Mac Musings
The High-Res PowerBook Value Equation
Dan Knight - 2005.10.20, revised - Tip Jar
Popularity: ![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
Already this month Apple updated the iMac and introduced the video iPod. And yesterday they introduced the first Macs ever with dual-core CPUs and improved PowerBooks.
We'll look at the new PowerBooks today and save the Power Macs for tomorrow.
Overall Changes
All PowerBooks now come standard with SuperDrives. The 12" PowerBook G4 remains otherwise unchanged except for a US$200 price reduction. There is a build-to-order option for those who want to save some money and have a Combo drive.
The 15" and 17" PowerBooks now come standard with a dual-layer 8x SuperDrive and higher resolution displays. Again, those who want to save a little money can have Apple configure them with Combo drives.
There is no change in CPU speed, although Apple has phased out the 1.5 GHz 15" PowerBook.
Bigger, Better 'Books
The 15" and 17" PowerBooks run at 1.67 GHz, have higher resolution displays, and now use 533 MHz DDR2 memory (although on a 333 MHz bus). Battery life on both models improves by one hour as well.
15" PowerBook G4 HR
The only difference you'll once you start using the new 15" PowerBook is a 1440 x 960 display - the same resolution as the previous 17" model. The 15" PowerBooks had used 1280 x 854 displays for years, and this puts them on a level playing field with most 15" widescreen Windows models.
17" PowerBook G4 HR
If you thought 1440 x 960 was impressive on a 17" laptop, you'll be even more impressed with the new 17" PowerBook's new display - 1680 x 1050.
The Value Equation
15" PowerBook G4
The new 15" PowerBook G4/1.67 GHz retails for $1,999 with a dual-layer SuperDrive. Online dealers are selling the single-layer SuperDrive model for $1,899. Although CPU speeds are identical, the faster memory bus in the new model will give it an edge - not to mention that higher resolution screen.
The 1.5 GHz Combo drive model is available for $1,699. If you don't need a SuperDrive, you only lose 10% in speed and save $200-300 compared with the SuperDrive models. A good value.
If you do want or need a SuperDrive, ask yourself whether you want a dual-layer drive or not. That's the biggest difference between the new and old models. The new model is a better value primarily due to the higher resolution display and improved battery life.
17" PowerBook G4
The new 17" PowerBook G4/1.67 GHz retails for $2,499, and the model it's replacing is selling for $200 less. With the faster memory bus, higher resolution screen, longer battery life, and dual-layer SuperDrive, the new one is probably worth the extra $200.
What About Refurbs?
We're firm believers in refurbished hardware. Apple sells them with the same one-year warranty as new, but they also sell them at a significant savings. Here's how things stack up at the Apple Online Store today:
12" PowerBook G4
The 12" 1.5 GHz Combo drive model sells for $1,299 refurbished, and the SuperDrive version goes for $1,449. For the extra $100 saved, the refurbished Combo drive model is the winner. At just a $50 discount, we can't see any reason to buy a refurbished SuperDrive model.
15" PowerBook G4
The just-discontinued 15" Combo drive model sells for $1,699 refurbished, which is the same price online dealers are charging for new stock. The same holds for the 15" SuperDrive model. Apple had better slash some prices if they want to move out the refurbs.
17" PowerBook G4
We have the same situation as with the 15" PowerBook - Apple is selling refurbs for the same price online dealers are asking for brand new product. No compelling reason to pick refurbs without a discount.
Overall Value
For the first time since 1998, when Apple released the PowerBook G3 Series II at 233-300 MHz to replace Series I at 233-292 MHz, we're seeing new PowerBooks that essentially run at the same speed as their predecessors. That's thinking different, and it's evident that Apple isn't using clock speed as the selling point.
The 12" PowerBook gains a dual-layer SuperDrive. That's it, along with a $200 price reduction compared with the previous SuperDrive model. It's definitely a better value.
Higher up the food chain, the 15" and 17" models gain dual-layer SuperDrives, longer battery life, a faster memory bus, and higher resolution displays. There's also a $300 price reduction on the 15" PowerBook vs. the previous SuperDrive model, and the new 17" retails for $200 less than its predecessor.
Not only is Apple improving value, but my moving the 15" and 17"
models to higher resolution screens, they are making them more
competitive with Windows laptops. Smart move!
Join us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter.
Dan Knight has been using Macs since 1986, sold Macs for several years, supported them for many more years, and has been publishing Low End Mac since April 1997. If you find Dan's articles helpful, please consider making a donation to his tip jar.
