[hallvard]

I've been busy saving up the hard earned cash, an in a couple of months time I guess I'll be ready to buy a new computer. The new machine will replace a G3 upgraded PowerMac 9600 and a Quadra 840av, and I've almost settled for a 15" G4 Powerbook with a "combo" drive.

Why? Well, I'm sick and tired of all the add-on boxes, cables here and there, huge monitors and computers themselves etc. I'm tired of needing a "computer corner" or even a whole desk taken up with computer stuff, so a laptop of some kind would be (more or less) a one-in-all solution. So it's more a downsizing issue than the need to have a computer to carry around. But if I do get a laptop I'll probably take advantage of it and doing things like bringing it with me in the couch, on the porch during a nice day etc.

And I'm not a person who's dictated by the masses (or can even afford to) buy a new computer every two years just because it's "old fashioned" already, so this will be something to keep for years to come. An investment, which is why I want to spend some time now asking around, making sure I've taken the right choice.

Apart from the usual web, email, word-processing, graphic editing etc. I'll be using it to edit videos (someone suggested I buy "Final cut express" for this instead of using "iMovie" if I want to get a better result and have less limitations, and also music recording (multi-track, studio stuff).

I don't know too much about the music stuff yet -what I need in regards to hardware and software, but I guess the same goes there as for the video editing: a large, fast and separate hard drive. I'm also opting for an external DVD-burner as you can get ones with higher specs (such as dual layer burning) for less than the "Superdrive" you can get with the Powerbook from Apple. So not entirely an all-in-one box as I was hoping for, but then again I don't need to attach those two external units unless I'm actually working on audio or video.


OK, cut to the chase.....
I'm interested to hear what the pros and cons of the 15" Powerbook is, and if it's a good idea to get the newly updated machine (which has more power and features for a lower price than before) -it's usually not a good idea to buy something that's coming fresh off the factory as they haven't been properly tested yet, but perhaps the differences to the old models aren't that great, and it's not a complete redesign anyway -what do you think?

I haven't really *used* any of the Powerbooks (or any other laptop), other than tried them out at stores, and the smaller, flatter keyboard as well as the trackpad seem cumbersome and frustrating to use. Is this a matter of just getting used to? Anyone have any experience going from a regular keyboard/mouse to a laptop keyboard/trackpad?

Also, the screen -how does a 15" screen on a laptop look like? I suppose you sit closer than with a desktop computer, so perhaps a 15" might look bigger than a 15" desktop monitor? I'm using a 17" LCD flatscreen while writing this, on a desktop PC at 1024x768, but I know that the Powerbook can go up to 1280x854, but wouldn't that mean very small writing?

OK, I'm done

[euphras]

Welcome to the boards, Halvard!

I cannot comment on the speed and "snappyness" of up-to-date Powerbooks since i own a rev. C "Titanium" with a 667 MHz G4. But like you i wanted a small footprint machine to be my main workhorse instead of having the desk cluttered with cables and so on. And all i can say: i´m very satisfied with my purchase (have it since may 2002). I do all my day-to-day tasks with it (Web, email, office, Photoshop), i used it to write my Ph.D. thesis (i got used to the (in my opinion very well built) keyboard), but if you feel inconvenient about that you can always buy a ADB-USB converter and use your 9500s ADB-keyboard as an external. The resolution and size of the screen is OK, a 15" widescreen cannot compete with a 17" "normal ratio" LCD-screen in terms of real estate but text is just fine, not to small. Your opinion about the external burner is perfectly right when you don´t plan to burn DVDs on the run.

HTH

Pat

[f1000]

If you don't need portability, then why not get an iMac? The iMac will be faster, cheaper, quieter, and more ergonomic than a PowerBook.

Laptop screens don't work well outdoors anyway.

[Voch]

I like the lack of clutter with my PowerBook. It's handy having a computer on a table in my living room (it's "home" place, i.e. where I charge it) to just grab and use. The only thing I hook up to it is a power cord to charge it, an Ethernet cable from my PC to move large files, and (rarely) my Compact Flash card reader from my camera. Practically clutter-free.

I, too, am a Rev. C TiBook (667/DVI) owner, so I can't say much about the speeds of the current models until I break down and get one later this year. I think you'll be wowed coming from a G3-based PM 9600. Just don't skimp on RAM.

Using a trackpad may take some getting used to, but Apple's are great. Most importantly, because it's a portable you can take it with you. I get more work done because of that versus the machine's specifications as compared to a desktop.

Voch

[f1000]

The new iMac is as cable-free as a PowerBook, and it's thin to boot.

The base price of a 15" PowerBook is $1999, whereas the base price of the iMac is only $1299. The PowerBook is over 50% more expensive than the iMac, and it falls behind the iMac in just about every spec.

I personally can't stand typing for long stretches on a sweat-inducing PowerBook keyboard. I also hate having to settle for a trackpad when I could be using a two-button scrolling mouse.

I say get the iMac and use the extra money towards getting better AV equipment (such as a digital camcorder).

[jmagic]

the new imacs are definitely a sweet machine, and with bluetooth and wireless internet, the only wire you need is a the power cord which a powerbook would need to.

the lowest end imac is nice, but the 20" is SWEET! and the price isnt bad.

G5 is good too

[hallvard]

I agree that the new iMacs sound like a good idea. A lot more compact and less cable-cluttering than traditional desktop computers. I can probably think of it as a computer screen and a keyboard/mouse,but no computer "box". And getting more computing power for less money than the 15" G4 Powerbook is tempting

Still, having a keyboard, monitor and mouse all in one box which I can take with me around the house does sound very nice as well

Whenever I use my existing computer (which is now on a dedicated desk in a corner of the room) I tend to sit there for a loooong time, often really doing nothing -just messing around. I think a lot of the reason for this is because of the dedicated "computer" environment

Perhaps with a laptop I would be able to work in different environments which I don't associate with "computing" all the time, and actually end up doing more work and spending less time procrastinating as I'm doing now. A change of scenery is always refreshing and good.
Just a few thoughts I've had.... -anyone share this view, or have had similar experiences?
The two concerns I have about a laptop right now is (a) the high cost compared to a desktop machine and (b) getting used to the smaller keyboard and using a trackpad (although I could always buy a mouse, even though this defeats the all-in-one-box idea I have a little).


As for the computing power -there's always going to be better computers. In a couple of years I'm sure people will be laughing at my choice and everybody else will be buying the latest and greatest. But I figure that if whatever I'm using works for me me it doesn't matter, and I can continue to use this Powerbook for years to come (not everybody has the economy to buy new hardware like this every couple of years).
We often spend so much time dabbling with technology itself that we forget that they're supposed to be tools. The tools themselves aren't really that interesting as long as they do the job. That's my thought on the subject anyway.

