[dcarmich]

I'm going to be switching from a ThinkPad A22p (I currently have a 15" which
I run at 1600x1200) to either the 12" or the rumored 15.4" AluBook if
it comes out soon. My questions are:
* Have any of you had any eyestrain problems working on your 12" AluBooks
for extended periods of time?
* What applications do you use on your 12" AluBook? (I plan to use TC
Spark XL 2.7 (http://www.tcelectronic.com/default.asp?id=1263) for 2-track
audio editing, a multitrack recording program, Final Cut Pro 4, DVD Studio
Pro 2, Photoshop, and Reason, among others.)
* Can you edit productively on the 12" screen?
(Any tips?)
* Have any of you had reliability/quality problems with your alubook?
* Do you think I'd have any eyestrain problems switching from 15" @ 1600x1200
to 12" @ 1024x768?

What would you recommend? Switch to the 12" now or wait for the 15.4"?
(When is it rumored to come out?)

Just tired of the rumors stringing us along...

--douglas

[icruise]

I haven't had any particular problems regarding eyestrain. What are you worried about, the resolution (or DPI) or the quality of the screen itself?

You can certainly do editing with Final Cut pro etc on the 12" but it will be a bit cramped for serious work. Since you're coming from a 15" 1600x1200 screen I think the powerbook's screen will seem pretty low-res, although it might be more readable than such a high DPI screen. I use mine most of the time with monitor spanning connected to a 17" LCD running at 1280 x 1024 and it works quite well.

In terms of problems, the only real problem is the heat issue. It isn't a big problem for me, but some people seem to be more sensitive to it.

As for the 15" vs 12" debate, you really need to decide what your priorities are. The 12" is for people who want a smaller, lighter, cheaper powerbook and who are willing to sacrifice screen size (and a bit of speed) for it. The 15" (which of course doesn't yet exist) is more middle-of-the-road, and the 17" is for the person who wants a mobile desktop and don't plan on taking their computer with them everywhere.

[coconut]

On my 12-inch iBook, it's ok. I use FCP a lot (2-3 hours at a time), and even though it's not perfect, you get used to it.

[Nutt]

I think the combination of a 12" powerbook and a descent sized monitor at home / work is great for any graphics work. the 12" screen is fine for word processsing, browsing etc: bu if you really need more screen real estate its more flexable to simply plug in to anoter monitor.

the 15" will probably be a faster machine, and 15" is still very portable, but the 12" is cheaper and ultra portable. its really a matter of how you think you will use the machine.

I do find that im very productive with my new 12" PB, being able to close the lid and walk awayfrom a project, and then have it ocme to life instantly when you think of something to add is great!

[ujeni]

keep in mind that everyting your mentioned wanting to use your computer for was all done on 1024x768 before we got larger resolutions. True, many apps would like more space.....but unless you are running an SGI that requires a large res...you can do everything on your powerbook.

I went from the tibook to the 12" and have found that i am more productive because the computer is smaller. (smaller = easier to bring with me = more time to get work done).

Yes, it is less screen space. But if you are willing to rethink how you work a little, then there is still plenty of space. Like someone else on here said, that small size has a few disadvantages....but a lot more advantages!