Macfilter: Thinking of buying a 12" G4 Powerbook, is this irrational thinking? [more inside]
posted on Jun 9, 2008 - 24 answers
I've currently got a HP Mini-Note 2133 running Ubuntu. I was going to take a stab at installing OS X on it this coming weekend when I realized I could get a 12" iBook or PowerBook G4 for roughly the same price and it would still be small enough I wouldn't mind carrying it around with me all the time and it would run OS X with no hassle. I'd keep my MacPro as my primary workstation that I use for image editing and such, this would just be for email and for surfing the web on the go. If I get a G4 era laptop and install Leopard on it (want to use Back to My Mac after I roll my own dot mac) will I have any issues? I've only recently become a Mac user after years on Linux, so I never used a PPC-based system. Will application like Camino, Mail, Adium, etc all run with no problems? This is what the universal binary thing is all about, right?
Anything else I should be aware of? Any tips or tricks for slimming down 10.5 to make it run better on the older hardware?
Thanks!
posted on May 27, 2008 - 7 answers
Why would my Powerbook's virtual memory top 20Gb? [more inside]
posted on May 3, 2008 - 14 answers
How can I stitch some video files together? [more inside]
posted on Mar 8, 2008 - 5 answers 
i live two floors above the wireless router, and my powerbook can't get a strong enough signal. what's the most cost-effective solution? [more inside]
posted on Jan 22, 2008 - 12 answers
Is Firefox churning my Powerbook? When I have more than a few tabs open, I hear (and see- on my little menubar app) heavy hard drive activity. It feels like it gets stuck in some kind of endless swap and the performance of the machine seems to suffer. More importantly, the noise drives me nuts. I suspect Firefox memory management issues. I know Firefox has a bad rep in this dept. Suggestions? Tweeks? Opera?
posted on Nov 6, 2007 - 18 answers
MacFilter: Diagnosing a spinning-beach-ball of Death on a Mac. [more inside]
posted on Sep 13, 2007 - 6 answers
How might one go about creating a shortcut to controlling monitor brightness with a Mac Powerbook running Tiger (this problem also existed in 10.3) for a Keyspan remote? [more inside]
posted on Aug 15, 2007 - 3 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
Dead hard drive in PowerBook; multiple backups; colour lasers [more inside]
posted on Apr 23, 2007 - 15 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
What should I do with an old Macintosh Powerbook 540c? [more inside]
posted on Mar 17, 2007 - 14 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
Can I stick my Powerbook internal drive into an external enclosure and get the data off it? [more inside]
posted on Feb 27, 2007 - 7 answers
What should I know before I upgrade the hard drive in my Powerbook? [more inside]
posted on Jan 22, 2007 - 14 answers
About 4 months ago, my beloved PowerBook got in the way of a cup of coffee. The geniuses at the Apple Store said that the hard drive was completely fried, that the computer has become a paperweight and none of the information can possibly be retrieved. They said if anyone could retreive the information, which was doubtful, it wasn't them and that it would probably cost me a thousand dollars or more. (More information...) [more inside]
posted on Jan 2, 2007 - 19 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
Is it possible for me to use my PowerBook G4 as a display -- meaning, can I connect some input source and view it just like I would an external LCD? [more inside]
posted on Dec 2, 2006 - 5 answers
Did I fry my SuperDrive? [more inside]
posted on Oct 17, 2006 - 7 answers
How should I partition my Powerbook's 40GB disk now so that can install Linux later? [more inside]
posted on Oct 16, 2006 - 7 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
How are your experiences with Final Cut Pro on a PowerBook G4? [more inside]
posted on Jul 17, 2006 - 13 answers
Is it possible/advisable/etc. to use Migration Assistant to migrate data to one Mac from more than one Mac? [more inside]
posted on Jul 14, 2006 - 3 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
Is it a good idea to use a Powerbook running closed-lid as a workstation? [more inside]
posted on Jun 15, 2006 - 13 answers
EVDOFilter: I'm interested in Sprint or Verizon EVDO phone-as-modem mobile broadband service with my Powerbook, but I've never had a celphone before. Help! [more inside]
posted on May 30, 2006 - 16 answers
Help me save my Powerbook G4. It keeps freezing and I have to force quit it. It will not last more than five minutes without freezing. What can I do? Is my computer dead? Is there no hope? [more inside]
posted on May 5, 2006 - 15 answers
Mac gurus: the last couple of days my 867 TiPowerbook has been behaving erratically. The transfer rate of the harddrive seems to have slowed right down, so even though the drive sounds normal, it's accessing all the time. Lots and lots of drive activity and pinwheeling, but barely any results. [more inside]
posted on May 2, 2006 - 13 answers
How hard is it to defeat an Open Firmware password on a PowerBook? [more inside]
posted on Apr 5, 2006 - 14 answers
Mini-CDs be damned! How do I remove one of those "mini-CDs" from a Powerbook? [more inside]
posted on Apr 3, 2006 - 25 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
I'm considering buying a Powerbook G4 15 inch, but I hesitate to do so knowing that the Macbook comes out so soon. I am worried that Macbook is untested and could be buggy, especially with heat/power/battery issues (see here and here). Is it a bad idea to buy a Powerbook G4 now? Will the price drop after the MacBook goes on the market? [more inside]
posted on Feb 2, 2006 - 22 answers
Mac NotWorkingLikeItShouldFilter: PB 12”: i) Pointer disappears upon closing mac after connected to video projector/monitor. ii) Battery not registering charge loss – machine shuts down unexpectedly. Haylp!
