jtcoburn's Full Review: Apple PowerBook G4 15.2 in. (M7952LL/A) Mac Notebo...
I recently purchased a new G4 Powerbook. It is the 15" model with the 1.6 GHz processor. It is pre-Intel CPU but I only bought it a month or so ago. This is my first Apple and I was trying to change over due to the many problems I have had over the years with Windows, its security issues,etc. etc. I depend upon my computers for a living as I day trade stocks.
I was very disappointed with the Powerbook from the start. The whole concept seems very "bubble gummy" to me. I mean Apple seems to put "coolness" and looks ahead of functionality.
The first thing I found out was how few programs that I need you can find for it. I was told the Virtual Machine software would solve most of those problems and I had read mixed reviews on it. But it really only runs programs that are designed for really old computers. It was slow slow running my stuff it was worthless, so I took that back.
Secondly, when I was at CompUSA buying the computer, I found saw that all the display models had keys missing. I asked the clerk if this was a problem and he told me no, someone was abusive to them. But only after two weeks use the "d" key popped off and the little tabs that hold it on were broken. I called Apple and they said the only fix was to send them the computer and they would replace the entire keyboard. This seem ridiculous to me after only a couple of weeks.
The DVD is again very bubble-gummy, it has the cool little slot, but you can't put in the small disks that come with some software now. I understand it is also prone to failure.
The Applecare support that I paid a lot of money for is terrible. You are on hold for extended periods and I don't know where they got their support staff, but they generally pretty rude and like to tell you that they don't support third party software or hardware. So if you have any problem you are arguing with them whether it is the computer or whatever you are trying to install or use.
I am trying to return the Powerbook but I am being hassled by CompUSA even though I brought it back within the 21 return period. Get this, the reason is that I cut the bar code off the box to send it a rebate that I was told I would get, but it turned out that it wasn't avialable since the fine print stated that it was only if certain software was purchased with the computer, a minor point the CompUSA sales person didn't point out.
So I am not going to use the Powerbook anymore and eventually I will likely get a refund since I know I did no wrong. However, I will not do business with either Apple or CompUSA again.
Recommended:
No
Amount Paid (US$): $2,200.00 Operating System: Macintosh Processor: PowerPC G4 Processor speed: over 1000 Screen Size: 15 inches RAM: More than 256 Internal Storage: CD-RW and DVD Hard Drive (GB): Over 50
Take a high-performance PowerPC G4 processor, add a wide-screen display, and enclose it all in a lightweight titanium case. Apple has just created the...More at eBay
Epinions.com periodically updates pricing and product information from third-party sources, so some information may be slightly out-of-date. You should confirm all information before relying on it.
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.