Apple Powerbook G4 17"
 

I am on the verge of purchasing an Apple Powerbook G4 17" (big screen). I've done a lot of research and have a pretty good deal in the works.

I'd like to know if anyone else has purchased one, the pros and cons, and what accessories should I consider.

I don't want to get into the PC/Mac discussion, I just need some fedback from people who have one or have used one. Thanks.

The 17" screen is gorgeous, but it also makes the laptop less portable. It's a wide body, and is more of a pain to pack and drag around than other smaller laptops (feedback from a friend who owns a 17" PB). So depending on your intended use -- true road warrior style, versus a desktop replacement with light use as a portable -- that might be something to consider.

I own a 12" iBook, and love it! The smaller footprint travels very well, and is feather light. Apple also offers a 12" PB. It has most of the same features of the larger screen models.

Good luck with your purchase!

Real slick machine, just make sure you never stick it behind someones seatback, the screen is so thin that it's VERY easy to break. A good friend of mine runs an Apple dealership and has already seen several machines returned with cracked screens... http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttr...orum/frown.gif

I'm a relatively recent Apple convert; I was looking at the 17" and 15" PBs; I went for the 15" in the end - the 17" was just too big. Otherwise, with the built-in Bluetooth and Airport Extreme, plus the bigger screen, it definitely had the technological lead. Just too gosh-darned big for me.

Your lap-size may vary. Also, I hear lots of rumours that Apple is going to announce a new 15" PB with an aluminium case (like the newer 12" and 17" PBs) at WWDC in June.

I just recently switched to a 17" after my Toshiba started going, and I have to say I am very impressed.

After I made the decision to switch I looked at the 15" and was almost ready to order it, but then I saw the specs for the 17" and knew I had to wait for it. If you need some convincing on the 17", here is the list that kept me waiting for the 17" for over 1 month http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/wink.gif

-512MB RAM in 1 DIMM
-Airport Extreme
-Bluetooth
-Illuminated KB w/ ambient light sensor
-Firewire 800

The feature that I actually like the most, which I thought would not be a big deal, is the illuminated KB and light sensor. I can work in a darker room, and do not have to mess around with the screen brightness, as it automatically lowers the backlight and turns on the KB backlight.

The general fit and finish of the machine is good, and I have to say that as my first Mac the machine has left me with a very good impression. As Scott mentioned, as the machine is very slim the display may be prone to cracking if handled roughly.

My only complaint so far is the well reported screeching noise coming from under the keyboard, which some speculate is caused by the video card.

The only other thing I ordered with mine was the Apple Care. As for other accessories, the only thing I ordered for mine was a new sleeve to fit in my Tom Bihn backpack. If you are looking for a good travel bag for the laptop, I would suggest looking into the Tom Bihn line.

If you have any specific questions, just let me know.

Adrian

[This message has been edited by Fritz_Blitz (edited 06-02-2003).]

I have the 15" 1Ghz model that was released in November 2002 and have been very happy.

If you wanna max out the RAM at 1 GB you might look into doing it now as IIRC with 512 mb they split it into 2- 256 MB pieces so if you wanna change later on you're forced into getting 2- 512 MB pieces. At the time I purchased mine they were doing a double RAM promo for $40 so at the time it was a no brainer.

[This message has been edited by kluau88 (edited 06-04-2003).]

hee hee http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttr...orum/smile.gif

Y'all are making this Apple girl happy.

A couple of things to point out...
Be careful with getting an Auto/Air adapter. Most that are compatible with Apple portables provide 45 W of power, but the 17" needs 55 W. Make sure you verify that the adapter is compatible with the 17" model.

Get an iPod!

Watch out for the iTunes Music Store! It's addictive.

Get AppleCare. Normally, I'm not all that keen on extended warranties, but for portables, it's worthwhile. However, if you get regular insurance for your laptop, it may be overkill. If you're a recent switcher to the Mac platform, it's good to have for the three years of free phone support, which is, according to the ratings, quite good.

