"Stupid" PowerBook G4 question

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M - 22 Dec 2004 18:22 GMT

I really should know this, but don't. :)

I'm considering the purchase of a G4 (1.5 GHz, 15 inch), and I'm
wondering whether upgrading to the better video chip (128 MB as opposed
64 MB) and the speedier hard drive (5400 rpm as opposed to 4700) will
contribute generating more heat than it does already during use.

Also (I'm a bit of a newbie) -- and I know any answers to the following
will be pure speculation -- so shortly before MacWorld, does it make
sense to buy a new computer? From what I've read I don't expect a PB G5
to come out (and even if there were one, I wouldn't buy a Rev A
machine, because it will probably still have issues to be resolved as
history has shown.

The thing I'm worried about is whether they might release a casing for
the PB and come up with a better solution for the heating issue (and
perhaps some speedbumps, although 1.5 would serve my portable purposes
just fine) -- in that case I might be peeved having bought a new
machine four weeks before.

TIA for your help,
M

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matt neuburg - 22 Dec 2004 19:09 GMT

> so shortly before MacWorld, does it make
> sense to buy a new computer

<http://www.tidbits.com/takecontrol/buying-mac.html>

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nospam - 22 Dec 2004 20:37 GMT

> I really should know this, but don't. :)
>
> I'm considering the purchase of a G4 (1.5 GHz, 15 inch), and I'm
> wondering whether upgrading to the better video chip (128 MB as opposed
> 64 MB) and the speedier hard drive (5400 rpm as opposed to 4700) will
> contribute generating more heat than it does already during use.

the video no, the hard drive a little.

also keep in mind you can't upgrade the video later and upgrading the
hard drive is a bit of a pain. there is a small but noticable
difference between a 4200 and 5400 rpm. nothing major, though.

> Also (I'm a bit of a newbie) -- and I know any answers to the following
> will be pure speculation -- so shortly before MacWorld, does it make
> sense to buy a new computer?

it is never wise to buy anything just before macworld, where new
products are often announced. the powerbook has not been updated for 8
months, and it will be 9 come january. it is definitely time for an
update, and if its not at macworld it might be shortly after. nothing
definite of course.. this is all based on past product histories.

if you were considering an ibook, things would be different. the ibook
was just updated last october, and it is unlikely there will be another
ibook update in january.

> From what I've read I don't expect a PB G5
> to come out (and even if there were one, I wouldn't buy a Rev A
> machine, because it will probably still have issues to be resolved as
> history has shown.

there is always a possibility, but it is not among the most likely
items to be introduced.

> The thing I'm worried about is whether they might release a casing for
> the PB and come up with a better solution for the heating issue (and
> perhaps some speedbumps, although 1.5 would serve my portable purposes
> just fine) -- in that case I might be peeved having bought a new
> machine four weeks before.

if you need it *now* buy it now. if you can wait until january 11th, by
all means wait. of course, in january there will be rumours of what
might be introduced in february...

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Mac Forum / General / Portable Macs / December 2004

"Stupid" PowerBook G4 question