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PowerBook..

A

adrian-cg

macrumors member
Original poster
Sep 17, 2005
83
0
Ok so my current PC is a 1.7ghz p4 256ram 32VRAM. Not good. I do some casual PS work and plan to start learning 3d modelling and do bigger PS work, for prints, tshirt and such. I also do some occasional gaming (I'm more of a console type of guy)

Now, I have the feeling the 32vram of the ibook are not goig to cut it for the 3d modelling so I never really considered it. I set my eye on the 128vram 15" powerbook, because I felt the 128vram would give the PB a longer life. I want the laptop to last as long as possible.

Now for the plot twist: I'm from Mexico so I can't get the custom 15 incher in here and a cousin of mine who lives in San Francisco is coming in one week's time (sept 23.) My question is, would it be too much of a risk to ask my cousin to get the PB and bring it with her or will all the new products be announced on the first day of the Paris expo so it's safe to get a powerbook if new ones aren't announced on the 20th?

Thanks in advance to everyone who responds. :)
 
You said that you are more of a console type guy
and you really do pay a huge premium for portability.
Do you really need a portable?

I would recommend the iMac G5 2.0 17" or 20" which has a faster 64 bit G5 2.0 GHz processor, twice the storage in a standard 7200 RPM HD and 128 MB VRAM and it's much more affordable.

Buy another 1 GB RAM (3rd party) and you'll be droolin'
 
Oh yeah, I do need portability. It'd make my school life sooo much easier. Besides, I'm studying next semester in Montreal, so I need to be able to take it with me.
 
If you need a portable, the 15" 1.67 GHz with the
128 VRAM upgrade is the right choice, but it's built
to order unless your sister can find an Apple store
that has a special purchase of the updated model.

Sorry I can't advise you about getting it across the border. Old book bag maybe, no boxes or packaging
and your sister mght need to boot it up to show that it's already in use. Don't know.
 
Thanks for the quick response, man :). And about the Paris expo, if there are no new PB's on the 20th there will be no new PB's on the expo, right or wrong?
 
Yes and no.

If Apple were to release a new PowerMac next week, they could hold off another week or so to announce
a minor speed bump type upgrade to the laptops.

If it's something major like HD displays, then I'd expect to see it at the Expo, but it's a tossup.

If you're a student, I would check with your local school purchasing agent to see if they can order for you.
 
adrian-cg said:
Now, I have the feeling the 32vram of the ibook are not goig to cut it for the 3d modelling so I never really considered it. I set my eye on the 128vram 15" powerbook, because I felt the 128vram would give the PB a longer life. I want the laptop to last as long as possible.
Click to expand...

If I'm not mistaken the 15" only has 64 megs of VRAM. :(

Unless it's BTO! :eek:
 
FFTT said:
I hope you trust your seeester! :D

Yup the 128 MB GPU upgrade only comes BTO on the
1.67 GHz model.

You CAN NOT upgrade the VRAM later on a
PowerBook.
Click to expand...
Out of curious, how do you order a BTO? Not thorugh online store right?
 
You can either call Apple by phone or order at the online store or your school purchasing agent can order for you on their account.

When you open the PowerBook selection page at the online store, select the model you want and configure the system as desired on the Customize your Mac page then add to cart or save the configuration for later.

I configured the education price below.

Subtotal $2,279.00
Estimated Ship:
1-3 business days
Free Shipping
Specifications

512MB DDR333 SDRAM - 1 SO-DIMM
100GB Ultra ATA drive @ 5400 rpm
8x SuperDrive (DVD±RW/CD-RW)
1.67GHz PowerPC G4 w/128MB VRAM dual
AirPort Extreme Card
Backlit Keyboard/Mac OS - U.S. English
ATI Mobility Radeon 9700
15.2-inch TFT Display
 
The 15" PB should work great for you, I love the way Photoshop runs on my 12" G4.

PowerBooks should be due for an update, so you may want to wait, but know that you are taking a bit of a risk by waiting. Maybe you should check out the buyer's guide.
 
SummerBreeze said:
The 15" PB should work great for you, I love the way Photoshop runs on my 12" G4.

PowerBooks should be due for an update, so you may want to wait, but know that you are taking a bit of a risk by waiting. Maybe you should check out the buyer's guide.
Click to expand...


If you DO get it now, there's a 14-day price protection thingiee. Just call and have the receipt and ask. :)
 
Ha, I was looking at the combo drive model. Looks like you have to go with super drive to be able to get vram upgrade.
 
I guess I'll just hold my breath a bit longer and hope for PB updates a little after Paris. I'm definitely getting my PB before January, though, I'll be able to live through this semester without it, but it's completely necessary for Montreal. :p

Thanks to everyone who replied :D. And if anyone's got anything to add, you're more than welcome to. I need to get as much input as I can.
 
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