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Powerbook G4 15" or Windoz Laptop

T

Tweakin

Platinum Member
Aside from looks, which I think Apple has hands down, I'm looking for a new laptop that can handle all my current schoolwork. I really like the Powerbook 15", especially since they just revised the video and are offering the 100GB IBM 7k100 Hard Drive. I'm just not sure as to the quickness of this over my well aged Compaq Presario 2800T 1.4GHz.

I'm looking for some really unbiased information...and I know the Intel Mac's are some time off. Thanks for the help.
 
I'm in the same situation. In the end I am going to go with an Acer Ferrari 4005 over the 15inch Powerbook. Mostly because of the higher resolution screen, light to moderate gaming potential and that I already have Illustrator CS for windows. I doubt it's actual performance is that much faster though. I will probably make the switch in about 4 years time....when Mac is switching to AMD (j/k)
 
Originally posted by: Tweakin
Aside from looks, which I think Apple has hands down, I'm looking for a new laptop that can handle all my current schoolwork. I really like the Powerbook 15", especially since they just revised the video and are offering the 100GB IBM 7k100 Hard Drive. I'm just not sure as to the quickness of this over my well aged Compaq Presario 2800T 1.4GHz.

I'm looking for some really unbiased information...and I know the Intel Mac's are some time off. Thanks for the help.
Click to expand...


Thinkpads are great for school work, you might want ot considre a T42 or T43 that will be in par if not better than a Powerbook 15" quality wise, plus if you want to get a mac because you don't like windows, put Linux on it and enjoy the plathora of applications availalble, remember when you are installing Linux on a Thinkpad things become much easier than installing Linux on a random laptop / PC because there is ton of support for Linux on Thinkpads and drivers are readily available, i.e the link in my sig.
I have Fedora Core 4 Linux on my R50e everything is working sweet, WiFi, the on screen display special button support, Sound, 3d Graphics support....and much more that's becasue it's very well known and supported everywhere.

I know that you might not like what follows, but I don't understand why ppl get apple laptops, if you can get the same security from a PC running Linux or anything other than windoes, plus on top of that we know that the PC architecture allows it's users to use almost any OS out there, including apple's OS X which just got cracked ( and no you don't have to violate the law to get this, you can buy OS X and then crack it).

Just me 2 cents.
 
The Apple Powerbook is a nice laptop. It's pretty fast, it's light, and it should work for a long time. It's not the most high-performance notebook around, but it's reasonably fast.
The Acer Ferrari will, admittedly, smoke it in almost anything. However, the Acer Ferrari is not likely to last as long, and running Linux or OSX is going to be far more difficult. In addition, it's likely a bit heavier.
It's really a matter of preference.
 
Originally posted by: The Linuxator

I know that you might not like what follows, but I don't understand why ppl get apple laptops, if you can get the same security from a PC running Linux or anything other than windoes, plus on top of that we know that the PC architecture allows it's users to use almost any OS out there, including apple's OS X which just got cracked ( and no you don't have to violate the law to get this, you can buy OS X and then crack it).

Just me 2 cents.
Click to expand...

That's a fair question, but the main reason for me is the design. Sleek, smooth and without all those freakin unnecessary buttons that continually get in the way. As for you suggestion on IBM laptops, I can't stand them...never have and I never will. If I don't get a Powerbook, I would most likely lean towards a Vivo as the display is really sweet.

Additionally, can you run Linux on an Apple? That thought had never occured to me.
 
Yup, there's a number of Linux distributions that support the PowerPC processor architecture.

Ultimately, I think you have to decide whether you want to be able to reliably run OSX or not. If you really, really want the operating system, get the Powerbook. If you're mostly just considering one for the design, check out Asus. They actually build some of Apple's laptops, and make some really sleek, high quality notebooks of their own.
 
Originally posted by: Tweakin
Originally posted by: The Linuxator

I know that you might not like what follows, but I don't understand why ppl get apple laptops, if you can get the same security from a PC running Linux or anything other than windoes, plus on top of that we know that the PC architecture allows it's users to use almost any OS out there, including apple's OS X which just got cracked ( and no you don't have to violate the law to get this, you can buy OS X and then crack it).

Just me 2 cents.
Click to expand...

That's a fair question, but the main reason for me is the design. Sleek, smooth and without all those freakin unnecessary buttons that continually get in the way. As for you suggestion on IBM laptops, I can't stand them...never have and I never will. If I don't get a Powerbook, I would most likely lean towards a Vivo as the display is really sweet.