However, not having used a 1.5GHz G4 15" Powerbook (trying it out for 15 minutes here and there in the stores doesn't count) I don't really know how much power is "good enough" for video editing and making music. But reading about them everywhere in magazines where the pros use them (and this is even with older and slowe Powerbooks) I assume they should be good enough for me... but I'm interested in comments and views on this too.

[Randman]

Most laptop users add an external keyboard and mouse at home anyway.
Honestly, the iMac or a souped up mini sounds like something more along the lines of what you're looking for. You can get wireless Airport and bluetooth keyboards/mouses for both.

If you're set on a laptop, consider the iBook. It might meet your needs (at a lower cost) better than a PB.

[euphras]

I don´t agree with Randman. If you once make the step towards a mobile computer you´ll probably never go back (as a single machine solution; to have the option of a second desktop machine sure IS nice).

cite:"Just a few thoughts I've had.... -anyone share this view, or have had similar experiences?"

Two points:

-Yes, i experienced the same as you´re speculating about. I can use the PB in my TV chair for recreational purposes while watching the late night shows, i can even watch DVDs in my bathroom if i like to (i know it´s dangerous *splish splash*) Having a mobile device was a totally new computing experience to me.

-Having a true mobile device gives you the possibility to use it´s power on the run. I remember a job interview i had last year. I was going by train and during the three hours i was able to read the actual publications (downloadable PDFs) of the chair where i applied. Very useful spend time!

[Voch]

I guess that's what I was getting at, too. You can "take it with you" with a portable, and that opens up new computing possibilities (especially with wireless networking). And if you're anti-clutter just make the portable's "home" as clutter-free as possible...you'll need at least the power cord, obviously, but try using the portable's keyboard and touchpad all the time like I do, or get a keyboard and mouse if you have to.

Voch

[Randman]

Don't get me wrong, I've always been a laptop guy, from the clamshell iBook graphite through the g3 and g4 iBooks to my PB17.

But, one can argue that with a wireless mouse/trackball and wireless keyboard, you're almost as portable around the house these days.

From what the original poster stated, I'd say an iBook meets the needs better than a PowerBook, but an iMac or Mac mini is worth considering as well.

[iREZ]

I'd really consider getting a mini or iMac as well. The powerbook is good, but is due for a major architectural change and buying one now will leave you far behind for the following years to come (since you plan on keeping it for so long). I'd personally get a mini and use it for 2 years, then go out and get another mini then to keep you up to date on current machines. They're really compact, and you could connect them to your TV if you wanna sit on the couch 'n type ( I wouldn't), not to mention not having to worry bout your screen going bad and having to buy a new computer (or repairing it), and they're dirt cheap!!!!

[MichaelSullivan]

I don't agree that most laptop users get a mouse and keyboard. I know plenty of people that are very computer savvy, yet only work from a laptop at home (without peripherals). The reason I chose to go laptop was because I didn't want to be restricted to a computer desk anymore. I love the ability to sit anywhere and use my machine. Laptops = mobility, thats the true selling point.

[hallvard]

Originally posted by iREZ:
I'd really consider getting a mini or iMac as well. The powerbook is good, but is due for a major architectural change and buying one now will leave you far behind for the following years to come (since you plan on keeping it for so long). I'd personally get a mini and use it for 2 years, then go out and get another mini then to keep you up to date on current machines.

A question which keeps coming up in computer related discussion forums like this one is: why?
Why would I need to keep myself up to date on what's current? It almost seems like a disease to me: once something more fancy comes along people drop whatever they have in their hands and buy it, use it for a while, then repeat the procedure when something new comes along again.

I used to be very interested in computers for the sake of computers, but nowadays they're more like tools for me. Life's too short to sit in front of a computer screen all the time, and as long as it works for me I don't care if I'll be staying outside the fashionable and cool group. Another issue is economy. I can never understand how people can afford to buy new computers all the time. They must be starving or something....
I certainly can't afford that kind of luxery, and have been getting along with second hand computers all the time.
I've been using a 68K Mac (Quadra 840av) when everybody was using PPC Macs and laughed at me for staying behind, then, when I started getting problems because the updated versions of my software was being greatly improved only came out in PPC versions I made the switch and got myself a great deal in buying a second hand PowerMac 9600 where the owner had spent lots of money upgrading it with a G3 processor card and other hardware add-ons

But now, having started with digital video I need something that can handle video editing without problems (and neither the 840av or 9600 will be able to do that properly), so that's the main reason why I'm looking into a new computer.
(the 9600 could probably handle a lot of the music recording stuff I'm also going to be using a computer for, but in a restricted and limited way).

And since I see this as an investment for the future I'm going to buy my first new Mac, and I want something that's really good and will last. And to boot I want something that doesn't take up a whole desk as up to now.


Having said that I have to say I'm torn between all the choices. I first set my eyes on the Powerbook G4 15" since it seems to have "everything", but a lot of people say I could do just as well with an iBook. I've also heard that the iBook is quieter, and that's an important factor. After reading several postings about Powerbook noise level it seems to me that it's more or less like a lottery: you may be very lucky and find yourself with a whisper quiet Powerbook, or you can end up with a fan that buzzes constantly along with a high pitched whizz of the hard drive. Not an ideal situation when you need to concentrate, and when I pay this sort of money I'm not settling for anything.

The Mac mini on the other hand is very quiet I've been told, as is the iMac G5, but they both require a dedicated desktop, and aren't as portable as a Powerbook or iBook. And I would say that at least from the specs, the Mac mini is more of an entry-level/family type computer than something suitable for a lot of video editing and music recording (neither "pro" use, but still -something that works well for serious hobby use).

OK, I'll stop here, this is getting long

[Agent69]

In my opinion, you need to ask yourself if you intend to take it out of the house. If you are, then you need a portable. If not, a iMac or Mac Mini would probably be fine.

As for buying when it isn't needed, what the hell do I know. I have to buy a new Mac about every 14 months. I have a part time job at Barnes and Noble just to pay for my habit.

[iREZ]

Instead of getting 15" PB, why not get a 12" iBook and a Mac mini. That way you'd have a computer set up for your desk stuff and an iBook to tote around. Infact you could even get a new iMac G5 and a used iBook G4 for the same price as a 15" PB. Nothing beats a fast desktop and portable notebook.

