Apple Unveils New PowerBooks

[Kent Pribbernow]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.apple.com/powerbook/' target='_blank'>http://www.apple.com/powerbook/</a><br /><br /></div><i>"Apple today unveiled the fastest, most affordable PowerBook(R) line ever, featuring PowerPC G4 processors running up to 1.67 GHz, faster hard drives and a faster 8X SuperDrive -- all housed in the PowerBook's signature aluminum enclosure. All new PowerBooks come standard with 512MB memory, faster graphics, integrated AirPort(R) 802.11g, Bluetooth 2.0 wireless networking and two new Apple patent-pending technologies -- the scrolling TrackPad and the Sudden Motion Sensor."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.digitalmediathoughts.com/images/new_powerbooks.jpg" /><br /><br />Sweet! New PowerBooks! But don't reach for your gold card just yet..these are not the long anticipated G5 PowerBooks we've all been waiting for, and I don't expect those to arrive until next year. Sorry folks. Nevertheless, these new babies offer a lot to like in a sleek aluminum package; like speed bumped G4 processors, configurable HD up to 100GB (5400RPM), 8x SuperDrives, and a new scrolling trackpad and motion sensor. I like. <br /><br />Unfortunately the 15" model is still priced at around two grand, with the A 12" models being the more affordable solutions. For my needs a 12" screen just isn't going to cut it. I'll wait for prices to fall before I pull out my Mastercard. :(

[Chris Gohlke]

" two new Apple patent-pending technologies -- the scrolling TrackPad and the Sudden Motion Sensor."


Takes the Fall

Now every PowerBook G4 is equipped with Apple's Sudden Motion Sensor to help protect your most valuable asset: your data. The Sudden Motion Sensor senses change in axis position and accelerated movement. In the event of a drop or fall, the Sudden Motion Sensor instantly parks the hard drive heads so they won’t scratch the disks on impact, lessening the risk of damage and improving your chances of retrieving valuable data. When the Sudden Motion Sensor senses your PowerBook is once again level, it unlocks the hard drive heads automatically.

Curious how the Sudden Motion Sensor compares to the Active Protection System IBM has been using for a few years now.

http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/media/users/4976/ACTPROT1.JPG
http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/media/users/4976/ACTPROT2.JPG

They seem to do the same thing. That patent might be pending for a while if IBM already has it.

[sub_tex]

I've always thought that I'd like a Powerbook (the 12") as a nice small-ish OS X toy for me to play with. But then I realized that the laptops are locked with that single mouse button.

:evil:

At least on the dektop you can use any usb mouse and get easy right click action.

Will apple EVER add this in standard? I don't know if I could handle having to use both hands just to get properties of a file.

that aside, the new powerbooks look nice!

[bdegroodt]

I have no intention of parting with my 15" PB but would be soooo tempted if Apple would include in the 12" PB the same features you can get in the 15/17". I'm uncertain I understand why Apple insists on thinking "entry model" means smaller size. I'd gladly pay the same cost as the 15" for a 12" PB that had the same features as the 15". I love my PB (it's single handedly the best piece of electronic anything I've ever owned), but an even smaller one with the same features would make me even happier.

[marlof]

The new 15" currently is the best candidate to replace my aging Pentium 4 1.7 GHz Sony Vaio. And my iBook G3 800 MHz... although that will remain in the family as the "take anywhere" digital photo album / e-mail / second webbrowse / picture offload / thingy. The 12" to me is lacking the PCMCIA port, the backlit keyboard, some speed stuff, but most of all: a widescreen. :)

[Gary Sheynkman]

if only they ran windows....