Best of the Powerbook G4's, reliability, heat, Known RAM slot issue

[Kraniac]

I'm shopping for a used powerbook G4 for a friend...looking at a few 1.25ghz Alums.

I'm wondering what the user experience is with these books. I've been reading about heat issues, defective RAM slot issue, general problems with these books.

I'd love to hear from Powerbook g4 users on the experience you've had with your machines and anyone with knowledge on particularly dependable machines.

[AlphaDog]

I'm sitting here using a 1.5ghz G4 that's been used heavily on a daily basis for almost three years. I'd tell you my experience, but I don't want to jinx its perfect performance record. What heat issues? What defective RAM slot issues?

[Chupa Chupa]

I've got a 1st gen 1.25 AlBook I keep around. It def. runs hot (as in don't put it on your lap when wearing shorts. Ouch. But it's no hotter than my MBP is. The Aluminum acts as a heat sink so expect any aluminum case notebook to be kinda hot.

I had some issues with the machine early on (had to have the inverter and screen replaced under warranty) but since then it's been a real war horse. I upgraded the HD last year to a 5400RPM 120MB and it's amazing how much faster it runs now, even with 10.5. But I don't use it for any heavy lifting anymore either. Mostly web browsing, light photoshopping, and Office tasks.

If I recall, only the last gen AlBooks had bad RAM slots. I think some had bad LCD panels too.

[stephen]

I'm using one that's in its fourth year of service. One screen replacement and one motherboard replacement using AppleCare but it has stood up well.

I anticipate upgrading to a MacBook Pro just as soon as they introduce the new one with MacBook Air-style gestures.

[davester]

I have a 1.25 that I bought exactly 4 years ago. It has performed flawlessly, though it had the "patchy screen" issue that was subject to an apple recall. That was a good thing because I didn't bother getting it fixed until recently so now I have a brand new screen (free from apple). The ram slot issue only affected 1.5/1.67 powerbooks and was also subject of a recall. If the machine you are considering doesn't have either issue (which is very easy to ascertain, then it is not going to develop them in the future. Check these links for a description of the extended repair program for these problems:

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=303173
http://www.apple.com/support/powerbook/displayprogram/

Just about any computer you buy is going to have some kind of issue. I can honestly say that my powerbook is the best computer I've ever owned (though my 10 year old beige G3 which we're still using comes in a close second). As with stephen, I will probably upgrade when the new macbook pros come out, but that is only because the G4 is my main work computer and I can write off a new one. To date the macbook pros have offered no compelling reason to upgrade from the G4.

[simonm]

g4 12" PB 1.5GHZ. About 3-3.5 years old .. got it second hand on eBay. Zero complaints, zero issues.

[jdc]

budget?

[Kraniac]

JDC...ahm, you've got a g4 alum for sale as well? She doesn't want to spend more than $600.

I've located two (1.25 &1.5) in my area for just that very number.

[jdc]

nyet.

just want to make sure you arent chasing good money after bad =)

[SteveO]

I would definitely avoid the PBs that are <1.5ghz. I think they finally got it right with the 1.5 ghz line. You are safe there. I have the very last 1.67 15" and had some issues early on with AirPort, which did get fixed with a software patch so you'd be fine with anything 1.5 and later.

Might also consider the very last iBook which was 1.42ghz. Same performance as a 1.5. Less dinero. The vram may not be as much as the PB, but at 64mb I think you'd still be fine. My 32mb vram iBook 900 does internet vid "okay"...so I know a 64 would rock. The 14" form factor of that last iBook is also awesome. I miss it as the 13.3 is a little small for my hands and my 15" is just a tad unwieldy. Maybe someday they'll make a 14" again.