Apple PowerBook Laptop 12.1" M9008LL/A (1.0-GHz PowerPC G4, 256 MB RAM, 40 GB Hard Drive, DVD-R/CD-RW SuperDrive)

Surprisingly, the PowerBook G4 M9008LL/A is driven by the same CPU used in last year's top-of-the-line 17-inch PowerBook, the 1 GHz PowerPC G4 processor with 512 KB Level 2 cache for rapid retrieval of recently accessed data. Apple has added 256 MB of medium speed PC2100 (266 MHz) DDR SDRAM memory (upgradeable to 1.25 GB) and an nVidia GeForce FX Go5200 graphics chipset with 32 MB of dedicated video memory, thus ensuring smooth operation during standard mobile tasks. Some performance degradation may be evident when running complex professional applications and high-end 3-D games or while multitasking.

At just 10.9 by 8.6 by 1.2 inches and a scant 4.6 pounds (with battery and optical drive attached), the brushed aluminum PowerBook G4 M9008LL/A is extraordinarily compact. Yet it's packed with amenities. Standard features include a 12.1-inch TFT display capable of high-detail 1024x768 resolution, a 78-key keyboard with accurate solid-state track pad, a digital DVI output for flat-screen displays, integrated Bluetooth 1.1 technology for cordless peripherals, and two high-speed USB 2.0 ports and one FireWire 400 port for connecting plug and play devices such as external drives and digital cameras.

To help you handle your data, Apple has outfitted the system with a reasonably sized 40 GB hard disk and a versatile DVD-RW/CD-RW drive through which you can play and listen to audio CDs, archive files, enjoy the latest movie releases, and burn home video to long-lasting DVD media. A high-speed 10/100BASE-T Ethernet connection and low-speed 56K V.92 modem are standard, but wireless communications are available only with the purchase of an AirPort Extreme card. In ideal conditions, battery life is estimated at an impressive five hours.

Product Description
The new PowerBook family gives you power in a choice of three ultrafast portables. Whether you prefer the ultra-compact 12-inch model, the coveted 15-inch powerhouse, or the stunning 17-inch beauty, every new PowerBook G4 is loaded with advanced capabilities. Housed in a sleek, lightweight aluminum alloy enclosure, the PowerBook G4 is resistant to stains and scratches. It's also perfectly smooth on all surfaces, with no doors, protruding latches or levers to break, and no sharp edges to catch on your clothing. And whatever your notebook needs or desires are, you can be sure there's a PowerBook G4 that's perfect for you.Starting at just 4.6 pounds, the three new PowerBook G4 models are light enough to carry around all day. And thanks to the PowerPC G4 processor with Velocity Engine, every PowerBook packs a tremendous punch for doing everything from crunching numbers to editing video and designing show-stopping presentations. You'll marvel at the way Apple has fitted the supersharp high-resolution TFT XGA active-matrix display into such a remarkably compact frame. To see it is to feel the strong stirrings of technolust.

This is one of the finest Macs I have ever used. The weight is so light. The aluminum case is amazing. The slot load Superdrive which burns either CD's or DVD's is elegant compared to slide out trays that risk being damaged. The keyboard feels amazing. I could go on and on. Battery life I have gotten has ranged in the 4 hour range...excellent for a G4 equipped laptop. ALthough 256MB of RAM seems rather low, it surprisingly does well (Though I did add a 512mb module later, and watched performance grow). The power adapter itself has hooks to wrap the cord around (though admittedly, the old doughnut design was better looking). The 12" Powerbook is an excellent piece of hardware for those looking to tote a laptop. Two Thumbs Up!


I Switched!   February 20, 2004
 3 out of 3 found this review helpful

This portable is a real gem. Switching is not without effort, however. The Mac OS does things differently than the Windows world. Spend the time and effort learning how to do things diffferently and better and your computing world will be forever improved. Hint: get the "Missing Manual - Panther edition" by D. Pogue and use it. Also, calibrate the screen and battery following purchase and perform routine maintenance activities on the system to remain trouble-free. After almost 20 years in the PC world, I may never buy a WinPC again.


Great Computer   November 12, 2003
 2 out of 3 found this review helpful

This is a great computer. Compact, powerful, easy to use, and a beautiful design. I recommend it to anyone that is looking for a small yet full-featured computer.


AMAZING!!!   March 31, 2004
 3 out of 3 found this review helpful

I have owned over 20 macs in my 12 years of Macintosh consulting and development.. This is the best Mac yet. I just sold my 15" TiBook to get this 12" Aluminum/1ghz/DVDR model. I can't put it down. The screen seemed small - until I used it. No problem there at all. I do a lot of digital photography and programming and the 12 inch PowerBook is THE MACHINE!


Perfect   January 1, 2004
 3 out of 4 found this review helpful

I received a 12" PowerBook for Christmas, and so far, I haven't turned on my old media center pc since. I absolutely love all the features. The computer is quick to boot up, quick to load application, and because of the design of each clock cycle, programs don't interfere with each other on a large scale.
I needed a computer that could edit film and audio, and render quickly and professionally, and while this isn't the fastest PowerBook, it is definitely the one that fits my life the best. It's portable and powerful, and compared to the machines that I was running on before, this is a superior machine. I have Final Cut Pro, Express, Macromedia Studio MX 2004, Adobe suites, not to mention all the handy iApps for simple cut and edit in film. I have yet to get DVD Studio Pro 2, but that's on my list of apps to get. This is the tool for a person who needs power, but the actual physical requirement needs to come second to their ideas and creativity.
The only con is the battery life, rendering and using this processor takes a toll on it, but when I do most of those type of things, it's near a wall socket, so it isn't a big deal. And despite what I had read about this machine before I got it, it is not blazing hot. The wrist rest gets a little warm, but I've yet to find a laptop that doesn't. And unlike those laptops, this one cools down when you put it on a hard flat surface, and I barely notice that the fan is running to vent it. It is a superior machine, and definitely worth the money. Couple this with a 20" Apple display, and you have all the screen space you would ever need.