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Apple PowerBook Laptop 15" M9422LL/A (1.50-GHz PowerPC G4, 512 MB RAM, 80 GB Hard Drive, SuperDrive)Platform: Mac OS X
Brand: Apple
Binding: Personal Computers
Warranty: 1 year warranty
New Mac User Got Lucky - Good-bye Dell !!! [Posted on 2005-01-31]
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.
Great laptop [Posted on 2005-02-07]
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.
Could not be happier [Posted on 2005-03-16]
I bought this computer for the OS and have had no problems. And I mean no problems. No crashes, no compatability issues. I may have had to work a little more when dealing with PCs, but usually once I've gotten everything straightened out it is smooth sailing and I leave my PC freinds scratching their heads at the stuff my Mac can do that they simply can't. I have upgraded the Ram to 2GB and installed Virtual PC, which I hardly use and MS Office as well as iLife '05 and Toast 6 Titanium. This is a great computer and I would reccomended it to anyone.
MACS ARE SO GOOD!!!!OMFG ROFL BBQ [Posted on 2005-04-02]
omfg this is soooo awesome who needs a big better performing pc when this has all the looks it is sooo fast 1 ghz!!!!! pcs get about 3.2 but this is still better becuz of the looks and the fact that it says mac on it it is completely unupgradeable!!!!! and is soooo fast i can buy music off i tunes this is a practically a steal for the performace u get!!!! i mean being able to look at the user friendly (soccer mom) software is an honor !!!! THAKN YOU MAC
Me Love [Posted on 2005-07-30]
This is as perfect a machine as I could want. I can do everything that I want my computer to do. The internet connection is flawless and fast, the iTunes is my dream come true, I can talk to my friends using iChat, I can download my photos and even make them into books, burn CDs, make DVDs, use the quite usefull Dashboard, make songs on GarageBand, watch my Cubs games on the internet, plan dates using iCal, write down anything useful using Stickies, and many more things I can't think of right now.
My only complaint would be that the computer does not come with a word processor which is quite annoying, but I went out and bought the Microsoft Office for Macs and that's working well too.
The design is beautiful. I believe Macs make great computers. It is easy to use. There are never any viruses. And I rarely have to call the Mac Support people, but I assure you that they have always been very helpful. I reccomend it for anyone looking for a new laptop.
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