Additionally, can you run Linux on an Apple? That thought had never occured to me.
Click to expand...

Originally posted by: Trippytiger
Yup, there's a number of Linux distributions that support the PowerPC processor architecture.

Ultimately, I think you have to decide whether you want to be able to reliably run OSX or not. If you really, really want the operating system, get the Powerbook. If you're mostly just considering one for the design, check out Asus. They actually build some of Apple's laptops, and make some really sleek, high quality notebooks of their own.
Click to expand...

I think the way I phrased my statement I mislead you guys about my point , what I meant is that alot of ppl buy an apple because they are sick of the windows situation and all, but sometime or at somepoint you might need to run windows at that case a window partetion comes in handy, some other time you want Linux and you would have a Linux partition for that , if you have an unstopable need for OS X you might give a cracked OS X a shot, hardware variation is a nice thing about x86 pcs. But ok Linux can be installed on ppc, but hey how much support does ppc get compared to x86, s every distro out there availale for ppc, are all the packages for the distros that run on ppc available for ppc as much packages as there are for x86 ? So you see my point here, when you use a ppc PC your options, meanwhile if you go to an x86 your options are almost limitless. I just love ability of my laptop to have like 3 separete OS s at the same time it makes my options really really big and it increases my laptops productivity and capabilities by far.
 
lets face it, at least my 1.33ghz G4 powerbook is noticeable slower than my 1.4ghz Centrino (original core, only 512KB of cache)

but then I pretty much only use my powerbook now 😀
 
Originally posted by: RichieZ
lets face it, at least my 1.33ghz G4 powerbook is noticeable slower than my 1.4ghz Centrino (original core, only 512KB of cache)

but then I pretty only use my powerbook now 😀
Click to expand...

Hey what ever floats your boat 😀
 
i think i read that apple will be switching to intel processors for their notebooks sometime early next year
 
Originally posted by: Cheesehead
The Apple Powerbook is a nice laptop. It's pretty fast, it's light, and it should work for a long time. It's not the most high-performance notebook around, but it's reasonably fast.
The Acer Ferrari will, admittedly, smoke it in almost anything. However, the Acer Ferrari is not likely to last as long, and running Linux or OSX is going to be far more difficult. In addition, it's likely a bit heavier.
It's really a matter of preference.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info cheese...I'll look into the ASUS options. I'm not looking to leave Windoz as I have too many apps that just wont work on the OSx platform, and the Windows MAC kit from what I have seen is a joke. I did stop by a CompUSA last night and played with the 17 Powerbook to see what I thought of the OS, and it was a fairly snappy little unit. I could not unlock the case to see how hot it was underneath, so that is still up in the air.

I also found out from a user (not sure of his knowledge level) that the wireless in the Apples don't like linksys WAP's...another bummer if it runs true as that's what I use at home. I'll keep checking this thread out and maybe something good will come. I still really love that laptop.
 
Yeah, my final decider was finding out that the only piece of software I use on a truelly professional basis does not run on Apple... AutoCAD and that is a serious problem for me.
 
Originally posted by: Tweakin
Additionally, can you run Linux on an Apple? That thought had never occured to me.
Click to expand...

I know The Linuxator won't like me saying this, but why bother? OS X is Unix.
 
I've never heard of Airport having trouble with Linksys products.
You're right about Apples being snappy. They feel like they're much faster than they actually are. I personally think that they're much more pleasant to use.
Asus makes some very nice laptops. Two good examples are the Z33A and the Z71V. The Z33A is a very nice subnotebook (12" screen, and weighs less than 3 lbs.!) and the Z71V, which has a decent, easily uppgraded mobile 6600 graphics card and a reasonable weight of 6.5 lbs., is not a bad option either.
 
My suggestion, go with what you like... If your school uses prodominantly Apple computers, and thats what you're used too. Plus you like the looks of the Powerbooks the best, than get a nice POwerbook. I personally chose to get an IBM T40p for school, and firmly believe I made the right choice. Form follows function for my needs, and IMO the Thinkpads are sexy in their own right.

However since you are not a fan or IBM's, and if you're truely looking at PC alternatives, not just starting a flame war, then I'd check out:

- Acer Ferrari 4005WLMI ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16834115194 )
- Sony Vaio FS660 ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16834117081 )
- Toshiba Tecra A4-S211 ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16834114127 )
- ASUS Z70VA ( http://1toppc.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv...duct_Code=Z70VA&Category_Code=Notebook )
 
Just some info, some may care, some may not. The Apple iBooks are built by ASUS. Not sure about the Powerbooks. Its stated in one of Anands articles, probably in the Month with a mac article.

