Welcome to the MacNN Forums.

jewing80 · May 2, 2004, 01:53 AM

I was wondering if anyone out there uses a 12" Powerbook sans an external monitor as their primary computer?

I've been using a 15 inch Ti for the last 14 months and have found no problems with the screen size. Over the last month I've begun carrying my notebook with me more and more often. Although the weight is not a problem the bulk is. After the brief chance to use a 12" 1 GHz I realized portability wise it is absolutely perfect. Not only is the size what I'm looking for the keyboard/palm rest layout is nearly flawless. Of all the notebooks I have ever owned the 12" PB has been the easiest to type on.I just can't decide if I'd be able to live/work using a 12" display. I'm not into graphics design or anything like that... primarily I use Safari/Mail, photoshop occasionally, office apps, and iTunes.

The solution would seem simple. Either buy the 12" and an external monitor or buy the 12" and keep the Ti. Although this is logical there are a couple problems...

I used an external monitor with my Ti for a while but in the end I found it to be a waste of money and desk space. My feeling was/is if 15" is enough why get a 20" and spend an ungodly amount of extra money. The other problem I seem to have is owning more than one computer. I currently have a pc for gaming (3.0 Prescott oc'd to 3.45, a gig of XMS pro, 160 gig SATA, Radeon 9800 Pro, ha ha had to throw that in!) and my Powerbook does everything else. I bought a PC notebook and found that I never used it, I briefly owned two Powerbooks (Ti and 1.25 Al) but again I saw no need for two machine that essentially do the exact same thing. So I've come to the conclusion that I need one Powerbook, and no external monitor.

I'm sure with the great number of 12" machines out there, at least some of you are using it as your stand-alone-one-and-only computer. Any feedback or input you can provide would greatly be appreciated!

doublep · May 2, 2004, 04:21 AM

I've just purchased a Rev C 12" Powerbook, after having used a 15" Ti Book for 2 years.

I use both without an external display.

It took me a week to get used to the new 12" screen. The only problem is that the screen is of lower quality than the 15".

But the 12" Powerbook is the best: overall portability is fantastic; performance is excellent. (I maxed the RAM at 1,256 Go).

I'm happy!

perbl · May 2, 2004, 04:24 AM

Originally posted by jewing80:
I'm sure with the great number of 12" machines out there, at least some of you are using it as your stand-alone-one-and-only computer. Any feedback or input you can provide would greatly be appreciated! [/B]

I currently have a rev B. 12", and I plan to use it with an external monitor most of the time I am at home, do not think I will bother dragging my xxxl pc-tower with me everywhere. I have just been three months abroad, and then I had to use my 12" with the built in screen only. I was worried before I left, but quickly realized that I adjusted to the small screen better than I thought I would. So from my point of view, the 12" is good enough to be productive on, but of course, it is much better when you can run it with an external screen.

Fellow2000 · May 2, 2004, 04:52 AM

I used to be a PC user with a 21 inch monitor at 1600x1200. I switched to Macintosh around October of last year with a Rev.B 12" inch. I do a lot of web design and graphic design along with the normal use of uni work and internet/mail/chat usage. Most everything was not a problem. Photoshop at times can seem a little crowded bit I adjusted better than I thought I would. I originally had my 21 inch monitor still set up but after about 2 months I just realized it wasn't worth it and sold it. The 12" screen is just fine. There are times when I wish it was larger, but then I remember how happy I am that my notebook is so portable and I forget about it.

I think the biggest adjustment is dealing with only one window at a time. With my larger monitor, I would be able to see many windows all at once with different activity happening pus the desktop. Now, almost every window I use fills up the whole screen, so its just one at a time. Not better or worse, just a new way of working.

RealMadrid · May 2, 2004, 05:26 AM

Agree with you all. I use my PB 12' with an external 17' Sony CRT at work. Its a great setup, but I also work with the 12' screen when not at the office. As has been said it gets a little bit to get used to it but once you are done you can work perfectly with it.