[SSharon]

Originally posted by iREZ:
Instead of getting 15" PB, why not get a 12" iBook and a Mac mini. That way you'd have a computer set up for your desk stuff and an iBook to tote around. Infact you could even get a new iMac G5 and a used iBook G4 for the same price as a 15" PB. Nothing beats a fast desktop and portable notebook.

Bam. This is what I would suggest also. I have always used a desktop and 6 months ago bought my first laptop. I use both computers every day and take my ibook with me everywhere. My family just went from the 266mhz beige G3 to a 20" iMac G5 and its an amazing machine. Its almost as quite as my ibook.

When I am typing long papers I find that I plug in (the reciever for) my wireless KB and mouse even though I think the ibooks KB is very good.

I think you would be happy with either the 20" iMac or the 17" and an ibook. You would really get the best of both worlds this way.

[wilsonng]

I personally have a 12" PB and a 15" PB.

You really have to look at your travelling habits. If you intend to use your Mac while on the road then get a laptop. If you have a computer at work already and want a home computer, just get a desktop and a portable firewire or USB 2.0 hard drive to transport your data.

If you intend to do road work like editing video on the road or away from home and/or office then the laptop would be better suited.

I have some co-workers who bought a laptop but it just sits there at their desk. Oh yes, they love the idea of being able to lug it around but they never do! It just kills me to see such a waste.

I also have a friend who bought a huge 4x4 truck. He lives in the city but he likes the idea that he can go off-roading in it. The trouble is "he hates nature and is city-folk, not a back-to-nature kinda guy".

If you are using Final Cut then the 15" would be better for you. The screen size is just enough to work with Final Cut which demands a lot of screen real estate to work in.

Since you said you would like to be free from the desk, the 15" or 17" would be a good bet.

The other thing I like about the PowerBooks is that you put it on your desk and attach it to an external monitor and double the screen real estate via dual monitor spanning. It's another reason to get a PowerBook.

I usually like to put my tools and palettes on the LCD and then do the majority of the video work on the external monitor.
]

[hallvard]

...So, from all these postings I conclude that the Powerbooks really aren't as good as almost any desktop computer, and that you can do a lot better unless you need something to carry around?

The suggestion for buying a desktop and a laptop isn't for me. My basic reason for looking into a laptop is because I'm tired of desktop clutter, wires, additional boxes, a huge monitor and so on. I just want something compact. I'm done with the "computer room" scenario, and I'm done with the geeky stuff as well, so one computer for everything would be my choice.

Are you all talking me out of getting a laptop because of the cost, or does the Powerbook (or the iBook) perform badly? Is anyone here happy with their Powerbook choice, or are there regrets that you didn't buy a desktop after all (assuming you don't actually need it to work with stuff on the plane, bus, cafe etc.)?

[hallvard]

Originally posted by wilsonng:
If you are using Final Cut then the 15" would be better for you. The screen size is just enough to work with Final Cut which demands a lot of screen real estate to work in.

Since you said you would like to be free from the desk, the 15" or 17" would be a good bet.

Yes, the 17" would certainly be nice considering the screen, but it's wayyyy too big for a laptop (in my opinion), and also too expensive for my wallet.
I'm considering the 15" because a 12" screen will be probably a bit too small, while a 15" looks better, and the cost is about as far as I can go.
I'm opting not to get the built-in Superdrive because you can get more advanced DVD-burners for less if you go for an external solution.

[euphras]

I really don´t get it why folks now even want to persuade you to buy TWO computers. I would suggest to buy a Powerbook, if you want to do serious video editing a Powerbook will definetely outperform an iBook (which is not meant to run such demanding app´s like FinalCut in a dayly and productive manner). The PBs 15" screen has a higher resolution than the iBooks one (even the 14" iBook has only XGA res. (1024*768)) which surely IS important in that case.

When i wanted to buy a new Mac i did a test run with both the top notch i- and Powerbook side by side. For my needs (Office, Photoshop, management of large masses of pics) the iBook felt simply too sluggish in DIRECT comparison with the PB.

I would recommend this side-by-side test in an Apple store also in your case.

[Agent69]

Originally posted by hallvard:
...So, from all these postings I conclude that the Powerbooks really aren't as good as almost any desktop computer, and that you can do a lot better unless you need something to carry around?

Powerbooks are great computers but there is a surcharge for the portability that they give you. Desktop computers almost always provide more bang for the buck.

In the end, you must decide what you need.

[R3z]

I'm a laptop guy all the way. I've had 3 different generations of powerbooks over 5 years, and couldn't be happier. I don't have a desktop right now, and I really haven't seen the need for one untill recently (I'm starting to get more into higher-end video effects - Maya, Motion, etc., which truly run better on a desktop). I actually do a decent amount of video editing as well, and FCP runs flawlessly on my pb1.25/512.

The two points in favor of the desktop solution are price and performance. You're not going to gain anything performance-wise by using a mac mini - the new PB's have faster chips anyway - but if you compare the PB to the iMac, the iMac comes out pretty favorably on both counts. The obvious drawback, as pretty much everyone has pointed out, is flexibility. I love my PB because I can bring it anywhere I go. It is my constant in any given tech situation - I know it will work, regardless of the circumstances.

As far as buying two units - this just plain doesn't make sense. You're going to wind up spending more money on less power and less capability, and I really don't see the benefit here. As far as the mac mini goes, frankly, I think it's overrated for most situations. In your case, you gain no special benefit by choosing the mini over the PB, nor the ibook over the PB, and you lose the cost benefit by chosing both.

Your real choice here is going to be between the iMac G5 and the PB. The iMac has better performance for less money, but the PB has the portability. Personally, I go with the PB as my only machine. (Yeah, Laptop as the main machine, DT as the ancillary. Go figure.)

As far as the keyboard and trackpad on the PB, I've had no complaints about either one. The keyboard is a work of art - great feel, short travel, quiet, and the right key size. I can actually type faster on this keyboard than on most desktops because of the shorter travel and great feel. The trackpad takes some getting used to, but the Apple trackpads are the best on the market. If you really have an issue, pick up a bluetooth mouse - the least clutter solution.

Either way, if you plan to keep it for a while and plan to do video editing, get at least a gig of memory and the largest HD you can. The processor isn't making huge leaps and bounds these days, but storage is pretty critical. Oh, and get Applecare - 2 day turnarounds rock.

Wow, that was long.

[wilsonng]

Originally posted by R3z:

As far as buying two units - this just plain doesn't make sense. You're going to wind up spending more money on less power and less capability, and I really don't see the benefit here. As far as the mac mini goes, frankly, I think it's overrated for most situations. In your case, you gain no special benefit by choosing the mini over the PB, nor the ibook over the PB, and you lose the cost benefit by chosing both.

