 [Larger view] | Apple PowerBook Notebook 12.1" M9008LL/A (1.0-GHz PowerPC G4, 256 MB RAM, 40 GB Hard Drive, DVD-R/CD-RW SuperDrive)
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Average user rating:  | |
 Excellent features in a compact Powerhouse | |
| Ah, the Powerbook. For many years, Apple's version of what a laptop computer should be. Then they created "consumer level" ibooks and the Powerbook was elevated to a status of Pro machines (which it always was). There used to be only a couple models (remember Pismo?). Then the Titanium wonder that shocked the portable world. Now, Apple has 3 different sized Powerbooks with various models inbetween those sizes. The compact little gem is the subject here. This is one of the finest Macs I have ever used. The weight is so light. The aluminum case is amazing. The slot load Superdrive which burns either CD's or DVD's is elegant compared to slide out trays that risk being damaged. The keyboard feels amazing. I could go on and on. Battery life I have gotten has ranged in the 4 hour range...excellent for a G4 equipped laptop. ALthough 256MB of RAM seems rather low, it surprisingly does well (Though I did add a 512mb module later, and watched performance grow). The power adapter itself has hooks to wrap the cord around (though admittedly, the old doughnut design was better looking). The 12" Powerbook is an excellent piece of hardware for those looking to tote a laptop. Two Thumbs Up! | |
| Perfect Laptop: | |
| I just recived this laptop for my birthday, and god, it is perfect. The PowerBook 12'' has more power than all but desktop replacements, and greater portability than almost every other computer. Equiped with one of the fastest Apple processers, a DVD burner, and a large hard drive (I got 60 gb), you cannot lose with this package. Amazon offers good deals, but if your a student like me, the apple store for education (go to www.store.apple.com and click on education may be a better choce) every computer is $200 dollars off the normal price. One other thing a buyer should know before purchasing; If you are comparing with the 12'' iBook, be sure to compare it in real life. The iBook is much less rigid and feels much cheaper. Also, the new G4 iBook is much slower (processer) than the PowerBook than the processer speed would suggest, if you dont need the speed, consider the iBook. If your editing video or music, choose PowerBook. -Alex Parker | |
 Great machine, with caveats.... | |
| Ditto all of the lauditory comments of my esteemed colleagues here on the review page, with a few additional comments. AppleCare is a must since the "logic board" of MACs are notorious for going down. The plan is $300 additonal cost for a three year policy, and you absolutely have to have it (you may buy it during the first year after purchase). The shipping protocol of the computer is excellent, with prepaid shipping containers sent to you, but Apple will charge you an additional $50 to save your hard drive data in the event that it must be replaced, a cost that should not obtain in my judgement given the expense of the add-on policy. The quality of the call-in help line varies (as they all do with PCs), but it's necessary, particularly for PC defectors like me. Lastly, if you have a problem with the enormous heat generated by the unit, get an 11" x 14" zip folder at Staples or Office Depot to place under the unit and also to carry/protect it. And you will carry this unit since this is a truly portable computer with a 3 to 4 hour battery time (my old SONY Vaio pooped out after 40 minutes - it's like a dinasaur next to the PowerBook). Plus, truly amazingly, you can edit video and burn DVDs that work simply great on a home DVD machine. Unbelieveable. |
