Customer Reviews

Apple Powerbook Laptop M8858LL/A (867-MHz PowerPC G4, 256 MB RAM, 40 GB Hard Drive)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I bought my first Mac (a G4 Quicksilver tower) a little over a year ago after using a PC all my life. I used to make fun of people who used them but since I got one I have convinced my Dad, brother, sister, friend, and others to buy one for themselves. Why do you think Mac users are so passionate about their computers? You just feel good when you use one. Maybe it's because you spend less time banging your head against a wall trying to get your computer to work. Or maybe it's because Macs are just beautiful, from the packaging to the operating system. Once you go Mac, you can't go back.

When this Power Book came out and it was faster and had the same size hard drive as my desktop, I knew it was time to trade in. I am so glad I did! I LOVE this computer. It is so fast and smooth and the DVD player is sweet. Even watching the gorgeous visuals that come on iTunes is mesmerizing. Apple has the best of the most important software, like iPhoto, iTunes, iMovie, iCal, etc., that are hands down the best programs on the market. Even Word looks and works better on a Mac. I have only one complaint- Mac support. They don't go out of their way to offer you help. Luckily, you rarely, if ever, need it.

I'm a university student finishing up my degree, and when the winter 2002 term's workload practically mandated a laptop, I went out and got the least-expensive major-brand laptop I could at the campus store: a Toshiba Satellite 1800-4K1. Like so many regard their laptops, I treated it like I would an economy car: it did what I needed, nothing more, and I certainly didn't care about it any more than what it took to keep it working. In that respect, the Toshiba did its job admirably for almost a year.

But the more I used it, the more I realised that I wanted something which would be genuinely nice to use (I was also getting a bit disillusioned with Microsoft, but that's another story). Something that would *encourage* me to be away from my desktop system. So I started looking at more serious laptops, and (as you might imagine) settled on a PowerBook.

So far, I'm not regretting the decision one bit, even though it's the only Mac in a Windows-centric household. What shocks me are the sheer number of ways in which it's superior to not just my older, low-end Toshiba, but a number of current high-end laptops as well.

Performance is a bit of a given when you consider the time differential between the laptops I've had, but what's pleasant is the degree to which the PowerBook 867 feels considerably faster than its clock speed suggests. Apple might exaggerate the performance, but not by as much as you'd think. Furthermore, you don't have to scale back your performance to get decent battery life: I can use the system at full speed whether plugged in or not, while a Pentium 3 or 4 laptop can scale back dramatically (I've heard a 2 GHz Pentium 4 scales back to 1.2 GHz!) while still not saving you much power.

The design is definitely what you should buy the PowerBook for, though. It's very thin, so it has a better fit in your laptop bag (and on your wrists), and it's more "shallow" than other large-screen laptops (important when you're using it on a plane or a restaurant table). The widescreen display is also very attractive and useful - so much so that I'd rather use the PowerBook's 1280x854 resolution than something higher on a conventional-ratio laptop.

Battery life is also important for me; what's the point of having a laptop if you can't use it away from a wall socket for very long? While Apple's "up to 5 hours of battery life" claim is indeed a bit much, practically speaking I can get 3.75 to 4 hours out of my PowerBook while doing relatively normal work (typing up class notes, web browsing on wired Ethernet, etc.). Even when I'm using my wireless networking and listening to an Internet radio stream, I can still get over 2.5 hours. In either case, that's a full hour more than the considerably slower laptop I had before, and from what I hear is better still than most of Apple's "desktop replacement" rivals.

Catches? The PowerBook itself is fairly durable (I've heard of someone who had their PowerBook drop off a table and still function normally), but if you want to avoid dirt and scratches you'll want to be a bit more careful than usual. Make sure that it gets put in a bag with a smooth, lint-free surface, wipe the screen using a similarly-textured cloth, and don't decide to sprint to the bus stop with the PowerBook bouncing around like mad. A basic piece of paper placed on the keyboard when you're done should help keep the screen clear.

In short, though, the system is good enough that I'll almost certainly be selling the Toshiba, and probably won't miss it at all. Consider a PowerBook if you want a fast, long-lasting laptop that just happens to be incredibly appealing to the eyes.

