Apple PowerBook Laptop 17" M9462LL/A (1.50-GHz PowerPC G4, 512 MB RAM, 80 GB Hard Drive, SuperDrive)

Product Details
  • Feature:
  • 1.5GHz PowerPC G4 processor running OS X version 10.3
  • 512 MB DDR333 SDRAM, 80 GB Ultra ATA/100 hard drive, SuperDrive (DVD-R/CD-RW)
  • 17-inch TFT widescreen display, up to 4.5 hours of battery life
  • FireWire 400 port, FireWire 800 port, two USB 2.0 ports, PC Card slot (Type I/II)
  • Built-in 10/100/1000 Base-T, 54-Mbps AirPort Extreme; built-in Bluetooth, 56K V.92 modem
  • BatteryType: Lithium Ion
  • Binding: Personal Computers
  • Brand: Apple
  • ComputerHardwareType: Notebook Computer
  • CPUManufacturer: IBM
  • CPUType: PowerPC G4
  • DataLinkProtocol: Ethernet
  • EAN: 0718908637593
  • FloppyDiskDriveDescription: None
  • GraphicsDescription: ATI Mobility Radeon 9700
  • HardDiskInterface: Ultra ATA
  • HardwarePlatform: Mac
  • IncludedSoftware: Mail, iChat, Safari, Sherlock, Address Book, QuickTime, iLife (includes iTunes, iPhoto, iSync, iCal, DVD Player, Classic environment, Acrobat Reader, Art Directors Toolkit, EarthLink TotalAccess (includes 30 days of free dial-up service with Earthlink activation), FileMaker Pro Trial, GraphicConverter, OmniGraffle, OmniOutliner, QuickBooks for Mac New User Edition, Zinio Reader, Developer Tools and Apple Hardware Test
  • KeyboardDescription: Full size, illuminated with ambient light sensor
  • Label: Apple Computer
  • Manufacturer: Apple Computer
  • MemorySlotsAvailable: 2
  • Model: M9462LL/A
  • ModemDescription: 56 Kbps
  • MPN: d35859
  • NativeResolution: 1440-by-900
  • NetworkInterfaceDescription: AirPort Extreme wireless networking, Built-in 10/100/1000BASE-T (Gigabit) and internal Bluetooth
  • OperatingSystem: Apple MacOS X
  • PackageQuantity: 1
  • Platform: Mac OS X
  • ProcessorCount: 1
  • ProductGroup: Personal Computer
  • ProductTypeName: NOTEBOOK_COMPUTER
  • Publisher: Apple Computer
  • RemovableStorage: None
  • SpecialFeatures: Mac OS X version 10.3 "Panther"
  • Studio: Apple Computer
  • SystemMemoryType: DDR SDRAM
  • UPC: 718908637586
  • Warranty: 1 year warranty

Customer Reviews

This laptop has aged well2008-11-20
I've had this machine as my primary computer, traveling to six of the seven continents with it (haven't taken it to Africa), and generally putting a lot of use and miles on it. I've replaced the battery after it didn't take as much of a charge, and a couple of years ago installed a larger hard drive. Sure, I'd definitely buy a new Intel-based 17" but I haven't really felt the need yet.

I've usually traveled with the laptop in a Brenthaven backpack designed for the 17" computer. The screen real estate is always a wonderful thing, though I admit that if I'm in the back of the plane, then I generally read rather than take up all available room in opening this beast up.
Another AWESOME Apple :-)2006-09-05
You have to get this great 17" Mac! Having just upgraded to this laptop, I cannot believe how awesome it is. Whether on the road or lugging it to and from the office, connecting via wireless or LAN/WAN it is so easy and convenient.
Buy it, you won't regret it.
Some people simply write inadequate reviews...2005-02-09
I dont have a Powerbook 17 (yet), so I am not going to make any statemnts abouit it. Nevertheless I feel like saying the following:

after reading some of the reviews here, I noticed that people often make the mistake of comparing Powerbooks to PCs. This is wrong guys! Please compare Powerbook with Wintel Notebooks only. And then youll probably see that PB definitely is a strong performer. Otherwise you may also start to compare Centrino Notebooks with dual G5s..

thanks
overall good, but not perfect2005-02-07
The Powerbook 17" is reasonably fast. I suggest however to get it with at least 1GB since any Apple computers work defnitively better with a good amount of ram (half Giga is really the minimum). With 2GB (as I got) you will be quite satisfied since that will avoid the use of virtual memory (that can be painfully slow). Also, with 256MB of ram the video card performs quite well (despite I did not tested the computer with hard demanding video software). Comparred to my old PB, the ventilation is quite silent and efficient. Overall I am quite satisfied, still there are some negative points.

1. There in only one button mouse. Apple instists in this idea that is even more ununderstandable since many of its programs (like Safari) actually support a 3 buttons mouse.

2. The screen is ***far*** to be perfect. There is a strong pink backgroud that makes thet display unusable for photo editing. Mac OS is also provided with a very poor color calibration system. I impreved a bit the result by using a color scheme for a 3rd party monitor, but still the pink background is not completely erased.

3. I had some problems with the USB port and finally I had to erase my ipod. I am not sure if that is a problem of the powerbook or of the ipod. With the firewire (which i reserved for other devices) the ipod worked without problems. I suspect (despite I am not sure) that there is some bug in Mac OS since I had other problems with other devices under USB on both this and other Macs.

4. The use of an external monitor is still quite primitive.
a) You can not move the dock on the external monitor
(unless you do not want to use only the external one).
b) You can not have the menubar on both monitors at the same time.
c) The X11 client will open every window always on the main monitor.
d) The procedure to use the external monitor keeping close the powerbook
is quite boring.

These days the new version (1.6GB) appeared. Its specifications look very similar (still lacking a G5). I suspect that it owns the same screen of mine. This can be a serious problem under certain circumstances. So maybe you could be better serverd by a 12" (easier to be carry) and a good external monitor.
One of the best desktop replacement notebooks available2005-01-19
After reading the in-depth review at www.laptoplogic.com (http://www.laptoplogic.com/reviews/apple/25/1/1/) I went out and purchased the laptop from the Apple store with 1GB DDR RAM and 5400RPM hard drive. Everything about this system is stunning -- the screen, keyboard, design, and power. I use to own a Toshiba 15.4" and this thing is LIGHTER than the Toshiba. I'm a new user of OS X and I absolutely love it. It's probably easier than Windows. I recommend buying this thing if you want a large screen notebook that is actually portable, unlike most desktop replacements from PC makers. Amazon offers it with free shipping and no tax in most states. buy it now

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