Macfilter: Thinking of buying a 12" G4 Powerbook, is this irrational thinking? [more inside]
posted on Jun 9, 2008 - 24 answers

PowerBook&NetworkingFilter: Dialogue box freezes after I choose System Prefs > Sharing. Help? [more inside]
posted on Jun 8, 2008 - 4 answers

Why does my 12" Powerbook overheat so much? [more inside]
posted on Jun 8, 2008 - 11 answers

Powerbook shorting out: out of warranty, wont power at all, no battery charge [more inside]
posted on Apr 3, 2008 - 5 answers

I run a 12 inch Powerbook G4 1.33 with 1.25GB of RAM (Tiger) with 64MB dedicated video card. Anytime I play anything video (ABC, NBC, YouTube, CBS, Fox, AOL Video, etc. etc.), the fans come on full blast (more so than I ever remember, and I've had the computer for almost 42 months now). So I have a couple of questions related to this. First, did something happen online that causes intense pressure on the CPU and causes the fans to blast out? Doesn't my seemingly good video card counteract that, or shouldn't it? And the money question: I've heard rumors that Leopard is much better at handling video compared to Tiger. Would upgrading cause less strain on my CPU, allowing the fans to be a little quieter? Would the video be smoother and allow me to maximize the video screen, instead of always having to keep the screen small (3"x4")?
posted on Dec 10, 2007 - 14 answers

Help with OS X on Powerbook. Darwin / BSD what do I do now? [more inside]
posted on Nov 28, 2007 - 7 answers

Should I buy a Macbook? [more inside]
posted on Nov 4, 2007 - 28 answers

Help a newbie make the transition to Macbook Pro [more inside]
posted on Jul 14, 2007 - 28 answers

I have some questions about AppleCare and selling my PowerBook. [more inside]
posted on Jun 8, 2007 - 10 answers

It's time for a new laptop. I have very strong thoughts on this subject, but I need your help, suggestions, and guidance. [more inside]
posted on Jun 7, 2007 - 29 answers

Help me save my theoretical new MacBook Pro from my Sweat of Doom! [more inside]
posted on Jun 7, 2007 - 20 answers

Why does my 17" PowerBook G4 screen suddenly go black? [more inside]
posted on May 31, 2007 - 4 answers

I believe I have a decent case for Apple to replace my defective Powerbook G4 with a shiny new Macbook Pro. How do I make this happen? [more inside]
posted on Apr 19, 2007 - 19 answers

Is there a way to reuse an apple powerbook g4 battery to power a macbook pro? I know that it doesn't fit, but I'm hoping there is some kind of external pack that can accept and charge a powerbook battery but which can power a macbook pro. Any ideas? [more inside]
posted on Apr 5, 2007 - 5 answers

Is there a way to somehow keep MS Office while reinstalling OS X? [more inside]
posted on Mar 17, 2007 - 9 answers

Is there any way that I can easily use my iMac Desktop (Current Intel Model) monitor as a second or primary monitor for my Powerbook using either the wireless network or a monitor adapter? [more inside]
posted on Mar 14, 2007 - 6 answers

Is there anywhere I can find step-by-step instructions for installing a Linux distro (Ubuntu in particular) on my PowerBook G4's external hard drive? [more inside]
posted on Dec 22, 2006 - 6 answers

Did I fry my SuperDrive? [more inside]
posted on Oct 17, 2006 - 7 answers

The hinge on my 2 + year old PowerBook is broken. Is it worth sending it out to be repaired (and does anybody have a recommendation for a reputable company to do the repair), or should I just buy a new one? [more inside]
posted on Sep 28, 2006 - 9 answers

Do you have ant ideas for extending the useful lifetime of a 12" 867 MHz PowerBook G4? [more inside]
posted on Aug 20, 2006 - 15 answers

I just adopted a barely used 12” 1.33 G4 Powerbook free of charge. I’ve been a jealous WinXP user for some time and couldn't be happier with my new acquisition, but I’m a little torn over it’s usefulness. [more inside]
posted on Jul 21, 2006 - 19 answers

Yesterday on the sidewalk in front of the office, my computer bag strap broke and the bag fell to the ground, denting the corner of my (loaner) Powerbook G4. [more inside]
posted on Jun 27, 2006 - 9 answers

Lately my computer (Powerbook, OS X 10.4.6, wireless ADSL internet) has been giving up halfway through downloading files. What's going on? [more inside]
posted on Jun 17, 2006 - 3 answers

Why is my Powerbook G4 slowing way down every two or three hours? [more inside]
posted on Jun 14, 2006 - 6 answers

My Aluminium Powerbook G4's AC adapter is on its last legs. I'll need a new one soon and I don't want to fork out >$100 for an official Apple replacement. Where can I buy a durable, affordable replacement? [more inside]
posted on Apr 27, 2006 - 8 answers

Just recently my friend dropped his beloved 17" Powerbook G4, while the end result was pretty bad, as in the screen was completely smashed, the rest of the unit is still in good condition. Luckily I have been able to find a replacement screen at a pretty good price, and I am looking to replace/attach it myself. The only trouble is I don't know how hard this will really be. Which is why I am seeking your experience and advice. [more inside]
posted on Apr 26, 2006 - 8 answers

