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news of 2005-01-31

New PowerBooks - as predicted.

Apple has released the new PowerBooks now. Go to their website for details, but as anticipated by our article here, the new PowerBooks come from 1.5 to 1.67 GHz. Sadly, the graphics card rumours were apparently wrong and the PBs use the same old cards as in the last round of PowerBooks, although the 17" model comes with Dual-Link DVI (for the 30" display). This can be added BTO to the 15" model. The optional 100 GB drive is nice - as are Bluetooth 2.0 and the new TrackPad that you can use scroll-wheel like when dragging with two fingers. Also new: Sudden motion sensor, that secures your harddrive. A _slight_ change, btw.: The lower-spec 15" model (1.5 GHz) has the enlightened keyboard now, too. ;)

[ written by fryke™ on 2005-01-31 at 15:44 CET ]
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The subnotebook I'd want...

Just imagine. (I know, I know, not everybody wants a subnote, but I do...) A PowerBook called "PowerBook mini".

• 1.33 GHz PowerPC G4 processor
• 256 MB RAM (soldered, 1 slot free)
• 10.6" display (1280*768)
• 40 GB harddrive
• some graphics card (doesn't really matter)
• AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth included
• 1 FW 400 port
• 1 USB-2 port
• 1 Mini-VGA or Mini-DVI port
• Ethernet
• 1.3 kg weight (2.6 lbs)
• Battery life: 4h at "performance" setting, 8h or more at "power saving" setting

No optical drive, of course. In order to install software, you can either hook up a FW optical drive or attach the PowerBook mini to another Mac through "target mode" as an external harddrive. The whole thing should cost no more than an iBook 12", I think.

Right now, I'd buy that thing. Even if it was priced a bit higher than the entry level iBook. Sometimes, the 15" PB I have is just too much to carry, and even the 2.1 kg of the PB 12" or the 2.2 kg of the iBook 12" are too much then - compared to the subnotebooks that are possible. Sony shows that the size and weight can even include an optical drive, though.

[ written by fryke™ on 2005-01-31 at 12:38 CET ]
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