WTF is Apple doing!?!?!?!?

[daveL]

Ok, think about it, a $999 eMac's graphics card is better than $1,699 12-inch PowerBook, and also has dual-layer burn capabilities, but none of the PowerBooks do. WTF! so far an eMac is way better than a curret model 12-inch PowerBook! (This makes me sad considerign how much this thing cost, and to see something about half the cost be more powerful)

I guess if Apple updated their entire product line in sync, you might have a point, but since you're comparing the last PB update to today's eMac update, the topic of this thread becomes ridiculous.

 

[calyxman]

If you have some magic bullet that would allow Steve to deliver the performance in the size of the current PB's; I think he would love to hear from you.

If you look at the situation in general, Apple is hamstrung by IBM and their ability to make the PPC's equal in performance to the Intel and AMD offerings. I for one would not mind buying an Apple PB that was based on the Intel/AMD chips.

I don't support the idea of OS X on an open Intel/AMD platform. This is what is causing many Wintel users their headaches. Apple's success in a stable, reliable platform is their controlling the hardware side. At the same point I look at the pricing of some Wintel systems (my co-worker just bought a Gateway from Best Buy with specs that would make the Mac mini shrink to 25% of of its current size - for just $300 more than the Mac mini).

There is no way that I would buy another Wintel machine, till Bill gets his head out of the sand and closes all the loopholes that causes users to reinstall their OS on a regular basis.

Your challenging my assertions based on the merits of the OS and not the hardware. The OS is another topic of discussion, but FYI I like OS X but at the same time I don't view Windows as negatively as many of you do.

And what's so funny is some of you are applying your standards as if it were something that had to be accepted by everyone in the marketplace. "Hey who cares what the hardware is, it's plenty fast for me," or "who would want a notebook that thick" are your opinions, but not everyone has to agree with them.

Yeah, 2-and-a-half years ago, Apple introduced the world's first 17" laptop, at 1" thick, with built-in DVD/CD-burning, BT, FW800, and 802.11g. Yeah, that really sucked... Oh wait, maybe I'm just another craaaaazy zealot.

Unfortunately you don't remember the problems the original 17" system had when it first debuted: hairline cracks in the screen, broken hinges, flaky support from Apple... does any of that ring a bell?

Wait ... I'm confused ... are you saying PC laptops have less of a gap now (which means I assume you are counting the XPS-style behemoths, which is a product line Apple doesn't do at the moment, so it's hard to make a direct comparions, but ...)? Or are you saying this gap will be even less meaningful "within the next year"? If the former, please show what you mean ... and if what you mean is that Apple makes something like the zd7000, I hope you realize what you're asking for. Apple could probably make a laptop that thick, heavy, battery-weak, and hot, but they have chosen to keep their portables a little more ... how shall we say, portable. I'm not saying that's the best decision, but hey no one's forcing anyone to buy a thin Apple laptop if that's not what they want. Or you are talking about the more portable, quad-pumped P-M laptops and such. You might have a better point there, but in my limited, personal, unscientfific experience, the PBs hang with them just fine. On the other hand, if you meant the latter ("within the next year"), do you really think Apple's laptops will have not advanced at all within the next few months-year? I don't really see your point, there.

The current Powerbook is actually being limited by its form factor, and I'm sure many power users would be more than happy to have the best of both worlds of using OS X on more powerful hardware specs if it meant giving up an extra 0.5" of thickness and adding another pound or two. That's not what Apple will do because Apple sells on looks as much as it sells on what's inside.

 

[calyxman]

Well, size matters. Apple doesn't want to design/build a huge laptop and they know their target market doesn't want one. Your HP is 7.97 lbs and 1.8" to 1.88" thick.

The 15" powerbook is 1.1" thick and 5.6 lbs.

And don't even get me started on the OS yours runs because that's another losing battle for your HP.

Enjoy your HP vz6000 (nice name btw).

Which OS are you talking about? Read the bottom of my sig. I'm not just using an HP.

