MacPrices.net

PowerBook Mystique Mailbag - January 19, 2006

with Charles W. Moore

PowerBook and MacBook Mystique
Daystar XLR8 G4 upgrade
Re: iBook vs pBook
PowerBook name lives on

PowerBook and MacBook Mystique

From Oliver Starkey

Charles,

Allow me to the the first to suggest “PowerBook and MacBook Mystique”.

I would like to upgrade my G3 900 but I do not think I am in the market for a 2k laptop.

Cheers,

Oliver Starkey

Hi Oliver;

You are indeed the first to make a suggestion, although it is a matter I've been pondering.

Of course, the PowerBook Mystique name was already not comprehensively inclusive, as I also cover iBooks extensively.

Speaking of which, the forthcoming iBook (or more likely MacBook) should be the ideal solution to your upgrade dilemma.

Hang in for a few more months.

Charles

MacBook Mystique?

From Oliver Starkey

Hi Charles,

It appears that you have named the column "MacBook Mystique". However, I also see that the recent review of the laptop stand is "Powerbook Mystique Review".

I see that none of my predictions came true. I am not worried. I think some of it will happen in the next few years. We have yet to see the new "Macbook".

I was tempted to buy one of the PPC models as the prices drop. On further pondering, I think that that architecture will be orphaned in small ways in future software releases. So the next machine will be Intel. But what will it be? "Macbook" with an external monitor? Imac? The tax man will have a say.

Cheers.
Oliver Starkey

Hi Oliver;

"Welcome To The MacBook Mystique" was just the title of my initial column about the new machines. The name of the column is still PowerBook Mystique. Sorry for any confusion.

I agree with you about the PPCs and creeping obsolescence. I'm sure that it can be worked around, and there is the big issue of backward compatiibility, Bur my next machine will probably have Intel inside.

Charles

Daystar XLR8 G4 upgrade

From Lisa

Dear Charles,

Thank you once again for your great advice on Daystar's XLR8 G4 upgrade! I just got my PowerBook Pismo back and it's one screaming machine. I do have a couple of questions for you though:

- What's the best online source of user manual-type information on this generation of PowerBook? - Will I be able to back-light the transparent keys on my PowerBook?

Best,
Lisa

Hi Lisa;

Congratulations on the upgrade. I'm sure you will enjoy it. My G4 upgrade is two years old now, and hasn't missed a beat.

Manual: PBFixIt has some used originals:
http://www.pbfixit.com/cart/catalog/product_52_G3_Pismo_Users_Manual.html

Also free takaeapard guides:
http://www.pbfixit.com/Guide/

I know of no backlight upgrade for the Pismo, but one of the products in this article might be a satisfactory substitute:
https://www.macprices.net/columns/hildreth_moore/ilkb.shtml

Charles

Re: iBook vs pBook

From R Marshall

Hi Charles,

Thanks so much for your reply. I was quite prepared not to get a response as I appreciate you must receive tons of mail but can only publish or respond to a few items.

So thanks for your helpful comments on iBook / pBook reliability. In one way I guess I am none the wiser in the sense that - as you have confirmed - both current models seem to be pretty good iterations of their respective form factors (even if they are a bit long in the tooth).

FWIW I think I will stick with the PowerBook but only because of the faster hard drive. I have seen quite a few posts on the Apple iBook forum from Garage Band users complaining that GB doesn't like writing to 4200rpm drives. I don't know what would be the implications of writing to a 2.5" 5400rpm FireWire drive from an iBook.

Apart from build quality and HD speed, it seems the current 12" iBook has the 12" pBook beaten. The more modern graphics chip seems to easily compensate for the slight difference in CPU and bus speed despite less vRAM. And when MoBo RAM is factored in, the iBook seems much better value for money.

