Rating: 
Summary: New Mac User Got Lucky - Good-bye Dell !!!
Review: I purchased a PowerBook 15" 1.5Ghz 128VRAM computer around Christmas. I've built several IBM/PC-based desktop systems, from my first 486DX266 to my most recent 3.04Ghz Dell rebuild (looks like a Dell, but doesn't quack like one). I know what "right" looks like, and Apple has finally gotten it right.
The design of the iBook and PowerBook is top-notch. A very tight chassis, maximized screen, and overall clean finish with each model. The software took this Microsoft-handicapped user about an hour to figure out, but if you work with it enough, you'll find you can learn something new every day. Reliability is also the best I've ever seen. There are no "blue screens of death" on Mac's. My wife's old G3 displayed a "sad Mac" once, but that was on a Mac from another era. I haven't heard of anyone having "show-stopper" problems with the G4's.
I had a few peripherals that I didn't want to part with, like my Dell Axim. Not to worry. PocketMac (a 3rd-party answer to PocketPC and ActiveSync) allows me to sync data between PowerBook and PDA effortlessly. The keyboard, mouse, and even monitor can all be used with the PowerBook when I'm at my desk.
Who needs computer speakers when you can play iTunes through your home stereo (with an Airport Express in the mix). When it comes to games, quality headphones do the trick.
The 80GB HD is a lot smaller than what I have in my Dell, but I've invested in a Lacie D2 external drive which puts me at ease when storage is a concern.
With Office for Mac, I can open, edit, and save any OfficeXP file I can find. No compatibility issues whatsoever.
WARNING: If you intend to play PC games on a Mac by using VirtualPC... DON'T! That's not what VirtualPC was designed for, and the results will show that. If you want to play games on a Mac, visit the Aspyr website and buy the Mac versions.
The price was higher than what some would expect to pay for a comparable PC laptop. Extras are expensive, and are probably where Apple really makes their money. Custom configurations are non-refundable/non-returnable, as clearly stated on the Apple website. If you customize (which you have to, if you want the 128MB video card), plan on handing over another $300+ for the AppleCare Protection Plan. That'll give you 3 years service and support - the alternative to being stuck with a lemon six months after purchase - if you're unfortunate enough.
Me? I guess I got lucky according to one reviewer. Everything worked out of the box, and continues to work as advertised. From what I can tell, that's not lucky - that's the norm.
As I use the PowerBook more frequently, I find myself going to my Dell less and less.
Rating:
Summary: The best of its kind
Review: It's not hype. This is the best 15" notebook I've seen, and I've seen a lot of notebooks in this form factor. Price out a similarly equipped PC notebook and the Apple comes in cheaper. The screen quality problems have been solved, tho there definitely were some problems with the previous generation of this laptop. The performance is very impressive with the high end grapics card and speedy hard drive. Its biggest advantage over PC laptops is the operating system. Mac OS X is far ahead of Windows in terms of stability, speed, features, lack of infections and compatibility. Unlike what the reviewer says about the UK, there is no service charge for warranty repairs in the States. Actually, I'm surprised there's a charge in the UK. If I had to pay for warranty repairs, I'd be pretty steamed!
Rating:
Summary: The best of its kind
Review: It's not hype. This is the best 15" notebook I've seen, and I've seen a lot of notebooks in this form factor. Price out a similarly equipped PC notebook and the Apple comes in cheaper. The screen quality problems have been solved, tho there definitely were some problems with the previous generation of this laptop. The performance is very impressive with the high end grapics card and speedy hard drive. Its biggest advantage over PC laptops is the operating system. Mac OS X is far ahead of Windows in terms of stability, speed, features, lack of infections and compatibility. Unlike what the reviewer says about the UK, there is no service charge for warranty repairs in the States. Actually, I'm surprised there's a charge in the UK. If I had to pay for warranty repairs, I'd be pretty steamed!
Rating:
Summary: Like driving BMW
Review: Like it or not, I've used Windows/PC for the past 12 years. Macintosh occasionally appealed to me, but I didn't get it partly because it's expensive, partly because of compatibility. At work and at home, I owned: Dell Inspiron, Thinkpad, Dell/HP Desktops, running Windows 98/2000/XP. Also I tinkered with Sun workstations running UNIX (I'm an EE guy and have a respect for UNIX).
After 12 years of Microsoft (and blue screens), I made a bold switch to Apple Powerbook 15" with 1.5GHz/512RAM/80Gb, and I'm so happy with this system that even 5 stars are not high enough. - The sleek aluminum chassis and the wide screen generate Wow! effect.