Simon · May 2, 2004, 06:23 AM

IMHO the 12" PowerBook is one of the greatest Macs Apple has ever made. I use a rev B 12" with large external CRTs and TFT (at the office or at home) but also just with the 12" internal TFT on the road and I absolutely love it. There's nothing I can't do with it.

The new rev C seems to be also very nicely spec'ed. I would have no trouble using it as my one and only Mac. Unless yo need every bit of CPU power you can get (-> G5), it should be the perfect machine for road warriors or PowerBook freeks on a tight budget.

f1000 · May 2, 2004, 06:40 AM

The 12" PowerBook is a fine standalone computer.

Here�s my suggestion:

1. Sell your Ti.
2. Buy a flat panel display that will work with both your PC and your new PowerBook.

jewing80 · May 2, 2004, 07:50 AM

Thanks for the responses...

The monitor I'm currently using with my PC is an NEC with DVI, it will work just fine with my my PC and whichever Powerbook I decide to go with. I just want to make sure I *can* use the 12" without an external seeing as while traveling an external is not an option...

Okay I'm off to California Speedway for the NASCAR race... dang it's early in the morning!!!!

Thanks again for the help!

Jake

JCT · May 2, 2004, 09:06 AM

FWIW, I'm in the process of trading my 12" PB (rev b) for a new 15" (if I don't go completely nuts and get the 17").

I adore the portability (and will miss it) but I do find Photoshop and my web work to get a bit frustrating after awhile. Hooking it up to my 17" monitor at home is a relevation.

If if weren't for long Photoshop sessions on the road you couldn't pry the 12" from my hands.

BTW, I'm a switcher-in-progress....

Jil

mdc · May 2, 2004, 09:26 AM

i used a g3 800 ibook for just under a year and then a 12" 1ghz powerbook for a few months as my sole computer, sans external monitor.

it is very possible, and i did not have any problems with either machine in the sole computer role

mishap · May 2, 2004, 10:35 AM

I have just started using the rev C 12" as my primary mac. I agree that you will really need to use the external monitor if you want to be productive, but the 12" is a great computer for just looking at email and the web at home on an airport network.

get it. love it.

jorgem4 · May 2, 2004, 10:40 AM

My plan of action is to sell my Ti to my GF and buy a 12" I am just in love with that machine....I have and 17" external monitor and so I hope the desktop space will be ok.

I love my Ti book but it is a bit bulky to carry arround....I just hope I am not making a big mistake in switching from a 15" to a 12"....

Dr.Michael · 04:27 PM

I use a 12 inch rev b as my primary computer. Portability is important also for me and the portability of the 12 inch is perfect. The screen is small, but for the needs you mentioned it will be ok.

The only problem is the positon of the screen. To avoid neck stress I use an iCurve and an external keyboard.
With these add ons the 12 inch is great, also at home, also for 12/7 workhours.

Michael

Cadaver · May 2, 2004, 12:20 PM

Originally posted by jorgem4:
My plan of action is to sell my Ti to my GF and buy a 12" I am just in love with that machine....I have and 17" external monitor and so I hope the desktop space will be ok.

I love my Ti book but it is a bit bulky to carry arround....I just hope I am not making a big mistake in switching from a 15" to a 12"....

If you do a lot of work on the road requiring a large amount of screen realistate, like graphics work or video editing with FCP/FCE, you may find the 1024x768 display confining. If you just do basic stuff on the road like me (edit some Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Omnigraffle & Keynote files, project PowerPoint/Keynote presentations, email/web, minor graphics work, temporary digital camera photo storage) and can live w/in the confines of the 1024x768 display, then the PB 12" will be perfect. Used to use a 12" iBook, and the 12" PB feels substantially smaller (a GOOD thing) even though its only slightly smaller by measurements. Not to mention tons faster.