 

[mcgarry]

Unfortunately you don't remember the problems the original 17" system had when it first debuted: hairline cracks in the screen, broken hinges, flaky support from Apple... does any of that ring a bell?

woah, so some computers made by (gulp) Apple had some problems (which, by the way, no, I do not remember)? And that is either unusual and/or negates the fact that it was an absolutely path-breaking machine? What's your point? Originally you brought up a marketing slogan from almost 2-and-a-half years ago, then said it was not a fair one, then talked about today's laptops. Really, I'm confused. Sure 17" LCDs aren't as nerd-sexy as some other things, but I'm willing to guess that this computer was a bigger deal than you implied.

Your posts fita pattern I've observed for far too long, when those most likely to accuse people here of "zealotry" themselves display the same behavior in reverse, with odd statements like yours about the 17" PB. Zealotry, in any case, is in the eye of the beholder, and can work both ways. I don't know if this is how you mean to sound, but you could have fooled me.

As for the rest of your last post, you didn't address the question directly (not that you had to, of course), but I assume from what you wrote that you want XPS-style PowerBooks. Fair enough. (But then you throw in an almost zealot-astic line about selling "on looks." I suppose that negates everything we can say about portability, right?) Maybe Apple should go that direction, maybe they will, but they don't now, point taken.

 

[nightdweller25]

I just made an observation, but damn, this has turned into a whole debate...Keep it going love the ideas.

 

[Chip NoVaMac]

Your challenging my assertions based on the merits of the OS and not the hardware. The OS is another topic of discussion, but FYI I like OS X but at the same time I don't view Windows as negatively as many of you do.

My ex had me running in circles trying to keep his Xp system up and running smoothly. We had to wipe his system at least two to three time a year in order to address the security flaws that Microsoft (please note that I did not use my disparaging M$ reference - for I am trying to elevate this above fanbotism) has failed to address.

Why should I have to download or buy software that so far I have not needed for my OS X systems? All based on the websites that a user may chose to visit?

And what's so funny is some of you are applying your standards as if it were something that had to be accepted by everyone in the marketplace. "Hey who cares what the hardware is, it's plenty fast for me," or "who would want a notebook that thick" are your opinions, but not everyone has to agree with them.

And we get into the discussion of why some feel that they need better specs, when the specs do not matter. I used to do DTP publishing for my company. This gave an opportunity to work with print houses that are still on Quark 3 or 4. Or even on G3 and what we now consider "old" G4 processors. Microsoft, IMO, has created an OS that is so bloated that the increase in processor speed is needed to keep up.

The initial reports on Tiger are such that an increase in RAM to 512 is needed, but many of the users of systems purchased in the last year or so - will see some performance increases.

You have chosen to ignore market forces that prevents Apple from competing directly. Apple would love to have a system that was 3ghz+, in the same form factor as the current PB's. that ran as cool as the current PB's.

I see that you have made the choice to ignore my comments about an Apple based "closed-end system" based on the Intel/AMD processors. Is it that you fear that such a system would spell doom for Microsoft?

Or would you then go on the defense that such systems limited your choice? That Apple was then taking away some obscure video card support?

I have sold and used both platforms over the years. And I can say this, that I have only had to do a wipe and fresh install on both of my Macs only twice in in a year and half. And both where because I was trying to use OS X as I had with Win XP. My ex's Wintel box needed at least three or four "fresh installs" over the same period. And all he did was access the internet and tried to use the Windows based software.

Unfortunately you don't remember the problems the original 17" system had when it first debuted: hairline cracks in the screen, broken hinges, flaky support from Apple... does any of that ring a bell?

Apple is not without its faults. Though given the cutting edge that they tried to achieve, one can expect growing pains. I will agree that given the "premium" that Apple charges, they could have been more proactive.

But then ask MB, Jag, or Landrover owners/users just how proactive their companies have been.

The current Powerbook is actually being limited by its form factor, and I'm sure many power users would be more than happy to have the best of both worlds of using OS X on more powerful hardware specs if it meant giving up an extra 0.5" of thickness and adding another pound or two. That's not what Apple will do because Apple sells on looks as much as it sells on what's inside.