- This 15" machine is lighter than my old Dell laptop.
- It's very quiet during operation, but the bottom side may occasionally become hot.
- The keyboard has a good depth and touch, and the backlit keyboard is simply cool.
- Using the built-in microphone, you can play the bundled 3-D chess game via OS X's voice-recognition. Isn't that futuristic? About software compatibility (from EE guy's viewpoint):
- MS Office 2004 for Mac became my favorite patch of programs. Even better than the XP version - a very important factor in my decision to switch.
- Math tools, especially Mathematica 5 and Matlab, run well on Mac.
- Favorite design tools, Adobe Photoshop and Carrara 3, work well. After all, Mac was built for them.
- There are tons of open source programs you can use: GIMP, A/G BLAST, ...
- Some layout and CAD tools are not compatible. I have to use old PC. For those number-crunching jobs, however, I don't use laptop anyhow. As much as I enjoy steering this elegant silver machine, I love to navigate through the Mac OS X. As Sun's Bill Joy said during an interview, "Mac OS X is rock solid". I like the idea of using UNIX commands on my Mac, although I can do everything with the user-friendly Mac interface. Yes, Powerbook is more expensive compared with Dell and other PCs, but you get what you pay for: top-quality components, futuristic functionality, eye-catching design, and the enormous joy of owning a rock-solid elegant machine (like BMW!). You'll definitely like this one!
Rating: 
Summary: Very Pleased
Review: My Fujitsu Lifebook (which I loved!) died on me w/a shorted out motherboard that was impossible to access to fix (w/out the help of few $100s just to open her up). I found it just easier to purchase a new notebook than repair.
Yes, the Powerbook was an expensive purchase. In retrospect, a 12" probably would have been fine. I also don't know that I need the DVD burner - but I have it.
The speed is great. Th 80G is nice. The screen is superb. Resolution is wonderful. Set-up was a breeze, as was connection to my pre-existing wireless network. As always, Apple's packaging and design are flawless. The keyboard is wonderful (and I like the backlighting).
Testing out iDVD was fun. 'Star Wars' looked great on the screen (ok, maybe a 12" wouldn't have cut it for something like that). Still lot more features to play with (iMovies, iPhoto, etc) that I won't/don't use everyday....but fun to have.
Security is pretty sound - and was even talked out of purchasing a virus pack by the folks @ the Apple Store.
Though I had an early version of a Mac, it's taking a bit of time to reacclimate to a non-windows unit. I have some issues w/the Mac version of Office - but that is for a software review later.
Ok - so why only 4 Stars? I've decided it's very tough to give technology prodcuts 5 stars. I've done so in the past and been burned. But I've also decided not to review them immeidately anymore also. Had the Powerbook 2 mos and very happy w/it. In my mind - 5 star worthy. In print - I'll hedge my bets and stick w/ 4.
Rating:
Summary: The Best Laptop I've ever used
Review: Sleek design, ease of use (Mac OS X is rock solid, stable and immune to all Windows viruses and spyware) and great for commuting due it's relatively light weight compared to Wintel laptops (although I have some friends who prefer the 12" Powerbook for the commute). The IT guys at work wanted me to use some behemoth IBM thinkpad, which I stopped using after a week due to poor battery life, weight and constant crashes. I've had no problems using this Mac in a Windows office. A great desktop replacement.
Rating:
Summary: Great laptop
Review: This is my first mac, and I have to say I am very happy with it. The keyboard is absolutely fantastic (and has backlighting), and the machine runs very quietly. The display is fantasic in terms of resolution, and playing games on it is a blast. I have been running World Of Warcraft and Warcraft 3 on it, and they both run great on this laptop. Apple made the setup really easy, and the OS is intuitive to use, so I had no problems figuring out how everything worked, and was online with my wireless cable modem in minutes. If you want a light, powerful, and fully loaded laptop, then this is the one to buy. The only tradeoff is that to run excel/word/powerpoint you have to buy the software seperately for $150. I have looked at and owned several laptops, and this is the best one I have had so far. Apple is perhaps more expensive then it's competitiors, but they more then make up for it with quality and style.
Rating:
Summary: Wow
Review: Wow...this computer is incredible. I got it a little over a week ago, and I've been playing with it non-stop! I've been a Windows user since computers came out, and it took hardly anytime to get used to MAC PANTHER. I love it! I already think it is so much more beautiful and has a much better design than WIndows XP. With the help of the book, "Everything You Need to Know about MAC OS Panther," I learned everything within 1 week. This is a beautiful computer than has a unique design, and is totally portable! Yeah, it is pricey, but you WON'T be disappointed!
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