|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24 Jul 2004
One of the perks of my new job is that I get a new computer. My trusty old 15" TiBook belongs to my current research group, so I had to get a new one; happily for me this is paid for by the new University. It has just arrived, and I've been frantically installing stuff and migrating my files across so that I can return the old one before I leave.
The new machine is a 12" PowerBook, and I'm really impressed with it so far. I thought that I would really miss the huge screen on the TiBook, but the screen is so crisp and bright that I barely notice the reduction in size. I agonised for ages about whether to get the 15" or the 12", but in the end it mainly came down to size (or rather, lack of it). I genuinely have to lug my laptop for some distance on bike or foot, and I was beginning to find the 15" a bit of burden. There isn't a lot in it (about 500g I think), but the difference is quite noticeable. It looks absolutely adorable next to the TiBook—it's as if my old laptop has had a baby. I love the design. It feels really compact and efficient, though I'll have to get used to having all the ports on the left-hand side. I used to like hiding all the messy wiring behind where I couldn't see it, even though cables were slightly more fiddly to plug in.
I'm waiting for some more RAM to be ordered, but even with half of the RAM I had in the TiBook, it feels really nippy. It does have twice the clock speed, so it flippin' well should do, I suppose, or we've all been swindled. Burning discs on my laptop is a bit of a novelty too, as I got the TiBook just before they introduced a CD-RW unit. My only slight gripe is that the keyboard feels mushy and flimsy compared to the old one. I think they've skimped a bit of money on it, though it isn't as bad as some laptop keyboards I've used. I'll probably get an external keyboard for work anyway, so it isn't too much of an issue.
I had been having some stability issues with the old machine (just accumulated cruft, I think), so I wanted to reinstall applications from scratch to avoid replicating the problem. It's only when you go to do this that you realise just how many applications you have installed, and how long it takes to locate all the disks or disk images, configure them and so on. I think this might be a good opportunity to live without some of my less frequently used stuff and see if I actually miss it. It's also funny how a Mac doesn't really feel as if it's your own until you've got all your favourite apps, utilities, and desktop backgrounds set up.
2
Here's another very happy 12" Al PowerBook user. My main worry before buying had also been the screen size, but I don't find it remotely a problem, even for window-heavy applications like MM Fireworks. Exposé definitely does help - as does running Terminal transparently - but then I tend to use machines defensively anyhow, and keep what's running down to a minimum. It almost never gets turned off - just close it up and lug it across town in my bag. Haven't tested the robustness of the case yet.
I like the keyboard a lot. I find the standard Apple desktop keyboards heavy and clunky (I was a fan of the smaller, lighter keyboards on the fruity iMacs), and the iBook keyboards a bit cheap and flimsy. The Al keyboards hit the sweet spot between the two for me.
Was trying to think of problems I've had, but I haven't really had any. Mr Ive is the man. I'm still debating with myself whether the illuminated Apple on the case is upside-down or not.
3
Well, I adore my TiBook, but then again, I was lucky enough to get one with the CD/DVD burner in it. Still wouldn't mind a new one... 
good luck with it!
And I dig the live preview you've implemented for WordPress. Gonna hafta to try that on mine.
4
Your old TiBook is a bit sluggish? You may want to try doing some system maintenance on it as recommended by this MacDevCenter article.
5
gmlk: I think Exposé helps, but I also use VirtualDesktop—it's great on any computer, but really comes into it's own with a small screen. It's like having an unlimited number of monitors (which you can switch between with hotkeys). The only downside is that you can't see them simultaneously as you can with monitors (but it is a lot cheaper, of course!) I've recently found a free, Open Source alternative, Desktop Manager, which is also excellent, though perhaps with one or two less bells and whistles. This isn't entirely a bad thing.
Jolyon: Lucky you!
Jolyon and Paul: I've always just slept my PB when transporting it, and have never had any problems, even bumping it along to work in the pannier of my bike. Sleeping is one thing (of many!) that Windows users get jealous about. Suspending or hibernating a PC seems to be much slower and a bit buggy. I love just being able to shut the lid and go.
Brian: Thanks!
Ryan: I'm sure that's part of the problem, but the new machine is still much faster than the old has ever been. I was resisting sorting things out on the old machine as I knew that I would be wiping the drive and reinstalling Panther anyway, ready for the next person. I've done that now (always a terrifying moment, hitting that 'erase' button), and it is still slow compared to the new machine. It's not terrible, but it suffers by comparison.
6
The Al books are incredible lil' machines. I've had my 15in since December and love it. I can also testify to its nearly indestructible case. I pulled mine off the table onto the tile floor below and the only blemish is a small dent in the corner. It still doesn't always latch properly, but the LCD wasn't bent, which is either a minor miracle or feat of engineering.
However, the software runs smooth and quick. I can't wait for Tiger.
7
I too went from a TiBook to a 12" Al PowerBook. Best upgrade I've ever made.
1
I was wondering if is it's because of exposé that the difference in screen size doesn't mater as much? I got a 15inch PowerBook last december and it's weight really begins to wear me down. Maybe the next one will be a 12inch.----- I have the PB12 and love it. And they are pretty tough - mine was dropped about 3 ft into a marble floor and still carried on playing the DVD of Barbie as Something-or-Other (don't ask) without missing a beat. I've even closed its lid, while running, put it in a pannier on the bike, cycled to work across London, opened it up and started work straightaway without it skipping a beat. Good for planes and travelling generally.
I wanted a bigger monitor, as I am going blind looking at the tiny screen all the time, so Mrs Patten kindly offered to buy me one as a birthday present. Only I put the money towards a PB15 instead! So now I can use one at work and one at home. Mmmm, nice.
by Jolyon @ 24/07/2004 7:08 pm • Permalink •