Again, I ask you to provide Steve with the "magic bullet" for this. For if it were possible to provide a PB that was even a 1/2" more in thickness, with the same heat compatibility, and the same battery life - they would!

Not sure if you are a troll, or that you feel that your comments have true value. As someone that has worked as a reseller of computer technology, as well as other "hot" consumer technologies - you and I can only second guess what should or could have been done. For those companies that fail will not e here long.

Whether you like it or not Apple has demonstrated that they have what it takes to at least equal Microsoft in the OS wars.

 

[yellow]

Carry the eMac with you on your next trans-continental flight.

LOL.. My thoughts exactly, thanks for the morning smile!

 

[Xenious]

...poo-poo nightdweller's...

HAHAHA wtf is a poo-poo nightdweller?? I love it! I'm seriously going to have to start using this term it just sings!

 

[Yvan256]

PowerBooks, schmowerbooks...

Update the iBooks already! (Radeon 9600/64MB, CPU speed bump, 40GB for 12")

 

[raincoat]

Once again you mac zealots are blinded by your silly faith to Apple and have to poo-poo nightdweller's point without stopping to think. It's sad to see how people rationalize a missing feature in a supposedly top-of-the-line notebook. Go look at other notebook manufacturers and you'll find many supporting dual-layer dvd drives along with other superior hardware specs. Sony, HP, Compaq, and Actius just to name a few.

Funny how Steve Jobs proclaimed 2003 the year of the notebook as notebook computers were becoming more powerful, widescreens were being adopted, and upper level hardware was being implemented. The rest of the industry gets it and has being moving along swiftly, while Apple is still dragging the lackluster G4 to death in their PB line, let alone using the sub-par specs in their current notebook line.

So yeah, you have your portability. Good for you. But don't make it seem like a tradeoff because there is none. Don't even get me started on prices because that's another losing battle for Apple.

Do you not like Apple/Macs or us Mac enthusiasts? I sense much frustration in your post, perhaps you should relieve yourself elsewhere? Just don't hang out your laundry (particularly any "special" socks) for everyone to see.

Constructive critisism is the way forward, not blatant slandering!

 

[calyxman]

My ex had me running in circles trying to keep his Xp system up and running smoothly. We had to wipe his system at least two to three time a year in order to address the security flaws that Microsoft (please note that I did not use my disparaging M$ reference - for I am trying to elevate this above fanbotism) has failed to address.

Why should I have to download or buy software that so far I have not needed for my OS X systems? All based on the websites that a user may chose to visit?

And what's so funny is some of you are applying your standards as if it were something that had to be accepted by everyone in the marketplace. "Hey who cares what the hardware is, it's plenty fast for me," or "who would want a notebook that thick" are your opinions, but not everyone has to agree with them.

And we get into the discussion of why some feel that they need better specs, when the specs do not matter. I used to do DTP publishing for my company. This gave an opportunity to work with print houses that are still on Quark 3 or 4. Or even on G3 and what we now consider "old" G4 processors. Microsoft, IMO, has created an OS that is so bloated that the increase in processor speed is needed to keep up.

The initial reports on Tiger are such that an increase in RAM to 512 is needed, but many of the users of systems purchased in the last year or so - will see some performance increases.

You have chosen to ignore market forces that prevents Apple from competing directly. Apple would love to have a system that was 3ghz+, in the same form factor as the current PB's. that ran as cool as the current PB's.

I see that you have made the choice to ignore my comments about an Apple based "closed-end system" based on the Intel/AMD processors. Is it that you fear that such a system would spell doom for Microsoft?

Or would you then go on the defense that such systems limited your choice? That Apple was then taking away some obscure video card support?

I have sold and used both platforms over the years. And I can say this, that I have only had to do a wipe and fresh install on both of my Macs only twice in in a year and half. And both where because I was trying to use OS X as I had with Win XP. My ex's Wintel box needed at least three or four "fresh installs" over the same period. And all he did was access the internet and tried to use the Windows based software.



