Verizon Wireless
Entered CNET Catalog: 10/31/2005
SKU: 0718908094082
Manufacturer: Apple Inc.
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Manufacturer description
Housed in a sleek, lightweight enclosure, the PowerBook G4 makes the perfect travel companion. But don't let the good looks fool you: it also packs a powerful punch. The PowerBook G4 is a study in power and functionality, that's a pleasure to open in public. The PowerBook G4 notebook introduces a higher-resolution display, longer battery life and a host of features that keep it high on the wish list of every pro. And with its low prices, your wish is more affordable than ever before!Product summary
The good: Brilliant display has superfine native resolution; less expensive than prior version; DVD burner; improved battery life; includes Apple's Sudden Motion Sensor and ambient-light sensor.
The bad: Expensive; lacks a TV tuner card; has only two USB ports.
The bottom line: The 17-inch PowerBook G4 delivers a competitive set of features, a great software package, good battery life, and style in spades, but you can find plenty of less expensive options out there.
Average user rating: from 17 users
4.0 stars
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 User Rating: 
10/10
Best Mac EVER
Pros: Durable, great sound and seamless video
Cons: Luggable...encourages you to leave it at home unless you REALLY need it.
Review: After using this computer for over a year for many hours a day, I really couldn't be happier. Apple really worked the bugs out before making this one. Worth every penny for excellent design all the way around. The software isn't too bad either. 
Wide screen is super for watching movies too.
Wide screen is super for watching movies too.
User Rating: 10/10
Couldn't be happier
Pros: tiger os sleek and handy design
Cons: where? did they escape?
Review: so happy i switched! now i hook my powerbook to the 23in screen and turn on my BT keyboard and mouse and blaze away. i'm doing my work instead of nursing a sick computer or digging deep into installation menus. when i'm finished with my legacy files in msword it's bye bye microsoft forever. clear bright screen. peripherals work and communicate by BT. tiger even goes out and finds the software. the wireless network works. all these applications. wow. 20 years of microsoft. b-bye. i love apple. this is such a sleek machine.
User Rating: 10/10
The marriage of elegance and design
Pros: Light for it's size, very fast, comfortable keyboard, amazing battery life
Cons: Screen moves too easily, things can get stuck in speaker meshing and looks horrible
Review: Overall, this laptop is simply the best design Apple has come up with since the PowerBook 100. It's performance is nothing to smirk at, even considering the MacBook Pro has started shipping. The screen is crystal clear and very responsive for LCD. Several of my Windows friends have taken one look at this laptop, were amazed with Mac OS X and purchased either a PowerBook G4 15.2 or iMac G5/Core Duo. For the long haul, a MacBook Pro might suit a customer better as this is the curtain call for the PowerBook line. Look for prices to drop within the next few months, then make the purchase
User Rating: 
9/10
Wonderful picture, backlighted keyboard is a wonder unto itself!
Pros: Not Available
Cons: Not Available
Review: I totally do not understand why other note book computer makers do not use a back light system for the keyboard. Previously, on all previous laptops, I needed the Kensington USB LED light stick. On a plane, at home when you do not / cannot turn on the room lights, or any other circumstance, the ambient light BRIGHTLY lighted keyboard in itself is a worthy reason to pay a few more dollars. Size, keyboard, weight, speed, arcitecture, picture resolution.................
User Rating: 
5/10
Okay machine with speed and looks galore...but
Pros: looks, speed, great O/S and bundled software
Cons: battery life not great, sound card problems universally in newer model
Review: I've had the machine for 3 months, though Apple replaced the original after 1 month due to a sound card problem. Same problem found in new machine. Many users with the dual-layer slot drive model report having this echo-stutter intermittently. Apple has no fix yet and is not moving quickly enough to address it. This spoils an otherwise great machine. A forum was developed on the Apple site to discuss this issue.