Weird, weird connectivity problem: apple powerbook to Comcast wireless internet. [more inside]
posted on Apr 15, 2006 - 8 answers

I would like to upgrade my old 15" G4 powerbook laptop 400 Mhz. I would like to get more speed out of it. I have maxxed the ram out and installed a faster access HDD. What else can I do? Motherboard? Recommendations?
posted on Mar 24, 2006 - 7 answers

Can anyone recommend a good third-party power adapter for an Apple PowerBook? [more inside]
posted on Mar 16, 2006 - 5 answers

When I type in TextEdit, my PowerBook (15", 10.4.5) emits a high-pitched squeak with every entered character or press of the delete key. WTF? [more inside]
posted on Feb 26, 2006 - 8 answers

Powerbook or MacBook? Trade offs between the old generation and new generation of Pro Apple laptops. [more inside]
posted on Jan 19, 2006 - 32 answers

How to install Tiger (OSX 10.4) on a Powerbook with a broken DVD drive? [more inside]
posted on Jan 17, 2006 - 5 answers

Should I get my PowerBook's logic board replaced? [more inside]
posted on Dec 27, 2005 - 12 answers

I'm a longtime PC user who is considering purchasing a Mac laptop for personal use. I'm relatively unfamiliar with Macs, and need advice! [more inside]
posted on Dec 27, 2005 - 34 answers

I have a new 12 inch PowerBook with original power adaptor, my girlfriend has a 1 year old iBook with original power adaptor, I also have an old 15 inch 877 MHz "TiBook" PowerBook with an aftermarket power adaptor supposedly built just for that TiBook (at least I was told it would work with that TiBook.) Can we share power adaptors? Or should I only use my new power adaptor with my new PowerBook?
posted on Dec 6, 2005 - 7 answers

I currently use the standard 3.5mm jacks on my Powerbook and would like to upgrade to a nicer set of inputs and outputs. [more inside]
posted on Nov 14, 2005 - 6 answers

PotentiallyStupidQuestionFilter: I'm looking to juice up my long-in-the-tooth titanium Powerbook (from March of 2002 -- 667 mHz processor, 512 MB of RAM, 30GB harddrive, etc.) with both a new battery (since the original one now gets approx. five minutes of life when unplugged) and OS X 10.4. Here's the weird question: Should I put the battery in first, and then update the OS, or do the OS update and then swap in the new battery? It might not matter at all, but I know that operating systems do have an impact on battery performance -- is that something I should be taking into consideration, or can I do either upgrade at any time without worrying about sequence?
posted on Nov 10, 2005 - 9 answers

The new 15 inch Powerbook suits my computing needs perfectly, but one of those plus new software would actually break the bank. What's the closest I can get with a Windows laptop? [more inside]
posted on Nov 6, 2005 - 25 answers

I have a Powerbook whose display doesn't work. Is it really the display or maybe just the cable, and could I fix that myself? [more inside]
posted on Oct 7, 2005 - 6 answers

As a longtime Mac user, I still depend on several OS9 applications for my work. I've heard, though, that Apple's new Macs will stop supporting OS9, which is bad news for me. My goal is to buy the last PowerBook that rolls off the assembly line that still supports OS9 - this way, my OS9-friendly Mac will last as long as possible. My question: can anyone tell me when Apple is making the changeover to OS9-less Macs?
posted on Sep 15, 2005 - 22 answers

my powerbook seems to have developed narcolepsy. [more inside]
posted on Jul 9, 2005 - 7 answers

A couple of months ago, I noticed a small black spot on the bezel around my laptop's screen, and on the spot that was directly under it when the laptop is closed. Today it oozed. What is going on? [more inside]
posted on Jun 18, 2005 - 6 answers

Anyone else on the verge of making the switch to Mac land (or upgrading)? Everywhere i've seen rumored they are saying 2nd Q for the G5 powerbooks... What do you guys think? I'd rather not repeat my mistake of getting the Canon Rebel right before the new one came out (d'oh!).. So I'm thinking about waiting for the G5 to appear and either get the low end one or a used (or new) G4 assuming the prices drop. Given that being a gadgetfreak if you're always waiting for the next big thing you'll never end up buying anything... but seems like it could be soon hmmm?
posted on May 27, 2005 - 23 answers

I upgraded my wife's powerbook (15" titanium/867Mhz, from 2003) to tiger last week and now it seems when unplugged it doesn't recognize the battery in the status monitor. I've searched google but can't find any fix. [more inside]
posted on May 18, 2005 - 2 answers

My Powerbook (15" G4 1.25 Ghz) is criminally hot. Temperature Monitor reports that my Processor/Controller Bottomside temp. is 140°F, Power Supply Bottomside is 142.2°F, Battery is 95°F, and my Hard Disk is 104°F. The metal bottom of the "laptop" is too hot to touch for more than a moment. Is this reasonable? Is my computer broken? [MI] [more inside]
posted on May 12, 2005 - 29 answers