I've got a DP2.0 G5 and a 22" Cinema Display at home and a keyboard/mouse/external 17" LCD for the PB at the office for the heavy content creation.

DrDre · May 3, 2004, 01:57 AM

I have also recently made the "switch" from a 15 inch TiBook (667) to a new 12 inch 1.33 Ghz. I was wondering if folks who are current owners of 12 inch PBs have some advice for others who are in the process of switching. In particular I had the following observations/questions:

1. What to do with the Dock? Using a 15 inch PB or an external display that has a wide display I tend to place the dock on the left side, thus allowing me plenty of space to do useful things in the middle of the screen. With the 12 inch powerbook, I feel like I can't "give away" any screen space, so I have been having the dock disapear. I'm still getting used to this, since I normally like to see what I have going in my dock.

I've been using expose more, and bind the "show all windows" to the 'fn' key in the lower left portion of the keyboard. This seems to be easier to find than the F10 key. Anyone use other key combinations?

2. What mouse do you use for maximum portability? A main reason for have a 12 inch PB is for being able to take it anywhere it seems that the peripherals you bring along should also be maximally compact. I normally carry a corded three button mouse, but was thinking of switching to a bluetooth model, especially because of the built in bluetooth module with the new PBs. I have been playing with the Apple BT Mouse which seems to work well and is quite compact and attractive (though a bit heavy because of the two batteries). Does anyone have any experience with any of the other BT mice, especially some with a scrollwheel, three buttons, etc.

sheer · May 3, 2004, 07:26 AM

I'm using a 12" 1ghz Rev B hooked up to an Iiyama Prolite E431S 17" TFT. It's a standalone box for music production (Logic Pro). Also has a controller keyboard, Apple pro keyboard, 200g firewire drive and is hooked up to an amp. The whole setup works very well - it's easy enough to unhook everything if I need to take the PB to work, it's very quiet even when the fan is going (which it does quite a bit as it can be plugged in for 12-16 hours a time).

DrDre - with expose I have it bound to the thumb button on my mouse giving you two options - click once to minimize, select the window you want, click again to maximize or click and hold to minimize, select window, let go to maximize.

f1000 · May 3, 2004, 07:41 AM

What to do with the Dock?

Hide it.

Anyone use other key combinations?

I bind it to the Application switch on my MX900.

What mouse do you use for maximum portability?

The trackpad.

fisherKing · May 3, 2004, 09:00 AM

What to do with the Dock?

dr dre (it IS you, isnt it):

try
dockblock

i haven't seen my dock in months; i disable it with this app; it gives me a dropdown menu of open programs.

not perfect (you have to switch from "disable" to hide or show to change the deskpic; some other quirks), but i get full screen usage on my powerbook with photoshop, inDesign, etc.

nice!

troymurray · May 3, 2004, 09:32 AM

I've tried the Mac platform in the past, but my new 12" Rev. C PowerBook purchase will make me an official "switcher" this week!

I previously owned a HP Pavilion zd7000 17" P4 3.2GHz laptop that weighed 10 lbs. I didn't think that would be much of a problem as I was, at that time, mostly stationary but liked the fact that I could move my system between working at home and working at work. I also wanted the larger screen over my older 14" notebook which is why I selected the 17".

I was some what disappointed in the 17" notebook display. While the screen was "larger", it wasn't that much bigger, at least it didn't feel like it. I also ended up traveling more with my notebook then I thought I would and thus the 10 lbs started to become an annoyance.

After dabbeling with the Mac platform for a while, and seeing the upgraded PowerBooks, I decided on a 12" Rev. C PowerBook for light travel and longer battery life. Since I do consulting work, both network security/configuration and programming, I needed a larger display when I would program and a smaller display for mobility. I purchased a used 21" CRT for home and have another at work for programming. When I'm on the road I'll use the 12" display.

