At a Glance
Expert's Rating
Pros
- Increased standard memory
- Compact size
- Reduced price
- Improved SuperDrive, trackpad, and Bluetooth
Cons
- Heavier than comparable Windows laptops
- Small screen
- Lacks high-end ports and features
- Only one DIMM slot
Our Verdict
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. This model features an 80GB hard drive and an 8X SuperDrive. In October 2005, Apple dropped the Combo Drive-equipped PowerBook, and cut the price on the 12-inch SuperDrive-equipped model to $1,499.
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.