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Mastrap · Apr 8, 2003, 12:11 PM

I've also posted this in the Lounge so please forgive me if you've read this already.

I've just put every single bit of computer related hardware I own onto ebay. iMac, iBook, scanners, printer, OS9 software, the lot. Some other unrelated kit.

My question now is: What to buy? It's got to be a PB, that much is decided. This is my main computer. I use it for work and play, office, a little bit of editing (FCP) PhotoShop and web design.

12"? Love the size. Love the look. But no chance to power an external monitor. A poor graphics card. And, no glow in the dark keyboard. Damnit.

15"? A good compromise. Decent sized screen. Good graphics. But still, no build in bluetooth. And no scratch proof aluminium body.

17"? Great screen. Lovely. All the toys. But maybe just a tad too large?

What would you do? I can't decide.

skidaniel · Apr 8, 2003, 01:02 PM

Go for the 15.

You described issues with the 12 and 17.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with the 15, and its just as fast as the 17. In fact, it has a faster video card. I've used the 12 in the stores, and while I love the Aluminum body, it is kinda slow.

Good luck with your decision and purchase.

AssassyN · Apr 8, 2003, 01:14 PM

Originally posted by skidaniel:
Go for the 15.

You described issues with the 12 and 17.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with the 15, and its just as fast as the 17. In fact, it has a faster video card. I've used the 12 in the stores, and while I love the Aluminum body, it is kinda slow.

Good luck with your decision and purchase.

This isn't exactly true. The 17" PB *is* faster than the 15" TiBook b/c the TiBook has a slower system bus and slower RAM as well.

Personally, I'd advise you to get the 17" PB if you can afford it b/c it has all the new features (included the mentioned speed increases) available only on the 17" AlBook and the machine isn't too large to be totally portable, and the weight is really nothing to worry over; it's perfectly distributed and it truely feels light in comparison to the vast screen space it delivers.

Good luck in your decision!

Also, be sure to read my extensive review of the 17" PowerBook that'll provide a great deal of insight into the machine. View it here: Click HERE

craigthomas · Apr 8, 2003, 01:48 PM

I have to agree with skidaniel and recommend the 15" TiBook. 12" has limitations in power, and the 17's are too big if you are planning on using an external monitor (which it sounds like you are). I have owned 3 TiBooks and none of them have scratches that are noticalbe. Bluetooth is cool, but i use my little D-link when I need it, which isn't THAT much to make or break a 15" buy. I even bought an extra one that I keep in my Cinema Display USB port. If you need a desktop replacement with no external monitor, the 17 is a good choice. If you need good portablility and plan on using an external monitor the 15's are the best choice. You wont see any noticable speed increase with the faster bus or ram on the 17's over the 15's. I absolutely love my TiBook with my 22in Cinema display. And my 1st generation 500MHz model looks just as good as my 1Ghz version today. Now if the 17's were 1.5GHz with better graphics, I'd probably consider otherwize. Till then, I feel like I have the best Apple portable for my uses.

Originally posted by AssassyN:
This isn't exactly true. The 17" PB *is* faster than the 15" TiBook b/c the TiBook has a slower system bus and slower RAM as well.

Personally, I'd advise you to get the 17" PB if you can afford it b/c it has all the new features (included the mentioned speed increases) available only on the 17" AlBook and the machine isn't too large to be totally portable, and the weight is really nothing to worry over; it's perfectly distributed and it truely feels light in comparison to the vast screen space it delivers.

Good luck in your decision!

Also, be sure to read my extensive review of the 17" PowerBook that'll provide a great deal of insight into the machine. View it here: Click HERE

mcs37 · Apr 8, 2003, 01:58 PM

Originally posted by Mastrap:
What would you do? I can't decide.

I would say the 17" is the best option right now. If you want to do web design, it really helps to be able to see as much as possible and immediately refresh without constantly alt-tabbing. At my summer job all web developers had 2 monitors and it _really_ helped out a lot and made us more productive. So with the 17" not only can you fit an editor and the page into 1 screen, you also have the option of instantly having a second monitor. Very cool indeed. Bluetooth, airport extreme and the keyboard really seal the deal.

The 15" Ti and the 17" Alu _do_ have very close performance ratings on CNET and other sources, but the 17" is just barely more powerful. Still, with the 17" you've got a powerful machine and a BEAUTIFUL LCD. Some people say it's too big but that's just because they haven't used it for a while and noticed how nice it is. Also we are _used_ to 14" monitors on laptops so anything deviating from the standard seems risky. But I'm all for it.

However I would like a dual 970 PB with a built-in HDTV tuner, a 1 GB everlasting high read/write flash card (for quick reboots, disk/virtual RAM cache), and 17" powered by a secondary lithium ion with an alcohol fuel-cell like the one Motorola developed.

Some day!

craigthomas · Apr 8, 2003, 06:00 PM

Don't forget more than a Gig of RAM, how about two?