I guess the only disappointment (if only a partial surprise) is that no announcements were made last week for either of these product lines. To my eyes the MacBook Pro is still just a MacBook prototype and it is far too early to place orders - and a portable without an onboard modem? That's plain daft. Of course, the blogosphere is awash with rumours of product announcements pulled at the last minute and a hastily rewritten Stevenote.

Thanks again for your helpful comments.
Best wishes,

Richard

Hi Richard;

That's probably a pertinent point about the 5400 RPM HD for Garageband users.

If you're not compellingly in need of an immediate upgrade, it might be worth your while to hang in for the new iBook (or MacBook) announcement, which will surely come by spring. and should be a real, from scratch new form factor.

I absolutely agree about the modem elimination. An imbecilic decision.

The MacBook Pro is a pretty impressive piece of work even so, but I think generation 2 will probably be worth waiting for.

Charles

PowerBook name lives on

From Mike Suskin

Mr. Moore,

I first stumbled onto powerbookcentral.com over a year ago when i was looking to upgrade from my G4 tower to a more portable PBG4. Since then I have enjoyed the reading about the gadgets and PowerBooks you have showcased in your column,along with the spirited editorials you have integrated into your features. Much of it has, and continues to be applicable to the BowerBook G4 Ti 867 that I still use today.

Like yourself I was in awe not only over the features of the new MacBookPro, but of the speed at which Apple was able to put together this Intel based product. Though also, like yourself, I was disgusted to say the least in the hack job of a name Apple assigned for this otherwise great product. I can't express how surprised I was to see someone else point out the value in the PowerBook name as a premier icon not simply as a common moniker in the Apple universe but throughout portable computing.

Previously, I had vented my feelings on this on a gaming clan forum which I frequent, and I would like to share what I wrote with you. I do this in hope of keeping support for the PowerBook name as the crown of Apple's portable line.

I just finished watching the Steve Jobs keynote (If you'd like to see it, check the STW forum at macserialjunkie.com). I must say I'm very optimistic about all but two of the products introduced: Aperture and the HORRIBLY titled MacBook Pro. 

First off, is anyone worried about Apple seeping into Adobe's territory? Normally I would take any profitable venture Apple is making with great support, yet I'm more concerned with a product war between long time allies Apple and Adobe. 

Second, MacBook Pro? MACBOOKPRO?!?!?! 
What the fuck kind of name is that??? 

The source of Apple's revival over the past few years has been due to excellent packaging of its products. Just look at the iPod, iMac, Powerbooks, Final Cut Studio, in fact every product over the last 3 years has been a success due to well executed packaging. I believe that catchy, roll off the tongue naming is a major part of their appeal in the packaging of their products. MacBook Pro, in my opinion, is a BAD NAME. Apple has hit oil with the ahead of schedule release of Intel based products, especially keeping with the dual core trend of the latest G5's, but the PowerBook name is one that must live on. 

A simple solution would be to continue the Powerbook name as has been done since the 2nd generation PB G3. Even since the PB G4 was released, from the Ti 400 to the latest Al 1.6, every model has been referred to as PowerBook G4. For all my furry friends here that are PowerBook users like myself: please, keep the PowerBook name alive! Refer even to the new MacBooks (ewww, I hate saying that) as PowerBooks. It's a timeless title that deserves to live on. 

Cheers

As some excerpts from my post may seem comical, it may be helpful to read them in their original context. Here is a link to the original post: http://www.animal-clan.com/forum/daw/viewtopic.php?p=1143#1143 

I would like to assure you that you are not alone in your defense of the PowerBook. There are many others that stand by your opinion.

Thanks for your column and the content you provide for the Apple community,

Mike Suskin

Yo, Mike;

Good on you for your spirited defense of the PowerBook name. I expect it's a done deal with Apple, but it's good to stand up for principles.

I haven't read or heard one person saying they like the name change from PowerBook to MacBook. I don't absolutely hate it, but PowerBook is a, well, powerful name with a lot of history, and MacBook is plain vanilla and not terribly euphonious by comparison. It's just plain dull.

Charles

CM