Does anyone own one of those 17 inch macintosh laptops?

[yimmy]

I wish i had one but I was wondering about a few things.

I heard that it had wireless networking embedded inside it like a lot of the newer laptops, but I was wondering about the exact location because some embedded wireless networking cards are subject to more interference than others depending on what's right next to it.

The other question I had was with regards to what kind of replaceable parts are available for it. If something breaks (like the screen or a key on the keyboard) are you totally screwed or can you order a replacement part?

Right now, I have an IBM Thinkpad T30 from work and although it has its drawbacks, one area in which it shines is the fact that it has a lot of replaceable components. The lcd screen can be replaced, the keyboard can be replaced, even the serial and paralel ports can be replaced if they break (which happened to me once when someone knocked my laptop on the ground while I had a HyperTerminal session going on)

[IntheNet]

I heard that it had wireless networking embedded inside it like a lot of the newer laptops, but I was wondering about the exact location because some embedded wireless networking cards are subject to more interference than others depending on what's right next to it.

Built-in 54-Mbps AirPort Extreme; built-in Bluetooth 2.0+EDR; no interference problems. Tech specs here: http://www.apple.com/powerbook/specs.html

The other question I had was with regards to what kind of replaceable parts are available for it. If something breaks (like the screen or a key on the keyboard) are you totally screwed or can you order a replacement part?.

Get an Apple warranty... no worries mate!

Right now, I have an IBM Thinkpad T30 from work and although it has its drawbacks, one area in which it shines is the fact that it has a lot of replaceable components. The lcd screen can be replaced, the keyboard can be replaced, even the serial and paralel ports can be replaced if they break (which happened to me once when someone knocked my laptop on the ground while I had a HyperTerminal session going on)

No laptop, except perhaps the Panasonic "Toughbook" line, is immune from damage due to drops, and Apples, like Wintel PCs, need to be cared for with more attention than with a desktop unit. I have an office 15" Powerbook that is approaching its 5th year with no problems despite daily use and extensive travel; i.e., no parts "replaced" despite 5 years of use.

IntheNet

[skipshady]

No laptop, except perhaps the Panasonic "Toughbook" line, is immune from damage due to drops, and Apples, like Wintel PCs, need to be cared for with more attention than with a desktop unit.That said, Apple notebooks are pretty tough. I've dropped my 3.5 year old iBook a few times (hard wood floor each time) and it still chugs along fine. And the newer Powerbooks come with a motion sensor which basically stops the disk spinning when it senses sudden movement. I don't know how well it works, but it is intriguing.

And about interference - the older Titanium PB G4 actually had a problem because the casing material blocked the wireless signal and the connection with the internal antenna had to be fixed from time to time.
Some people add an external antenna to the lid and run the wire through the card slot. I know one guy who got a 3rd party card with an antenna that sticks out, and took out the Airport card.

I don't know if the same problem exists with the newer Aluminum models.

You can check out MacWorld's review of the 17in PB: http://www.macworld.com/news/2005/02/11/powerbook/index.php
And a first look at the update 12 and 15 inch models: http://www.macworld.com/2005/02/reviews/powerbookfirstlook/index.php

[dark knight]

I think the problem was resolved by switching to aluminum. I haven't noticed any interference.

[yimmy]

I think the problem was resolved by switching to aluminum. I haven't noticed any interference.

Kewl, now I just need $3K :(