If you earn your bread and butter on video work, then the iMac G5 plus a PB 15" would make sense. But that's if you have the budget and you will cover the cost of 2 machines with the video editing work.

My friend's bread and butter is Final Cut Pro. So he does most of his processing work on a dual G4. he has a PB 15" when he is on the road and needs to edit a video project he doesn't have access to his dual G4 (usually at video shoot). Most of the time, he'll return to his office copy his Final Cut project on to an external Firewire hard drive and let his dual G4 do the legwork.

This is when it makes sense to have a desktop and laptop - when your livelihood depends on it.

The 2 Macs don't make sense if you don't have the budget and/or the need to make a living off of it. So the PB would be better if you don't want to be tethered to the desk.

The Mac Minis are actually targeted towards consumers who don't give a hoot about the CPU speed, the amount of RAM, and all that tech-talk. They just wanna get on the net, e-mail, and maybe play with iLife.

Final Cut on a mac Mini should be OK but it would be pushing it. The iMac G5 would be better bang for the buck over a Mac Mini or PB.

Either way, if you plan to keep it for a while and plan to do video editing, get at least a gig of memory and the largest HD you can. The processor isn't making huge leaps and bounds these days, but storage is pretty critical. Oh, and get Applecare - 2 day turnarounds rock.

If you're doing final cut work, I'd recommend a 7200 RPM external hard drive. You are only as fast as your slowest link. If you have a fast computer, it will be slowed down by the speed of the hard drive.

[Randman]

Wilson, do you have a desktop or just the two PowerBooks? Do you sync them? Do you use one as the main "desktop" and the other on the road?

[powermacj7]

Originally posted by hallvard:
...So, from all these postings I conclude that the Powerbooks really aren't as good as almost any desktop computer, and that you can do a lot better unless you need something to carry around?

The suggestion for buying a desktop and a laptop isn't for me. My basic reason for looking into a laptop is because I'm tired of desktop clutter, wires, additional boxes, a huge monitor and so on. I just want something compact. I'm done with the "computer room" scenario, and I'm done with the geeky stuff as well, so one computer for everything would be my choice.

Are you all talking me out of getting a laptop because of the cost, or does the Powerbook (or the iBook) perform badly? Is anyone here happy with their Powerbook choice, or are there regrets that you didn't buy a desktop after all (assuming you don't actually need it to work with stuff on the plane, bus, cafe etc.)?

I had Mac desktops for years, and never needed a portable computer. I purchased a PB 800 Titanium model, when they were new, still use it. It is my only computer, and can't be more happy. I also purchased a Lacie drive, and a Keyspan USB thingy. I have an Apple Mouse hooked-up, Harmon/Kardon speakers. Honestly, I will never go back to a desktop. I love the idea of taking my PB everywhere. Trains, Planes, and Automobiles.
The PB line has great screens, comfortable keyboards, etc. As far as a desktop replacement, in my opinion the PB is better than the iBook.
I type reports for hours on my PB, and never feel fatigued. It is comfortable enough for several hours of work & pleasure.
On the other hand, if you don't want a laptop, then the Imac is a great choice, it will solve your cluster wire mess (I think), and give you the power you desire. Just my $.02

[hallvard]

Originally posted by wilsonng:
If you're doing final cut work, I'd recommend a 7200 RPM external hard drive. You are only as fast as your slowest link. If you have a fast computer, it will be slowed down by the speed of the hard drive.

The Powerbook 15" has a Firewire 800 connector in addition to a 400. I don't know much about these things, other than never reading anything else than "Firewire" for external units to connect to the computer. Does this mean that there isn't (yet) any real use for Firewire 800, or are there indeed storage devices etc. that use the 800 version?

Would I need a Firewire 800 connection for an external harddrive with a 7200 RPM speed?

Finally, I'm a person who likes to work in a quiet environment -no whizzing fans, electric motors and such, so is it possible to get silent/virtually silent 7200 RPM drives these days, or external enclosures that make them virtually silent?

[f1000]

Originally posted by hallvard:
Finally, I'm a person who likes to work in a quiet environment -no whizzing fans, electric motors and such, so is it possible to get silent/virtually silent 7200 RPM drives these days, or external enclosures that make them virtually silent?

The best way to silence electronic equipment is to place it in a remote location, such as a dedicated computer closet.

You could build a cheap RAID server or buy a dedicated network drive enclosure and then place it in a closet. Firewire is faster than standard 100 Mbps Ethernet, however, so if you must have Firewire then you may want to take a look at this company's products:

http://www.directron.com/silentdrive.html

I warn you, though, that I think it's a bad idea to muffle a hard drive without proper cooling.

[wilsonng]

My 15" is the first generation TiBook 400 Mhz hooked up to a 17" monitor. The right hinge snapped so I use it mostly as a desktop machine now. Perfect for internet, e-mail, Office, and using it as a data entry machine as well as an iTunes jukebox for the office.

I mostly use my 867 Mhz 12" as my main machine doing database work while attached to a 19" monitor. This is also my road laptop due to its size.

I just use Retrospect Lite that came with my FW400 external hard drive.

My friend is the Final Cut guy with the dual G4, an iBook 12" and a 15" AlBook. He carries the iBook for his class presentations (he's a professor). He carries the 15" AlBook when he goes out to do some quick and dirty video editing off-site but he usually dumps all the Final Cut stuff to his dual G4 to do all the heavy duty processing. If he is out of state, he'll let his PB 15" do the heavy duty work but not that often.

I already have the 12" 867 Mhz PB so it is the perfect road machine for my lifestyle. I'm just thinking of the 20" iMac G5 for a bit more serious work. So in this case, I'm thinking of using the iMac G5 at work and the 12" PB as the road machine. I can always dump my files to an external hard drive or sync it via Target disk mode.

In this case, I get the best of both worlds - best bang for the buck with the 20" iMac G5 by sacrificing portability for power and I still have my 12" sacrificing power for portability.

In my case, it's the best one-two punch for me.

O the other hand, hallvard has limited funds so he might be better off with just a 15". It appears he's willing to sacrifice a little bit of power for more portability. It's up to him to see if he is willing to sacrifice the power for portability.

There's always a trade-off

I'm personally happy with my setup and look forward to the 20" iMac G5 as a complement rather than a replacement to my 12" PB.

Originally posted by Randman:
Wilson, do you have a desktop or just the two PowerBooks? Do you sync them? Do you use one as the main "desktop" and the other on the road?

