[LfGrdMike]

The ethernet card on the 15 and 17 inch powerbooks is better than the one in the 12 does anyone notice it though?

[AssassyN]

The only difference is that the 12" PB doesn't support "Gigabit" transfer speeds like the 15" and 17" PBs do. In other words, it lacks the "1000" in the 10/100/1000-T label. However, to utilize Gigabit Ethernet, all machines connected must be Gigabit active, and the hubs/routers in use must also be Gigabit active, thus it's rarely used. Escp. in mobile situations when the PB will just be plugged into some hotel or school ethernet jack, it'll never present itself as useful. It's a very minor thing to say the least.

[MacNStein]

Yeah, it's no big deal. It would very rarely come into play.

[iXavier]

Is there anywhere where a gigabit network is in place and used? I would think maybe some universities or science labs, but what would one need all that transfer speed for?

x.

[LfGrdMike]

After going back and forth with this I think this is final.
PowerBook 867MHz (12.1" TFT) $1,779.00
60GB Ultra ATA drive
SuperDrive (DVD-R/CD-RW)
Keyboard/Mac OS for SuperDrive - U.S. English
640MB DDR266 (128MB built-in & 512MB SO-DIMM)
867MHz PowerPC G4

APP for PowerBook (w/ or w/o display) - Enrollment Kit $239.00

HP Photosmart 7350 Inkjet Photo Printer $149.00

iPod Customized 15GB $388.00
Michael Ruschak's
iPod

Fantom Drives' Titanium Firewire Hard Drive $194.95
Capacity: 120GB
Drive RPM: 7200

Total $2,749.95
Rebate $300
Final Total $2,449.95 $2,249.95

I have made a detailed excell spreadsheet on this situation and this seems to be a steal to get a 12 now. I dont know if it will be updated or not though I am starting to think it really doesnt matter. I might wait until this tuesday is over with first I dont know what to do about that hehe. Otherwise this is pretty much set in stone.

[vmarks]

Originally posted by LfGrdMike:
After going back and forth with this I think this is final.
PowerBook 867MHz (12.1" TFT) $1,779.00
60GB Ultra ATA drive
SuperDrive (DVD-R/CD-RW)
Keyboard/Mac OS for SuperDrive - U.S. English
640MB DDR266 (128MB built-in & 512MB SO-DIMM)
867MHz PowerPC G4

I have that machine in front of me, same configuration. You aren't making a bad decision.

[AssassyN]

Unless you absolutely NEED the computer NOW, I'd seriously hold off. You'll be buying a nearly outdated machine; the 12" PB's have been out since JAN. of this year (7 months ago...) and thus new updated ones are due out anytime. You'll be kicking yourself if you throw down the cash now, only to see a updated 12" PB surface weeks later.

And also, *DO NOT* buy extra RAM from Apple, it's INSANE! Get the same quality stuff from www.coastmemory.com at a fraction of the cost. Apple inflates their RAM prices to an insane degree.

Too, you may want to consider buying that external drive elsewhere to save on sales tax. Apple charges sales tax on everything purchased through apple.com, not just Apple hardware.

And is that Education pricing? You may be able to strike an even better deal directly through your University; many times your University Computer Store has even better offers than those on the web. Definitely check w/ them first, and WAIT about 4-5 weeks if possible for a new updated machine.

[LfGrdMike]

Ya I know both those things already the problem is Apple forces you to buy a chip so why not max it with there plan. It might add up in the long run.

I am going to wait but at the end of the month I will have to give in. You c I want to try to get panther for 20 bucks.

I would definitely welcome a rev B and hopefully it will come out soon. I just wish I knew whats going on over in Cupertino land.

From what it sounds moto is responsible for the delay. So my guess is an upgrade in 2 weeks. Maybe this tuesday. who knows

[AssassyN]

Regardless, I can't understand why you'd waste your money on buying extra RAM from Apple; you can get the same stuff from other internet resellers and use the saved money towards other accessories. There's no logical reason to pay nearly triple the price for memory.

How will you get Panther for $20 by purchasing now? I don't see any connection to buying now & Panther...

I'd say wait as long as humanly possible as updates are bound to be near; don't buy until you *need*.

[LfGrdMike]

Ok I just confirmed what you said. What pisses me off is that Apple makes you buy a chip for the external slot though.

so what should I do get the lowesnt then swap chips later. www.crucial.com

[AssassyN]

Yep, Apple *forces* you to buy at least 128MB for the external slot, but you're better off to do that & sell that 128MB chip on eBay & then get the 512MB chip from www.coastmemory.com.

I'm using their regular PC2100 512MB DIMM in my 12" PowerBook and it's been nothing but perfect. Forget the branded & "HyperSpeed" stuff, it all boils down to it's a waste of cash in my opinion. You can buy Crucial, Kingston, etc. if you'd like & can get a good deal on them (check www.dealram.com for best prices) or use CoastMemory as I did (Click Here ) Good luck!

