latest g4 pb release ~ any dirt on new specs or is it all good?

[peggysputnik]

i'm new to all of this so wondered if there were any issues with the new
hardware release for the 1.67ghz g4 powerbook

i'm trying to pick one up real soon as i can't wait for the intels but i guess
its too soon (about three weeks for the uk) to tell from the latest release if the new hardware is built to last or not....

i need the dirt, if there is any, on these points:

the higher res 'black' screen,
the faster ram ddr2,
the faster bigger 7200 hard drive (can i buy this elsewhere or only from apple?)
the longer lasting battery

looks all good to me but it's my first one so want to get it right

any help is much appreciated,
pegster

 

[Makosuke]

I can speak for the last two items in your list:

7200 RPM hard drives are available from anywhere online that carries a variety of laptop hard drives, and can be installed into any Powerbook. That said, replacing the hard drive is something of a pain, and not to be attempted unless you're comfortable goofing around inside your computer, so it might be a better idea just to get one stock from Apple unless you really want to save money.

The longer battery life, from what I've seen about the specs on the batteries, has more to do with reduced power consumption than an improved battery. It probably isn't as big a difference as Apple is selling (those "up to" numbers are always optimistic), it is *probably* better.

 

[dodonutter]

7200 RPM hard drives are available from anywhere online that carries a variety of laptop hard drives, and can be installed into any Powerbook. That said, replacing the hard drive is something of a pain, and not to be attempted unless you're comfortable goofing around inside your computer, so it might be a better idea just to get one stock from Apple unless you really want to save money.

And it voids your warranty if you open your PB up...you would have to pay for an apple store or certified service centre to do it for you if you wanted to keep your warranty

All in all most of the issues powerbooks have is the very first revision of a new form factor. When the AlBooks came out there was no end of trouble with warped cases, white spots and dead pixels, but they have mainly been ironed out (unless your unlucky) so i think this minor update (thats all it is really) shouldn't cause any problems. The only issue may be with the screens if Apple is using a new supplier but i haven't heard about any issue and they tend to pop up pretty quickly on the forums if there are any issues.

I would suggest you go ahead and buy your shiny new Powerbook, believe me you won't be disappointed!

 

[peggysputnik]

thanks very much folks - yeah heard off a friend that the last couple of models have become a lot harder to goof around with - having too many screws etc

cheers