850 mobility or GE Force Go 6800 ultra GPU.
macnvrbck said:
Just a note to everyone, the computer return policy at Amazon is a little different than regular items. There is suppose to be something *wrong* with the computer, in order to return it without penalty. If it just doesn't meet your expectations, you're suppose to pay a restocking fee.
Of course, if you're scared of dead pixels, Amazon is a good route. If you have a dead pixel or pixels, I don't think you'd have a problem returning it.
digitalbiker said:Yes ,you are correct. I was thinking 2x and wrote dual layer. Wishful thinking on my part I guess.
I am hoping that these delays to upgrading the PB mean that we do have a better upgrade coming prior to the Christmas buying season. I am hoping for low power dual core G4's at 2Ghz, 200 mhz FSB, new hi-res, hi-def display 1920x1080, dual layer superdrive, 7200 rpm HD's, ATI X850 mobility or GE Force Go 6800 ultra GPU.
I feel the same way. If Apple indeed does make one last PPC update to the PB line and I mean an UPDATE not a pathetic Speed Bump/Road Bump/Dump Bump/Sucker Bump or whatever, Id like to see something worthy of being called an Update such as the following (as I am in the market for a desktop replacement/flagship of 17, my wish reflects accordingly):
Low expectation wish:
MPC8641 @ 1.7Ghz
WUXGA 1440x800 w/ XBright type tech as an option
128MB ATI x300 mobility option
Moderate expectation wish:
MPC8641 @ 2.0Ghz
WUXGA 1920X1200 w/ XBright type tech as an option
512MB DDR2 RAM
128MB ATI x300 mobility standard w/ HyperMemory as an option
Wireless a/b/g card option
80Gig @7200 rpm HardDrive option
Dual Layer DVD SuperDrive as an option
Fantasy/Doobie Smoking fantasy wish:
MPC8641D (Dual Core) @ 1.7+ Ghz
WUXGA 1920x1200 w/ XBright type tech standard
512 DDR2 RAM @ 500MHz+
128MB ATI x300 mobility 128MB VRAM w/ HyperMemory Standard
256MB NVIDA GeForce Go 6800 as an option
Dual Layer DVD SuperDrive standard
100Gig Hard Drive @ 7200rpm as an option
120Gig Hard Drive @ 5200rpm as an option
Wireless a/b/g standard
Television/Media Doc as an option
Disclaimer: This is just my/a Protoculture induced Wish List and in no way, means, or manner represents or constitutes a prediction of what is most likely not to occur via Apple Computer Corp. circa the Intel switch.
~Shard~ said:2 GHz 7448, yes, 1 GB RAM, no, not standard at least. It just took Apple ages to make 512 MB standard on all machines, so they won't be moving to 1 GB standard anytime soon.
I would have to agree they won't up the ram to 1 GB. I do hope they improve HD speed and size, increase the GHz (it would be great if they had a surprise of dual core) and make 128 the standard on video memory.
I'd think Apple has to update the PowerBook soon...there's no justification between the price of the new iBooks and the current PBs.
I, too, agree--I'll take even the sucker bump at this point (which I guess makes me a sucker), because on principle I just cannot bring myself to pay top dollar for 7-month-old tech. I plan to at least keep my dignity while losing my shirt. Now that Paris has come and gone, we'll just be wondering every Tuesday if this is the Tuesday.
I think we will see the new screens (for the year of HD) but little else of note...dual burner maybe, 100 gig HDD...
It says "currently unavailable" because that model was the January '05 revision. Current models are M9676LL/A & M9677LL/A for the 15" powerbooks.
accord said:Hello, my first post over here, does the attached image make any sence? Just made 5 minutes ago at amazon.
It says "currently unavailable"
Maybe a hint to upcoming updates???
I've attached a screendump, cant see it in the preview post
EDIT: Hmmm...seems an old version, sorry
Alone2Gether said:
Does anyone predit this coming Tuessday or anytime in October for the new updates?? On another thread someone mentions October 11th.
I am getting super ansy!! I already bought all the accessories....I just need my new 12 inch powerbook!!! Do you think if they do not come out on Tuesday that I should just go for it??
Tera said:
I'm laughing now because I, too, have been picking up some accessories in anticipation of my new 15" PB, hoping to get as many ducks in a row in advance as I can. Got a 2nd laptop case, an iBreeze (because I anticipate more heat from this PB than from my Pismo), my first bluetooth mouse (Logitech MX-900), etc. I'm holding out before buying other stuff though--extra ram, extra battery, etc.--just in case there are architectural changes.
I don't know any reason for anyone to predict October 11 specifically or any other day, for that matter. The only promising thing I've heard since the Paris non-event (it takes a real set of b*lls to hold a 4-day Apple Event and introduce nothing but .Mac) was the tidbit on MacOSRumors about the 10.4.3 update, due to be released mid-October, possibly containing code support for a significantly-revised PB (I mentioned this earlier in this thread as well). If that doesn't pan out we could be dealing with a Sucker Bump (loving that phrase) on any given Tuesday or waiting until January (MWSF, right?) for a real update. Or waiting until June when Intels might then come out, and getting no PPC revision at all. Who knows. Take your pick.
fklehman said:
Hhahah..I am glad that I am not alone with buying the accessories while we wait idea..
I just checked out that iBreeze..looks pretty cool but I already ordered the iLap which I think seems really nice for those days where you just want to stay in bed!
I just saw that Amazon has a $175 dollar rebate if you buy before 9/27..I wonder what they are up too...Everyone has the $100 off deals like MacMall and MacConnection..they must know something!!!
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...-info/102-1831612-9396158/102-1831612-9396158
AHHHHHHH!!!! Have you found a nice laptop bag? I actually like the free one that MacMall is giving with the purchase of a powerbook..the sleve is zipperless for less stratching.
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well i just got a 15 in powerbook not but a day ago because my only computer (imac g4) needs its logic board replaced because im getting constant kernel errors on startup and since im a college student and could get a good deal on a powerbook and a fee ipod mini i took it. its gonna take about a little over half a month to fix the logic board on my computer (thats what apple said over the phone) and since i do editing and learning to program quite heavily i need a mac especially one that is portable in this day in age. now that your mentioning the 10.4.3 update and possible coding for it dealing with an updated powerbook it makes me feel like i made the wrong decision on buying it now eventhough i truly needed it. did i make the wrong decision on buying it now?
That's not entirely accurate. When returning computer's to amazon you only have to pay for return shipping if you decide you just don't want the item.No restocking fee unless you return damaged, missing parts etc.. I should know because I ordered a powerbook last christmas from them, that ended up having a latch issue. They let me return the item after 1 1/2 months(extended return period for holidays), and even reimbursed me for shipping. Amazon has one of the most liberal return policies ever.powerbook911 said:
thymac said:
I do not think that you made a mistake because you are a better student for keeping up to speed and not falling behind on your schoolwork and editing without a computer. I know that my university sucks with its management on their macs available to students..most are still running on Panther and they do not let me download anything..even documents from my own email..I swear they just want Dell to rule the school...ekkk...I really doubt they can improve the PB that much to make a huge difference, especially if you are going to buy more memory on OWC...I heard that it can only be a .03 ghz difference..but I am not sure with any of these rumors anymore...I am going to give it another week or two just because I can but I do not like the wait because at school I have large gaps and I hate using their computers!
Good luck with all of your schooling!
toneloco2881 said:
Well, I think they may have changed that policy a little. Of course, they allowed you to return yours, it had a latch issue.
I just didn't want people to take advantage of them.