[LfGrdMike]

Hopefully Revision B will have more built in memory. I saw the 1gig chip that could go in a 12. Why in the hell is it 700bucks that is a total rip. The 512 is listed at 100. WTF is that all about lol. Oh well. Ya that site you gave me looks good. My only question left I think is this??? Is the ram on that site apple certified?

[LfGrdMike]

I need a backpack type case for my powerbook any suggestions. I want something really sturdy and built well. I want it to be well padded too. In addition I would like to know if the case ventilates well if I left the book in sleep mode while in the case.

[AssassyN]

The deal is that 1GIG RAM DIMMs are very new for notebook computers, thus the high price. When 512MB DIMMs were released, they were crazy expensive as well. The prices will fall as time goes on, but for now, it's insane to pay that much for 1GIG DIMMs for the minute increases in performance.

Also, CoastMemory sells RAM that is guarenteed to work in your Mac; as I said, my 12" PB uses a 512MB DIMM ordered from that exact site and it's works perfect from day one.

As for a bookbag like case, I'd highly recommend www.booqbags.com; also, ventilation shouldn't be a worry as PowerBooks run EXTREMELY cool when in sleep mode; there's no need for extra ventilation or cooling. I carry mine in sleep mode all the time in a typical Eastpak school bookbag without any issues.

[LfGrdMike]

Ya those sleeves look pretty cool that are designed specifically for the 12. sounds good. Ill keep waiting for a 12 PB Revision B, and when I get it Ill order the RAM from teh site you gave me. I finally know that the 12 inch powerbook is the one I want. A powerfull laptop in a small package is just the ticket. Thanks for all the help AssassyN.

Ill make sure to shout out the excitement when my book and iPod arrive. Hopefully they will release a rev B soon.

[AssassyN]

Sounds awesome...you'll love it man, I know I do!

If you need anything else answered, just post!

[LfGrdMike]

Actually lol im not done yet lol

Ok I have heard a lot about how you need to drain the batter right during the first use. Now is this true is my first questoin? Second what things can I do to save batter life? Third is it worth scraping up the money to get a second battery? Also if the powerbook is in sleep mode does the batter still charge, or does it need to be totally shut down.

Furthermore if I am using the battery with the machine turned on is it safe to plug the AC adapter in, or does the machine need to be shut down? This is my first laptop, and have been using apple desktops for years. This is why I ask the power questions. Dont know much about it.

The keyboard on the 12 also is not removeable which is a good thing. Question is where is the RAM slot located now on the back?

[LfGrdMike]

Now im thinking its going to get difficult because if a rev B is released it could take quite awhile to reach my doorstep???

[AssassyN]

Hehe, more questions are always welcome!

First off, you do need to do a special process when you first get your PowerBook, it's called "calibration". Apple provides a step-by-step guide of how to do it HERE .

To save battery life, be sure you to go "System Preferences", "Energy Settings" and specify that when running on battery power that the processor is set to "Reduced Performance" to save battery life. Also, try running the LCD on the lowest brightness setting your eyes can handle as the brighter it is, the more battery juice it drains. Too, when using battery power, turn OFF Bluetooth and AirPort Extreme when not in use.

If you'll be using this machine away from a power source a lot, then YES, get a second battery. I purchased one and it has saved the day many time...it's well worth it to have a backup handy.

The PowerBook still charges in sleep mode. It DOES NOT need to be Shut Down to charge...the PowerBook will charge ANYTIME it's plugged in, whether you're using it, not using it, in Sleep Mode, or Shut Down, it ALWAYS charges the moment you plug it in.

The RAM slot on the 12" PB is located on the bottomside; 4 tiny screws hold a lid on. Take those screws out, remove the lid, and you have instant access to the external RAM slot. It's VERY simple to remove; I installed my 512MB DIMM in less than 5 minutes.

[AssassyN]

And also, typically Rev. B machines are NOT backordered and do NOT take extra time to reach your door once they're released. NEW Rev. A machines are the ones that take weeks and months to get to you, such as the 17" PB was when it was initially unviled, and how the G5 PowerMac is doing now. When the 900Mhz iBook was revealed a few months back, it was noted as "Same Day Shipping" the SAME DAY it was released. Updated machines are typically ready to ship the moment they are released, however, BRAND NEW machines (like the G5) usually take a while to ship, so you'll be fine w/ the updated 12" PB.

[LfGrdMike]

Ok the battery question is almost cleared up except for one last thing.

Say I was low on batter I found a power source plugged it in removed the batter and put in my spare batter and unplugged. Is it safe to do this while my powerbook is powered on or should it be shut down?

[AssassyN]

You can do exactly what you stated WHILE it's running and it'll have no problems. Just make sure it's plugged in before removing the nearly dead battery.

[LfGrdMike]

I probably will need a second monitor I heard that you can use LCDs with the 12. Are there VGA LCDs and DVI LCDs. Furthermore would it be a more intelligent idea to get a CRT instead. I thinkI brought this up before but need more details.

Also if I get a second monitor can I span them to get additional pixels/space. I don't want to plug in the new monitor to find out that it is seeing the same thing my 12 inch screen is, know what I mean. I want additional pixels. I am not sure of the limitations of not having DVI are. Totally new to me.

