Apple PowerBook Laptop 15.2" M8981LL/A (1.25-GHz PowerPC G4, 512 MB RAM, 80 GB Hard Drive, DVD-R/CD-RW Drive)

Driving the 15-inch PowerBook G4 M8981LL/A is a fast PowerPC G4 processor running at 1.33 GHz and featuring 512 KB Level 2 cache for rapid retrieval of recently accessed data. Apple has added 512 MB of ultra-fast PC2700 (333 MHz) DDR SDRAM memory (upgradeable to 2 full GB) and an ATI Mobility Radeon 9600 graphics processor with 64 MB dedicated video memory, thus ensuring smooth operation during high-demand tasks such as 3-D games, 3-D drawing and multitasking.

This high-speed architecture continues throughout the unit, where you'll find connectivity options such a standard FireWire interface, an ultra-fast Apple-designed FireWire 800 port, two 480 Mbps USB 2.0 ports, integrated 10/100/1000BASE-T Ethernet, 54-Mbps AirPort Extreme wireless, and built-in Bluetooth for the new breed of cordless digital peripherals. Storage facilities include a spacious ATA/100 80 GB hard disk and a versatile DVD-R/CD-RW SuperDrive through which you can burn audio CDs, backup critical and write DVD-R discs at 2X speed.

Visually, the aluminum alloy-clad 15-inch PowerBook G4 M8981LL/A is as dramatic as it is functional. Sporting a 15.2-inch (diagonal) display capable of 1280 by 854 resolution, the unit is nevertheless surprisingly thin and lightweight at 13.7 by 9.5 by 1 inch and just 5.6 pounds. Other unique perks include a tap/double tap/drag trackpad, a convenient backlit keyboard for low-light situations, and a DVI output for efficient digital interfacing with LCD monitors. Battery life is estimated at an admirable 4.5 hours under ideal conditions.

Product Description
If you're one of those people who simply want it all, look no further than the new 15-inch PowerBook G4. Just over an inch thin, weighing only 5.6 pounds, and sporting a 15.2-inch (diagonal) widescreen display, this system incorporates all the best performance features of the PowerBook line tucked neatly into a sleek aluminum design.Built-in antennas make wireless networking a snap. With an AirPort Extreme Card, you can connect to an 802.11g wireless network at speeds up to five times faster than conventional Wi-Fi networks. Integrated Bluetooth technology extends your wireless capabilities with cable-free connections to the ever-growing roster of Bluetooth-enabled devices, including Apple's new wireless mouse and keyboard. The wired world is easily accommodated by a suite of high-speed digital connections, including Gigabit Ethernet, DVI, FireWire 800, and USB 2.0.With its intelligent combination of features, the 15-inch PowerBook gives you the freedom to edit video, deliver presentations, or analyze data on the go - in short, to get your work done, anywhere.

Two more generations of PowerBooks later (3rd added 1280 by 854 LCD, DVI output, faster graphics, and 800 MHz G4; 4th added 1 GHz G4, faster graphics, and SuperDrive), we get more substantial upgrade. No, this 5th generation PowerBook does not have a G5 processor. Mobile G5 probably isn't due for another year or so (Apple and IBM are busy at work cranking out PowerPC 980).

The most radical upgrade has to be aluminum alloy chassis. While not as hip as titanium, aluminum alloy is about as strong as titanium, while looking beautiful and providing one important benefit: nothing's painted over it. Pure aluminum alloy finish. Titanium PowerBooks were notorious for paint chipping off. Now the PowerBooks will stay beautiful year after year. As an added benefit, every keys on the keyboard are painted in aluminum alloy to give more complete metallic look and feel.

Other notable improvements include:
- 1.25 GHz G4 processor (10-25% faster than 1 GHz predecessor)
- AirPort Extreme (802.11g) and Bluetooth
- USB 2.0 and FireWire 800
- Faster 167 MHz FSB with DDR RAM support
- Up to 2 GB of DDR RAM
- ATI Mobility Radeon 9600 graphics card
- Backlit keyboard
- 3 speakers

Last generations of PowerMac G4s lacked many bleeding edge technologies (e.g., PCI Express, Serial ATA). And it being a generation or two before PowerBook G5 arrives, lacks some cutting edge technologies as well: high resolution 15.4" LCD, 7200 RPM hard disk, PCI Express card, faster FSB, digital audio I/O, and higher capacity battery with advanced power saving technologies.

Until then, you should proudly carry 5th generation PowerBook G4, knowing it is among the most powerful and certainly MOST beautiful notebook on the market.

Pros:
- Feels very fast (helped by 1.25 GHz G4 processor with large 512 KB L2 cache, DDR RAM, and ATI Mobility Radeon 9600)
- Very well equipped -- no additional hardware purchase required (although some will want more memory and/or extra battery)
- Simply beautiful... the most beautiful PowerBook yet
- Fantastic connectivity options
- Light and slim for a desktop replacement notebook

Cons:
- Among the most expensive notebooks in its class
- While it feels fast, it is slower than many Centrino notebooks
- 15.2" LCD is limited to 1280 by 854 resolution, which is among the lowest in its price range
- It is slightly larger and heavier than previous Titanium PowerBooks
- Shorter battery life than earlier PowerBook and many Centrino notebooks
- Earlier builds are plagued with white spots on the LCD and lid not closing evenly (both issues should be fixed by now)
- No docking station option