Originally posted by mcs37:
I would say the 17" is the best option right now. If you want to do web design, it really helps to be able to see as much as possible and immediately refresh without constantly alt-tabbing. At my summer job all web developers had 2 monitors and it _really_ helped out a lot and made us more productive. So with the 17" not only can you fit an editor and the page into 1 screen, you also have the option of instantly having a second monitor. Very cool indeed. Bluetooth, airport extreme and the keyboard really seal the deal.

The 15" Ti and the 17" Alu _do_ have very close performance ratings on CNET and other sources, but the 17" is just barely more powerful. Still, with the 17" you've got a powerful machine and a BEAUTIFUL LCD. Some people say it's too big but that's just because they haven't used it for a while and noticed how nice it is. Also we are _used_ to 14" monitors on laptops so anything deviating from the standard seems risky. But I'm all for it.

However I would like a dual 970 PB with a built-in HDTV tuner, a 1 GB everlasting high read/write flash card (for quick reboots, disk/virtual RAM cache), and 17" powered by a secondary lithium ion with an alcohol fuel-cell like the one Motorola developed. Some day!

melman101 · Apr 8, 2003, 06:09 PM

Heheh, well speaking as a 12" user, I would never trade my machine up. It's the perfect size. I have maxed out the RAM, and what not, so its really fast. Way faster than my ibook. The light up keyboard, is a novelty to me. I know how to type without looking at the keyboard. The size of the 17" makes me wonder if it's really a laptop, lol. My friend has one, and he brings it to school, its absolutely huge. i wouldnt want one, cause i'd be afraid i'd break that thing. My 12" inch is nice, and small, and i dont worry as much. Plus it was $1300 bucks cheaper! =) my video card plays Unreal Tournament pretty well, and the external monitor situation, well i mean, why wouldnt you be able to plug the monitor into some electrical outlet if thats what you mean by power? I doubt youll be traveling with a monitor in your lap. It works fine on my 32" wega, and 17" sony trinton montior. Way better than i expected with the dual-monitor support as well as mirror support. Hope that gave you some insight

Mastrap · Apr 9, 2003, 12:29 AM

Originally posted by melman101:
Heheh, well speaking as a 12" user, I would never trade my machine up. It's the perfect size. I have maxed out the RAM, and what not, so its really fast. Way faster than my ibook. The light up keyboard, is a novelty to me. I know how to type without looking at the keyboard. The size of the 17" makes me wonder if it's really a laptop, lol. My friend has one, and he brings it to school, its absolutely huge. i wouldnt want one, cause i'd be afraid i'd break that thing. My 12" inch is nice, and small, and i dont worry as much. Plus it was $1300 bucks cheaper! =) my video card plays Unreal Tournament pretty well, and the external monitor situation, well i mean, why wouldnt you be able to plug the monitor into some electrical outlet if thats what you mean by power? I doubt youll be traveling with a monitor in your lap. It works fine on my 32" wega, and 17" sony trinton montior. Way better than i expected with the dual-monitor support as well as mirror support. Hope that gave you some insight

It did. Thank you all very much. I was under the impression that the 12" didn't have the ability to power a second monitor, just to mirror it.

I am still torn, mainly between the 12" and the 17". I don't travel all that much with my PB but I do carry work from home to the office to clients. Maybe watch a DVD on the plane ever now and then. Difficult decisions.

mrmister · Apr 9, 2003, 12:48 AM

Maybe you should get the 15" because it is in the middle, and because it will probably be cheaper.

craigthomas · Apr 9, 2003, 12:55 AM

The 12" wont work on any current Apple monitors, or any DVI monitors. They can however work with VGA monitors.

Originally posted by Mastrap:
It did. Thank you all very much. I was under the impression that the 12" didn't have the ability to power a second monitor, just to mirror it.

I am still torn, mainly between the 12" and the 17". I don't travel all that much with my PB but I do carry work from home to the office to clients. Maybe watch a DVD on the plane ever now and then. Difficult decisions.

G-mac · Apr 9, 2003, 01:10 AM

I'm currently using a PB550, but would gladly trade up for the newest 15" models: sharper/brighter screens, DVI, faster, etc. Unfortunately, I still think this model needs the most babying and care when in use.

I just played with a 17" at a local store this afternoon. Great looks, solid build, quite a beauty! Strangely enough, it actually doesn't look too big in person. So many new and cool features! You wouldn't need an external monitor either. It would be hard to carry around in a subway, bus, or on a bike. If you don't need to move around too much, this is a great PB.

My brother uses a maxed-out 12" PB and loves it. He's always needed something portable he can easily whip out. He likes its durability, professional look, and speed. He uses it with his Bluetooth Sony cellphone and some other BT gadgets (pointers, PDA). He's planning to purchase a 20" Cinema Display, but unfortunately it requires a DVI adapter. He may try to find some adapters, but it's more likely that he'll just use some other brand monitor.

I personally think I would purchase a maxed-out 12" PB with external monitor. Good luck with your decision!