I'm going to be traveling from the US to Italy and Greece. Do I need a voltage converter or just a plug adapter to power my PowerBook and Minolta battery charger? [more inside]
posted on Apr 14, 2005 - 8 answers

So when is the Powerbook G5 really coming out? I have been a lifelong PC user, but I want to get a laptop as my next computer and after using several of my friends' Powerbooks I was sold on buying one. However, it seems like there's conflicting information and advice on (a) whether I should buy the revised G4 PB or wait for the G5 (which could have some quirks upon initial release), (b) whether I really need the power of of a G5 in my laptop, and (c) when the hell the thing is even coming out. Please help AppleGurus.
posted on Apr 5, 2005 - 17 answers

On Good Friday, I came to the sorrowful realisation that the battery in my 12" PowerBook was kaput. How can I make it rise again? [more inside]
posted on Mar 29, 2005 - 8 answers

My PowerBook is shocking my delicate forearms. The light silver paint on front edge of the laptop is majorly wearing off. What's a quick and inexpensive way to fix it? [+]
posted on Feb 4, 2005 - 10 answers

I dropped my PB this morning (truth be told, I slipped down a couple stairs and landed hard), this time really badly. The top aluminum panel has a corner bent (about 2 degrees from about 2 inches in) and the bottom case is so badly bent and warped that I was astounded the machine booted up. More inside...
posted on Jan 31, 2005 - 9 answers

Using a US bought Apple Powerbook in the UK (MI+)
posted on Jan 13, 2005 - 11 answers

I'm thinking of getting myself a new laptop to play with. Do I want to switch? [Intel More Inside]
posted on Nov 21, 2004 - 10 answers

My coworker's Apple Powerbook with Airport Extreme can't use the new D-Link DWL-2100AP. We can see the access point, can see that the access point sees and connects to him, but something about the apple's DHCP or networking config won't pull an IP and also won't work when we set everything manually. Any ideas?
posted on Nov 12, 2004 - 8 answers

I use a Windows XP box at work. I use a Powerbook G4 at home. I'd like to buy the bluetooth Apple Pro keyboard and use it both at home and at work. Is this possible? If so, any specific recommendations for a USB-bluetooth adapter for my work machine? Thanks in advance.
posted on Nov 9, 2004 - 1 answers

My Powerbook's processor is almost always at 100%. Is this normal? If I have just my email open and a web browser, it hovers between 80 and 95% pretty much constantly.
posted on Nov 4, 2004 - 36 answers

DVI connection types! (who knew there was more than one?)

The "Apple Mini-DVI to DVI Adapter" that came with my 12" Powerbook (revC/1.33) won't connect to the DVI cable I bought. According to this chart (scroll down), the Apple adapter is a DVI-D Dual Link type (female) and my cable is a DVI-I Dual Link type (male). As you'll see from the diagrams, the 4 pins around the big flat pin are where the mismatch lies. The Apple adapter doesn't have 4 holes to accommodate them. Can I just snap the extra pins off the cable and use it?
posted on Oct 19, 2004 - 6 answers

I just bought a brand new 12" powerbook to replace one that was stolen several weeks back. I am told by a friend at Apple that I can watch different zone DVDs 5 times, and on the 5th viewing the machine will permanently set to whatever region that DVD is encoded to. Is there no way to undo this encoding? For example, if I foolishly, for example, allowed a friend to use the machine and he watched 5 Korean DVDs, am I stuck with that region forever?
posted on Oct 6, 2004 - 11 answers

Does anybody have one of the newest model PowerBooks? Is the screen as susceptible to damage from the keyboard as the early TiBooks were? I got one of the first TiBooks, and my screen got trashed almost instantly. Now I have a new PowerBook, and I'd really like to keep this screen from getting all marked up. I know some people were keeping cloth between the keyboard and the screen. That seems like a royal pain though, so I don't want to do it if there isn't any need. Is there a need?
posted on Jun 15, 2004 - 19 answers

Is there anything that makes recent models of Powerbooks superior to recent iBooks with a comparable processor?
posted on May 3, 2004 - 17 answers

Does anyone have experience using a Hitachi Travelstar 7K60 in a 1.25GHz Aluminum Powerbook? Advice to share about installation, heat issues, battery life?
posted on Mar 26, 2004 - 5 answers

I'm almost in the market for a laptop, and being that I've got a very nice Windows machine in front of me (and that i'm sick to death of it), I'm seriously considering 'Switching'. However, I've got a few questions for the Zealots of the audience: [MI]
posted on Feb 5, 2004 - 18 answers

What was the last Mac Apple Powerbook model to have an old style serial (modem / printer) port? (Which I assume was dropped in the next model in favor of USB).
posted on Jan 3, 2004 - 9 answers

So I'm finally going to do it. I'm finally going to make the switch. After using PCs for many years I've got my sight set on a shiny new 1.25Ghz 15" PowerBook.

Does anyone have any warnings / suggestions / stories that they'd like to share about their switch?
posted on Dec 10, 2003 - 39 answers