Welcome to the MacNN Forums.

jamesa · Sep 16, 2003, 08:34 AM

Dammit.

That's the only thing that's putting me off now. I want the small computer, but with a bigger graphics card.

Grr.

-- james

AssassyN · Sep 16, 2003, 08:52 AM

If they put all the features of the high-end laptop in the low-end laptop, the 17" & 15" sales would go to crap...they have to purposely cripple the low-end machine to keep the prices down and keep an equal market.

Commodus · Sep 16, 2003, 08:53 AM

Probably battery and cost concerns. I'm sure it chews up a bit extra power, and it's basically THE top-end mobile graphics chip.

On the plus side, you only have to get the base-model 15" to get the best graphics chip in the lineup.

jamesa · Sep 16, 2003, 09:02 AM

Assassyn: you're a born again cynic.

Commodus: The 9600 has some very advanced power saving features, including the ability to adjust the clock speed of the graphics card on the fly according to heat and/or power requirements. They could have made it work!

I think taking a cynical outlook on the world provides the most accurate answer. That, or they're trying to placate nVidia to keep drivers coming from both organisations.

Still, it

s me!

-- james

schk · Sep 16, 2003, 09:08 AM

I'm a fan of ATI cards versus Nvidia, but I don't see this spec as a breaking point for not getting a 12" powerbook. As far as having a "bigger graphics card", traditionally all the laptop lines had better graphics card as you go up in the models. So while it would be nice to have all 9600s, from past models, it's unlikely. And typically the lowest priced model always has 32mb; with the 9600 being a top of the line model, I doubt they even make 32mb configurations.

AssassyN · Sep 16, 2003, 09:13 AM

No, seriously, it's the truth. Apple's being daring to begin with including a DVI-out in the LOW-END laptop...why?

Because many people will say, "Ah, I'll buy this cheapest laptop because it'll get the job done on the road, AND, when I get home, I don't have to use this tiny 12" screen, I can plug it into my 23" HD Display! Now knowing this, why on earth would I spend more on a 15" or 17" laptop?" If it had the Radeon 9600, it'd be a full blown competitor to the other 2 (much more expensive) laptop options, and thus it'd kill the market for the mig & high-end units.

jamesa · Sep 16, 2003, 09:15 AM

Originally posted by AssassyN:
No, seriously, it's the truth. Apple's being daring to begin with including a DVI-out in the LOW-END laptop...why?

Because many people will say, "Ah, I'll buy this cheapest laptop because it'll get the job done on the road, AND, when I get home, I don't have to use this tiny 12" screen, I can plug it into my 23" HD Display! Now knowing this, why on earth would I spend more on a 15" or 17" laptop?" If it had the Radeon 9600, it'd be a full blown competitor to the other 2 (much more expensive) laptop options, and thus it'd kill the market for the mig & high-end units.

so... they should just charge more for it! Hell, I'd pay more for it, and it would justify the existence of the iBook line a hell of a lot better than is currently the case!

-- james

AssassyN · Sep 16, 2003, 09:18 AM

Originally posted by jamesa:
so... they should just charge more for it! Hell, I'd pay more for it, and it would justify the existence of the iBook line a hell of a lot better than is currently the case!

-- james

Haha, "in a perfect world..."

Seriously though, your justifications about the iBooks stands true...the prices on those need to plumet for them to be any sort of value.

Simon · Sep 16, 2003, 09:27 AM

AssassyN, you may be right that that's the way Apple sees it, but I think it's a pretty crappy standpoint.

Why does Apple need to educate us? If we all go for the 12" that would mean it's a perfect Book and therefore they could charge more for it. That's called capitalism.

Fact is, people would still buy 15" and 17" models because there are people who want bigger screens on the road and not just at home or at the office. And even if they wouldn't, then just don't sell them. But, for the sake of flying hell, don't try to educate me. I can decide for myself.

If this is really Apple's view on the issue Phil Shiller deserves to be shot. Charge as much as you want, I'll pay. But why cripple it? Idiots.

Esquare · Sep 16, 2003, 09:41 AM

Originally posted by Simon:
If this is really Apple's view on the issue Phil Shiller deserves to be shot. Charge as much as you want, I'll pay. But why cripple it? Idiots.

If you like to shoot someone based on a range of crappy rumors, I for one wouldn't like to live within a 1000 mile range of you.

You're a moron. Abuse reported.

Simon · Sep 16, 2003, 09:59 AM

Originally posted by Esquare:
If you like to shoot someone based on a range of crappy rumors, I for one wouldn't like to live within a 1000 mile range of you.

You're a moron. Abuse reported.

I'm honored, but you should learn to read. I quote: "If this is really Apple's view...".

No rumors here. It's a conditional statement.

I will report the abuse as well btw. I forgot to say where he should be shot.

jamesa · Sep 16, 2003, 10:05 AM

Originally posted by Esquare:
If you like to shoot someone based on a range of crappy rumors, I for one wouldn't like to live within a 1000 mile range of you.

You're a moron. Abuse reported.

esquare, chill dude

I don't think he said he was going to shoot Phil, just that Phil deserved to be shot. hehe

I'm pretty sure he was using a bit of poetic license. Nobody really wants anyone hurt, especially not any apple execs

Unless, of course, it would result in a 9600 in a PB 12''. I might inflict some pain for that

-- james