MacComparisonZone: 17 Inch G4 PowerBook vs 17 Inch G4 PowerBook? How Much Faster Is The 1.5 GHz Model
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Introduction
6/5/04
This Buyer's Guide compares the 17 Inch G4/1GHz PowerBook which has the SuperDrive optical drive, to the 17 Inch G4/1.5GHz PowerBook.
The 1GHz machine was released in January of 2003. At the time is was the high-end model of a family of four, which included a 867MHz & a 1GHz 15 Inch machine, and a 12 inch PowerBook running at 867MHz
The current 1.5 GHz 17 Inch PowerBook was released 15 months later. It is also the high-end model of a family of four, which includes a 1.33GHz & a 1.5GHz 15 Inch machine, and a 12 inch PowerBook running at 1.33GHz
Major Technological Difference:
Processor Speed
Processor Cache Scheme
Battery Life
Graphics Card
Hard Drive Size
SuperDrive Speed
USB Port Speed
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
17" TFT
16:10 aspect ratio
1440 x 900
2048 x 1536 support on external display
ADC output using optional Apple DVI to ADC Adapter
DVI output port
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 1440 by 900 pixels on the built-in display and up to 2048 by 1536 pixels on an external display, both at millions of colors
17" TFT
1440 x 900
2048 x 1536 support on external display
ADC output using optional Apple DVI to ADC Adapter
DVI output port
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
Ambient light sensor controls keyboard illumination and screen brightness. First Mac with FireWire 800. DVD write speed originally listed as 2x, later downgraded to 1x.
Illuminated fiber-optic, backlit keyboard with ambient light sensor
Processor Test based on AltiVec Fractal program (Set to 65536 Maximum Count)
Graphics Gaming Test is based on the game 4x4 EVO2 .. a racing game. All settings are at highest quality
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 portable until it was completely drained.
Why only a 15% speed improvement in the MS Word score. We think that this is due to the fact that the earlier PowerBook has a more robust processor cache scheme.
Have questions about performance of these machines?
For more detailed performance results see this page
Price & Bundle Comparisons
Note
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For Latest up-to-date prices check the online Buyer's Guides
Base Machine DeskJet 5850 wireless printer, $100 after rebate ($199 up front) PSC 2410 multifunction printer, $200 after rebate ($299 up front) PSC 2175 all-in-one, $100 after rebate ($199 up front) Photosmart 7660 inkjet photo printer, $50 after rebate ($149 up front) DeskJet 5150 inkjet printer, free after rebate ($99 up front) DeskJet 5650 inkjet printer, $30 after rebate ($129 up front)
PowerMax does not provide availability information online...
G4 PowerBooks 17 Inch
PowerBook G4 1 GHz/512MB/60GB/SuperDrive/17"TFT/AP Extreme Card/GigE/56K #M8793LL/A ... Original price: $3,299
ClubMac - Open Box $2,399 .... one year warranty .... Shipping Free. Tax: CA, TN, WI ... Extras
PowerBook G4 1.33 GHz/512MB/80GB/SuperDrive/17"TFT/AP Extreme Card/GigE/56K #M9110LL/A ... Original price: $2,999
Apple Store - New $2,599 .... one year warranty.... Shipping Free. Tax: All states with sales tax
ClubMac - Open Box $2,530 .... one year warranty .... Shipping Free. Tax: CA, TN, WI ... Extras
ClubMac - New $2,594 .... one year warranty .... Shipping Free. Tax: CA, TN, WI ... Extras
MacConnection - (search for item M9110LL ) ... New $2,594 ...one year warranty .... Shipping $14 Tax: MA, NC, OH, TN ... Extras
MacMall - New $2,594 .... one year warranty.... Shipping Free. Tax: CA, TN, WI ... Extras
MacZone - New $2,595 .... one year warranty.... Shipping Free. Tax: CA, IL, MO, NV, OH, TN, WA ... Extras
PowerMax - Refurbished... $2,349.... one year warranty .... Shipping $19. Tax: None ...Trade-in ProgramPowerMax - Open Box... $2,549.... one year warranty .... Shipping $19. Tax: None ... Extras ...Trade-in ProgramPowerMax - New .. $2,549 to $2,599.... one year warranty .... Shipping $19. Tax: None ... Extras ...Trade-in Program
Shipping charges are to California - your mileage may vary. Also prices quoted are for the bare machine and do not reflect RAM installation charges (usually $40), nor the in-store prices of add-on products for which there is a rebate. Shipping charges (if any) for bundled products , also are not reflected in the prices above.
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MacComparisonZone: 17 Inch G4 PowerBook vs 17 Inch G4 PowerBook? How Much Faster Is The 1.5 GHz Model
Major Technological Difference:
- Available
- Unknown/Delay
- Unavailable
Base Machine
DeskJet 5850 wireless printer, $100 after rebate ($199 up front)
PSC 2175 all-in-one, $100 after rebate ($199 up front)
PowerBook G4 1 GHz/512MB/60GB/SuperDrive/17"TFT/AP Extreme Card/GigE/56K #M8793LL/A ... Original price: $3,299