[hallvard]

Originally posted by wilsonng:
O the other hand, hallvard has limited funds so he might be better off with just a 15". It appears he's willing to sacrifice a little bit of power for more portability. It's up to him to see if he is willing to sacrifice the power for portability.

Yup. Limited funds, and tired of my home looking like a computer museum
I'm no longer going to "collect" computers and computer-hardware. As soon as I get the new computer (be it an iBook, Powerbook, iMac or whatever) I'll be selling my PowerMac 9600, Quadra 840av, SCSI Apple scanner, external SCSI hard drives, a couple of CRT monitors and other things. Good riddance, even though its all served me well.

Since I haven't used neither a Powerbook G4 (1.5 GHz) nor the current iMac I really have no idea what kind of loss of power I'm going to loose.
This is the eternal problem: comparing stuff. We always do that, looking for something better instead of being happy with what we already have.
Naturally, looking at the specs in the brochures or at the Apple website tells me that the iMac with its G5 processor and higher MHz rating is more powerful (and a few months or a year down the line there's going to be something to outperform that as well), so instead of getting hooked up with all these specs, the real question would instead be: is this computer good enough for me? Will it do the work I tell it to do, and will it do it well?

I find it helpful to look back sometimes: people used even older equipment to do the same work a year or two ago, so would that mean that equipment today is useless for the same task? Naturally a faster computer will give me less time to have coffee breaks because it does its thing, but I can live with a few coffee breaks now and then if it isn't for every single task, and it otherwise does the job.
What I don't want to see is limitations in what the computer can do, concerning what I want to use a computer for.

So, in conclusion, what I really want to know is....
a) will a Powerbook G4 (1.5 GHz) 15" let me edit my videos using iMovie and/or Final Cut Express and act as a music recording studio using something like Cubase or Logic?

b) For those telling me to get a desktop Mac: what will it do that the mentioned Powerbook can't?
Will it actually run software that the Powerbook can't, or will it just run the same software in a more efficient manner?
Will I run into limitations in the above (a) situations with a Powerbook G4? I mean, things that I simply can't do, but might wish I could?


I can understand people using computers for a living that they often need the latest and greatest, and that advancements in the industry means newer software that demans faster hardware, but I rest my case: if the hardware that I use does what I need the computer to do I should be happy with that
Any views on this?

[Randman]

Yes, you can do what you need to on a 15 or 17, with enough ram. But you should consider an iMac or PowerMac if you really want to do video editing.

[hallvard]

Originally posted by Randman:
Yes, you can do what you need to on a 15 or 17, with enough ram. But you should consider an iMac or PowerMac if you really want to do video editing.

Are you refering to "rendering" where some effects would take a loooong time with a Powerbook, (i.e. a long coffee-break) whereas with an iMac or PowerMac they would take considerably less time?

How much RAM would I need to work confortably on a 15" Powerbook? Thankfully it now comes with 512 Mbytes as standard, but I hear that MacOS X is very memory hungry, so this might not be enough?

[Randman]

For any video work, get at least an extra 1GB, maybe max out the 2GB if you can.

[theolein]

Hallvard, all the apps you're talking about work perfectly on the Powerbook and are likely to do so for quite a while (at the very least, the next two years). Most software publishers are üerfectly aware that a good portion of their prospective customers is NOT using the latest hardware, and try to make sure that their software will at least work on older hardware. For instance, you can use Photoshop CS on an older 667MHz G4 TiPB (three years old now), and even if it's not fast, it's still usable.

Granted, some software does need the latest high end hardware, but those apps are usually professional video applications (Apple's Motion for instance won't run on anything slower than a 1.25GHz G4), or the very latest games, such as Doom 3. However, you don't strike me as a person who's caught up in the latest-and-greatest ratrace (God bless you, you're a rare individual) and don't seem to be a slave of consumerism.

If I were you, I would just get the machine which I feel well with and which suits my current needs. In my case, I have a 1.33GHz Powerbook without Superdrive (I don't have a video camera and don't see the need to be able to burn DVD's) and I'm extremely happy with it.

[iREZ]

Don't forget that Tiger is going to utilize 64bit processing and so will all the software in the next year or so. Powerbook isn't a computer that will be a powerhouse even after one year down the road (seeing how the iBooks are always right around the corner with PB specs). The reason I suggested to get a used iBook and new G5 iMac, is so that you could still be portable when you want to....but have a beast of a machine at home. You don't need to take out your iBook when your at home...just leave it in your bag and use the iMac. The 1.8 G5 iMac will run circles over any PB out right now one year down the road and I'm sure the next rev will take the iMac to 2.0. Just the FSB of the iMac is a good reason to look at it as an alternative over the PB, and for the poster who asked why I was telling him to get two computers when he only afford one....a used iBook G4 is about $650-$700 a new 17"iMac G5 is $1199 for 1.6 and $1399 for 1.8 and larger HD. I fail to see how this would be more expensive than just purchasing a suped up 15". If it's not a suped up 15" I don't see how you could choose that over the option I just mentioned but more power to ya. You need a desktop if you want to do serious audio/video, not saying that the PB won't be able to do it, but the desktop will be tons more responsive. Your call.

[jamito]

hallvard...after reading this thread, it seems that you are probably overwhelmed with data. I understand all the questions you have since I had them a few years ago when i bought my first laptop (iBook 600). Now I'm using a Rev C 15in 1.5 GHz Powerbook. From what it sounds like, the powerbook will do everything you want it to do. Well a G5 in an iMac will perform much faster, you will not be waiting days for something to get down, rather, you'll be waiting just more minutes. My suggestion is to go ahead and get the powerbook 15in. The 17in may be to much to carry around, as many others have mentioned, and the 12in might be too small for an only computer.

Also, I would suggest getting the newest 15in, the 1.67GHz. I say this because its not really a new computer, its just a new revision. I think the worry you mentioned in the first thread about new releases is more for new products or complete redesigns. The current Powerbooks have been revised 4 times now, and are great machines. It'll be wise to get the latest and greatest, with the added bonus of a lower cost.

Finally, the keyboard is great, and easy to adapt to. You should have no problem going from a full keyboard to the laptop keyboard. The trackpad may take some time, may not. But, I probably would recommend getting some type of mouse (a Bluetooth mouse is a great option) since a trackpad sometimes gives me difficulty when editing things like pictures n stuff (its hard to be precise with my fingers on a trackpad).