I like Powerbooks. I'm not sure when I am getting, but hopefully soon. (I've been saying that for quite sometime. 😛)

EDIT: Found the article. Text The Powerbooks are built in ASUS's factory. Pretty cool!
 
NUUUU STAY AWAY FROM SONY~!! they really dont last very long unless u seriously take excellent care of it. I seriously went though 3 vaios' b4 i got my thinkpad and i can tell you this, my next latop will be a thinkpad and the one after that will be another thinkpad. <3 thinkpad.

BTW just to note, i had my thinkpad prop'd against my desk and some idiot walked by my desk and knocked it over. It was about a good 2 feet drop. My heart seriously stopped while it dropped the 2 feet. I resumed it from sleep and low and behold it still worked with no problems nothing! i even opened it up to see if there was any internal damage and everything looked fine!

If this was a sony... GOODBYE SONY~!! and if it was a dell i think id be filing for my Cus Care insurence.
Thinkpads' u pay for what u get, thats why there so darn expensive.
 
Just to clear some items up...this is strictly for home use. I'm in school but not in the sense you are thinking of...I'm completing my degree online and via local classes.

Since I know how to tinker with Windoz, I do all the time, and sometimes it requires a rebuild...like right now I just tweaked the system a little more trying to squeeze 2.6 Prime stable out of my 3200+.

With the Apple, you just leave it alone...not any options to screw with that I'm aware of. I also looked at the asus site, the w3l model looks nice...confusion ...
 
Originally posted by: hopejr
Originally posted by: Tweakin
Additionally, can you run Linux on an Apple? That thought had never occured to me.
Click to expand...

I know The Linuxator won't like me saying this, but why bother? OS X is Unix.
Click to expand...


Your damn right 😛, for me OS X = WinXP if not worse.
What OS X is

Why ? Want to know why, well I mean you can't get more propriatery than OS X absolutley , not even Sun microsystem's Solaris OS that runs on SPARC machines is as much propriatery.

I can't understand how MAC OS X is the solution for windows, it could be a solution for secure web browsing , but that's about it, also MAC PC s are nice decoration for your living room, those nice little white shiny POS.

I can never imagine myself depending on Apple as my main resource for computing, sure OS X is stable and there would be no excuse for it not to be stable, at that level of hardware restrictions and limited hardware variations, they would be fools not to have it stable.

If I was given the choice of either Windows XP or MAC OS X I would go with Windows XP , even though I have dumped Windows XP and completed my transition to Linux on all my machines, a month ago and switched completley to Fedora Core , but I have to be honest, ppl using MAC OS X are like the ppl in the matrix they think that they are living a nice life but it's actually just a bubble, Win XP has more to offer for ppl other than viruses, it's called apps variations and availablity.

I go crazy because there is one company out there called micro$oft that is a major monopoly across the world, and that company alone responds to % 90 of the world's OS needs. I thought that was creepy enough and know let's put it this way, you want one company to be the only company that writes the OS not only that but be your only provider for hardware !!!! No I'll pass on that.

I wouldn't use MACs not even with Linux installed on them, I want to have the absolute advantage in controlling what OS I put on there and what hardware I put in there.

Apple applies DRMs in their iTunes software, ya that adds a bonus point to their record along with sony.
 
Originally posted by: aigomorla
NUUUU STAY AWAY FROM SONY~!! they really dont last very long unless u seriously take excellent care of it. I seriously went though 3 vaios' b4 i got my thinkpad and i can tell you this, my next latop will be a thinkpad and the one after that will be another thinkpad. <3 thinkpad.

BTW just to note, i had my thinkpad prop'd against my desk and some idiot walked by my desk and knocked it over. It was about a good 2 feet drop. My heart seriously stopped while it dropped the 2 feet. I resumed it from sleep and low and behold it still worked with no problems nothing! i even opened it up to see if there was any internal damage and everything looked fine!

