[HotSoup]

Thanks in advance.

1. How hot exactly does the PB get? An exact F degree would be nice, but whatever ya got. It's a laptop so it'll probably be on my LAP most of the time. I heard it's so hot it'll give you some serious burnage. Also, is there something you can buy to get it cooler?

2. How long does it take till the Lithium Ion battery loses its charge and eventually dies? I heard they eventually do die, which concerns me. This means i'll have to buy a $150 battery from time to time, which'll suck.

3. How durable is it? Ever drop it? Does it dent?

That's all I can think of for now I'm planning on getting the 12" around December. Rumors are flying that there will be updates this week, which is good. If not, i'm sure they will be updated by Dec. I predict a 1Ghz on the low-end, backlit keyboards all around and FW800.

[iMacfan]

Hi,

I've got the rev/A, so you never know, the heat problem could be better.

1. It's usually not too hot to touch on the palmrest - feels hot to start with, but cools down soon. Temperature Monitor has maxxed out at 70 degrees Celcius, when CPU was at 100% for a long time, when room temp was really hot.

2. It should be fine for at least a year, maybe two if you don't need too much charge.

3. Don't drop it - this isn't an original iBook!

David

[The Placid Casual]

Originally posted by HotSoup:
Thanks in advance.

1. How hot exactly does the PB get? An exact F degree would be nice, but whatever ya got. It's a laptop so it'll probably be on my LAP most of the time. I heard it's so hot it'll give you some serious burnage. Also, is there something you can buy to get it cooler?

I assume you are talking about the 12" PB. If so, it does run pretty hot... during intensive stuff it may be somewhat uncomfortable to keep it actually in your lap.

However, if they use a die shrunk G4 (0.13 finally!) in the upgraded model as they seem to be planning on, the heat problem should be no more... Or at worst vastly improved.

There are also 'cool pads' on which you can place your powerbook to keep it cool, and lots of gadgets to raise it form the desk to allow better air flow... Can't remember the exact names, but I'm sure someone will be able to point you to particular products.

Originally posted by HotSoup:
2. How long does it take till the Lithium Ion battery loses its charge and eventually dies? I heard they eventually do die, which concerns me. This means i'll have to buy a $150 battery from time to time, which'll suck.

Hmmm, they should last years. I know it is not the same, but I have a 'clam shell' iBook that is charged daily and has been for 3 years, and the battery is absolutely fine... You should be fine for at least 2 years maybe a lot more.

Originally posted by HotSoup:
3. How durable is it? Ever drop it? Does it dent?

They are pretty durable, but a Powerbook in whatever form is still fragile. If you drop it, it will dent. If you abuse it, it will scratch... that is just a fact of life. However if you get a decent Sleeve and case, and take care of it, it will still look perfect for ages!

Originally posted by HotSoup:
That's all I can think of for now I'm planning on getting the 12" around December. Rumors are flying that there will be updates this week, which is good. If not, i'm sure they will be updated by Dec. I predict a 1Ghz on the low-end, backlit keyboards all around and FW800.

I agree that updates should be out by December, but don't count on ANY features appearing... You will only be setting yourself up for a disappointment... The anticipation of a product is often better then the reality.

Good luck with it!

Peace,

Marc

[MacNStein]

Originally posted by HotSoup:
Thanks in advance.

1. How hot exactly does the PB get? An exact F degree would be nice, but whatever ya got. It's a laptop so it'll probably be on my LAP most of the time. I heard it's so hot it'll give you some serious burnage. Also, is there something you can buy to get it cooler?

Mine stays around 35-40C, which isn't very hot. The only times it gets warmer are when I'm charging the battery while doing intensive things (rendering, gaming, etc.), then it can climb up to 50-60C internally. Though, it still isn't uncomfortably warm to the touch, even on the left side.

2. How long does it take till the Lithium Ion battery loses its charge and eventually dies? I heard they eventually do die, which concerns me. This means i'll have to buy a $150 battery from time to time, which'll suck.

You'll get at least 2 years out of the battery, maybe more (unless it's defective). Battery technology has improved greatly.

3. How durable is it? Ever drop it? Does it dent?

It seems to be quite durable, but I've never dropped mine and treat it with care. However, I've seen some that have been fairly well abused by their owners and they seem to take punishment pretty well. Though, I don't recommend bouncing it on the sidewalk.

That's all I can think of for now I'm planning on getting the 12" around December. Rumors are flying that there will be updates this week, which is good. If not, i'm sure they will be updated by Dec. I predict a 1Ghz on the low-end, backlit keyboards all around and FW800.

It'll probably get a 1GHz G4 and FW800, but I'd be very surprised if it's upgradded with a backlit KB. I'm fairly sure that'll be the exclusive to the 15s and 17s.

[HotSoup]

Thanks for all the feedback guys! I know the backlit keyboard for the 12" is wishful thinking, but it would be very useful.

I have a question for 'The Placid Casual', do you recommend any protection devices for the PB? I've dropped my iPod like twice (i'm clumsy) and I don't feel that confident about not dropping my PB. Better safe then sorry also...

[The Placid Casual]

Originally posted by HotSoup:
Thanks for all the feedback guys! I know the backlit keyboard for the 12" is wishful thinking, but it would be very useful.

I have a question for 'The Placid Casual', do you recommend any protection devices for the PB? I've dropped my iPod like twice (i'm clumsy) and I don't feel that confident about not dropping my PB. Better safe then sorry also...

I would recommend the following 100% (I use them all!):

www.Radtech.us Wildeepz screen cushions, and also their Screen protector...

Also a decent sleeve. Something like a 'SF bags' sleeve or a Booq Powersleeve (I have one and they are excellent !)

Also I would then keep the sleeve in another bag like a rucksack or messenger bag whenever you can.

Companies like Timbuk2.com and SF bags offer some great deals on Sleeve and Bag combinations...

If you drop a Powerbook in a decent padded sleeve (with a closing flap), the damage will be non-existent or very, very minimal... They are well worth the money!

Hope this helps,

Marc

[Spheric Harlot]

Originally posted by HotSoup:
I have a question for 'The Placid Casual', do you recommend any protection devices for the PB? I've dropped my iPod like twice (i'm clumsy) and I don't feel that confident about not dropping my PB. Better safe then sorry also...

I keep my 12" in a timbuk2 sleeve.
http://www.timbuk2.com/products/transitbags.html

It's survived a bike crash with me actually landing on my backpack. Just make sure that the clip across the top is tight enough to keep the 'book from sliding up, and the thing will be protected against just about everything.

Also, if you're a klutz, consider getting insurance. Seriously. I am - just can't afford to right now.

-s*