By the way, after rebates my actual cost was about $2k
By the way, after rebates my actual cost was about $2k
User Rating: 9/10
Coming from an average user, this machine is fantastic
Pros: Fast, Stable, Thin, Light, Amazing Screen, Looks Great......
Cons: Price, only 2 USB ports, no office software included on mine.
Review: I purchased this computer (17", 100 GB 7200 rpm, 2G Ram) just before Christmas for professional video and picture editing. After using this machine for about a month, I have been thoroughly satisfied. Although I cannot claim to be as versed in 64 bits and floating points and all of that other stuff that many of you get into, I can say that from a usability perspective - this computer is fantastic.
First of all, to say that Macs are crash proof is incorrect. Although I cannot remember the last time (in the past 2+ years) OSX crashed on me, I have had a program to crash on me quite recently. However, that program has been Internet Explorer.
Otherwise, the stability of the system is fantastic, especially with Final Cut Studio. Final Cut Pro 5 runs like a champ as well as DVD studio Pro 4. I use PC's completely at my 9-5 job and I use Mac's completely at home and for my home business. It's also nice to not have virus/spyware problems. I cannot claim to know why there are not virus problems with the Macs, but I can say that they're AREN'T. This may make some folks mad, but the fact is this: Windows machines are FAR MORE PRONE to get viruses and spyware.
I see many people debate Windows and OSX on this site very often, but I see that debate as being equivalent to Ford vs. GM, Nikon vs. Canon, and Republican vs. Democrat. I can confess that I have often attempted to sway Windows users to trying Macs, but most of them are either happy with their products or they are too proud to admit that they have problems. In either case, let my review conclude with this: I have used all Windows Operating Systems and many PC's. I have only used two Mac Operating Systems (Tiger and Panther). But for me and my uses, those two Mac O.S. are so much better than Windows XP and earlier, that I cannot see myself ever buying another PC. Bill, Michael, and company are going to have to do some major work to turn my apple-cart over.
First of all, to say that Macs are crash proof is incorrect. Although I cannot remember the last time (in the past 2+ years) OSX crashed on me, I have had a program to crash on me quite recently. However, that program has been Internet Explorer.
Otherwise, the stability of the system is fantastic, especially with Final Cut Studio. Final Cut Pro 5 runs like a champ as well as DVD studio Pro 4. I use PC's completely at my 9-5 job and I use Mac's completely at home and for my home business. It's also nice to not have virus/spyware problems. I cannot claim to know why there are not virus problems with the Macs, but I can say that they're AREN'T. This may make some folks mad, but the fact is this: Windows machines are FAR MORE PRONE to get viruses and spyware.
I see many people debate Windows and OSX on this site very often, but I see that debate as being equivalent to Ford vs. GM, Nikon vs. Canon, and Republican vs. Democrat. I can confess that I have often attempted to sway Windows users to trying Macs, but most of them are either happy with their products or they are too proud to admit that they have problems. In either case, let my review conclude with this: I have used all Windows Operating Systems and many PC's. I have only used two Mac Operating Systems (Tiger and Panther). But for me and my uses, those two Mac O.S. are so much better than Windows XP and earlier, that I cannot see myself ever buying another PC. Bill, Michael, and company are going to have to do some major work to turn my apple-cart over.
User Rating: 10/10
CNET needs to recognize quality
Pros: stable system, great screen, true plug & play
Cons: can't think of any. . .uh, software designers who neglect to write Mac versions of their apps!
Review: It blows my mind to think that CNET would give such a low score to the PowerBook. Its clear that no one at CNET actually uses a Mac, or the score would be more accurate. I have found, however, that real tech geeks enjoy tinkering with their machines, and Macs don't break down enough for them to get the chance to tinker--which must drive them away from the PowerBook. Hmm. . .
User Rating: 10/10
What Can I say? Intel's Gonna be Better!
Pros: Its Fast, Windows users mistake 1.67GHz a speedthats Slower than their 3.4GHz (WELL ITS NOT)
Cons: Windows Users comment on it and can't afford to own one so they put Apple users down.
