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• MacWorld TiBook Benchmark Tests Reveal Some Surprises
MacWorld TiBook Benchmark Tests Reveal Some Surprises MacWorld's Andrew Gore reports that the performance increase you get with the 500 MHz TiBook over the 400 MHz version makes the extra outlay for the high-end machine a questionable value. For example, in tests of Photoshop filters that are optimized for Altivec "there is no distinguishable difference in speed between a 400 and 500-MHz G4 system," in most cases less than one second. OTOH in SpeedMark scores, the 500-MHz machine did have an edge in overall performance, but interestingly, in SpeedMark there was no difference in performance between a G4 400 and a PowerBook G3 500. The Pismo 500 MHz scored dead even (122) with the TiBook 400 in the Speedmark 2.1 benchmark, and was only a smidge slower in the Quake III test (32.1 vs. 31.2 respectively). In one Photoshop test, the RGB to CMYK test, a CPU-intensive task that is not Altivec-savvy, the PowerBook G3 500 even scored significantly better than the PowerBook G4 400 (22 vs. 30). Andrew Gore explains that: "Take away Altivec, and a G4 is basically a G3 in terms of performance. So, it makes sense that a 500-MHz G3 would be faster than a 400-MHz G4 running CPU tasks that are not Altivec-savvy." Andrew explores the value/performance equation in the article with some number crunching, noting that you can bring the 400 MHz Tibook up to similar RAM and HD config. for a lot less than the price difference between the two models. Bottom line, according to Andrew's deductions, "if you purchase a TiBook 500, you're paying $629 extra for what generally amounts to a modest difference in performance." Food for thought. You can check it out at:
More TiBook Impressions And Performance Tests Mike Breeden of xlr8yourmac says he is hooked (badly) by the TiBook. Indeed, he notes that "I have never been so hooked by a new Mac since I bought my first 128K model in 1984." Other observations: • Mike found that during DVD playback, the TiBook got about as hot as the Pismo G3/500 he reviewed during extended CPU intensive applications use. • He liked the wider screen, but observed that it will probably not radically change the way you work like a Cinema display would. • Mike experienced no problems ejecting CD/DVDs, and notes that one reader from Australia reported hearing that the eject/alignment issue only affected a small batch of USA models (see more on this below). • Re: the static discharge issue that Dan Knight and others have reported, Mike suggests getting an anti-static mat for the work area, and/or a ground plug connected static discharge pad. That would probably help, but it seems an excessive caveat in order just to USE your PowerBook. However, Mike notes that "if it's freezing the system it can't be a good thing. Even in cases where static discharge does not destroy a component, it can shorten its life. In fact, a study I read years ago noted that static discharge (at some point in the life cycle of a product) is the #1 cause of component failure." Indeed, last year I watched an Apple training video for service personnel on static discharge, and it scared the heck out of me. • On the demise of expansion bays, Mike notes that a removable device bay make it easier to replace defective CD drives, etc., and allows you to add an additional hard drive (internally) or a second battery. Mike also includes some hard drive performance test results, and notes that PB G4 400s come either Toshiba 10GB drives or IBM Travelstar 10GB units, and that the Toshiba may offer better performance. Certainly the 10.2 GB Toshiba drive I retrofitted my WallStreet with speeded things up substantially. You can read Mike Breeden's extensive comments about TiBook here:
Apple Addresses PowerBook G4 DVD Misalignment - Repair Program Launched The DVD drive slot in the new G4 PowerBook can become misaligned with the DVD drive mechanism slot, preventing the disc from ejecting. A new Apple Tech Info Library (TIL) article addresses this issue, outlining three ways to eject a disc from the DVD-ROM drive of a PowerBook G4 computer. • F12, or Media Eject Key
• Restart the Computer
• Emergency Eject Button
1. Make sure the computer is turned on. You cannot use the emergency eject button if the computer is turned off.
This falls somewhat short of documenting some of the methods users are finding necessary, like inserting a piece of paper or card into the DVD slot to assist the disc in sliding out. The drill is: stick something like a playing card or business card in the slot and use that time-honored Mac service tool, a straightened paper clip, to press the emergency eject button (hole just to the right of the slot) to excise the disc. The card helps guide the disc down and out the slot. Low End mac's Dan Knight reports that:
Apple is also reportedly working on a fix for this problem, and accepting Powerbook G4s with DVD Ejecting problems in for repair, if you can bear to part with your new baby for 10 days or so. One more example of why local dealers should be authorized to deal with at least low-tech repairs like this. For more information, visit:
The Register's Tony Smith relays a report from MacInTouch that the DVD jam culprit may be the small rubber shock-absorbers on which the drive is mounted being incorrectly installed or damaged during assembly. The user notes that upon examination one side of thr rubber was shaved almost flat, while the other side is rounded. Rotating them 180 degrees so that the DVD drive rested on the round side was what was resting instead of the flat part fixed the problem. "However," Tony says, " Apple UK yesterday claimed it knew nothing of the issue." 'We are not aware of a documented problem with this product,' a spokesman told MacWorld UK. Could be that only one early batch of US-bound TiBooks is affected. Lind Auto/Air DC Power Adapter Released For TiBook G4 Lind Electronics' AP2425-441, a 60-watt Auto / Air Power Adapter for TiBook allows the G4 PowerBook to safely be operated from the cigarette lighter of an automobile as well as the In-Seat Power Supplies available in many commercial aircraft. This adapter will also completely charge the TiBook's battery, even while the computer is being used. The Lind Electronics AP2425-441 offers the following features:
Tech specs:
The Lind AP2425-441 Auto / Air Adapter is available now. For more information, visit:
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Cool Mac Gear• iPod 1G-2G • iPod 3G • iPod 4G • iPod Mini • PowerBook-iBook • Keyboard Skins • Garageband
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