The way I see it, the 867 mhz setup is the optimum macintosh powerbook configuration.

Firstly, the speed - more than enough. The difference between 867 and 1 ghz - though 1 ghz is a nicer number - is minute, for a 500 dollar price difference.

The DVD/CR-RW drive: while everyone is fawning over Superdrives for the new powerbooks, what they're overlooking is that the CD rewrite speed is actually SLOWER in a superdrive (6x as opposed to 8x). Burning DVDs, of course, is a very cool concept. But the drive itself is an extra 200 dollars, and, in terms of media storage, you simply don't need that much. 700 megabyte CD's go for about a twentieth of the cost of one DVD. So if you're planning on using alternate media to transport data, CDs are cheaper and faster to write with. "But I need to transport my whole hard drive from my powerbook to my new computer." In which case, simply hook up the firewire from your laptop to the computer. Firewire is ridiculously fast.

In addition, the DVD drive itself works well, and the CD-R/CD-RW drive is equally easy to use. If you think that buring DVD's is a great alternative to simply buying them, than think again - at least for the meantime. Ripping a DVD is nowhere near the same as ripping a CD, and besides, with most DVD movies nowadays encompassing more than 4.7 gigabytes, you need a high-density (i.e. more expensive) 9.4 gigabyte DVD to rip it onto.

If, in all honesty, you need to use your powerbook for creating your own DVD's - which not many people do... but if you're one of them, then god bless - then go for the superdrive.

In addition, this model is perhaps the best middle-of-the-road laptop there is. The new 17" laptop starts at 3300. The 12" ones end at 1900. So if you want a 15 inch screen, and the actual titanium casing (the new ones are aluminum), stick with this one.

Something else to remember. Macs, as great as they are, tend to be very flawed when they're first released. The original Titanium powerbook took almost three years to perfect (the old DVD drives used to break very easily). The G4 cube didn't even last a year before it was discontinued. The first G4 towers had to take a speed cut (they were supposed to be released 400, 450, and 500mhz models, but instead were 350, 400, and 450). Macintosh OSX was terrible for a year, before 10.1 fixed all the bugs. The original iBook's design had to be revamped within a year (because they looked like toilet seats). Perhaps wait a little before throwing your trust into a brand new design, as neat as it looks.

Also, Titanium components themselves are getting much, much less expensive. DDR ram (used in the new laptops... and standing for "Double-Data Rate) is necessary only in very, very high end computing; and, if that doesn't convince you, it costs over twice as much as the TI powerbook's PC-133 RAM, so if you feel like upgrading from 256 to 512, it's going to cost about three times as much to buy one 256 DIMM of DDR-RAM.

The overall design of the TI powerbook, after 3 years of remodeling (mostly internal remodeling) is finally at its best. It can handle all games, can upgrade to a lot of RAM inexpensively (and remember, 1 gigabyte of PC-133 RAM is still faster than 512 Megabytes of DDR-RAM), and, most importantly, is very solidly built. The monitors are great-looking, and very high-quality.

I would happily buy this again.

Okay, just a few short bullet notes:

Powerbook G4's DO have fans. I don't know what you're talking about. And the casing on almost all laptops heats up - especially high performance laptops. The purpose is to pull heat AWAY from the microprocessor. And people who say "You should sue if you get burned by a hot laptop" are the same people who say "You should sue if a television falls on you and breaks your foot - the television was obviously too heavy."

Secondly, yes, the keyboards can leave marks on the screen. But there are actually companies that manufacture pads that cover the keyboard when you close it, so it doesn't dent the screen. Oh no, 5 dollars!

And, additionally, this guy doesn't know what he's talking about because you don't "repair" a laptop monitor. I mean, it's just not done. You replace the entire thing (replacement titanium monitors start at - get this - 1300 dollars, so take good care of the one you have). This is why you have to be extra careful not to dent the one you have.

I hate things like this - people writing bad reviews about equipment and not knowing what they're talking about - or worse, making stuff up.

And I have no clue why this guy says that OSX is a bad operating system. It doesn't crash, doesn't freeze, doesn't do anything of the sort. Not just this, but Macs are much less succeptible to viruses than PC's, since no viruses are written in Mac/Unix format. So eat me, pal.