[AssassyN]

Having DVI means the images are typically a bit clearer than VGA displays, however unless your a photo pro. or something of that nature, you'll never be bothered by not having DVI. I use a VGA monitor on my PC and even with 3D games there's not really much difference.

The 12" PB doesn't have a DVI out, only VGA-out. Thus, if you get an external LCD Display, MAKE SURE it supports VGA as many do not. The 12" PB supports screen-spanning as well, so you can expand your desktop screen onto the external display. It will also "mirror" if you'd like, however it seems you want it for the spanning, which it will do.

Both an LCD & a CRT monitor will do the trick for additional screen space; the major benefits of an LCD are it's smaller size and weight, however the choice is definitely yours.

[LfGrdMike]

Will a second monitor slow down the machine?


How much juice does it take off the video card? The GeForce Go 420 32VRAM I believe.

[AssassyN]

Having a second monitor attached & running screen-spanning mode may *barely* slow the machine down if tons of windows are open at one time, etc. However during most normal tasks, you'll never notice a difference.

Also, could you clarify your second question? You won't be able to play most 3D games or watch DVD's on both displays at once anyway, so you'll never really feel any slowdown effects from that.

[LfGrdMike]

I should of been more specific on my second question.

What I wanted to know is if it takes any extra VRAM off the accelerator? This kind of ties in with the slow down question. Also I might of asked this before but I just want to get it clarified. You can adjust the monitor settings so the external is the primary display. This would be good for gaming.

[AssassyN]

Right, you can adjust it so the external is the monitor for gaming. When doing this, it sends ALL the VRAM to the external display, thus NO slow down occurs.

[LfGrdMike]

What about when im not playing games how does it distrbute VRAM while spanning. Is it 16 for each monitor, or is it just distributed as needed?

Last question I believe I dont know if I could think of anything else,,, hehe

How is the sound. and is it true its got a hidden speaker near the monitor?

ok one last one.

The keyboard doesnt leave marks on the display like what happens on the TIbooks does it?

Maybe one more?

Do you think the superdrive is worth it? Whats your opinion on its value?

[AssassyN]

When not playing games, there's hardly any extreme usage of the VRAM anyway; regardless, when you're not playing a game, you'll never hafta worry about dual monitors eating up too much of your VRAM, you'll always have enough.

The sound from the 12" PB is very impressive for a notebook. It *does* have a hidden mid-range speaker beneath the keyboard (it's the only PowerBook w/ this) and helps a lot w/ explosions and such watching DVD's on the go.

The keyboard doesn't leave marks like the TiBook; Apple adjusted the keyboard so it wouldn't.

The SuperDrive, in my opinion, is only worth it if you're SERIOUSLY going to be using your laptop computer to burn DVD's. Hardly ANYBODY actually will...anyone that burns a DVD will most likely use their desktop except for a few select professions. I saved the $200 and got the ComboDrive which is plenty for my needs. Unless you'll definitely use it, you're better off saving that cash & putting it towards something else.

[rhansen_x]

To answer one of the original posts of this forum, I am using gigabit ethernet in my 17". I work for a prepress company and do quite a bit of file shuffling. Yeah, it's fast, but somewhat buggy. I am going into a copper gbic on a Cisco 4006 switch. I really wish there was a friendlier way of controlling speed/duplex on the PowerBook.

[LfGrdMike]

Maybe ill save the 200 dollars then and go for the Combo drive, (burn cds, read DVDs and CDs). The only thing that might make the superdrive worht it is increase value if I sell this in like 4 years for another PB as an example.

[AssassyN]

Your resell evaluation would NORMALLY hold true, however, 12" PowerBooks have a weakness unlike most other Macs, they're resell value doesn't hold as well for some unknown reason. Prices for them on eBay are already strikingly low, so in this particular case, I'd say save the $200 unless you NEED to burn DVDs.

[LfGrdMike]

Ok this is important I know you told me to wait for a rev b right. Although what about the Apple promotions they could end them at any time. That iPod promotion is too good to pass off. What do you think?

[AssassyN]

Ah, well if you're getting an iPod as well as an EDU Discount, then I'd say the current 12" PB's *are* too good to pass up. I mean, you get an instant $200 savings ON TOP of Apple's already lowered 12" PB prices PLUS the EDU Discount...pretty tough to beat. Just be sure you get the ComboDrive (unless you NEED DVD burning) and the minimal amount of RAM from Apple so you can buy a 512MB stick elsewhere, and the upgrade to the 60GB HD for only $50 is a steal, so I'd do that if I were you.

The ONLY caveat is, that when NEW 12" PB's are released, the current 12" PBs will do nothing but drop LOWER in price, so in all honesty, you'd still get yourself a deal even if you don't buy a Rev. B. The iPod deal is great, and if you NEED it now, go for it...if not, wait on a Rev. B.

[LfGrdMike]

Ok I dont need it quite yet. I just thought about it and by saving the money on the superdrive that pays for the rest of the iPod anyway so I should still get a deal out of it. So I think I got it figured out now. Apples prices are pretty good I must say.