If this was a sony... GOODBYE SONY~!! and if it was a dell i think id be filing for my Cus Care insurence.
Thinkpads' u pay for what u get, thats why there so darn expensive.
Click to expand...




i agree. sony = overpriced for only average quality/performance
 
Originally posted by: The Linuxator
Your damn right 😛, for me OS X = WinXP if not worse.
What OS X is

Why ? Want to know why, well I mean you can't get more propriatery than OS X absolutley , not even Sun microsystem's Solaris OS that runs on SPARC machines is as much propriatery.
Click to expand...
Yeah, OS X is more proprietary than Windows, because as we all know, Windows has at its core an open source kernel and set of command line utilities, as well as a non-proprietary GUI. </sarcasm>
I can't understand how MAC OS X is the solution for windows, it could be a solution for secure web browsing , but that's about it, also MAC PC s are nice decoration for your living room, those nice little white shiny POS.
Click to expand...
So basically, you have some unarticulatable issue with Mac hardware, which for the sake of not tearing down your argument, you choose simply to gloss over.
I can never imagine myself depending on Apple as my main resource for computing, sure OS X is stable and there would be no excuse for it not to be stable, at that level of hardware restrictions and limited hardware variations, they would be fools not to have it stable.

If I was given the choice of either Windows XP or MAC OS X I would go with Windows XP , even though I have dumped Windows XP and completed my transition to Linux on all my machines, a month ago and switched completley to Fedora Core , but I have to be honest, ppl using MAC OS X are like the ppl in the matrix they think that they are living a nice life but it's actually just a bubble, Win XP has more to offer for ppl other than viruses, it's called apps variations and availablity.
Click to expand...
So Linux is ok even though it doesn't have this? (yes, I know there exist tons of varieties of different small utilities, and even a few office suites, but let's not talk about gaming or photo editing on Linux because it might make your argument look a bit worse).
I go crazy because there is one company out there called micro$oft that is a major monopoly across the world, and that company alone responds to % 90 of the world's OS needs. I thought that was creepy enough and know let's put it this way, you want one company to be the only company that writes the OS not only that but be your only provider for hardware !!!! No I'll pass on that.

I wouldn't use MACs not even with Linux installed on them, I want to have the absolute advantage in controlling what OS I put on there and what hardware I put in there.
Click to expand...
So you vehemently hate Sun (non-Opteron), also?
Apple applies DRMs in their iTunes software, ya that adds a bonus point to their record along with sony.
Click to expand...
And Microsoft has DRM that is even worse. Ahem?
 
Originally posted by: The Linuxator
Originally posted by: hopejr
Originally posted by: Tweakin
Additionally, can you run Linux on an Apple? That thought had never occured to me.
Click to expand...

I know The Linuxator won't like me saying this, but why bother? OS X is Unix.
Click to expand...


Your damn right 😛, for me OS X = WinXP if not worse.
What OS X is

Why ? Want to know why, well I mean you can't get more propriatery than OS X absolutley , not even Sun microsystem's Solaris OS that runs on SPARC machines is as much propriatery.

I can't understand how MAC OS X is the solution for windows, it could be a solution for secure web browsing , but that's about it, also MAC PC s are nice decoration for your living room, those nice little white shiny POS.

I can never imagine myself depending on Apple as my main resource for computing, sure OS X is stable and there would be no excuse for it not to be stable, at that level of hardware restrictions and limited hardware variations, they would be fools not to have it stable.

If I was given the choice of either Windows XP or MAC OS X I would go with Windows XP , even though I have dumped Windows XP and completed my transition to Linux on all my machines, a month ago and switched completley to Fedora Core , but I have to be honest, ppl using MAC OS X are like the ppl in the matrix they think that they are living a nice life but it's actually just a bubble, Win XP has more to offer for ppl other than viruses, it's called apps variations and availablity.

I go crazy because there is one company out there called micro$oft that is a major monopoly across the world, and that company alone responds to % 90 of the world's OS needs. I thought that was creepy enough and know let's put it this way, you want one company to be the only company that writes the OS not only that but be your only provider for hardware !!!! No I'll pass on that.

I wouldn't use MACs not even with Linux installed on them, I want to have the absolute advantage in controlling what OS I put on there and what hardware I put in there.

Apple applies DRMs in their iTunes software, ya that adds a bonus point to their record along with sony.
Click to expand...

So, tell us how you really feel...

The point of this threadd was to find some information on the Powerbook, not to start a debate over which OS is the most stable or usable...that's like talking to people about religion or politics...too many variables. I do appreciate all the time and effort you put forth in your quest to bash the MAC OS, but the original thought of this was unbiased information as it related to the Powerbook for me...not you.
 
The Linuxator: you can run most of the OSS from Linux on OS X, but it's way harder on Windows. BTW, I like OSS, I use Linux heaps, but I think that going against anything proprietary is just plain stupid, especially with me being a Software Engineer that makes a living from selling software! Sure, if I want to live in the slums, I'd encourage OSS like there's no tomorrow. </rant>

Tweakin: sorry I started a debate here. I didn't mean to.
 
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