Mac Product Guide: 12-inch PowerBook G4/1.5GHz (Combo Drive)

12-inch PowerBook G4/1.5GHz (Combo Drive)

The 12-inch model of Apple's PowerBook line received a Jan. 31 update that included a speed bump to 1.5GHz, 512MB of installed RAM and integrated Bluetooth 2.0 support. This updated model also adds scrolling Trackpad and Sudden Motion Sensor Technology.

	Reviewed	Full Review

Individually, none of the changes in the latest round of PowerBook updates will knock your socks off. But collectively, they make the PowerBook lineup both more appealing and more affordable.

Pros: Compact size; increased standard memory; improved trackpad and Bluetooth; reduced price.

Cons: Small screen; lacks high-end ports and features; only one DIMM slot; heavier than comparable Windows laptops.

Basics

Reviewed Price: $1,499

Processor: 1.5GHz G4

Information about this system on Apple's website

Lab Tests

Speedmark Score
Cinema 4D XL
iMovie
iTunes
Photoshop
Compressor
	fps
Tested Configuration

Tested Configuration
Display	flat-panel; 12.1"; 1,024 x 768
Processor	1.5GHz G4
Cache	512K on-chip L2
Frontside Bus Speed	167MHz
Memory	512MB PC2700; 1.25GB maximum - 333MHz
Graphics Card	Nvidia GeForce FX Go5200 with 64MB of DDR SDRAM; Maximum resolution:2,048 x 1,536; Port(s):Mini DVI, S-video
Hard Drive	60GB 5400rpm Ultra ATA/100 with Sudden Motion Sensor
Optical Drive	Combo drive (DVD-ROM/CD-RW)
Ethernet	10/100BASE-T
Wireless	AirPort Extreme built-in Bluetooth 2.0+EDR built-in
Peripheral Ports	Firewire: 1 400 port; USB: 2 USB 2.0 ports
Audio	Inputs: analog in, built-in microphone;Outputs: headphone out
Expansion Slots	None
Dimensions	1.18 " x 10.9" x 8.6"
Weight	4.6 pounds
Battery Life	5 hours