Apple PowerBook G4 15.2 in. (K8858LL/A) Mac Notebook

I have been a computer user since I was 6 (1981). The first computer I ever used was an Apple and then I got sucked into the PC market and had been a PC user ever since. Although I have used Macs in my work (as a graphic and web designer) I had never bought one for my own use.

I had been lusting after the Powerbook G4 for over a year when I finally decided that since I needed a laptop to take to client meetings and on business trips that I would take the plunge despite the fact that all of my software was Windows based.

I went into my local Apple store and bought my 1st Powerbook. The people are incredibley friendly at an Apple Store (at least the one I went to at Knox/McKinney in Highland Park/Dallas, TX). They were very attentive, helpful, and fast.

Once I got my Mac home, I set it up. It only took about 5 minutes to get up and going. You are required to fill out a few details (name, password, internet set up etc.) and then voila, you're ready to go.

I had already purchased all of my new Apple software so I would have it when I got my Powerbook. I installed everything (about 14 programs). It took me a few minutes to figure out how to install things on a Mac - it's a little different than on a PC but I remembered that the Mac was fond of drag & drop so I did that and it installed. After spending literally the entire day (about 14 hours) from the time I got it to the time I had everything set up and installed, I was about to powerdown the Powerbook and it started making a clicking noise near the hard drive. I tried to reboot and it wouldn't, it just kept clicking and giving me the white screen. I looked up the help online and did everything suggested to fix the problem, called Apple support(who were extremely friendly and helpful in my case) and they determined that I had a bad hard drive. This was the next morning mind you as the hard drive failure occurred aroudn 4am! The Apple rep said to take it back to the Apple Store and have them exchange it for a new one.

I called the Apple Store and explained everything and they said to bring it in as well as all of the materials, box, etc. so in case they couldn't repair it they would exchange it for a new one. When I got there, I went directly to the "Genius" bar (techies I surmised) and gave them the case id# Apple had given me. They looked it up as well as all the notes from the Apple Care rep and determined that everything had been done to fix it and they also determined it was a bad drive. So they simply brought out a brand new one and I left them my old one and that was it. It was the easiest, non-hassle return I've every had to do. Of course, the fact that my hard drive failed within 24 hours left me a bit weary but I was optimistic. When I returned home, I went through the same procedures as the day before, only this time it was much faster (practice makes perfect). Since then, no problems whatsoever. It's been a dream. It's very fast, powerful and fun to use.

What's In The Box

The Powerbook, a DVI-VGA adapter (to connect the Powerbook to a standard VGA rather than a digital monitor) phone cord, power adapter, OS X booklet, phone line, Powerbook manual, and some other cord I have no idea what it's for but I haven't needed it yet so far!

Upgradability

You can put up to 1GB of memory in the Powerbook. Also, it has a slot for a PC card of anykind (this is separate from the Airport module which is enclosed in the case). Also, it has 2 USB ports, a Firewire port, Ethernet cable, phon cable, speaker jack and a touchpad.

Monitor

GREAT!!!!! After looking at my regular cathode ray 19" VGA monitor on my desktop for so long, looking at the Mac's LCD 15.2" TFT Active Matrix screen really made me happy. It is CRYSTAL clear - even with the plastic still on the screen (that comes with the packaging for shipment).

OSX

VERY intuitive and fun to use. When I plugged in my mouse it didn't do anything. I was worried. I moved the mouse. It was working fine. "It just works" as they say!! EVERYTHING i've plugged into this mac has been recognized without fail - no stupid driver issues or installation goofs, it JUST WORKS. This made me incrediblely happy. Imagine how much time we spend trying to install things!

DISKS

Reading CDRs, CDRWs, DVDs all NO PROBLEM. Mac format or PC format it can read them. If it's PC format and it's an application obviously you can't run it on a Mac unless you have Virtual PC (which I have) but if you have, let's say, Office X for MAC and you put in a CD with Word/Excel/Powerpoint files on it, then it reads it like it's a Mac file - no issues!!


Drawbacks

As a web designer, I use Dreamweaver, which looks and works wonderfully on the Mac. However, I use ASP to do many of my sites and use MS Access for the database stuff - MICROSOFT DOES NOT MAKE ACCESS FOR MAC. So that really sucks - maybe it's intentional on Microsoft's side but I don't know.

Another thing is that the Mac is more mouse dependant. A lot ofthings I can do on my PC as far as moving aroudn windows, etc, or getting behind windows, etc. takes twice as long on the Mac. Minor annoyance but I would think once I'm used to the OS I'll get faster at it. I already have learend keyboard shortcuts just by virtue of using it (Apple + N or Apple +Q) but these things are still easier on a pC

Overall

GREAT GREAT GREAT OS! Great customer service (at least my experience was great). Great compatability (except for Access and many people don't even use it). Great looking. Great durability. WORTH every penny.

And by the way - I still have my desktop PC. I plan on replacing it with a Powermac G4 (or G5 if they come out this fall) this fall. I intend to only use my PC for AutoCAD and gaming. Goodbye Bill Gates!

Paid $2400 (got a student discount)