Date: 23/4/2007
Reviewed By: Jamie MacDow

I have been using macs for years and years now. As a result have always stood by their choice to use IBM chips. They have always seemed to work well and so long may the relationship continue. Although, I was a little annoyed to not see a G5 laptop...I know and heard all the stories about it running too hot, etc, but was still looking forward to them cracking it so i could get my hands on a G5 laptop.

So, the news of Apple moving over to the enemy...Intel, was a shock! However, once the feeling of betrayal died down then i came to terms with the whole Intel marriage and ended up moving on to the new MacBook Pro.

Looks wise...it's still a sweet looking machine. It's slim and sleek and just continues in the footsteps of it's predecessors. Although, I still prefer the feel of the actual metal to that of the now all too common plastic...makes you feel that you are getting more for your dollar...if you know what i mean.

Even the inclusion of the iSight in the casing I think looks good. I found it unobtrusive and actually felt that it looks kinda funky.

"Is that your webcam?"
"Why...yes!", I say!
"Wow, that's really cool!"

So then I get my hands on this new plastic toy and see how it runs. At first, I was quite impressed. It was quick and seemed intuitive, as you would expect from a new mac. The system just gets better and better, as you would expect. In fact, every time that Apple brings out a new system, Microsoft seem to bring out their own poor imitation of the same software! That's the problem with imitations though...they generally are poor!

Which brings me nicely on to making my mac a PC! The first thing you have to get over having put windows on your laptop is that horrid noise it makes when starting up! Sent shudders down my spine and left me giggling that it just wasn't right! Still, once up and running, it behaves just like a pc, but better somehow!

Don't misunderstand me, I am not one of these people who spits on images of Bill Gates or sees Microsoft as the devil. I have had a pc for years too, but I just don't think they are as good. Now though, they aren't even as good at running windows! It's a very strange experience indeed!

Powerbook G4 12"

Date: 16/7/2007
Reviewed By: Rena Danias

This ultra light notebook is slim, slick and very sturdy, and unlike its other ultra-portables, It doesn't scrimp on features. It  is available with a good size 60GB hard drive - the largest of its kind, a 1.3-GHz G4 processor, DVD-R/CD-RW combo, Its wireless, comes with bluetooth and all at a slim 4.6 pounds

The anodized-aluminum case feels very solid and seems to resist scratches better than the old titanium cladding. The 12.1-inch display, with a 1,024x768 resolution, opens and closes on a sturdy hinge. You can adjust the display brightness from the keyboard or in System Properties.

Aside from the size and weight, the best design attribute of the 12-inch PowerBook is its keyboard. It's superior to that of the earlier PowerBooks, the current iBooks, and possibly even Apple's desktops. A good touch typist can really fly on this full-size keyboard, which offers good response, has comfortably shaped keys, and does not flex at all. The trackpad is large and responsive, as well. Sadly, this model still doesn't have the cool keyboard backlighting found on its 15- and 17-inch counterparts (with SuperDrives).

Everything apart from the CD/DVD drive is located at the left hand side so all ports and wires are kept neat and "spaghetti junction" syndrome is kept to a minimum.

The only downside to its portability is its screen. Working to such a small area can get tiresome, but the VGA port or mini DVI allows you to easily connect up to a 19 inch screen quickly if need be. Although the 12" powerbook does keep up well with the big boys, It can run a bit toasty in the process so a cushion on your lap is sometimes advised.

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