For me, I think this setup will work perfectly.

iREZ · May 3, 2004, 10:35 AM

I own a Rev B 12" and in the first few weeks I attached it to an external monitor, but after realizing that 1024 x 768 is fine for day to day use, I now only use my external monitor when working on long Photoshop sessions. The screen size is fine for me and with the "cmd-tab" shortcut hiding the dock is fine. I love my 12" and will only sell it to get the newest 12".

wtmcgee · May 3, 2004, 11:21 AM

i use a 12" as my primary computer. i have a 17" CRT monitor i use from time to time - when i really need a little more real estate.

but, for the most part, i just have my bluetooth mouse and keyboard and my Rev B powerbook. never had any problems yet. plus, i can take it anywhere with me, without question. the thing is tiny and has really good battery life.

luckiesf1 · May 3, 2004, 12:58 PM

I use my Rev. A as my primary computer with no extra monitor hooked up. I mainly use the same applications that you mentioned on a daily basis and fine no problems. Once I purchased an icurve the 12", I no longer felt the itch to purchase an extra monitor. Having the screen raised to your eye level really makes a diffrence.

selowitch · May 3, 2004, 04:44 PM

Originally posted by jorgem4:
My plan of action is to sell my Ti to my GF and buy a 12" I am just in love with that machine

But are you in love with the GF? You'd actually take her money?

iREZ · May 3, 2004, 06:02 PM

Heck yeah!!! GF doesn't equal wife, and unless she's THE ONE I would have no problem selling stuff to my girlfriend. Now if it's a women selling it to her GF then forget all that is written before this sentence.

selowitch · May 3, 2004, 06:04 PM

Originally posted by iREZ:
Heck yeah!!! GF doesn't equal wife, and unless she's THE ONE I would have no problem selling stuff to my girlfriend. Now if it's a women selling it to her GF then forget all that is written before this sentence.

Good point. I dunno. I just don't engage in commerce with significant others. Too much potential for hurt feelings later, IMHO.

h00ligan · May 3, 2004, 10:31 PM

bah, gf or not, they buy it as is. just like ebay

selowitch · May 3, 2004, 10:35 PM

Originally posted by h00ligan:
bah, gf or not, they buy it as is. just like ebay

Well, anyway, thank God I'm married now. No more girlfriends (except for my wife, of course).

h00ligan · May 4, 2004, 12:23 PM

oh.... you're one of those "moral" "monogomous" people

jorgem4 · May 4, 2004, 01:50 PM

ok ok...

Of course I am taking my GF's money my PB is worth a lot! I am a poor college student so I need to sell my PB if I want to get the 12"...I am not just going to give her my PB...unless money could come out of my ass (which by the way would be cool but it could hurt)...but if she want a new computer she will have to pay for it...just like I do.

selowitch · May 4, 2004, 07:40 PM

Originally posted by h00ligan:
oh.... you're one of those "moral" "monogomous" people

No, I'm one of those immoral monogamous people.

h00ligan · May 4, 2004, 08:05 PM

there are so many ways to open that up.. best just to leave it

btw, i bought a 12" pb today.. gotta get some ram.

I really hope the screen size doesn't ruin it for me... here's hoping.

selowitch · May 4, 2004, 08:07 PM

Originally posted by h00ligan:
there are so many ways to open that up.. best just to leave it

btw, i bought a 12" pb today.. gotta get some ram.

I really hope the screen size doesn't ruin it for me... here's hoping.

Any regrets you have about the screen size will probably fall away once you start travelling with it and see how wonderfully compact and light it is. Put it in your carry-on bag and you'll know what I mean.

lucas3735 · May 4, 2004, 09:29 PM

I use a Rev B as my main machine- setting it at a stand at eye level with external logitech mouse/apple keyboard while at home. I also bring it to school in my backpack daily. I love my setup and it works perfectly. The screen has yet to hinder my abilities. I MAY buy an external LCD during the summer, but that would just be for cool factor and to make it more desktop-like while at home. Either way, I love my 12 inch powerbook and i see no reason for getting anything else.