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>Apple PowerBook Notebook 15.2" M9677LL/A (1.67 GHz PowerPC G4, 512 MB RAM, 80
GB Hard Drive, SuperDrive) Review
Welcome
to the Apple PowerBook Notebook 15.2" M9677LL/A (1.67 GHz PowerPC G4, 512 MB RAM,
80 GB Hard Drive, SuperDrive) Review page:
Why wait? There have been problems
reported with the new trackpad and noise from the 100 GB drive (which is an optional
upgrade). The trackpad is a departure from previous models and likely needs some
time to shake out on the manufacturing side. Okay, those two issues aside, this
is THE laptop to own. Let me explain.
(1) The screen is unparalled in
brightness and clarity. Apple pioneered the "widescreen" laptop, and its displays
have only improved over the years. The 15.2" size is perfect for tasks that the
12" screen is too cramped to handle, and as to which the 17" is great, but adds
to much weight and unwieldiness. (It looks like they may still be having problems
with the latch design on the 17" -- it just isn't an ideal solution for a laptop
of this size. But I digress ...)
(2) The speed of the system is remarkable
-- noticeable even over the 1.5 gHz from last year's top of the line model. Whips
through everything, even GarageBand 2 ... which is amazing processor and memory
hog. (Please, Apple, fix that ...)
(3) The illuminated keyboard (triggered
by light sensors that react to the ambient light levels in the room) now is bright
enough to be very practical. Last year's model's with illuminated keyboards were
pretty dim and not entirely useful. By the way, this year they've included the
illuminated keyboard in both 15.2" models -- the SuperDrive and combo drive models.
Last year, it only appeared in the SuperDrive model).
(4) Fit and finish.
Unparalled -- no other laptop even comes close. Apple has the attention to detail
of Mercedes and BMW.
(5) Size. Just an inch thick, and weighs in at a
bit over five pounds. Very portable, with lots of custom cases out there in the
marketplace.
(6) New technology to protect the hard drive in the event
-- GASP! -- it falls. It's some patented gyroscopic doohickey, and I'm glad it's
there!
I can't recommend this Apple PowerBook Notebook highly enough.
Buy the Apple PowerBook Notebook 15.2" M9677LL/A (1.67 GHz PowerPC
G4, 512 MB RAM, 80 GB Hard Drive, SuperDrive)