Hope that helps.

edit: wanted to add that you probably will want more ram. I suggest ordering a pb with 512 ram on one stick and buy a 1 gb kingmax stick from newegg (just put one of these suckers in a week ago). the price right now is perfect (@$176). http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProduc...111&depa=0

[wilsonng]

I never compare my workflow to barefeats.com or whatever web site with benchmarks.

I compare my workflow to what I had before the new machine.

For example, I have the 400 Mhz 15" TiBook. It could handle alot of programs that I couldn't use on my now-dead Lombard 333 Mhz. The jump from the 333 Mhz G3 to a 400 Mhz G4 was great and my productivity increased.

When I jumped from the 400 Mhz TiBook 15" to an 867 Mhz 12" AlBook, it was a big step for me. I could handle more programs.

I never cared to compare my 867 Mhz 12" PB to a dual-G5. I'd always get buyer's remorse and anxiously wait for a dual-core G5 PB (that's gonna be a veeerrryyy long wait).

If you want to increase the longevity of your new computer, max out the RAM to as much as you can afford. 1 GB minimum but best to get 2 GBs if you're doing music and video.

The only reason why a desktop was suggested is that the desktop will do everything a PB can do but at a cheaper price tag. That's something to consider in your case with the limited budget.

Rest assured, you'll be happy with a new PB 15" because it will definitely be way faster than what you had previously owned.

To save even more money, you can look for deals for the previous generation PBs.

I certainly don't need the latest and fastest. I can get by with some more recent like the last generation PBs. That's why I've got my old 400 Mhz 15" TiBook and 867 Mhz 12" AlBook.

There's the old saying "I'd love to drive to work in a Ferrari at 200 miles per hour but I can get by driving my 5-year old sedan, I'm happy."

Another quote I've seen on the forums is "Never work on another computer that's faster than the one you use."

Just make sure you get AppleCare for your PB before the first year warranty runs out.

Originally posted by hallvard:

Since I haven't used neither a Powerbook G4 (1.5 GHz) nor the current iMac I really have no idea what kind of loss of power I'm going to loose.

I find it helpful to look back sometimes: people used even older equipment to do the same work a year or two ago, so would that mean that equipment today is useless for the same task? Naturally a faster computer will give me less time to have coffee breaks because it does its thing, but I can live with a few coffee breaks now and then if it isn't for every single task, and it otherwise does the job.
What I don't want to see is limitations in what the computer can do, concerning what I want to use a computer for.

So, in conclusion, what I really want to know is....
a) will a Powerbook G4 (1.5 GHz) 15" let me edit my videos using iMovie and/or Final Cut Express and act as a music recording studio using something like Cubase or Logic?

b) For those telling me to get a desktop Mac: what will it do that the mentioned Powerbook can't?
Will it actually run software that the Powerbook can't, or will it just run the same software in a more efficient manner?
Will I run into limitations in the above (a) situations with a Powerbook G4? I mean, things that I simply can't do, but might wish I could?


I can understand people using computers for a living that they often need the latest and greatest, and that advancements in the industry means newer software that demans faster hardware, but I rest my case: if the hardware that I use does what I need the computer to do I should be happy with that
Any views on this?

[PBG4 User]

Originally posted by hallvard:
[snip]
So, in conclusion, what I really want to know is....
a) will a Powerbook G4 (1.5 GHz) 15" let me edit my videos using iMovie and/or Final Cut Express and act as a music recording studio using something like Cubase or Logic?

b) For those telling me to get a desktop Mac: what will it do that the mentioned Powerbook can't?
Will it actually run software that the Powerbook can't, or will it just run the same software in a more efficient manner?
Will I run into limitations in the above (a) situations with a Powerbook G4? I mean, things that I simply can't do, but might wish I could?

I have a 15" AlBook 1.25GHz 512MB RAM that I picked up in 2003. I still use it today; in fact I used it to put together a photo montage of my son's birth in iMovie. I had no troubles at all, the only thing that wasn't instantaneous was rendering transitions, but iMovie lets you continue to edit your movie while the transitions render. The transitions still didn't take much time to render, definitely nothing I was pulling my hair out over. Maybe like 30 seconds at the longest to do a 7 second transition, and I still got to work on my movie.

If you use Cubase or Logic you'll probably want an external hard drive if you are live recording multiple tracks at once. If you're recording one track at a time the internal drive should be no problem. I know it hasn't been a problem for me recording my bass tracks using GarageBand, and this is with the 4200RPM drive. I don't know how many tracks you'll be able to layer before you run into playback issues due to hard drive speed so I can't help you there. If you like to work with 10 tracks or so, you should be fine, but if you like to work with 60 tracks or whatever you're going to need a faster hard drive.

b) The PowerBook will run the same software as the iMac G5. It's possible that a PowerBook would run Motion better than an iMac because its performance is so dependant on the video card, which is much better in the PowerBook.

The iMac G5 in general though will run software faster than a PowerBook simply because of the faster/newer CPU, faster buss speed, faster HD, etc. I don't believe it would be slow enough to cause you to regret your purchase, especially if portability & wanting to use your computer anywhere are your main priorities.

[PBG4 User]

Forgot one thing, if you want to use iDVD, you'll need an internal DVD burner. It doesn't work with external burners unless you buy another burning program like Toast, then save to an image in iDVD & use Toast to burn this new image.

I'm not sure they'll include iDVD with the PowerBook if you don't have a DVD-R though.

[Randman]

iDVD that comes with iLife 05 supports external burners.

And there are free hacks for earlier Macs to support many externals. I had a Pioneer external burner with my old iBook G4. Worked like a champ, with ot without Toast.

[hallvard]

Nice to hear the positive comments about the Powerbook -those were sort of the answers I was looking for
Seriously though, I imagine that a laptop would be very nice for me, being that it'll take less space, can be moved around and have less cables and stuff hanging out of it.

Given the high cost compared to say an iMac G5 it has to be regarded as a long-term and lasting investment on my part. Apart from the usual stuff that any Mac can do (web browsing, email, word processing etc.) I only have two specialized tasks for it: video editing and music recording. If I find software that'll let me do this right now, on this particular machine I couldn't care less if (actually when as we all know, history repeating itself) a newer and "better" version comes along tomorrow, in 6 months or two years.

The newer version probably needs a whole new operating system upgrade as well, and in time the new software probably needs new hardware, and there you go: more cash spent for some new features that you think you need. I guess this is what keeps the computer industry running, but I won't be a part of it! Like Theolein said in a reply here I seem to be a pretty rare individual in that respect, and he's probably right.

