

1280 x 854 WXGA Display - 512 MB RAM - 80 GB HDD - DVD-Writer - ATI Mobility Radeon 9600 - Bluetooth - Mac OS X 10.3 Panther - 4.50 Hour Battery - MPN: M8981LLA
Strengths: Speed, capacity, style
Weakness: A little less ergonomic than my old G3
OK, let's face it, this is a hot machine. I mean, this kind of processing speed, drive capacity, and portability are not something you see in your garden-variety laptop.
I've owned and loved a G3 PB for four years now, and I must say that switching to the G4 does take some getting used to. The housing is more robust--the hinge, the ports and their placements, the display itself.
But there was something ergonomically satisfying about the PB G3 that the designers have missed here. Nothing major--just an abundance of right angles and silvery-smooth surfaces.
But I do love the lighted keyboard, not to mention the firewire 800 port, and the built-in airport extreme!
This machine is likely near the end of the line for the G4 powerbooks. After this, it's G5 time, so you can be sure that they've perfected things in this line by now.
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TopStrengths: Looks, operating system, ease of use, iLife, iTunes, .mac, (all bundled software) Apple support, etc....
Weakness: Battery life, hinge feels a little off.
I got this PB from CompUSA for $1750. It was returned after 2 weeks by original owner because of hinge. I was looking at the top of line iBook, but when the Rep. showed me this model, I could not pass it up. Super drive, back lit keyboard, enough power and memory for almost anyones needs. I have been a PC user and was attracted to Apples products with it's apps. like iMovie, iPhoto, etc. Could not be happier. Bought apple care for the extended 3 years of service. Have called them a couple of times and they have been very helpful. For what I paid, it was a great deal. Went out and bought a 3rd Generation 20 gig iPod from CompUSA for $237. Love it.
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TopStrengths: Usability, Bundled software, Build quality, Screen
Weakness: Weight, Battery life
My first experience with apple was buying a 30 gb Ipod over the summer. I bought this laptop because I didnt have an ounce of regret spending a little more for the Ipod. I have to admit, my first Powerbook was DOA. However, there were issues with the first production run. I returned the unit and apple shipped me this unit straight from the factory in Taiwan. Overall the experience with the tech people was good. They were friendly and helpful and best of all, in the country!!!! They seemed to have a good understanding of Apple's products and were not just reading from a script. It took me about a week to get used to the way Apple does things (more keyboard shortcuts than M$), but I am starting to find it is faster to work like that. OS X 10.3 panther came standard on my powerbook and is a dream to work with. I cant give Apple enough praise for their "total package" approach to computing. People complain about the lack of alternatives with Apple. For most users (even power users like me), you just want things to WORK! Well, apple software and hardware does just that, and it works well!
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Apple 15-inch Powerbook G4 receives an overall TopTenREVIEWS score of 1.85 out of 4.00. It is ranked the #743 laptop computer of all time. The overall rating represents an intelligent balance of features, value as a function of price to features, and a summary of reviews from a variety of sources. The TopTen REVIEWS' formula gives a picture of important consumer features, market value, and a...
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1 Year and Still Awesome!
Strengths: Sleek design. Excellent GUI. No hassle manufacturer repairs and replacements. Excellent screen. A must have for designers.
Weakness: Case scratches easy (aluminium). Kinda of slippery case—hold onto it tight (not for the clumsy). Wish it had 2 Firewire ports instead of 1. Had to replace HD 1 time. Battery runs out fast.
I've had this model for a year. Had to send it in once because I damaged the case and loosened the power jack. Apple® replaced at no charge. Screen has excellent color (a must for my profession).
Recommendations: 1) Get a hardcase to protect this investement. 2) If you're a professional designer, recommend maxing out memory to 2GB. 3) Get a spare battery.
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