Apple is not without its faults. Though given the cutting edge that they tried to achieve, one can expect growing pains. I will agree that given the "premium" that Apple charges, they could have been more proactive.

But then ask MB, Jag, or Landrover owners/users just how proactive their companies have been.



Again, I ask you to provide Steve with the "magic bullet" for this. For if it were possible to provide a PB that was even a 1/2" more in thickness, with the same heat compatibility, and the same battery life - they would!

Not sure if you are a troll, or that you feel that your comments have true value. As someone that has worked as a reseller of computer technology, as well as other "hot" consumer technologies - you and I can only second guess what should or could have been done. For those companies that fail will not e here long.

Whether you like it or not Apple has demonstrated that they have what it takes to at least equal Microsoft in the OS wars.

I can see your point about me providing a "magic bullet" if we were to stick with using a G5 in the Powerbook. I'm not so sure Apple is that challenged being that they've successfully managed to slip the G5 into the iMacs slim form factor. Still, it's not the exact same form factor as a powerbook.

If IBM cannot manage to make a mobile G5 that can run cooler without sacrificing too much performance, then I'm afraid we don't have a solution. But that doesn't negate the necessity for Apple to figure one out via alternative routes such as dual core processing and so forth. If the next iBook revision includes better graphics hardware, faster G4s, superdrive/dual layer dvd, and perhaps a higher resolution screen for the 14" model (which is long overdue anyway), how are we going to differentiate the two notebooks in terms of value?

I mean a great example came from the recent iMac updates. Look at all the bells and whistles (wireless, bluetooth 2.0, 2.0GHZ G5, 512MB standard, 160 gb HD) that make some Powermac models pale in comparison. And the pricing is pretty reasonable for the iMacs.

And that is the whole point. There's got to be some muscle added to the power/pro line because the consumer line is not too far behind and may even catch up and cannibalize sales from the pro line.

 

[rosalindavenue]

PowerBooks, schmowerbooks...

Update the iBooks already! (Radeon 9600/64MB, CPU speed bump, 40GB for 12")

Amen. I'd already have one if that update had taken place yesterday. I particularly don't understand the small 30G harddrive in the current 12" ibook. A lot of ibook buyers (like me) have a 30-40-60 gig ipod, and would like at least 60 gigs on their notebook drive. I'm hoping that the new large hard drives in yesterday's imac update are a sign that the ibook harddrives will be at least the size of the average PC notebook (e.g. my 18 month old toshiba with 80 gig drive).

 

[Platform]

Carry the eMac with you on your next trans-continental flight.

Sweet post.

 

[psycho bob]

Unfortunately you don't remember the problems the original 17" system had when it first debuted: hairline cracks in the screen, broken hinges, flaky support from Apple... does any of that ring a bell?

My Rev A 17in didn't have a single problem. Most didn't, sure there were a few with problems but every machine and every company can encounter them or are you going to tell me Apple are the only ones

The 15in Al books were the only ones to really suffer with there well documented screen white spots, this problem has been worked on and is being resolved. Compared to the Ti Books the new Powerbooks are well designed with finishes that don't scratch or chip.

The whole topic of this thread is truly bizarre. The latest updates to the desktops have introduced Dual Layer drives which is fine. Laptop Dual Layer drives do exist 'now' but when the last Powerbook revisions took place at the beginning of the year only one manufacturer had announced them, supply was limited and cost high. Just wait for the next revision, if they still don't appear then post a thread like this.

It seems this is developing in to yet another my machine is better than yours becuase it is faster thread. Lets stick to the subject in question Superdrives.

 

[shidoshi]

woah, so some computers made by (gulp) Apple had some problems (which, by the way, no, I do not remember)?

A lot of computers made by Apple are having a lot of problems. I bet at least one pretty major problem could be named for each and every product line. Apple's QC, as of recent years, has gotten pretty terrible.

The excuse for the price premium on Macs used to be that the hardwas was so top of the line and of high quality. I don't buy that anymore. The price of Mac hardware has gone down, but with that, so too has the quality if you ask me. If Macs really were the Ferarri or whatnot of computers, then the premium price on them would make total sense. But, they aren't.

