Home > Consumer Reviews > Apple PowerBook Laptop 15" M9422LL/A (1.50-GHz PowerPC G4, 512 MB RAM, 80 GB Hard Drive, SuperDrive)

Everybody has their own opinion about computers in general, whether you're a PC buff or a Mac buff, you have to agree that Mac's look much nicer than PCs.

Now in terms of the machine itself, it is great. THe 15" screen is large enough so you can enjoy a movie, the aluminum (or titanium) is quite sturdy, though I have to say the portion of the computer where you rest your palm while you type takes a beating after a few months. But if you were smart when you bought your computer and you have the warranty, they will fix that right up for you.

Now, since I am an audio engineer I use pro tools with this computer. I just installed 1gig of ram, and never have lag issues with the MBOX. so i think for all musicians this works great.

ALso, i do a lot of graphic design on the computer, so if thats what you do, this is the best machine for you. I have used PCs alongside my mac all my life, but when i'm doing "work", its always on the mac. I only play games on the PC...

so if you're into cool looking electronics, you gotta have one of these!

I have been a Mac person for over 15 years now, and have owned a succession of Mac laptops. For the past 5 years I used a G3 which I loved, but software requirements being what they are these days I decided to move on. I purchased this machine 4 months ago after glowing reviews from many sources. And certainly it has some very fine features. It looks wonderful, is small and light and has pretty much every port and peripheral you'd need. Yet I am finding it increasingly difficult to live with. There are some minor irrating details such as battery life being considerably shorter than in the previous model. Heat is another problem - this machine not only gets way too hot to comfortably hold on your lap for any length of time, but I find that the heat seeps through the keyboard and at the end of the day I end up with numb fingers. The solution of course is to use an external keyboard, but that somewhat defeats the purpose. What really gets me though is that to my eye the screen on these machines is not sharp. The anti aliasing software gives every letter a blurry edge which you simply cannot get rid of. This is true regardless of the program you're using. Changing the settings on the main computer system has little effect. I've taken it to two different Mac shops and they told me that all of the screens are like that (true - I looked at plenty in the shops) and you just get used to it. Except I haven't been able to get used to it. Even more irritating is the fact that the only way I have found to get a relatively sharp picture is to use Virtual PC which must not use the anti-aliasing software. Much as it irks me I am now considering swapping to a PC so I can get a crisp picture. My suggestion is that before considering buying a G4 powerbook, go and spend some time in the shop typing a letter on one and see if the font looks sharp to your eyes. If not then don't buy it, because it does not improve.

i have a powerbook g4 will all the add ons. i use this laptop for school since i am in the laptop program. i have one of the fastest laptops in the school. there are so many useful apps. Safari is probally the best internet browser i have ever used in my whole life. Ichat is another cool application. i chat with my friends on it. the built in microphone makes it so easy to talk to your friends while you are typing up a essay or w/e ur doing. Itunes is another good app. I hav over 5000 songs. I recently bought a 4th generation 40 gb ipod. all u do is plug ur ipod in and it syncs. it takes a matter of seconds to send the songs to ur ipod. You can also purchase songs for .99 cents on itunes if u wish. i have office 2004 also. it costed me quite alot for it. it is 10 times easier to use then the regular office on windows. Iphoto is another good app. if you need to run windows apps u can purchase virtual pc. with this program u can run any amount of pcs on ur mac. isn't that kewl?!?! a mac and a pc on one system. the buit in wireless helps alot. whenever i visit somewhere that has a router my pb picks the signal up. overall this expensive but use ful laptop is WORTH IT!!!!!!

My Fujitsu Lifebook (which I loved!) died on me w/a shorted out motherboard that was impossible to access to fix (w/out the help of few $100s just to open her up). I found it just easier to purchase a new notebook than repair.

Yes, the Powerbook was an expensive purchase. In retrospect, a 12" probably would have been fine. I also don't know that I need the DVD burner - but I have it.

The speed is great. Th 80G is nice. The screen is superb. Resolution is wonderful. Set-up was a breeze, as was connection to my pre-existing wireless network. As always, Apple's packaging and design are flawless. The keyboard is wonderful (and I like the backlighting).

Testing out iDVD was fun. 'Star Wars' looked great on the screen (ok, maybe a 12" wouldn't have cut it for something like that). Still lot more features to play with (iMovies, iPhoto, etc) that I won't/don't use everyday....but fun to have.

Security is pretty sound - and was even talked out of purchasing a virus pack by the folks @ the Apple Store.

Though I had an early version of a Mac, it's taking a bit of time to reacclimate to a non-windows unit. I have some issues w/the Mac version of Office - but that is for a software review later.

Ok - so why only 4 Stars? I've decided it's very tough to give technology prodcuts 5 stars. I've done so in the past and been burned. But I've also decided not to review them immeidately anymore also. Had the Powerbook 2 mos and very happy w/it. In my mind - 5 star worthy. In print - I'll hedge my bets and stick w/ 4.

This is as perfect a machine as I could want. I can do everything that I want my computer to do. The internet connection is flawless and fast, the iTunes is my dream come true, I can talk to my friends using iChat, I can download my photos and even make them into books, burn CDs, make DVDs, use the quite usefull Dashboard, make songs on GarageBand, watch my Cubs games on the internet, plan dates using iCal, write down anything useful using Stickies, and many more things I can't think of right now.

My only complaint would be that the computer does not come with a word processor which is quite annoying, but I went out and bought the Microsoft Office for Macs and that's working well too.

The design is beautiful. I believe Macs make great computers. It is easy to use. There are never any viruses. And I rarely have to call the Mac Support people, but I assure you that they have always been very helpful. I reccomend it for anyone looking for a new laptop.