Review: You obviously haven't got a PowerBook why your non-evidential accusations towards the speed of Apples products has no reliable source than gossip. I have owned both Microsoft/Apple Computers. My Dell 2.8GHz Laptop was normal, and couldn't handle multiple processing of several applications simultaneously, however, my current 1.67GHz, 512MB ram PowerBook is honestly never crashed, frozen, or slown down. I swear on my Grand Mother Life that this notebook has all the memory it needs. Apple products a solely designed for Digital Multimedia Professionals such as Advertising Companies all around the world. Do your research. Hollywood movies were made by Shake 4, a software made by Apple that only works on Mac operating Systems i.e. King Kong, Lord of the Rings Trillogies etc.
Please don't torment mac users just because you think since your Windows PC is boring you'll need a TV Turner... You'll also notice this Notebook is very light compared to Blue Screen fateful Notebooks. Buy a cheap car, you get a years work, by an expensive car, you get the quality and spec's for a lifetime. Apple charges highly for the Engineering don't forget. Let me know if you find a 17" notebook that is 1 inch thin and cheaper than this Laptop.... I dare you Mr smarty Pants, after all, it is confirmed that the PowerMac Dual Core Computer is the fastest personal computer on earth. DO YOUR HOMEWORK and take out a mortage for a laptop like this if you have trouble affording it!
Your Friend,
An Experienced PowerBook Owner! (Doug)
Please don't torment mac users just because you think since your Windows PC is boring you'll need a TV Turner... You'll also notice this Notebook is very light compared to Blue Screen fateful Notebooks. Buy a cheap car, you get a years work, by an expensive car, you get the quality and spec's for a lifetime. Apple charges highly for the Engineering don't forget. Let me know if you find a 17" notebook that is 1 inch thin and cheaper than this Laptop.... I dare you Mr smarty Pants, after all, it is confirmed that the PowerMac Dual Core Computer is the fastest personal computer on earth. DO YOUR HOMEWORK and take out a mortage for a laptop like this if you have trouble affording it!
Your Friend,
An Experienced PowerBook Owner! (Doug)
User Rating: 9/10
Awesome laptop! Best out there!
Pros: Huge screen, excellent resolution, powerful
Cons: More expensive than other laptops
Review: This is a great computer! I've had it for a year and it just keeps on impressing me.
The fact that it only has two USB ports is not a drawback as I have a hub and my 23" cinema display has USB ports on it as well.
Of all of the laptops that I looked at, this has the best display and an amazing OS.
Internal storage capacity could be bigger now that saving music on your computer is the norm. Speed wise I have'nt been wanting either (and I work in CAD and 3D rendering programs). If this was a little less expensive, I would have bought it sooner. If you're a Mac user than you are less concerned with cost anyway (because you have no choice!).
The fact that it only has two USB ports is not a drawback as I have a hub and my 23" cinema display has USB ports on it as well.
Of all of the laptops that I looked at, this has the best display and an amazing OS.
Internal storage capacity could be bigger now that saving music on your computer is the norm. Speed wise I have'nt been wanting either (and I work in CAD and 3D rendering programs). If this was a little less expensive, I would have bought it sooner. If you're a Mac user than you are less concerned with cost anyway (because you have no choice!).
User Rating: 
8/10
Great for students, not that great for graphic designers or those who like to watch or edit HD movie
Pros: Great for students, good build quality, Mac OS X rocks
Cons: SLOW CPU!!!!!
Review: Look guys I have one and I think the design of this thing is top-notch ( I am just talking about the exterior ) this notebook is great for students, it's not heavy, ultra comfortable, it's ultra thin, super drive is great,....
and Cnet forgot to say it supports 1 dual link DVI connector, so you can connect your MEGA LCD APPLE 30" MONSTER and use it at full 2560 x 1600 glory, you have to consider this because just this and the 15" powerbook support it, no pc laptop supports it, which is of course a great feature.
