[Naz]

Okay my first computer was this iMac DV SE 500mhz
got it at about the same time I started lurking here.

I'm still very much a newbie to Macs
But now I really want to go Portable I just realized that I know next to nothing about how Airport will connect to my cable modem
- how does wireless internet work when I travel... things like what service to sign up for and such.?
What to do and what not to do to avoid damaging the PB.

I'm sure apple will send a little users guide but I can't wait

I'm still a month or so away from getting my PB.

I feel really stupid about asking but I have been reading all I can here to try and learn all I need to know

Yet most threads here are advanced and feature things that are common knowledge to long time Powerbook users.

Is there a Powerbooks for Dummies book?

Can someone please list the simple everyday things that a newbie should know about getting the best use out of a Powerbook?

or Point me to an old thread that I missed

Thanks!

[melman101]

Ok I'll try to answer all your questions.

First, wireless internet and airport.

Right now, if you just have your iMac plugged into the cable modem, you will need some additional hardware to enable wireless "clients" to connect. You can get one of these from Apple (Apple Airport Base Station), or one for linksys. If your going to be getting a PowerBook G4, then I would recommend getting either the Airport Extreme Base Station, or any other wireless ap (that's what they call those thingies that send out the wireless signal), that has 802.11g. Wireless range typically runs from 100 - 300 feet (correct me if I'm wrong). Currently, there are no services that I know of that will allow you to connect anywhere. you need to be in the proximity of one of these wireless ap's. A good site to check if your near one of these wireless AP's is http://www.nodedb.org/. Check that out. Starbucks has a subscription service where you can use wireless in almost any of their stores.

Caring for the Powerbook:

Well I am not an expert on this in the least but I do suggest getting some iKlear pads and keeping the machine and screen nice and clean. In fact, I'm about to clean mine. Also, when you first get it, make sure you read in the manual about the battery to get maximum life.

I'm not sure about a powerbook for dummies book, just think of it as a little Mac that you can travel with. LoL. Well enjoy your purchase. hope this cleared up some questions

[rambo47]

Some ISPs offer a travel service in addition to your home access. Optimum Online, for example, offers a dial-up service for when you're on the road away from your home broadband service. Unfortunately, OOL's Traveler Service is pc-only Dikkheads. I keep badgering them about Mac support but so far nada.

There are free internet access companies, but they generally suck, and besides, they're disappearing fast. Other providers sometimes offer a "pay as you go" account where you pay for the minutes you use, no monthly fee.

Unfortunately, once you've drunk from the cup of broadband speed going back to dial-up leaves a bitter taste.

[Commodus]

Just as an addendum to what's here: if you're on Road Runner, their dial-up access works for both Macs (classic and X) as well as PCs. The only catch is that you have to already be connected to the Internet when you install the software, so that it downloads the latest phone numbers.

[neutrino23]

On the road you can connect to wireless services either for no charge or for a fee (depending on the supplier) but you generally are not restricted to a specific ISP. There are some exceptions.

Some ISPs (earthlink) include dial up access as part of the plan. This lets you get online when you are traveling.

I suggest keeping the keys away from the screen. The keycaps will transfer oil and grit that you deposit on the keys to the screen. The skin oil can be washed off but sometimes the screen becomes scratched. I just use a sheet of paper I lay on the keyboard when I close the lid.

The newer PBs seem to keep the screen away from the keyboard. Until you can confirm this play it safe.

You also might want to protect the keys themselves. I tend to rub off the letters from the keys with my fingers. On my next PB I will try using a keyboard skin to try to maintain the PB in pristine condition. One supplier is here:
iskin

Finally, as with other computers, you need backup. You only need to back up your data, not the OS and applications. If you don't have much data you can probably use a CD-R or CD-RW. Otherwise, an external FW drive is useful. If you check into it, an iPod is not much more than an external FW drive.