And yes, bus and mhz speeds are slower in macs. This is not unobvious. Macs have slower interfaces than PCs. People know this. But in PROCESSING applications, a mac g4 scales up about 2.4 times.

Right. Anyway, spurious reviews - either way - bother me.

I've had my TiBook since Nov 02. I'm a graphic designer (read: power user). I have a network of PCs and Macs at home and at work. I have no preference either way. I am not a Mac geek nor a PC geek. I just require power and this was the fastest machine, with the best screen available at the time. I purchased this machine because I needed to be able to work from the road. It meets my needs perfectly.

To fill in some of the gaps left by other reviewers.....

I sent my TiBook back to Apple for a RAM upgrade and got it back in 3 days not 7-10. The keyboard is the one of the best you can find on any laptop, notebook, portable, whatever you want call it. The screen is easily the the best on the market. Look around. The colors are accurate thanks to colorsync and you won't find a brighter, clearer screen anywhere.

I don't understand why someone would complain about a slot loading DVD/CDRW drive. Who wants stuff protruding from your laptop that can be broken off? Tray loading optical drives are cheaper and that's why they are found on bargain basement designs. This is a preference argument for sure. To each there own. I'll choose the one that looks better and still provides the same functionality.

There is nothing quirky about my TiBook. It does what I want it to without having download patches and virus software updates every week. When was last Windows mandatory patch? Oh, yeah, I forgot you can't get online because the Blaster worm keeps turning your computer off. I haven't had to turn off my machine in over three months.

Happy computing.

I have been a programmer/coder for a few years now and thanks to to the PowerBook I can still do my work without crashing halfway through a project. This laptop is for the power user, hence the hefty price, but it is worth every penny. The only minor hick-up, is the poor Wi-Fi reception; but that can be solved by a pc-card.

I know there is a loyal following for Apple. I used to be one of them. I had a succession of macs since the 1980s. I recall that I never called tech support, even though I probably should have, sometimes.

When my pc laptop fell and broke, I needed a replacement. I agonized over what to get. I needed the following:

1. A laptop that was light, with good speakers, combo drive, strong tech support, good keyboard, and a clear screen for graphics.

I borrowed a t20 IBM, and was happy with it. It ran Windows 98, 2nd edition. Tech support was available and helpful 24/7. The machine was light, and fast. The only problem was that it had an eraserhead, rather than a trackpad, and I needed a trackpad, because I've been developing carpal tunnel syndrome, or something....

So, in the end, I thought, and read the reviews. I couldn't afford an IBM T40 souped up. I heard Dell had seriously flawed support issues these days, same for Gateway.

I called the Apple Store, and asked about their tech support. Apple reps. boast about their award-winning technical support. Too bad they don't say who gave it to them.

So, I fell for it.

I bought a powerbook 15 inch, G4, 867 mgh, a week or so ago. It looked beautiful with a marvelous design. The graphics were fabulous, and the machine boasted a 32 mgs video ram card.

I had a terrible problem configuring the airport...and, the next night, I used it for a couple of hours. I was in incredible discomfort. I ended up with a sore on my thumb because the trackpad button was so, stiff.

I called tech support. They said bring it over to an Apple service center. The next day, I trotted over, dragging this baby which doesn't seem that light anymore, to two Apple places, including an Apple Store.

One wanted to send it out right away. Approximate return time was: 7-10 days.

The Apple Store refused to try and adjust it. A girl looked at it, and said it is consistent with others of the same ilk. It's the design, the 12 inch has a smaller button.

What was I supposed to do? Use an external mouse, or return it, and try one of their ibooks....

No good. I returned to the store where I purchased it. I was given a mouse, which was helpful. I was very annoyed, bec. the whole point of buying a laptop is not to use a mouse. Mind you, when I brought that point up to the person at the Apple Store, she said that Apple never promotes their powerbooks as laptops, only "portables," meant to be used on a desk, or table... (splitting hairs here?)

With mouse in hand, I began to use the keyboard. Apple promotes its "portables," as ergonomically designed. I don't know where the ergonomics come in with this machine. The keyboard, and trackpad are totally flat, there's no pitch to them, and the keys are squished up towards the screen. The trackpad button isn't split, but one long single piece. For right click options, you have to hold it down longer.