Don't misunderstand me, I love Apple's hardware - but they really are being cheap bastards when you look at what you get for your money. I understand why they do it - they do it to make a profit at a point where other computer companies are struggling to survive. That still doesn't totally excuse them. Their crippling of part of their line to make up for the weaknesses/laziness of other parts of their line, and their use of old technology passed off as good (video cards, LCD screens) is getting a bit sad. I think Apple needs to re-think their hardware strategy, and get serious again about making hardware that is worth what you pay for it, and that actually works properly.

The "Windows zealot" that everybody is having fun bashing is actually making a lot of very valid points. But, as per typical, a lot of people are instantly dismissing him because of being too devoted to a certain product/company/"side"/etc.

(And for the record, I am a die-hard Mac user, and wouldn't use a Windows-based PC as my main computer even if you paid me.)

 

[shidoshi]

The 15in Al books were the only ones to really suffer with there well documented screen white spots, this problem has been worked on and is being resolved. Compared to the Ti Books the new Powerbooks are well designed with finishes that don't scratch or chip.

After seeing my friend's AlBook, I'm not sure I'd ever want to own one. The hinge is terrible - on his, it feels like the screen is going to break off every time you open or close it, and the noise it makes is no more reassuring. As well, even after being "fixed" by Apple, he has nothing but trouble with the power plug on it.

My TiBook has the paint problem, but other than that, to me it feels like a far more solid piece of hardware than the AlBook. I'd love to get another portable, but I HATE that new hinge.

 

[MacRy]

A lot of computers made by Apple are having a lot of problems. I bet at least one pretty major problem could be named for each and every product line. Apple's QC, as of recent years, has gotten pretty terrible.

The excuse for the price premium on Macs used to be that the hardwas was so top of the line and of high quality. I don't buy that anymore. The price of Mac hardware has gone down, but with that, so too has the quality if you ask me. If Macs really were the Ferarri or whatnot of computers, then the premium price on them would make total sense. But, they aren't.

Don't misunderstand me, I love Apple's hardware - but they really are being cheap bastards when you look at what you get for your money. I understand why they do it - they do it to make a profit at a point where other computer companies are struggling to survive. That still doesn't totally excuse them. Their crippling of part of their line to make up for the weaknesses/laziness of other parts of their line, and their use of old technology passed off as good (video cards, LCD screens) is getting a bit sad. I think Apple needs to re-think their hardware strategy, and get serious again about making hardware that is worth what you pay for it, and that actually works properly.

The "Windows zealot" that everybody is having fun bashing is actually making a lot of very valid points. But, as per typical, a lot of people are instantly dismissing him because of being too devoted to a certain product/company/"side"/etc.

(And for the record, I am a die-hard Mac user, and wouldn't use a Windows-based PC as my main computer even if you paid me.)

I think that this is the most constructive and sensible post that has appeared in this thread so far. There does appear to be a bit of a pissing contest going on here and a lot of 'zealot like' behaviour from the Mac fraternity. I too am a lover of OSX and Apple hardware but just to dismiss someone's comments because they happen to use Windows and non Apple hardware is a bit lame frankly.

I totally agree that Apple's QC has fallen by the wayside as I have so far purchased the following:

2nd Gen iPod - Faulty headphone/remote jack
'Luxor lamp' iMac - Faulty screen connector, Faulty Superdrive
iPod Photo - Faulty HD
G4 iBook - Faulty logic board

So that's every single Apple purchase I have made to date and they have all been faulty in some way.

Back on topic here though - I'm sure that when the Powerbooks are refreshed they will balance out these performance discrepancies and hopefully allow the Pro line to actually view the HD content that Apple are now touting. I see that Think Secret have posted some info on Apple patents and one of them appears to be a new powerbrick for a laptop......hmmm....redesigned PowerBook anyone?

Now stop fighting like bitches and have a group hug!

