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y2kerr · May 28, 2003, 01:19 PM

So I'm gonna buy a 15" Powerbook by the end of the summer. Originally I was going to wait until the last minute (around early August, because I want to bring it to Japan in the September) to see if the 15" AlBook is on the market by then, but now I'm seeing a lot of hesitation in this forum over first-run Apple products.

The 15" TiBook is, of course, as good as it's going to get since it's the last revision. This also means that most of the kinks have been worked out of the hardware by this point. The new AlBook, on the other hand, will be first generation, and thus will likely have some problems in it that won't be worked out until later revisions.

Based on previous 1st gen Apple products, are these likely to be serious problems, or just minor little flaws? Since I'll be in a foreign country soon after getting my hands on it, and getting it fixed may be a problem (language barrrier, warranty or whatever), should I play it safe and just get a TiBook while they're still available?

What about upgraded components? I'd like to get the best video card possible, Airport Extreme and whatever. Are these worth the wait? As nice as Airport Extreme's speed would be on an internal network, I'll probably be using it in conjunction with cable/dsl connection or (shudder) dial-up, so it's superfast speed is pretty irrelevant to me. Plus based on what I've read, a faster CPU isn't likely, for quite a while too. As far as newer video card goes, it's just for playing games anyway, so it's a bit of a not-so-urgent luxury.

What about price? Do you guys think the AlBook will be more expensive or less expensive than the current TiBook? The TiBook (1Ghz model w/o a SuperDrive from the Apple online store) is about to break the bank as it is -- at least it is if I want to get an iPod (which I really, really do).

Thanks everyone!
Mike

wallinbl · May 28, 2003, 02:45 PM

The 15" AlBook could quite possibly be considered a 2nd revision. It has been several months since the original AlBooks came out - enough time for some lessons learned.

cenutrio · May 28, 2003, 02:55 PM

I have no doubts the new Albook is coming soon, just check inventories in Amazon, Comp-USA, etc. Your big problem sits in late Apple inability to fulfill large volume orders just after releasing new products.

1st generation ALbooks will be a very refined product.

MusicalTone · May 28, 2003, 05:03 PM

I love how everyone has taken it as gospel that there will actually be a 15" AlBook. I know it seems likely given that there is a 12" and a 17" but does anyone have any evidenca at all on which to base their assumptions?

mrmister · May 28, 2003, 05:53 PM

No one does, but people are horrified that Jobs may have axed the 15"...though the fact that they still sell 15" books seems, to some, confirmation that they will keep having midsize laptops.

y2kerr · May 28, 2003, 06:07 PM

Oh man, if they're gonna axe the 15" I hope they say something before they run out! The 12" is too small, the 17" too expensive. The 15" is just right. Call me Goldilocks

wallinbl · May 28, 2003, 06:46 PM

Originally posted by mrmister:
No one does, but people are horrified that Jobs may have axed the 15"...though the fact that they still sell 15" books seems, to some, confirmation that they will keep having midsize laptops.

There is no chance of dropping the 15". It would be suicide. It really is the right size for professional users. 12" is great, but probably too small for many people (I have one and I love it). 17" is too big. I really wanted to get one, but when it comes right down to it, I'd like to have the small size.

Paul Huang · May 28, 2003, 07:01 PM

The 1GHz/867 PowerBooks will be the last notebook on the market with covered ports (aside from the mini-stereo jack and power jack).

Those who are not exhibitionist should buy the current TiBook NOW.

justinf77 · May 28, 2003, 11:04 PM

My current ghz TiBook is amazing. I love it more and more every day.

My advice: wait til August. If word comes out about the 15 AlBooks then, make a decision. TiBooks will still be available through eBay and other various sellers, at a cheaper price. I doubt the 15" will have many problems, though. The other aluminum books have been out for a bit, and I bet the new 15 will have a lot of kinks worked out.