It has an excellent sound quality since its speakers are great and has a optical-digital mini jack output/input
However I have noticed that my 17" powerbook is REALLY slow in general, the g4 cpu is toooooooo slow, even navigating through the internet, go figure how it works playing quicktime videos and HD quicktime videos!!!!!. Latest Pentium M looks like a monster compared with this thing.
It can run almost everything ( programme dont let u run aperture if you don't have at least 1 GBTS RAM ).
Display is indeed great, in terms of quality, however colour accuracy is not that great, it's just OK, so I dont know why cnet says this is the "graphical designer dream machine" or whatever they said.
It comes with a HD movie editor, however this is ridiculous since you can't even play decently 720p movies ( quicktime HD ), the only HD movies you can play safely are DivX ones.
Now you gamers, get out of here, it has nothing to offer.
and Cnet forgot to say it supports 1 dual link DVI connector, so you can connect your MEGA LCD APPLE 30" MONSTER and use it at full 2560 x 1600 glory, you have to consider this because just this and the 15" powerbook support it, no pc laptop supports it, which is of course a great feature.
It has an excellent sound quality since its speakers are great and has a optical-digital mini jack output/input
However I have noticed that my 17" powerbook is REALLY slow in general, the g4 cpu is toooooooo slow, even navigating through the internet, go figure how it works playing quicktime videos and HD quicktime videos!!!!!. Latest Pentium M looks like a monster compared with this thing.
It can run almost everything ( programme dont let u run aperture if you don't have at least 1 GBTS RAM ).
Display is indeed great, in terms of quality, however colour accuracy is not that great, it's just OK, so I dont know why cnet says this is the "graphical designer dream machine" or whatever they said.
It comes with a HD movie editor, however this is ridiculous since you can't even play decently 720p movies ( quicktime HD ), the only HD movies you can play safely are DivX ones.
Now you gamers, get out of here, it has nothing to offer.
User Rating: 
6/10
taking offense much
Pros: wicked screen
Cons: not enough usb ports
Review: Hey peeps,
Looks to me like you guys got these notebooks and don't like people pointing out thier faults. The points the editors made were valid. 2 USB ports is not enough and on a $2500 notebook, one would expect a tv tuner (although i don't think apple has a media center equivalent with a tv option built in). The machine itself looks beautiful and i do know they have amazing screens, but c'mon, more ram and more USB ports are a must on a 17 inch "desktop replacement"...
Looks to me like you guys got these notebooks and don't like people pointing out thier faults. The points the editors made were valid. 2 USB ports is not enough and on a $2500 notebook, one would expect a tv tuner (although i don't think apple has a media center equivalent with a tv option built in). The machine itself looks beautiful and i do know they have amazing screens, but c'mon, more ram and more USB ports are a must on a 17 inch "desktop replacement"...
User Rating: 9/10
CNET's review is worthless--This computer is blazing fast and super stylish
Pros: Extremely fast, display is AWESOME, very quiet
Cons: Pricy, almost too big (huge portable laptops tend to defeat the idea of "portable")
Review: CNET's reviews are worthless. They gave this steller laptop a 6 because it has "only" 2 USB ports and no TV tuner? Let's see... what percentage of laptops out there have a TV tuner? Less than 1%? How many people even need to buy a laptop because it comes with a TV tuner? Am I going to watch TV during class or at a business meeting when I'm using my laptop?
And who cares about 2 USB ports? The Sony VAIO VGN-TX670P has 2 USB ports, and that didn't stop CNET from completely neglecting this fact and rating it an 8. Am I going to carry a mouse, printer, and external keyboard along with my laptop when I leave my home?