The newest technology, in the most convenient size...   September 21, 2003
 16 out of 19 found this review helpful

While Apple's 12" and 17" new PowerBooks were great, they tended to be for niche markets. The 12" was aimed at journalists and others who needed a full-function laptop as small as possible. The 17" seems to be used more in place of a desktop than as a laptop. Now all the new technologies previously only available in the 17" model, such as built in AirPort Extreme, the back-lit keyboard which adjusts automatically, the high-speed system bus, and built in 800Mbps FireWire are available in the most convenient laptop size. I have been able to use the system in an advance release at my university and it is stunning. It is fast, the SuperDrive is excellent, and the features are great. Of course it ships with OS X and Apple's iSoftware, all of which are great. I used to use a Windows based PC, but have really appreciated both the power and ease of use of OS X. And now I can use two mouse buttons. It is certainly a laptop well worth waiting for.


A work of art...   October 21, 2003
 27 out of 34 found this review helpful

When you are buying a Picasso, you can't expect to pay discount. The Powerbook G4 is a premium computer, and you pay a premium price. What you get puts competing PC-based products to shame, except, alas, on price.
The biggest advantage of the PBG4 -- besides, of course, the operating system -- is design efficiency and elegance. Despite having a 15.2-inch screen and a fast processor (one optimized for intensive video applications and presentations), the PBG4 weighs just 5.6 pounds and is stunningly slim at 1-inch thick. Check your average ad for similarly equipped laptops and they simply can not compare.

Take Sony's VAIO GRX for example. It boasts a "gigantic 16.1-inch screen." Okay, great. I'd love a 16-inch screen too. But then, in the fine print, is this laughable phrase: "Just 8.4 lbs. and 1.8" thin."

Let's see, sounds like a great tradeoff, doesn't it? You get about 12 percent more screen real estate, 55.5 percent more weight and 80 percent more bulk (and faster battery drain to boot).

The Sony is about 20 percent cheaper, mind you, but I already told you about that part, right?

Let's compare Apples to apples, then, shall we? A new VAIO model with a 15-inch display and Combo drive sells for about a grand less than Apple's deluxe Powerbook, and a few hundred below the bottom-of-the line. You would think with a smaller display, maybe they could take out some of that bulk? Naw. This one is "Just 8.6 lbs. and 1.8" thin."

I don't know about you, but if the Sonys bulk up any more, their owners will be able to throw out their old "Body By Jake" video tapes.

Now, there are a number of competitors using Intel Centrino chips now that are finally becoming competitive with the Powerbooks -- you can now get wider, higher resolution screens (a great 15.4-inch model on the Compaq x1000 series) that are less ugly and heavy than before. Battery life is comparable to the Powerbooks, for once. You can now find DVD burners, though not slot-loading models. But the PC 'books all come down to being utilitarian, plastic hunks of hardware, mostly thrown together with only an eye on maximum features for minimum price. Apple's are the product of a harmonious mix of design and integration that lead to a pleasing whole. It's the only company I know of that creates 5.6 pound pieces of aluminum art that will literally have you cracking a 1,000 watt smile when you open it up for the first time...And isn't that worth a few hundred bucks? A thousand? How much did you pay for the painting above your sofa?

Taking this computer with you also gets you noticed. Jealousy abounds. You are instantly associated with the "cool" people. Add an iPod and you would fit right in to any hip hangout and become a magnet for like-minded folks who appreciate that there is more to life than just megahertz. Folks who understand feng shui and design and a better way of life will be attracted to you. Trolls will be repelled. Another bonus.

By the way, you might also consider buying Apple's 3-year protection plan. Sure, it's expensive, but if you bought that Picasso, would you take it with you on an airplane (not to mention through overzealous security guards) without insurance?


Tough laptop!   June 1, 2004
 12 out of 15 found this review helpful

My PowerBook has been accidentally dropped twice. The first time it fell from a table as my kids were watching a DVD movie from the laptop. The second time my carrying fell from a reception counter. The PowerBook is still running as if nothing had happened.


Fan-Freakin'-Tastic!   March 30, 2004
 10 out of 11 found this review helpful

As a 20-year PC user (my first computer was a pre-8088 luggable), I wasn't entirely sure what to expect when I got my PowerBook. I'm not a switcher, and I'm certainly not a fanboy, but I love this machine. It's fast. The graphics look great. The machine's design is wonderful: the backlit keyboard, the glowing apple on the lid, even the power cord balances form and function nicely.

There are a few areas that have room for improvement. For instance, the computer didn't come with an operator's manual. Granted, it's the trend lately to not include manuals with computer products, but I could have used one (if for no other reason than to determine what the hotkey represented by what looks like a down-escalator is (trial and error reveals it to be the option/alt key)). Fortunately there are a lot of good third-party manuals and tech magazines to fill the need. Likewise, there are manufacturers of multi-button mice that work with the Mac; still I fail to see the advantage to the one-button touchpad, splitting the button in two would have made the PowerBook near perfect.

After a couple decades it's nice to have an easily transportable computer again. The 15-inch color screen is a vast improvement over my old luggable's 4-inch amber monochrome screen. The weight and battery life are equally impressive (considering the PC ran on power cord only any battery life would be an improvement, but 3.5+ hours for word processing is wonderful). I still like my desktop PC, but as I overcome the learning curve I expect I'll like my PowerBook even more.