[Mr. Bob]

OK, I have jazzed around with the new Power Book, and I really like then enough to think about switching from my Dell 8100. However there are just two things I don’t like, and would like to know if anyone has collected some Top Secret information referring to these two questions.

1. Is Apple going to make the 17" model with a higher resolution then 1440x900? Currently I am used to 1600x1200 on my Dell notebook, and don’t want to go back. If I could get something like 1680x1050 then I will be sold no problem, but to me 1440x900, is just a little low these days for a top-notch notebook.

2. Is there anything in the works about having a fiber optic audio output in the Power Book? I have seen them on some PC notebooks here and there, anyone knows if this is in the works for the Power Book.

Once those two points "mainly the first one, the second is more of a bonus " are won, then I thinks it be time for an upgrade.

Any info is greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your time.

[OMGWTFBBQ]

Do any of the 17" laptops that anyone makes right now have a screen at a higher resolution? I haven't looked recently, but I know a month ago they didn't.
Likely because they all buy from the same sources.

The 15" and 16" screens certainly have it though.

I thought I couldn't live without it, and then I got a 15" AlBook and don't really miss it. It is a different setup and is designed so that you can pretty much use it the same way - I haven't missed it yet (although straight out of the box it was a little annoying until I had it configured the way I wanted).

As for a fiber optic output, I personally can't fathom myself ever caring about such a thing, so I would have to leave that to someone else to comment on.

[CrackedButter]

Check out a 17" PowerBook.

Lets not forget you are comparing a 16" screen laptop to a 17" widescreen laptop.

Difference

When i saw a 17" iMsc for the first time i knew i had to get a 17" PB, the screen res is that nice, so far i'm at a 15". But next update should fix that.

Plus with OSX you can change the font and icon sizes far more efficiently than in windows that it doesn't make a difference.

Also the ATI card can go higher in res on say an external monitor anyway so you could "cope" in closed lid operation if its that much of a difference.

[vancenase]

bob-

i thought the same thing. once you start using the 17", however, you'll come to love the resolution of the screen. it's so much easier to read the text, etc. the screen quality is leaps and bounds over my friends dell inspiron/latitude laptops (new models, w/ widescreen, in my opinion)

w/ the 17" screen, you can place two (2) Word documents side by side, full page, and it looks great! pretty much the same for one (1) Word document and a PDF (or anything else, just about).

in addition, you can buy an external monitor and hook it up while you are at home if you want a) increased monitor resolution, although it's not _really_ needed, and b) a second, side-by-side desktop.

just go check them out at an apple store. you will not regret the switch (i'm in month 3 .. or 4 ... i keep forgetting ... )

[Mr. Bob]

Ok, my next question with the fiber optic digital out is, can I use my currently gadget, my Sound Blaster Audigy 2 NX "http://www.creative.com/products/product.asp?prodid=9103" that I have with me Dell notebook?

Creative has no Mac OS drivers on their website, and if I can not have any fiber optic out, then I will have to find another way to connect it to my surround sound receiver. I can go 3.5mm jack, but it doesn’t sound as good. Is there an Apple gadget I can get to replace said Audigy 2 NX?

Again, thanks for the help.

[docholiday]

Maybe one of these days you can take your Creative Device into an Apple Store and try it out with a Powerbook. I'm sure if you tell them you're considering a purchase and want to see whether this thing works, they should be fine with it.

Even thought there aren't any creative drivers, Apple includes quite a few drivers in the OS that you find out about once you actually connect the device and see it working flawlessly.

As for the screen: I am on a 15" PB rite now and when I'm at home I hook it up to a LCD - spanning - to greatly increase my workspace. It would be nice if the PB supported a higher res, but it's not a necessity for me.

Good luck in making your decision,

Doc Holiday