CNET needs to quit listing pathetic excuses to bias certain devices, such as this PowerBook. This is one of the BEST laptops anyone could ever own. While it is portable, it's much more of a hassle than carrying around smaller notebooks--you can't just slip this into a bookbag and walk out the door. I consider it more of a desktop replacement than anything due to it's size. On that note, this notebook is easily faster than nearly all of the desktops being sold online at Gateway, Dell, HP, etc. Can this even be compared to Dell's $299 desktop? That's like comparing a BMW to a used skateboard. Even a typical $1,000 "powerhouse" desktop system won't stand a chance in performance to this Apple Powerbook.
The display on this notebook is amazing. Pictures are incredibly crisp, and the resolution can be set higher than the max res. on my 19 in. monitor! This PowerBook runs superfast with hardly any noise--you'll only hear the fan if you actually try to, and that might be a challenge. The biggest downside (or upside?) of the PowerBooks is their very high cost, but you must remember: you get what you pay for. If you buy Dell's $299 notebook, you WILL get a $299 dollar notebook, and if you buy a $2,000 Apple PowerBook, you WILL get a $2,000 notebook!
And who cares about 2 USB ports? The Sony VAIO VGN-TX670P has 2 USB ports, and that didn't stop CNET from completely neglecting this fact and rating it an 8. Am I going to carry a mouse, printer, and external keyboard along with my laptop when I leave my home?
CNET needs to quit listing pathetic excuses to bias certain devices, such as this PowerBook. This is one of the BEST laptops anyone could ever own. While it is portable, it's much more of a hassle than carrying around smaller notebooks--you can't just slip this into a bookbag and walk out the door. I consider it more of a desktop replacement than anything due to it's size. On that note, this notebook is easily faster than nearly all of the desktops being sold online at Gateway, Dell, HP, etc. Can this even be compared to Dell's $299 desktop? That's like comparing a BMW to a used skateboard. Even a typical $1,000 "powerhouse" desktop system won't stand a chance in performance to this Apple Powerbook.
The display on this notebook is amazing. Pictures are incredibly crisp, and the resolution can be set higher than the max res. on my 19 in. monitor! This PowerBook runs superfast with hardly any noise--you'll only hear the fan if you actually try to, and that might be a challenge. The biggest downside (or upside?) of the PowerBooks is their very high cost, but you must remember: you get what you pay for. If you buy Dell's $299 notebook, you WILL get a $299 dollar notebook, and if you buy a $2,000 Apple PowerBook, you WILL get a $2,000 notebook!
User Rating: 9/10
U have to be joking right?
Pros: Great Laptop.
Cons: Would be nice to have a keypad.
Review: I cannot believe Cnet and its review. Please tell me that they were over tired when they wrote this one. Not sure and maybe i am behind the times, But I don't recall any laptop computers coming with a TV tuner. Maybe a desktop but not a laptop. If there are Laptop PC's with Windows OS that have TV tuners that are a standard, please by all means tell me. A keypad say like the one on the HP widescreen models of the same size would be the ideal draw back. I mean come on. They actually say lacks a tv tuner? As for the price of a Macintosh. Yup they are a bit expensive but when you work with one you know you have a solid computer that is gonna last a long while. Unlike the cheap sub $600. Laptops you might find at say Dell?
User Rating: 9/10
Rock solid video editing performance. Great hardware for great software.
Pros: Beautiful screen, reliable hardware and software
Cons: 3 dead pixels in 6 months
Review: 5yrs with Apple. FCP/iLife 05
I use this for remote site standard definition video work and it has been very reliable and powerful. I thought the screen might be unwieldy to transport when I first purchased it, but
I find I have gotten so used to the real estate - and compliments - I'm glad I didn't go smaller.
Honestly, Apple's software and harware are so well integrated with each other and so consistantly cutting edge it's worth getting their best hardware.
I have consistantly used my apple computers for 3 or 4 years after purchase. They are like buying a mercedes - expensive, but you get what you pay for.
I use this for remote site standard definition video work and it has been very reliable and powerful. I thought the screen might be unwieldy to transport when I first purchased it, but
I find I have gotten so used to the real estate - and compliments - I'm glad I didn't go smaller.
