I always said that when I finished the book that I'd get myself a new notebook. Early on, I expected that'd mean a ThinkPad T40 or something similar but that all changed a little while ago.
Thanks to an ADC hardware discount, I've finally ordered the new hardware. The order I placed via Apple Store is:
- PowerBook 1.5GHz (15.2 inch)
- 128MB Graphics Memory
- 80GB Ultra ATA Drive (4200 rpm)
- SuperDrive (DVD-R/CD-RW)
- Backlit Keyboard
- 512MB DDR333 SDRAMM (1 DIMM)
- AirPort Extreme Card
- ApleCare Protection Plan (3 years)
- 40GB iPod
- iSight
- World Travel Adapter Kit
- Spare Battery
And I also ordered a few accessories from Amazon.com:
And I ordered an additional 512MB DIMM from Crucial.com. I really wanted to get more than 1GB in the box, but doing so is far too expensive right now. Maybe in a year.
After I get everything setup with the new hardware, I can go about the business of selling the old machine (TiBook 550MHz) and selling Dan my old 20GB iPod, assuming he still wants it.
There's no turning back now. I've switched. Or at lest I've paid for the switch.
In a few weeks, I'll probably be shopping for a new cellphone, eyeing those with BlueTooth so I can be like the cool kids.
Posted by jzawodn at April 29, 2004 06:04 PM
I bought a Sony Ericsson T616 bluetooth phone about a month ago and its worked flawlessly. I had no trouble connecting it to my Powerbook using iSync. It has a lot of features that I really didn't want/care for (camera, color screen, ring tones, games, etc) but there's not too many bluetooth phones to choose from.
Before I picked up my T616 I had a T68i. I was really pleased with it. It was simple, small and had bluetooth but AT&T started moving their network to a different frequency, which the T68i didn't support, so the reception got progressively worse. I finally broke down and bought the T616. Anyway, I don't think you can go wrong with either one.
I ordered that exact setup (minus the accessories and iPod) the day they announced the latest speed increase. Originally was suppose to ship the next day, but I have received 2-3 e-mails pushing back the delivery date. Should be here late next week now.
Nice move. How much is the whole thing costing you ?
I hope to own atleast one powerbook in my lifetime.
Get the SE T610. Bluetooth works great on it and its got the general all round nice features.
Matt, that's funny, I ordered one last Friday from Apple and it shipped via FedEx yesterday from Shanghai, China. I'm watching it travel around the world... right now it's in Anchorage, AK.
All I need now is some accessories.
Owen
i think i'll wait until these babies become the standard hard drive for laptops - terabyte on your lap anyone? awesome.
I strongly suggest you up the hard-drive from 4200 to 5400 rpm. You will notice an overall performance difference of your system.
Excellent purchase - I agree on the 5400RPM drive upgrade - good on performance (but a little less battery life).
I made the "switch" recently - I've been working with an old Beige G3 for the last few months while a pefectly good 2Ghz windows box sat idly by.
I just bought a 1Ghz eMac at a great deal because of the new models - it suits my needs and I love Panther!
two thumbs up man. one more recommendation for the t610 - that phone + Salling Clicker = much fun.
enjoy the new toys!
I would recommend you get a screen protector. It's really just a sheet of microfiber cloth that sits between the keyboard and the screen and keeps the oil (from your hands) on the keyboard from leaving ugly marks on the screen. I've been using one with my 1GHz TiBook and I love it. This is basically what you want: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4127787532&category=14909 (no, it's not my auction, just an example)
Also, I'd highly recommend a 5400 rpm or 7200 rpm drive. I've got a 60GB 7200 rpm drive in my TiBook and it screams. You won't notice the HD noise over the fan at all, and it doesn't kill my battery. I get between 2.5 - 3 hours on a full charge.
Lastly, the more RAM the merrier. 512MB is about the minimum I'd use with OSX these days.
Looks like mine shipped from China yesterday too. That's also where they shipped my mini iPod from a couple months ago. I know most tech devices are probably put together over there, but shipping each item individually would have to drive the price up a little.
You're going to love the CoolPad. I can't work without mine and the bottom of my 1 Ghz PB Al will stay scratch free indefinitely.
I hope the 1 GB DIMMs come down in price so I can move up from 768 MB but I agree I should also upgrade to a faster drive.
Ha! I just switched with the same machine. Already had an iPod (30gb) and went for the 5400rpm drive. Watched it go from Shanghai to Anchorage Alaska as someone else said.
Ordered the Monday they came out, arrived the following Tuesday (this week). Licked it, love it, hope you enjoy yours.
Jeremy,
I was the Mac nutball messing with Sterling's machine at Andrei's party. If you need any mac-specific help, drop me an e-mail.
I second the T610/616 + Salling Clicker. I used to use something similar (Nokia 3650) at my talks, until I switched to T-Mobile and had to spring the -$70 (after rebates) for my own phone. As always, there will always be something nicer on the horizon and Verizon/Sprint/Nextel people are SOL.
Be sure to install Apple X11 (it's on your install disk, it's not installed by default: use the "Customize..." button to add it), XCode (contains gcc, cvs, header files, etc. Be sure to Customize this also so you install the X11 developer package). Then install Fink and Fink Commander. This will set you back $0 but allow you to install your favorite Linux goodness.
Oh, and install "GeekTool" (another $0) just for fun. Everyone recommends LaunchBar ($20, there are other work-alikes, but this is the first and still the smoothest).
Take care,
terry
I agree with a previous comment: get a keyboard cover / screen protector. RadTech's ScreensavRz are beautiful and functional.
Hopefully, Apple has fixed Uneven Illumination in this 15" revision; the Uneven Illumination thread at Apple's Discussions is still going strong, but reports of the few new models people have received as replacements for the chronic screen failures have been positive.
Maybe you'll dodge the bullet with this new one.
