12" Powerbook or 15" Powerbook

[Rackhir]

I've had a 15" PB for the last several years and used it extensively for gaming. I REALLY would not want a smaller screen. I frequently find that the 15" is barely large enough. The weight difference is pretty minor between the two I think we are talking about a pound or two, which can easily be exceeded by a single (text) book.

With regards to graphics the 12" only has the NVIDIA GeForce FX Go5200, which absolutely sucks in comparison to the Radeon Mobility 9700 in the 15 inch. So if you want to play any 3D games, you will definitely want the 15" if only for the graphics chip. I'm not convinced that it's worth it for the 128mb vram, especially as you have to go with the more expensive 1.67 ghz model. Except for one posible change. Tiger (OSX 10.4) is introducing "Core Image" which is the new graphics engine for OSX, which will handle all the screen drawing and visual effects involved in the functions of OSX (not just games). That supposedly can benefit from having more VRam. However as it isn't out yet, it is difficult to say how much of a difference it will make. In my experience if you need more VRAM, you usually need a LOT more, not just the next incremental bump.

You know though, if Apple would just use the vast wasted spaces on the 17" PB to put in a numeric keypad, that would instantly make it my preference.

 

[ShinHakkaider]

I'm debating which Powebook to get, either the 12" or the 15".

Both are going to have roughly 1GB RAM, 100GB HDD, and a Superdrive. The 15" will have the upgraded 128MB video card.

Any suggestions on what to get?

I purchased the 15" Powerbook last may, It was my first laptop and next to my ipod by best tech purchase ever. I have a co-worker that has the 12" and it's actually not that bad but for my money I'd go with the 15". I have a tibuktu (Sp?) bag with a shoulder strap and it's pretty sturdy nad not cumbersome as long as I dont put that much else in the bag with it. But the 15" by itself? barely feel it...

 

[Laslo Tremaine]

I have a 15" PowerBook and have loved it dearly. But lucky for me, I am the IT Director for an all Mac advertising agency, and we have a 12" PowerBook that we loan out to non laptop users who need one for occasional out of office use.

I have found that more and more, my 15" PB stays on my desk, and when I want to take a machine home with me or to a gaming session, I just grab the 12" PB. It is sooooo much more portable and convenient.

If and when the G5 PowerBooks come out, I think I will probably get a 12" and then get a large screen to put on my desk, so I can have the best of both worlds.

 

[Raevynn]

I like the idea of the 12" on the road with a big screen to dock with at home... however as an Security Engineer, I think I am leaning on getting the 15" mainly for the screen real estate when working with Scanners and IDS/Loggers. If they would let a high resolution on the small screen I would head that way... but as it stands I need the 15".

Just my 2cps...

 

[Dimwhit]

I use an old 12" iBook and I love it. It'l really about usage, though. The 12" is ideal for ultra-portability, but the 15" would definitely be easier to work on.

Can't go wrong with either, though.

 

[Raevynn]

Well after reading the latest macworld I am going to definately have to rule out the 12". No PCMCIA port on that one.... so now to hunt the best price on the 15"

 

[dreaded_beast]

Well, I'll be ordering it fairly soon! Anywhere from next week to the end of the month.

It's looking like I'm gonna go with the 15".

I'd hate to spend the money on the 12" and keep thinking that I could have gotten the more powerful 15" for a 'few' dolllars more. Although portability is a big concern of mine, I think that it's easier for me to adjust to the size of the 15", than to settle for the relatively 'lesser' features of the 12".

 

[Rackhir]

I'd hate to spend the money on the 12" and keep thinking that I could have gotten the more powerful 15" for a 'few' dolllars more. Although portability is a big concern of mine, I think that it's easier for me to adjust to the size of the 15", than to settle for the relatively 'lesser' features of the 12".

Great! Glad to hear it. You will definitely appreciate the larger screen size in the long run.

Well after reading the latest macworld I am going to definately have to rule out the 12". No PCMCIA port on that one.... so now to hunt the best price on the 15"

What do you want the PCMCIA slot for? Wi-Fi card with external antenna.

 

[Raevynn]

I work in the security industry. So I need the PCMCIA slot to allow multiple NICs or additional ports (USB/Firewire). I placed the order BTW... on the 11th... erg.. nice cutoff Apple. Not sure why they did not pre-announce the cutoff day for the free upgrade.

Just check my shipping and it left Shanghai and arrived in Anchorage, AK this afternoon.... *rumbs hands maniacly* it shall be mine.... oh yes it shall be mine.......


BTW: here is the config of what I ordered:


1.67GHz PowerPC G4 w/ 128MB VR
512MB DDR333 SDRAM - 1 SO-DIMM
100GB Ultra ATA HD
8x SuperDrive (DVD+/-RW/CD-RW)
AirPort Extreme
Bluetooth 2.0

 

[dreaded_beast]

I work in the security industry. So I need the PCMCIA slot to allow multiple NICs or additional ports (USB/Firewire). I placed the order BTW... on the 11th... erg.. nice cutoff Apple. Not sure why they did not pre-announce the cutoff day for the free upgrade.

Just check my shipping and it left Shanghai and arrived in Anchorage, AK this afternoon.... *rumbs hands maniacly* it shall be mine.... oh yes it shall be mine.......


BTW: here is the config of what I ordered:


1.67GHz PowerPC G4 w/ 128MB VR
512MB DDR333 SDRAM - 1 SO-DIMM
100GB Ultra ATA HD
8x SuperDrive (DVD+/-RW/CD-RW)
AirPort Extreme
Bluetooth 2.0

Nice! I'm probably gonna order mine around the 29th, to take advantage of Tiger coming out.

Let us know how your PB works out for you!