[more inside]
posted on Jan 26, 2006 - 3 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
Gamepads and a Powerbook G4 running OS 10.4. Any recommendations or help? [more inside]
posted on Jan 12, 2006 - 7 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
VidCapFilter:Help me get my VHS tapes onto my Powerbook! [more inside]
posted on Dec 20, 2005 - 5 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
Help solve two G4 Powerbooks' battery problems! (One wakes up from sleep and depletes itself to death, one can't estimate time remaining accurately and goes to sleep when battery isn't empty) [more inside]
posted on Dec 4, 2005 - 4 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
How do I recover data from a Powerbook hard drive? [more inside]
posted on Sep 27, 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
To Applecare or not to Applecare, that is the question! Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to purchase arms against a sea of troubles, and by purchasing, guarantee they will not occur [tired of this and can't remember any more]. G4 laptop. I understand why it is good, BUT, who here has purchased two more years for their laptop and used it in that period? What hardware works fine for one year and then goes kerblooey? It ain't cheap at $350, especially as I can fix most things on my own. I am not interested in resale value, only components that fail and that I will have to pay for myself without the extended warrantee.
posted on Aug 17, 2005 - 45 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 want more buttons, dammit. [more clicking inside] [more inside]
posted on May 27, 2005 - 7 answers
I have a G4 Powerbook 12" the model released last year, and it's hot. I mean, really physically hot!
[more inside]
posted on May 14, 2005 - 13 answers
I'm looking for a laptop and leaning heavily towards a powerbook. In my research, I have been looking for a comparing the overall reliability of PC versus Mac. Does anyone know of any studies that have been done comparing the two? Personal feedback is also welcome.
posted on Apr 1, 2005 - 20 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
Mac vs. PC. Thinkpad vs. Powerbook. Yet another laptop question: recommend me the best laptop as desktop replacement for a web designer. [more inside]
posted on Feb 22, 2005 - 24 answers
Using a US bought Apple Powerbook in the UK (MI+)
posted on Jan 13, 2005 - 11 answers
My 2.5 year old Powerbook G4's battery seems to have suddenly lost the ability to hold more than a 40 minute charge. What's up with that? What should I do about it?
posted on Dec 13, 2004 - 6 answers
Is there a way to use my G4 Powerbook (1.5Ghz model) as a monitor for my PC?
posted on Nov 22, 2004 - 9 answers
Some months ago I dropped my Titanium PowerBook, and cracked the case on the lighter-coloured surround of lower case. The damage is only cosmetic, it has continued to work flawlessly since, with some sticky tape over the crack.
The tape is beginning to wear out, however, and instead of re-applying it, I thought of just glueing the crack together. What glue would work?
posted on Nov 21, 2004 - 11 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
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
MacBrowserHell: I just updgraded from a Lombard 333 Mhz Powerbook to a G4 667 TiBook with 1GB RAM. Camino now seems to run dog-slow. And the others have their troubles...
posted on Aug 22, 2004 - 21 answers
Dedicated Mac user needs to perform Wintel-only dev work, needs new laptop. Thinkpad, or iBook/Powerbook? [+]
posted on Aug 13, 2004 - 16 answers
My Powerbook G4, which I bought in January, is beginning to worry me. Microsoft Word crashes incessantly, you have to jiggle CDs back and forth to get them into the slot, and tonight when trying to wake my computer from sleep mode, it wouldn't awake. I had to hit the power button 4 times before anything happened. What should I do?
posted on Jul 15, 2004 - 11 answers
Is it possible for me to swap the 12" screen from my G3 iBook into a 12" aluminum PowerBook?
posted on Jul 12, 2004 - 8 answers
Connecting a Mac Powerbook (Panther) to a Windows 98 box. Help, please. -->
posted on Jun 25, 2004 - 44 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
How should one go about cleaning a laptop screen? I've always cleaned my regular monitors with good old Windex, but my Mac Powerbook manual recommends using only specialized cleaners (costly wipes) for active-matrix displays.
posted on Feb 9, 2004 - 9 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
