[ae25]

I want to get a new 15" 1.67GHz powerbook, but just had a question about them before took the plunge. I do a lot of CPU intensive tasks such as video encoding, and also will be playing games such as WoW on the laptop. My question is, is it a bad idea to use the powerbook for tasks like this everyday, and for a long time each day. This powerbook will be used as a desktop replacement, and I will most likely be getting a cinema display in the near future. I like to leave my computer on overnight while encoding video, and doing other tasks which may take a while. Basically i'm just concerned that if i use the laptop hardcore, all the time like this, that it will break, or wont last very long. Anyway, if anyone could let me know if this is a bad idea, or if it will work fine, about how reliable the powerbooks are, etc. I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks

[fisherKing]

i've always used my powerbooks like this (2 before my current 12")...
and i have to say...

applecare.

i didn't have it on my first 2 pbs, and both burned out their logic boards after about 2 years...

just my own experience, nothing more.

but i still believe in using my pb to the fullest, so i'd say go for it!

[Randman]

Get A/C before the year is up. Get plenty of ram, sounds like you'll need the full 2GB. And make sure your PB gets enough ventilation. An iCurve and fan will help keep the temps low.

[wuzup101]

I wouldn't worry too much about it, but I definitely would get applecare. It's well worth it. My powerbook (which is still under the origional warranty period) was recently sent back to apple to get the LCD repaired. 3 day turn around and a perfectly returned machine isn't too bad

[iREZ]

Just keep it ventilated well and you should have nothing to worry about. I also agree on getting Applecare, if your going to push the book to its limits Applecare is a must.

[ae25]

Thanks for all the replies. I will be placing an order for a 15" with upgraded video and hard drive next week. Also sounds like apple care is a good idea. My understanding is that you can purchase applecare anytime before the original 1 year warranty expires. If this is wrong could someone please correct me, otherwise thanks again for all your help. I am looking forward to my new powerbook!

[amazing]

Originally posted by ae25:
Thanks for all the replies. I will be placing an order for a 15" with upgraded video and hard drive next week. Also sounds like apple care is a good idea. My understanding is that you can purchase applecare anytime before the original 1 year warranty expires. If this is wrong could someone please correct me, otherwise thanks again for all your help. I am looking forward to my new powerbook!

Yep, you have a year to purchase it. Just don't cut it too fine, remember it's the invoice date, not the day you received it. Also, there's usually a few places that give you a discount on applecare, like smalldog.com

Be sure to get a good case for it, because it's smooth and slippery, I'm always surprised at how many you hear about getting dropped or banged about.

[maxintosh]

These are machines that are designed to be used. Just treat it nicely and it should treat you nicely back. And yeah, AppleCare isn't a terrible idea either!

[Agent69]

One thing that I nice, to me, is the availability of the wireless keyboard and mouse with the Powerbook's built in Bluetooth. This enables you to use your Powerbook at the desktop and not having to worry about wearing out your USB connectors.

[wilsonng]

I recalled a post from another internet source in which some industrious fella used some kind or rubber grip tape and placed it on the top of his PB.

Maybe gripping tape from an athletic store might work.

I remembered during the days of the Lombards and Pismos where one company was selling some kind of wavy strip and marketing it as a PowerBook grip.

Originally posted by amazing:
Yep, you have a year to purchase it. Just don't cut it too fine, remember it's the invoice date, not the day you received it. Also, there's usually a few places that give you a discount on applecare, like smalldog.com

Be sure to get a good case for it, because it's smooth and slippery, I'm always surprised at how many you hear about getting dropped or banged about.

[MountainMac]

I've had my 17" 1.33GHz a little over a year and use it hard (running FCP HD, DVDSP, and Photoshop simultaneously, also having stuff like Safari, Stickies, Palm Desktop, Mail, Entourage, iTunes open and running) and, while it lags under that load at times (esp. w/ only 1GB of RAM), I haven't had any serious problems. That being said, I back up regularly, have AppleCare and also have insurance through my renter's insurance that is similar to Safeware.

Good advice here, all.

MM

[TailsToo]

Amex will cover you for an extra year too.