Instead of a cd/dvd tray, there's a slit in the bottom front of the machine, where you slide the disk in. A little scarey to watch your software cd be swallowed.

Using any of the ports is rather awkward. You have to reach around and open a metal slat that hangs open to use the usb, ethernet, and other ports. So, when I plug in the mouse, I have to use that, and I fear breaking it....

I don't know if my machine is defective, but I don't see where the screen is so beautifully clear. My text is rather fuzzy. I got better resolution on the IBM with a 16 mg video ram card, than this. The colors, and saturation, are beautiful, on the Apple.

The white apple on the top when you're using it glows a pale lavender, which is a lovely touch.

Finally, as for tech support, and the 3 year "Apple Care" warranty, I found the following (and, I'm repeating one thing):

1. Tech support is only available from 9am-9pm EST; 6am-6pm pacific. Don't they think people have problems at night?

2. Any machines sent to Apple take 7-10 days for returns. What happened to business and user friendly for that $349 warranty?

3. You don't always find the nicest people on tech support.

I called customer relations trying to have the keyboard somewhat modified, or for some assistance. They supposedly have universal access for people with disabilities.

Well, well....the message I got today from a representative is that if the trackpad button meets Apple standards then, they will do nothing to help me....get an external keyboard.

This is a shame. I was hoping I would get a desktop replacement in a laptop by buying this baby...

I sense that Mac these days is like a cult, in a class like Ikea and Saabs... quirky, and surprisingly, snotty.

Steve Jobs, you got the designs almost right, but don't you know that you need to support your users?

I should have gotten an IBM. Off to a bad start, I might have to lose the 15% restocking fee, to get a computer that works. Right now, I'm back on my repaired pc laptop. The keyboard is comfortable, and the buttons are springy and don't require a lot of work to use.

If you're interested in this machine, buy it from either MacMall or Macwarehouse.... One of them sells an extended warranty which includes accident protection for the screen, and 24/7 tech support, and other extras... for a little less than the AppleCare.

Sorry about my mixed review for you fans out there, I really did try...

I've had my Powerbook for a few months now. It has much too many defects for 1,000 words to explain but I'll do my best.

The first thing you notice about the Powerbook is the design. It is certainly the most beutiful piece of electronic art that I have seen but apparently Apple neglected the things that make a good laptop.

The Powerbook lacks a fan of any sort causing the pure titanium shell to reach astronomical temperatures. You will want to avoid touching the back of the Powerbook after about an hour's use as it will certainly burn you. I'm quite surprised that a lawsuit hasn't yet been brought against Apple by someone who has been burned.

The screen is large with brilliant colors but it touches the keyboard when the laptop is closed, significantly marring the display. Plan on performing some hefty maintanance to keep your Powerbook in good working order.

Battery life is nonexistant. Under normal workload the Powerbook will last about an hour and a half. I tried watching a movie on the display, I got halfway through and it died. The speakers are also nonexistant and might as well be removed all together.

The Mac's hardware is equally distressing. The G4 processor is wholly outdated. The magazine Maximum PC recently tested the AMD Athlon XP, Intel Pentium 4, and the Apple G4 processors in a server setting. Needless to say, the Mac was anniahlated, in some tests it failed to perform even half as fast as the P4. This lack of proccesing power is not just evident in tests though, it shows in everyday applications as well. The bus speed, which is the speed that information is transported across the motherboard, is 133MHz. To put this in perspective, the Athlon XP runs at 333MHz and the P4 has reached 500MHz. Any claim that the Apple is in any way "fast" or even "average" is simply false.

The worst aspect of the Powerbook however, is Mac OS X, it's operating system. OS X, while to some people easier (it's really just a matter of taste), is a haven for bugs. It crashes at least once every time I use it and, unlike Windows(mostly) you will loose everything and be forced to start over anew. The ease of use is offest completely by the bugginess and extreme tendency to crash inherent in OS X.

I can't stress enough how poor this system is. Do yourself a favor and buy a real notebook. Unless, of course, all you desire is eye candy. Then and only then should you even consider the Powerbook.