Recent articles by Dan Knight
- Kill Caps Lock, but Leave the Rest of My Keyboard Alone (Mostly), 2012.02.03. It's too easy to hit Caps Lock by accident, but why change a keyboard layout that billions of users are comfortable with?
- Is This RIM's Macintosh Moment?, 2012.01.25. In 1996, Apple was in dire straits, but Steve Jobs redefined the company. Now it's do or die time for RIM.
- Saying Good-bye to Inkjet Printers, 2012.01.18. Apple has discontinued its $100 printer rebates, but even a free inkjet printer is false economy.
- More in the Mac Musings index.
Links for the Day
- Mac of the Day: Mac IIfx, introduced 1990.03.19. This 'wicked fast' 40 MHz Mac trumped the 33 MHz DOS world.
- February 14 in LEM history: 98: A perfect compact Mac - 00: Extended computer warranties worth the cost? - Making your PC work with your Mac - 01: Customize Microsoft Word - 02: Quadra revives a passion for computing - 03: Real world performance - DIY Pismo screen replacement - Best Mac for writing - 03: Fastest browser on the Mac - 06: 15" MacBook Pro - Impressions of a newly acquired Lisa - Finding and using free WiFi - Apple should liberate OS 9 - 07: New Mac mini cheaper than upgrading a Power Mac - 08: Falling in love with OS X
- Support Low End Mac
Recent Content on Low End Mac
- Fix Home Button Delay, Tablet the Ultimate Mobile PC, iPad Notebook a Possibility, and More, iOS News Review, 2012.02.10. Also using your iPad at work, two photo editors, a new iPad text editor, Macally's magnetic iPad 2 stand, and more.
- White MacBook Goes End-of-Life, Logitech Touch Mouse Supports Gestures, Firmware Updates, and More, The 'Book Review, 2012.02.10. Also MacBook Air better than any Ultrabook, docks for MacBook Pro models, Intel offers improved SSDs, and more.
- Mac and iOS Browsers: Options Galore, Freeware Forum, 2012.02.10. Safari is adequate on Mac and great on iOS, but the range of good alternatives is stunning. LEM writers share their favorites.
- Apple's Support Lead Shipping, Smartphones Outsell PCs, OS X Ported to ARM by Intern, and More, Mac News Review, 2012.02.10. Also the power of Tex-Edit Plus, Google and Twitter are already censoring the Web, Snow Leopard Security Update, and more.
- LogMeIn: Remote Screen Sharing for the Rest of Us, Alan Zisman, Zis Mac, 2012.02.09. Configuring the Mac's built-in screen sharing to work over the Internet can be difficult or impossible. LogMeIn makes it easy.
- 15 Years Ago Motorola Unveiled the PowerPC G3, Low End Mac Round Table, 2012.02.06. The G3 processor was optimized for real world Mac software and made a big leap forward in efficiency.
- Don't Kill Caps Lock, Learning to Love the iOS Keyboard, and an Adaptive iPad Keyboard, Charles W. Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2012.02.06. The Caps Lock key has a useful function, the iPad's keyboard really is useful, and checking out an adaptive keyboard for the iPad.
- More links in our archive.
Recent Deals
- Best 17" MacBook Pro Deals
- Best iPod classic Deals
- Best eMac Deals
- Best MacBook Air Deals
- Best iBook G4 Deals
- Best iPad Deals
- Best Classic Mac OS Deals
- Best Apple TV Deals
- More deals in our archive.
About LEM Support Usage Privacy Contact
Follow
Low End Mac on Twitter
Join Low End Mac
on Facebook
Low End Mac Reader Specials
TypeStyler 11 is now in the Mac App Store!! -- Special Introductory Price of $59.95!! -- To Buy From The Mac App Store Click Here Now!! Or buy direct
from Strider Software.
Don't install Parallels to play poker online! Poker Mac will show you how to download and install a native Mac poker and Mac Casino applications in minutes.
Favorite Sites
MacSurfer
Cult of Mac
Shrine of Apple
MacInTouch
MyAppleMenu
InfoMac
The Mac Observer
Accelerate Your Mac
RetroMacCast
PB Central
MacWindows
The Vintage Mac Museum
DealMac
Deal Brothers
Mac2Sell
Mac Driver Museum
JAG's House
System 6 Heaven
System 7 Today
the pickle's Low-End Mac FAQ
Affiliates
Amazon.com
The Apple Store
The iTunes Store
PC Connection Express
GainSaver
Parallels Desktop for Mac
eBay

