The MacComparisonZone: 15" PowerBook G4/1.33 GHz, vs 15" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz - What Are The Performance, Feature And Price Differences
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6/25/04
Introduction
This Buyer's Guide compares the 15" PowerBook G4/1.33 GHz, which has a Combo optical drive, to the 15" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz , which has the SuperDrive, optical drive.
These PowerBooks were released in April, 2004. They are the middle machines of a family of four. At the low-end is a 12 inch PowerBook with a G4/1.33 GHz processor, and at the high-end there is a 17 inch machine with a G4/1.5 GHz processor.
Major Technological Differences:
Processor Speed
Current Price Difference: $500
RAM: Amount
Hard Drive Size
Optical Drive Type/Speed
Illuminated Keyboard
Graphics Memory Expansion
Below you will find specifications and features, performance, and price comparisons. We also provide further links where you can do additional research, should you so wish.
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2 USB 2.0 Ports (480 Mbps)
1 FireWire Port (400 Mbps)
1 FireWire 800 Port
Audio in & out
Bluetooth 1.1 built in
Video
15.2-inch (diagonal) TFT
1280 x 854
2048 x 1536 support on external display
DVI output port
ADC output using optional Apple DVI to ADC Adapter
VGA output using included DVI to VGA adapter
S-video output port
Composite video output using included S-video to composite adapter
Dual display and video mirroring: Simultaneously supports up to 1280 by 854 pixels on the built-in display and up to 2048 by 1536 pixels on an external display, both at millions of colors
15.2-inch (diagonal) TFT
1280 x 854
2048 x 1536 support on external display
DVI output port
ADC output using optional Apple DVI to ADC Adapter
VGA output using included DVI to VGA adapter
S-video output port
Composite video output using included S-video to composite adapter
Dual display and video mirroring: Simultaneously supports up to 1280 by 854 pixels on the built-in display and up to 2048 by 1536 pixels on an external display, both at millions of colors
Specification Notes
Has third speaker for midrange
Audio line in
Optional Illuminated fiber-optic, backlit keyboard with ambient light sensor
Has third speaker for midrange
Audio line in
Built in Illuminated fiber-optic, backlit keyboard with ambient light sensor
Processor performance largely tracks difference in processor speed (13%). (based on CineBench 2003)
Hard drive performance on the two machines is pretty evenly matched
The 1.33 MHz machine burns CDs at up to 24x and the 1.5 GHz machine at 16x
The difference in iTunes Encode performance is unexpected. We feel that it must be due in part to differences in the speed of the Combo optical drive on the 1.33 and the SuperDrive on the 1.5 (we ran this test several times with the same results)
The difference in QuickTime Encode speed is really negligible (3 seconds), however it is disappointing that the 1.5 GHz PowerBook is not faster.
The difference in iMovie Render speed is also puzzling ... with the 1.33 GHz machine coming out on top. It is interesting that when running this test, neither machine's processor was fully saturated with data ... so this may be a factor
Graphics (Card) Test is based on CineBench 2003. In this type of image rendering, the graphics card takes the lead
Graphics (Processor) Test is based on CineBench 2003. In this type of image rendering, the processor takes the lead
Graphics Gaming (Card) Test is based on the game 4x4 EVO2 .. a racing game. All settings are at highest quality. This game is more graphics card dependent
Graphics Gaming (Processor) Test is based on the game Giants.. All settings are at highest quality. This game is more processor dependent ... will also make used of dual processors if present
The 'General Interface' test is based on Let1kWindowsBloom, which is freely available.
The Photoshop (Workflow) score is based on the BareFeats Photoshop Action Script, which you can download and run on your own machine, if you have Photoshop.
Battery Life was tested by playing a DVD movie on the fully charged machine until it was completely drained.
Have questions about performance of these machines?
For more detailed performance results see this page
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The MacComparisonZone: 15" PowerBook G4/1.33 GHz, vs 15" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz - What Are The Performance, Feature And Price Differences 
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Base Machine
DeskJet 5850 wireless printer, $100 after rebate ($199 up front)
PSC 2175 all-in-one, $100 after rebate ($199 up front)