PowerBook or PowerDictionary?- Adam Robert
Guha
July 21, 2000
If you think about it, both the iBook and the PowerBook G3 are
large laptops. How about a smaller model?  Considering
what I am used to (the PowerBook 1X0 series and the PowerBook
5300), the iBook and PowerBook
G3 are huge computers with huge screens. I am writing this coming
back from vacation. I had constant problems with my iBook not having
room to open up all the way (the seat in front of me is down). I
could open my 140 and 5300 all the way in that circumstance. This
means that I am extremely frustrated with my computer -- and with the
person in front of me. (Sorry, I just had to mention my
frustration)
So, Apple, how about making a PowerBook 5300-sized G3? I don't
mind losing the screen space, as long as I get something small -- not
some huge, dictionary-sized computer. Who would buy this smaller PowerBook? Users who want a small,
easily transportable Mac, users who travel often and are sick and
tired of their computer screen being smashed by those evil people in
the seat in front of them. I would buy it for that reason, and
because I need something small and fast for school, something I can
carry easily without lugging a huge bag around. Of course, new computer buyers demand a G3 processor, 300 MHz or
faster, with either 512K or 1 MB backside cache. While you're at
that, make sure we have at least two (yes, two) USB ports. Remember
to include a nice, fast, video card. And how about installing the
video card in a special PowerBook-only slot so it can be upgraded
later? Include two PC Card slots, an internal expansion bay for
either a CD-ROM (OK, so maybe the computer would be more PowerBook
1400 sized, but that is still fairly small) or third party device
such as a floppy drive A PowerBook 5300 sized keyboard and track pad must be included
(this one must be able to do tap/click, drag, and drag-lock.) We can
complete the picture with a 9.5" TFT (yes, 9.5-inch -- it has
to be small to fit in a small case) LCD display capable of showing
millions of colours at either 640x480 or 800x600. The computer can be
configured with 64, 128, or 192 MB of RAM, a 4.2 or 6 GB hard disk,
and a selection of software for business, possibly including FaxSTF,
AppleWorks, and Quicken. The computer would come complete with Mac OS
9.0.4. Remember, Apple, you created the name PowerBook to mean small,
powerful, book-sized Macintosh laptop computers. With these latest
machines, all the G3 PowerBooks and the iBook, they are so large, you
should rename them. Try thinking along the lines of
"PowerDictionary". If I could have upgraded my 5300cs to modern-day G3 standards, I
would have done so without hesitation. The fact that the 5300 is
non-upgradable creates a good market for a 5300-sized G3. Apple's slogan is "Think Different". Does it take the consumer to
actually do that thinking? 
- <this article available in a printer-friendly
format>
Articles by Adam Robert Guha- The Cube: Just what we ordered?,
8/11/00. A look at the limitations of the Power Mac G4 Cube.
- It's the bugs that bug me, 8/4/00.
We never had to update firmware with older Macs. Why is today so
different?
- PowerBook or PowerDictionary?,
7/21/00. Apple created the PowerBook as a small, book-sized Mac.
Which book were they thinking of?
- Forward into the past, 7/14/00. To
move ahead, perhaps Apple needs to look into its past.
- The lovable Colour Classic, 7/10/00.
"Arguably one of the best computer designs ever, only limited by
its slow processor, bus speed, and 10 MB memory limit."
- more articles linked on the Apple
Archive home page
Elsewhere on Low End Mac- New iMacs: Something for
everyone, Kel Taylor, Mac to the Future, 8/17. "...the iMac
has grown into a family, and a large one at that."
- Apple ditching G4, Anne
Onymus, 8/17. Apple embraces IBM and the G5, leaving Motorola
behind.
- Happy Birthday, iMac!, Dan
Knight, iMac Channel, 8/16. "The iMac has redefined the industry
and redefined Apple as a trendsetter."
- Be thankful for Apple
secrecy, Stephen Van Esch, Mac Scope, 8/16. There really is a
good side to Apple secrecy.
- The Land Before Silicon,
Manuel Mejia, Mac Daniel, 8/16. Travels in Russia with a PowerBook
100.
- The G4 Cube and Radeon fans,
Paulo Rodrigues, Tangerine Fusion, 8/16. How ATI spilled a trade
secret. Oops.
- My First Mac Clone, Spencer, My
First Mac, 8/15. Sometimes your first Mac isn't even made by
Apple.
- Observers closing on Team
Nippon, SETIonMac, 8/15. We've been catching up for about two
months; we should pass them any day now.
- The new Macs in
business, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 8/14. The impact of the new
Macs on one Mac-using business.
- Macster on the iMac,
Evan Kleiman, Mac Daniel, 8/14. There are some problems with
Macster on the iMac. Evan explains how to work around them.
- New @ Low End
Mac: Receive email information on new articles.
Macinstein
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