So how can I know if the current Powerbook will do what I want to use it for, in a respectable manner? I'm not looking for a workhorse in a professional setting, but a fully usable tool that won't make me pull my hair each time I use it

I went to an audio/studio specialist store the other day and asked a whole lot about recording hardware/software. I was told that although the iMac G5 was more powerful than a G4 Powerbook, the Powerbook was a very nice and capable machine for this sort of thing, but its limitations showed up if you ran a lot of soft-synths. Now, I already have a lot of hardware synths, so for starters I won't be needing much of that kind of thing, but who knows..
In those cases I can always record the soft-synth, then play another one on another track -in other words just be a little smart, knowing that I don't have a computer with unlimited power. I guess I can live with that.

A few additional questions:

a) Everybody talks about a new upgrade of MacOS X which hasn't arrived yet. What's so special about it?
Should I wait my purchase until it comes out so I get that latest MacOS included?

b) From this thread I've learnt that the "Tiger" (I assume this is what everyone is talking about and waiting for) is 64 bit, while the current MacOS is 32 bit.
Is it correct that a G5 will take advantage of this as it's a 64 bit processor, while the G4 isn't going to take advantage of it, being a 32 bit processor?
If so, will it also mean that applications (and "Tiger" MacOS X) will make everything run less efficiently than with previous MacOS X versions?
In other words: if I'm getting a Powerbook G4, should I assume that the current MacOS X is the latest version that will run efficiently on it, and anything higher will just be a waste for me to use?

c) There are rumours about a G5 Powerbook coming out within the second quarter of this year. If this proves to be correct (yes, I can wait until then), what could one assume that such a beast would cost? Surely, the G4 Powerbooks of today would drop a lot in price, so if a G5 Powerbook would be out of reach costwise for me I might be able to save even more on a G4 Powerbook.

d) if I'm getting a Powerbook it'll be the 15" model. 17" is too big for a laptop, and 12" has a too small screen for being used as my one and single computer.
Now, the 15" comes in 1.5GHz and 1.67GHz models. I find the price difference to be quite high, despite ordering the 1.67GHz model without the Superdrive (I'll most likely get myself an external DVD writer, so the Combo-drive will do).
The extended graphic card memory option is probably something to forget about as well -this is for, as far as I've been told, for large external monitors, and I'm not in the market for anything like that.

Is the performance between 1.5 and 1.67GHz something worth considering, or merely just some numbers in a brochure which in real life doesn't make the extra outlay worth considering?

[PBG4 User]

Originally posted by hallvard:
A few additional questions:

a) Everybody talks about a new upgrade of MacOS X which hasn't arrived yet. What's so special about it?
Should I wait my purchase until it comes out so I get that latest MacOS included?

"Tiger", the next OS upgrade is pushing more of the GUI onto the graphics processor (GPU). This will allow for much more eye candy as well as a more responsive GUI, one of the biggest performance complaints about OS X to date.

For the full lowdown on Tiger, goto www.apple.com/macosx . They have a whole section on the new features like Spotlight search, Dashboard Accessories, and more.

Originally posted by hallvard:
b) From this thread I've learnt that the "Tiger" (I assume this is what everyone is talking about and waiting for) is 64 bit, while the current MacOS is 32 bit.
Is it correct that a G5 will take advantage of this as it's a 64 bit processor, while the G4 isn't going to take advantage of it, being a 32 bit processor?
If so, will it also mean that applications (and "Tiger" MacOS X) will make everything run less efficiently than with previous MacOS X versions?
In other words: if I'm getting a Powerbook G4, should I assume that the current MacOS X is the latest version that will run efficiently on it, and anything higher will just be a waste for me to use?

The 64 bitness of Tiger will mainly allow more RAM to be accessed then the current 4GB limit of 32 bit addressing (2^32 = 4,294,967,296 (4GB), 2^64 = 18,446,744,073,709,551,616 (18 PetaB) ), you should experience no slowdowns due to more 64 bitness in Tiger. In fact, each release of OS X has proven to be faster on the same hardware than the earlier release, which is amazing, IMHO. I'm sure Apple is still wringing out performance gains in OS X.

Originally posted by hallvard:
c) There are rumours about a G5 Powerbook coming out within the second quarter of this year. If this proves to be correct (yes, I can wait until then), what could one assume that such a beast would cost? Surely, the G4 Powerbooks of today would drop a lot in price, so if a G5 Powerbook would be out of reach costwise for me I might be able to save even more on a G4 Powerbook.

I would guess the prices of G5 PowerBooks would probably go back to the previous pricing levels of US 1,999-2,199, 2,499-2,699 & 2,799-2,999. This is just a guess, but I can't see the 17" model going for more than US 2,999, the original price point for the 17" aluminium model.

Originally posted by hallvard:
d) if I'm getting a Powerbook it'll be the 15" model. 17" is too big for a laptop, and 12" has a too small screen for being used as my one and single computer.
Now, the 15" comes in 1.5GHz and 1.67GHz models. I find the price difference to be quite high, despite ordering the 1.67GHz model without the Superdrive (I'll most likely get myself an external DVD writer, so the Combo-drive will do).
The extended graphic card memory option is probably something to forget about as well -this is for, as far as I've been told, for large external monitors, and I'm not in the market for anything like that.

Is the performance between 1.5 and 1.67GHz something worth considering, or merely just some numbers in a brochure which in real life doesn't make the extra outlay worth considering?

Personally I think the 15" is the best laptop for me. The 12" doesn't have enough screen space, especially for video/audio editing, and the 17" model is just a portable desktop to me. I do like the 17", but I'd be afraid to take it anywhere and I doubt it'll sit well on your lap if you're on a plane or train. I know the last time I was on a plane, the 15" just fit on the fold down tray, but I was in the livestock section, not first class.


I don't know how much of a visible performance increase you would see from an extra 170MHz. I'm sure there would be some improvement but probably nothing you could see.

I would definitely get the 128MB graphics option. This will become a factor when Tiger comes out because so much more work will be pushed to the GPU. Also if you decide to get Motion, its performance is determined by GPU speed & GPU RAM moreso than CPU speed & RAM. PowerBook G4s already outclass iMac G5s when using Motion because of the GPU.

Here's a link to barefeat's page on Motion: http://www.barefeats.com/motion.html . From the graphs you can see the difference GPUs can make in the RAM preview test.

[hallvard]

Originally posted by PBG4 User:
"Tiger", the next OS upgrade is pushing more of the GUI onto the graphics processor (GPU). This will allow for much more eye candy as well as a more responsive GUI, one of the biggest performance complaints about OS X to date.