 

[James Philp]

If anything it shows that Apple needs to do better at road mapping their product line. They may not be able to do what the Wintel folks do, updating systems on a whim. And there would be cries from the Mac faithful if they did. I just have to look at comments that Apple should update the Mac mini with a better video card with the intro of Tiger. Many seemed to want to burn me at the stake for even suggesting that Apple update a system after just 4 to 5 months. But this is exactly what the Wintel people do.

Is it not also true that generally wintel systems are more unstable?
At least apple make sure all the hardware they bring out works!

 

[James Philp]

2nd Gen iPod - Faulty headphone/remote jack
'Luxor lamp' iMac - Faulty screen connector, Faulty Superdrive
iPod Photo - Faulty HD
G4 iBook - Faulty logic board

Sounds familiar...
But at least you can get that stuff fixed! When your PC just stops a year or so down the line due to Widows you're a bit more stuck!
I'm using a PB G3 Pismo, the only upgrade i've done is to increse the RAM to 384MB - it's about 5 years old now - running 10.4 fine! (I would struggle to find any PC Laptop user with a 5 year old machine running XP SP2 - and that OS is years behind Tiger!)

This thread is such a simple and mute one - I'm not sure how we got to all this pissing contests? Arguament:
1. Brand new revision of eMac is better than the smallest PB, which is nearly 6 months old.
2. Can't really compare the two
3. Pay for portability
4. Everyone is a 'Mac-Zealot'!!

Not sure how any posts previous to the "zealot" name-calling were zealotic at all!?

You can put together a great PC for $1000, but how good a Laptop could you do on the same budget? - It's just easier to build desktops; parts are cheaper, more avaliable, more abundant etc. OF COURSE a brand new desktop will likely be better than a 6 month old (sub)laptop. Remember how tiny the 12" PB is! (Have you ever seen one!?) Wait for the revision of the PB line and then start a thread like this!

 

[mcgarry]

macry and shidoshi-

Every Apple hardware product my wife and I have purchased and used over the last few years (iBook, PowerBook, iPod, iSight) as far as i can remember has been free of any hardware issues. Therefore, based on my personal experience, I have leaped to the blanket conclusion that Apple does not have any problems with its hardware. Sound familiar?

Seriously, hang out on this board to hear the complaining, magnified, but the truth is that as far as I have seen, compared to the Dells, Fujitsus, Sharps, Sonys, and IBMs with which I have limited personal experience, Apple builds computers as good or better than anyone else.

Someone who says something good about Apple is not automatically a zealot. That's my problem: the "zealot" charge gets whipped out far too easily on anything remotely pro-Apple. It's a cheap cop-out.

 

[MacRy]

macry and shidoshi-

Every Apple hardware product my wife and I have purchased and used over the last few years (iBook, PowerBook, iPod, iSight) as far as i can remember has been free of any hardware issues. Therefore, based on my personal experience, I have leaped to the blanket conclusion that Apple does not have any problems with its hardware. Sound familiar?

Seriously, hang out on this board to hear the complaining, magnified, but the truth is that as far as I have seen, compared to the Dells, Fujitsus, Sharps, Sonys, and IBMs with which I have limited personal experience, Apple builds computers as good or better than anyone else.

Someone who says something good about Apple is not automatically a zealot. That's my problem: the "zealot" charge gets whipped out far too easily on anything remotely pro-Apple. It's a cheap cop-out.

I'd just like to clear up one point before I continue - I hate the term zealot. I regret using it but I did and I did because I feel that some people can take brand loyalty a little too far sometimes. Not all hardware sucks that isn't Apple made. Plus i'm sick of all the snidey little 'M$' or 'Microsucks' comments because they are also tedious and purile.

Ok that aside.

I'm sure that many many people have had very positive experiences purchasing Apple hardware and I have, no doubt, been extremely unlucky in my purchases (note that I keep going back for more though!). I work for a local education authority's IT provider and we source a lot of Windows hardware for schools and they have a lot of problems too but for the volume that I see I would expect that. I have a 100% failure record though with Apple kit and if I was sourcing hardware from a supplier for my customers with that kind of failure rate they just wouldn't get my business.