Honestly, Apple's software and harware are so well integrated with each other and so consistantly cutting edge it's worth getting their best hardware.
I have consistantly used my apple computers for 3 or 4 years after purchase. They are like buying a mercedes - expensive, but you get what you pay for.
User Rating: 9/10
Review misses the point
Pros: No virus protections needed, no spyware protection needed, rock solid o/s that doesn't need to rebooted everyday
Cons: Bring the $ down Apple - less than $2K would be a start. Still G4. Intel version coming soon...
Review: People use Apple because they don't mind to pay for the best and that's what you get with Apple products. I got tired of paying for Virus protection and Spyware protection and rebooting XP every day or two. I switched and left those days behind. Now I can't believe I every used a PC.
User Rating: 9/10
Excellent high-quality laptop.
Pros: Superior graphics, fast, and a rock-solid O/S.
Cons: Price - a bit more expensive than your Windows equivalent.
Review: The Apple PowerBooks are hands-down, in my opinion, the best laptops you can buy for personal use.
This one in particular is fast, responsive, and I haven't experienced one single crash or "blue-screen" in the months that I have owned it. The many Microsoft-based computers that I have owned always had some kind of problem on a daily basis that required a reboot. The Macintosh OS-X operating system is rock-solid and the laptop includes great software such as Apple iLife. Switching to Mac from Windows was easy and OS-X is much easier to learn and use than Windows. Everything just makes sense - the user experience is hands-down 500% better than the Windows user experience.
On the hardware side, the graphics rendering engine (and its seamless compatibility with the OS-X operating system) is far superior to any Microsoft-Dell-Intel equivalent. This is a top quality laptop that includes a drop-resistant hard-drive and a beautiful illuminated keyboard. Get 1-GIG of RAM with it and you are typing on a machine others will be envious of.
I cannot praise this laptop enough. Brilliant screen, rock-solid O/S, and fast performance. What more could you want?
However, I would not purchase a Mac for business use simply because of the compatibility problems you may experience when trying to communicate and share files with the old, stoic, buggy Windows world. For personal use, though, this is definitely the way to go. The 12" and 15" powerbooks rock too.
I just wish Apple would reduce its prices by about 20%. That is the premium you pay for owning an Apple.
This one in particular is fast, responsive, and I haven't experienced one single crash or "blue-screen" in the months that I have owned it. The many Microsoft-based computers that I have owned always had some kind of problem on a daily basis that required a reboot. The Macintosh OS-X operating system is rock-solid and the laptop includes great software such as Apple iLife. Switching to Mac from Windows was easy and OS-X is much easier to learn and use than Windows. Everything just makes sense - the user experience is hands-down 500% better than the Windows user experience.
On the hardware side, the graphics rendering engine (and its seamless compatibility with the OS-X operating system) is far superior to any Microsoft-Dell-Intel equivalent. This is a top quality laptop that includes a drop-resistant hard-drive and a beautiful illuminated keyboard. Get 1-GIG of RAM with it and you are typing on a machine others will be envious of.
I cannot praise this laptop enough. Brilliant screen, rock-solid O/S, and fast performance. What more could you want?
However, I would not purchase a Mac for business use simply because of the compatibility problems you may experience when trying to communicate and share files with the old, stoic, buggy Windows world. For personal use, though, this is definitely the way to go. The 12" and 15" powerbooks rock too.
I just wish Apple would reduce its prices by about 20%. That is the premium you pay for owning an Apple.
User Rating: 9/10
The best Apple has made to date!
Pros: Brilliant Screen, Fast, Light up keyboard.
Cons: A bit on the large side for mobility
Review: Cnet rates things in ways that make no sense. First they give it praise for all it's new features and say it's less expensive then they give it a 6.9 rating. This is a superior pro machine. Funny thought, had this been a Dell with less features and higher cost it would have gotten at least an 8.0 rating. Cnet is Dell biased, I think they have a deal with Dell to rate their products high regardless of the quality.
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