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Review: Apple G4 Powerbook

by David Ross on 7 July 2003, 00:00

Tags: Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL)

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Memory and Data Storage


A slot-loading DVD-R/CD-RW drive is supplied with this model and as a result it comes with iLife which is Apple's integrated media software (iTunes for songs, iPhoto for storing images, iDVD for DVD authoring and iMovie for editing video). The included Disk Copy program is more than enough to burn data CDs and DVDs, but I would recommend one considering Roxio's Toast 5.2 software, which offers more features, and a better interface.


Superduper drive


The 512MB of RAM that is supplied with the machine, was at first adequate and still is, but for any 'serious' work such as high end video editing, photoshop work or 3D rendering you will need to consider upgrading the RAM to 1Gig (or more). This is where some may have issues as Apple ship this model with two 256MB sticks, which mean that when you want to upgrade to 1Gig you will need to buy two 512MB SO-DIMMs and have two 256Meg sticks lying around. The RAM upgrades do not have to be purchased from Apple directly, and any 'good' 144pin PC133 SO-DIMM should work fine.


Stacked memory


I lifted the tabs that locked the keyboard in place and folded it back over the trackpad and was able to identify that Apple were using Hynix RAM that is Cas3 PC133. In the image above you can see how the sticks of RAM are stacked over each other. Personally I would have preferred the RAM to be parallel to each other, but Apple would have found this arrangement to be sufficient.


Hynix


The hard drive comes with plenty of space for most users, but video editing freaks will find that they will need to either invest in a firewire drive so as to free up space (it is best to have the hard drive as the scratch disk as firewire drives will feel the strain). Apple have also decided to ship this model with drives from Toshiba instead of IBM due to the high failure rate they are famous for, and as the drive spins at 4200rpm it runs pretty silently, allowing one to sleep next to an 'active' powerbook.