Post by: acg on May 22, 2003, 05:56:56 AM
I have been thinking of moving to OS X and in my mind this move should also coincide with the purchase of a new powerbook, not only to have the luxury of a parallel run while migrating from one OS to the other, but also because the Pismo is getting too old for my taste and I don't feel like putting more money into it (it needs a new battery real bad...). Plus I want a superdrive:)
Anyway... these are the options and the obvious pros/cons of each one as I see them:
12": least expensive option, but is the screen too small?
17": top of the line (can't go wrong), but do I NEED to spend the extra cash?
15" Ti: good screen compromise, but it's pretty darn close to its end-of-life, not to mention the known issues with paint chipping and Airport coverage.
15" Al: Yeah, I know... So far it is "vaporware". It should be the obvious choice if it is anything like the other two Albooks, but how long should I wait for it?
So there you have it... I am open to suggestions and comments:)
Post by: Spartacus on May 22, 2003, 08:25:07 AM
Rumors say that a new model can be expected within the next weeks.
Personally, I think the 17" PowerBook is too large. Although extremely light, it is not very comfortable to travel around with because of the size.
Hence, I call it a portable desktop rather than a laptop.
Performance and that cool backlit keyboard are definitely the strengths of the 17" model.
I love the 12" model, but I know the screen from the current iBooks and they are small. Too small, perhaps. On the other hand it makes the 12" PB the best portable model.
The next revision of the 15" model is probably the most interesting.
Speedbump, Airport Extreme, larger display (15.4"?), BlueTooth, perhaps backlit keyboard.
Therefore, I would wait until Apple releases the new 15" PowerBooks. Perhaps at WWDC?
Post by: kelly on May 22, 2003, 08:29:24 AM
http://new.lowendmac.com/ibook/deals.html
Post by: Gary S on May 22, 2003, 08:59:32 AM
Post by: Paddy on May 22, 2003, 10:11:35 AM
Post by: acg on May 23, 2003, 02:10:45 AM
everyone!
Post by: JohnKentucky on May 23, 2003, 04:40:59 AM
If Apple would:
put an L3 cache in it
increase the screen resolution to something higher
backlit keyboard
Firewire 800 port on it
Then I would sell my 15 for a 12 in a heartbeat!
Post by: kps on May 23, 2003, 08:25:17 AM
Having said that...I have no complaints with regard to the 12" PB I purchased. I didn't buy it as a desktop replacement and realistically, it's not designed for that.
I bought it precisely for the form factor and the mobility. Photoshop runs just fine without the L3 cache for checking and enhancing digital images d/L from my camera, it may not work well with a 300MB prepress file, but then it wasn't designed for that and I think few laptops are.
I do find using the LCD screen a bit problematic for accurate color correction, but I suspect that's the case with all LCD laptop displays and it could just be ME.
I haven't had a chance to fully test importing from my DVcam, but iMovie works fine for editing...don't have FCP, so I can't comment on that. I'm planning to do a big video project and will probably get FCX (Express) to edit it...so we'll see.
Post by: acg on May 23, 2003, 03:52:07 PM
Up until a few hours ago I was convinced that I should wait. Then I saw a couple of 17'ers going for 3000 bucks each and since a friend is coming over from the US in a couple of weeks, maybe it's a good idea to get one. The price difference is HUGE. 3000 bucks is about 2550 euro and here the 17" costs 4130 euro
It's a double window of opportunity here (my friend coming over so I can avoid import taxes and the euro being so strong against the dollar) that makes me think that I should act on it. Hey, the 17" ain't half bad now that I think about it 
Post by: kelly on May 23, 2003, 07:44:11 PM
Post by: JohnKentucky on May 24, 2003, 08:32:47 AM