Fortune magazine writer Peter Lewis is enamored with the G4 PowerBook, but wonders about its durability.
“I think the new PowerBook G4 Titanium is the most impressive notebook computer ever,” Lewis wrote in his latest column. “But the PowerBook’s superthin design makes it seem fragile, particularly when it comes to the extravagantly wide, 15.2-inch LCD screen that is in effect the lid of the laptop. Running a finger lightly over the lid of the computer causes distortions on the screen, which is disconcerting.”
Lewis also worries about the keyboard which when lifted out is “hold-your-breath delicate,” and calls it a “bummer” that the new PowerBook power port change leaves no airline power adapters currently available.
Of possible financial concern to Apple, Lewis is worried that despite its looks, the new laptop could end up a failure of its own looks, similar to the lack of buying acceptance of the G4 Cube.
“There’s no doubt: Apple makes more cool products than any other PC company. But for the fuddy-duddies out there who evaluate companies on such mundane things as sales, profits, and market share, that may not be enough,” Lewis wrote.
Lewis also wonders if Apple will gain enough profit in its high-end desktop Mac when it ships with the SuperDrive.
“Given that until now stand-alone DVD recorders have cost thousands of dollars, and that the Power Mac 733 will have a $3,500 base price when it arrives in late March, Apple could argue that it is practically giving away a free computer with each SuperDrive it sells. The big question is how many consumers will want to burn their own DVD disks, given that recordable DVD disks cost $10 to $30 each.”
Note: When you purchase something after clicking links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. Read our affiliate link policy for more details.