We've got another nifty device now to go with your Macs: the iSee webcam. People are starting to use them here around the office, and they're coming in pretty handy for videoconferencing. I think all managers of a certain level and higher have to have them. My boss' boss has one.

Consider getting a bluetooth card for your PDA, if you carry one. That way you can sync easily. Also, a Bluetooth cell phone is very handy. It can be used to connect to the Internet remotely, without wires and dongles. Very cool.

Another thing that's good to have is a cover that goes between your display and your keybard, to keep the dirt oils from your keys from getting on the display. These are the nicest ones I've come across:
http://www.radtech.us/screensavrz-laptop.html

The only other thing I would suggest is perhaps to set up a USB mouse and keyboard and perhaps a display, if you have one lying around for the office you happen to spend the most time in. They say it's ergonomically better to use a regular keyboard and mouse when you can. Laptop keyboards aren't the most ergonomic. Along with this, a second AC adapter can be handy: one for your home, one for your office or the road.

I have an iBook and sometimes think about whether I need a spare battery, but I can make it through at least one and a half DVDs on a plane on one battery, so I've skipped it so far.

You can explore various software options at Versiontracker.com.

Also, our online store has some other nifty gadgets:
http://store.apple.com

Agree with all the comments thus far. I am a very satisfied 17" owner. Frankly, I don't find it too bulky to carry around - after several months of use, I have gotten used to the size. If you are flying coach all the time, however, then the 17" might be a problem. . .

Just a few other things. First, if you are even considering the 15", then wait. Apple is on the verge of shipping new models with a 15.4" screen and updated aluminum casing (like the 17 and 12").

The 12" PB, on the other hand, seems like nothing more then a slightly souped up iBook.

Are there improvements to the new 15"? does the aluminium casing make a difference?

Yes, the Al casing makes a big difference as it's much more durable. The 15" titanium's are currently painted. I have read dozens of posts of people who have had awful problems with the paint peeling, bubbling, and chipping away.

As to other improvements - hard to tell. I think there will be mostly design improvements. Aside from the updated casing and the 15.4" screen, I think you'll likely see improved airport signals (people have reported problems with the current attennas). They will also probably go to a single hinge along the back ala the iBooks and other powerbooks and probably move the ports to the sides - something very useful IMO.

Whether it comes with Airport Extreme and/or Bluetooth built in, I'm just not sure. These come with the 17" and I am sure Apple will want to keep a few things standard for their top of the line. Same goes for the backlit keyboard - could possibly appear on the 15".

Edited to add: given that it's almost August and the new OS is about to be released, I wouldn't even be surprised to see new 15" ship with Panther.

[This message has been edited by StudentExplorer (edited 07-10-2003).]

Having started this thread I've been amiss in not getting back to it. I bought my 17' G4 powerbook (am using it right now)and the Airport base station and haven't had second thoughts at all about the switch. After 6 weeks of use I haven't come close to exploring or using all the features.

My only regret has been the the lack of mid range, easy to use, web creation software for the Mac. GoLive, the Mac product of choice, has been a pain to learn.

I bought Apple Care and the help of the techs has been fabulous. I feel like I'm back in the mid-nineties when tech support was really "tech support".

I also bought a cheap briefcase "Onyx Brand" from Mac Warehouse but abandoned it recently in favor of the expensive Brenthaven which meets my portability needs. If anyone wants the Onyx please contact me.

I thank you all for your help in making the great decision to make the switch from PC land to the Apple Powerbook.



[This message has been edited by Brattflyer (edited 07-10-2003).]

That's so cool to hear, Brattflyer!

One of the things that was brought up in a company-wide meeting one time is that one of the things that sets us apart is that we really love the stuff we make. That truly is the case, and it makes all the difference. --And it's something so essential that no other companies can really say.

If there's anything I can help out with, feel free to drop me a line. This applies to all flyertalkers who use Macs or who are thinking about making the switch.

take care,

-s