I won't even go into the whole Applecare debacle with my iBook as it is just too painful to recollect


I'm not laying the boot in here with Apple (at least I don't mean to sound that way) as I love their hardware but let's try and be a little objective with our replies shall we, rather than simply having a go at people because they have an opinion that doesn't necessarily reflect Apple in a good light.

 

[neoelectronaut]

Ok, think about it, a $999 eMac's graphics card is better than $1,699 12-inch PowerBook, and also has dual-layer burn capabilities, but none of the PowerBooks do. WTF! so far an eMac is way better than a curret model 12-inch PowerBook! (This makes me sad considerign how much this thing cost, and to see something about half the cost be more powerful)

Oh boo hoo. Go cry me a river.

It's a goddamn computer, get over it.

 

[MarkCollette]

It's about freakin time Apple stopped crippling the consumer products just to make owners of pro lines feel special.

The only way to gain marketshare is for every machine to have the best specs it can, at its given price point. Maybe Apple can get away with saving exotic features for the pro lines, like FireWire800 or Gigabit Ethernet, but not for staples like CPUs, RAM, HHD, optical drives, video, USB or FireWire400.

There is ZERO reason for a consumer desktop to have less specs than a pro portable. The physical reality is that desktops have more space and power available to them, giving them more capabilities at a lower price. Choosing to circumvent this reality will only make some Apple computers uncompetitive with PCs, and thus lose out on marketshare.

Who is Apple competing with, itself, or PC manufacturers?

Right now, the actual problem you have is that the granularity of updates is so course, that each line goes a while without having new features that they could have. You're not mad that a consumer line has a better gfx card, you're actually mad that the pro line hasn't been updated yet to have the best that it can have. The fact that an eMac temporarily eclipses the 12" PowerBook only highlights this fact.

The solution, is to increase marketshare, so that it's cost effective to do updates more frequently. And that requires not crippling any machines...

 

[bousozoku]

Well, size matters. Apple doesn't want to design/build a huge laptop and they know their target market doesn't want one. Your HP is 7.97 lbs and 1.8" to 1.88" thick.

The 15" powerbook is 1.1" thick and 5.6 lbs.

And don't even get me started on the OS yours runs because that's another losing battle for your HP.

Enjoy your HP vz6000 (nice name btw).

Indeed. I would never want to carry that behemoth and my camera equipment in the same backpack. My 15.2 inch PowerBook fills the job nicely, runs Photoshop well, and saves my back just a bit. Besides, I don't have an operating system giving me a headache by talking back the way WinXP always does to me.

 

[psycho bob]

After seeing my friend's AlBook, I'm not sure I'd ever want to own one. The hinge is terrible - on his, it feels like the screen is going to break off every time you open or close it, and the noise it makes is no more reassuring. As well, even after being "fixed" by Apple, he has nothing but trouble with the power plug on it.

My TiBook has the paint problem, but other than that, to me it feels like a far more solid piece of hardware than the AlBook. I'd love to get another portable, but I HATE that new hinge.

I've no experience of the hinge issue, I've seen Al hinges go loose or be stiff but none of the 'it's going to snap off' type of stiffness/noise. I've seen many Ti books though where the hinges literally do crack, this is one of the flaws with Titanium it is very brittle especially around holes and corners. The actual titanium sheets themselves were very flimsey and even more costly to replace. The whole structure was then crudely glued together should you happen to drop it easily sprung apart as a friend of mine found out.

Apple QC does seem to have suffered of late but you also have to look at the current price points. Apple are selling a lot more powerbooks now then they did in the Ti Book days, statistically there will be a greater percentage with defects. The price point has also dropped, a top 17in model can be had for almost £1000 less then the top Ti in its day. That saving must also account for a lack of perceived quality if nothing else.

I'm no mac zealot I use them for a living simple as that but apple quality is no worse then anybody elses. The number of Thinkpads I've had to send back for faults doesn't bare thinking about. There are products out to enable a user to fix the hinges on their Al books, namely by loosening the top two screws on the back and changing the alignment (don't quote me on that been a while since I read the apple repair manual).