Great for running Mac AND PC software
Written: Jul 25 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Versatility, power, styling
Cons: can lock up due to software
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| LSMillers's Full Review: Apple PowerBook G3 (M7308LL/A) Mac Notebook |
I use this for Mac and PC applications, digital camera and camcorder, and Airport. I purchased my PowerBook G3/400 mHz in the summer of '99. I've use it a lot for presentations with a video projector at conferences, and overall it's been a joy to have. It has occasionally locked up during presentations (arrrgh!) -- although never irreparably in those moments -- and after reading other reviews I've concluded that this is the result of the OS 9 software and my particular configuration (which I need to work on) and not the hardware specifically. I'm looking very forward to OS X and the compartmentalization of application crashes.
I should confess here that I'm a long-time Apple user, having purchased an original Mac back when they first came out, along with the first laser printer. I've stayed with their products ever since, although I've had my doubts and frustrations. The worst irritant in the past has been the inability to run PC software, but I think that issue has been effectively addressed now.
This machine is designed to use for video presentations, having much more flexibility re connecting to different types of video projectors. My AV department staff always let out a sigh of relief when I tell them that I'm using a Powerbook G3 (versus older Macs or PC laptops). Other machines tend to require software and hardware tweaks by them that the Powerbook doesn't need.
I have a need to run PC software for a variety of applications that I run on the Powerbook, and my solution for this has been Virtual PC 3.0 w/ Windows 98. This has worked out quite well to date, even allowing me to sync my Palm V to a PC application on my Powerbook (using the USB adapter). I'm guessing that the processor speed is reduced to about 150 mHz using Virtual PC, which is plenty for the Microsoft Office apps and internet browsing. Re the latter, this is seamless with VPC 3.0. Don't buy earlier versions, which are buggy re the internet.
Other oddball things that I'm using my Powerbook for include: downloading and editing Nikon CoolPix 990 digital camera pictures (using Nikon software and Photoshop); downloading and editing Canon digital camcorder movies (using EditDV Unplugged); and browsing the internet wirelessly with the Airport equipment. No hitches with any of these; note that the latter two require pcmcia cards.
I also use a Yamaha CD ROM recorder with the Powerbook, and this works quite nicely using the modified SCSI adapter. No problems to date, and a great way to store the digital pix and movies. And the Powerbook is great for editing these media when out "in the field" away from home.
Lastly, I should mention that the computer performs very well for internet connections both through the modem in hotel rooms and DSL (w/ Airport card).
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
LSMillers
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 - Top 500 |
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Location: California
Reviews written: 43
Trusted by: 26 members
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