Sounds good! I had a look at the mentioned website, but I guess I would have to use MacOS X a bit first to understand it fully.

you should experience no slowdowns due to more 64 bitness in Tiger. In fact, each release of OS X has proven to be faster on the same hardware than the earlier release, which is amazing, IMHO. I'm sure Apple is still wringing out performance gains in OS X.

That's great news indeed, and excellent work by the programmers at Apple! It's so frustrating when a new OS version comes along (which you have to get because your software doesn't work on older OS versions), only to find out that everything has slowed down, so off you go with your hard-earned cash and buy a new computer...

I would guess the prices of G5 PowerBooks would probably go back to the previous pricing levels of US 1,999-2,199, 2,499-2,699 & 2,799-2,999.

Have you heard anything new regarding rumours about the G5 Powerbooks? Even though a G4 Powerbook would probably work very well for me I'd have no trouble waiting for a G5 Powerbook if I can get that much more power for not much more cost.

I would definitely get the 128MB graphics option. This will become a factor when Tiger comes out because so much more work will be pushed to the GPU.

The problem of course is the cost. You can only get the 128 Mbyte graphic memory option when you go for the 1.67 GHz Powerbook (at least from the Apple store -does anyone know if the graphic boards are actually identical between the 1.5 and 1.67 GHz models, and more RAM can be added later, by the user, or perhaps the two motherboards are slightly different, or more/different RAM chips are soldered to the motherboard in the latter model), and even when choosing the "Combo" drive instead of the "Superdrive", the increase in price is a bit steep. Here in Norway, if I order the computer from the online Apple-store, the price difference will be around the equivelant of US$ 335. Is it worth it?

[wilsonng]

Originally posted by hallvard:

Is it correct that a G5 will take advantage of this as it's a 64 bit processor, while the G4 isn't going to take advantage of it, being a 32 bit processor?
If so, will it also mean that applications (and "Tiger" MacOS X) will make everything run less efficiently than with previous MacOS X versions?

Well, Apple would only encourage to developers to take advantage of 64-bit processing environment only if it would benefit the program.

64-bits won't speed up something like auto-spellcheck in Microsoft Word.

The biggest reason to go 64-bits would be if your program needed a higher degree of mathematical precision and/or needed to address more than 4 GBs of RAM. It would make sense for something like Photoshop to take advantage of 64-bits but not much gain will be had for something like Quicken.

c) There are rumours about a G5 Powerbook coming out within the second quarter of this year. If this proves to be correct (yes, I can wait until then), what could one assume that such a beast would cost? Surely, the G4 Powerbooks of today would drop a lot in price, so if a G5 Powerbook would be out of reach costwise for me I might be able to save even more on a G4 Powerbook.

Don't hold your breath for one of these bad boys. People already complain that the G4 PBs run hot already. The G5s would be screaming bloody murder! The iMac G5 already requires 3 fans and some folks are saying that 3 fans might not be enough.

The G5 chip was not designed with the laptop in mind.

There's still life in the G4s. Check out this link for more info about other alternatives to the PowerBooks....

http://www.powerbookcentral.com/colu...ore/g5g4.shtml


Once upon a time, I drooled over a G5 PB. Then I put my feet back into reality and wished for more realistic things (like a 13.3" widescreen PB with a faster front side bus)

A G5 PB will come one of these days. I remembered counting the months, weeks, and days before the January 2005 MacWorld Expo. Then counting the days until the summer MacWorld Expo 2005. Now I'll probably be counting the days until the January 2006 MacWorld Expo holding my breath waiting for the G5 PB. They'll come one day but not before Steve Jobs is happy with what walks out the front door of the Apple Campus.

[PBG4 User]

I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for a G5 PowerBook either. You could always wait until WWDC to see what's up Steve's sleeve but I don't see a PBG5 in the cards, although I wouldn't mind being completely wrong.

I'm thinking it'll take a new version of the G5 in order to get it into a laptop. The problem isn't heat per se, it's heat density. There are parts of the chip where much work is concentrated so these parts of the chip get much hotter than the rest of the chip in general. It'll take an IBM redesign to spread out these hot spots along with lowering energy consumption before the G5 gets a faster clock or needs less cooling.

[MichaelSullivan]

Here is the G5 PB prototype...

[hldan]

Originally posted by MichaelSullivan:
Here is the G5 PB prototype...

Ha Ha! This one's funny, but even if it were real it wouldn't be necessary for it to be so thick since the iMac G5 is much much slimmer with a G5 and 3 fans installed.
I just don't understand why Apple can't have IBM make a mobile processor like the Pentium M or even use Intels chips to run OSX? Although Intel is not making great leaps on processor increments. The Pentium M's all have 100Mhz increments. 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 Ghz and 2.0 2.11. It's not easy to make great mhz leaps so motorola is not alone with the G4.

[hallvard]

Hehe. Almost looks like the first "laptops" around in the 80s
Photoshop always comes in handy for stuff like that
But you forgot the huge cooling vents, 5 fans and external liquid-cooling sockets....
(so much for a laptop -more like a "movable" computer).

Interesting read in that link you gave me, wilsonng.
So it's more likely that an updated (faster bus) G4 Powerbook will show up then?
I surely can't wait till 2006 to get myself a new computer (awaiting those new, faster G4 chips in the above link), but I can wait a few more months.

So when does Apple announce and release their new products? Are there specific dates each year, or does it happen out of the blue each time? Any big event or something they wait for, to get as much publicity as possible perhaps?
That would at least give me a clue as to how long I should wait for something that might appear. If not, I'll know how long I'll have to wait till next time, or just go out and buy whatever I can use now

[PBG4 User]

Big yearly events = MWSF (January), WWDC (June), MWParis (Fall). Other big non-Apple events = NAB (April?), Photoshop World (??). I'm not sure if there's a MW Tokyo, and the Summer MW has pretty much bit the dust.

Apple has started introducing simple speed bumps (like the latest PowerBooks) outside the above-listed main events. But, big changes are always shown off by Steve-O personally and usually with all the pomp & circumstance that a Jobsian keynote can provide.

If the PowerBooks go G5 this year the only places Steve would announce such a thing is either WWDC (Jobs keynote on 6-June) or at MW Paris. Otherwise it's MWSF 2006.

To follow all the rumor mongering, check out both http://forums.appleinsider.com or http://forums.applenova.com . If they continue to exist you can always keep an eye on www.thinksecret.com . They've managed a high accuracy record over the last couple of years.

[CincyGamer]

just to reiterate.. 64-bit processing for general use does not run faster than 32 bit processing. It just lets you handle larger memory for data sets.