Apple PowerBook Notebook 15.2" M8981LL/A (1.25-GHz PowerPC G4, 512 MB RAM, 80 GB Hard Drive, DVD-R/CD-RW Drive)

Average customer rating:

Like driving BMW

Tough laptop!

Nice looks, but don't look at the price

Awesome!

apple ok , perhaps great - but not ouside usa

Apple PowerBook Notebook 15.2" M8981LL/A (1.25-GHz PowerPC G4, 512 MB RAM, 80 GB Hard Drive, DVD-R/CD-RW Drive)

Manufacturer: Apple Computer
ProductGroup: Personal Computer
Binding: Personal Computers

Notebooks | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics
PowerBook Notebooks | Notebooks | Apple | Computers Brands | Computers Features | Electronics
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Accessories:

IRIS Business Card Reader II (Macintosh Edition)

IRIS Business Card Reader II for Macintosh (USOA180)

AppleCare Protection Plan for MacBook Pro/PowerBook (w/ or w/o Display) M8853LL/B - 3 Years

Targus PA410U DEFCON CL Notebook Computer Cable Lock

Targus PA090U USB Mobile Port Replicator with Ethernet

ASIN: B0000D8DKT

Product Description

If you're one of those people who simply want it all, look no further than the new 15-inch PowerBook G4. Just over an inch thin, weighing only 5.6 pounds, and sporting a 15.2-inch (diagonal) widescreen display, this system incorporates all the best performance features of the PowerBook line tucked neatly into a sleek aluminum design.Built-in antennas make wireless networking a snap. With an AirPort Extreme Card, you can connect to an 802.11g wireless network at speeds up to five times faster than conventional Wi-Fi networks. Integrated Bluetooth technology extends your wireless capabilities with cable-free connections to the ever-growing roster of Bluetooth-enabled devices, including Apple's new wireless mouse and keyboard. The wired world is easily accommodated by a suite of high-speed digital connections, including Gigabit Ethernet, DVI, FireWire 800, and USB 2.0.With its intelligent combination of features, the 15-inch PowerBook gives you the freedom to edit video, deliver presentations, or analyze data on the go - in short, to get your work done, anywhere.

Amazon.com Product Description

Though Apple's new 17-inch PowerBook G4 rates as its finest notebook ever and one of the most sophisticated portable computers in history, this model, the considerably more affordable 15-inch PowerBook G4 M8981LL/A, is not far off the pace of its big brother. While it sports a smaller display, a slightly slower processor, and a more compact profile, this 15-inch PowerBook nevertheless incorporates all the other amenities that make its 17-inch sibling so desirable.

Driving the 15-inch PowerBook G4 M8981LL/A is a fast PowerPC G4 processor running at 1.33 GHz and featuring 512 KB Level 2 cache for rapid retrieval of recently accessed data. Apple has added 512 MB of ultra-fast PC2700 (333 MHz) DDR SDRAM memory (upgradeable to 2 full GB) and an ATI Mobility Radeon 9600 graphics processor with 64 MB dedicated video memory, thus ensuring smooth operation during high-demand tasks such as 3-D games, 3-D drawing and multitasking.

This high-speed architecture continues throughout the unit, where you'll find connectivity options such a standard FireWire interface, an ultra-fast Apple-designed FireWire 800 port, two 480 Mbps USB 2.0 ports, integrated 10/100/1000BASE-T Ethernet, 54-Mbps AirPort Extreme wireless, and built-in Bluetooth for the new breed of cordless digital peripherals. Storage facilities include a spacious ATA/100 80 GB hard disk and a versatile DVD-R/CD-RW SuperDrive through which you can burn audio CDs, backup critical and write DVD-R discs at 2X speed.

Visually, the aluminum alloy-clad 15-inch PowerBook G4 M8981LL/A is as dramatic as it is functional. Sporting a 15.2-inch (diagonal) display capable of 1280 by 854 resolution, the unit is nevertheless surprisingly thin and lightweight at 13.7 by 9.5 by 1 inch and just 5.6 pounds. Other unique perks include a tap/double tap/drag trackpad, a convenient backlit keyboard for low-light situations, and a DVI output for efficient digital interfacing with LCD monitors. Battery life is estimated at an admirable 4.5 hours under ideal conditions.

Customer Reviews:

Like driving BMW.......2004-07-05

Like it or not, I've used Windows/PC for the past 12 years. Macintosh occasionally appealed to me, but I didn't get it partly because it's expensive, partly because of compatibility. At work and at home, I owned: Dell Inspiron, Thinkpad, Dell/HP Desktops, running Windows 98/2000/XP. Also I tinkered with Sun workstations running UNIX (I'm an EE guy and have a respect for UNIX).
After 12 years of Microsoft (and blue screens), I made a bold switch to Apple Powerbook 15" with 1.5GHz/512RAM/80Gb, and I'm so happy with this system that even 5 stars are not high enough.

- The sleek aluminum chassis and the wide screen generate Wow! effect.
- This 15" machine is lighter than my old Dell laptop.
- It's very quiet during operation, but the bottom side may occasionally become hot.
- The keyboard has a good depth and touch, and the backlit keyboard is simply cool.
- Using the built-in microphone, you can play the bundled 3-D chess game via OS X's voice-recognition. Isn't that futuristic?

About software compatibility (from EE guy's viewpoint):
- MS Office 2004 for Mac became my favorite patch of programs. Even better than the XP version - a very important factor in my decision to switch.
- Math tools, especially Mathematica 5 and Matlab, run well on Mac.
- Favorite design tools, Adobe Photoshop and Carrara 3, work well. After all, Mac was built for them.

- There are tons of open source programs you can use: GIMP, A/G BLAST, ...
- Some layout and CAD tools are not compatible. I have to use old PC. For those number-crunching jobs, however, I don't use laptop anyhow.

As much as I enjoy steering this elegant silver machine, I love to navigate through the Mac OS X. As Sun's Bill Joy said during an interview, "Mac OS X is rock solid". I like the idea of using UNIX commands on my Mac, although I can do everything with the user-friendly Mac interface.

Yes, Powerbook is more expensive compared with Dell and other PCs, but you get what you pay for: top-quality components, futuristic functionality, eye-catching design, and the enormous joy of owning a rock-solid elegant machine (like BMW!). You'll definitely like this one!

Tough laptop!.......2004-06-01

My PowerBook has been accidentally dropped twice. The first time it fell from a table as my kids were watching a DVD movie from the laptop. The second time my carrying fell from a reception counter. The PowerBook is still running as if nothing had happened.

Nice looks, but don't look at the price.......2004-05-16

I switched from Apple to Centrino because it cost half as much and the battery lasted twice as long. Now I really like Apple just fine, but I can't see spending more money to get a slower computer. In fact almost all notebooks are made buy the same few companies, so why does Apple charge more? I guess if people will pay it, Apple will charge it.

Awesome!.......2004-05-11

This is awesome! I replaced my desktop with this feature-rich laptop and love it. The wide screen is perfect for watching DVDs and the design is stunning. The best part about it is OS X. Very stable and much more intuitive than it's Windows counterpart. I can't think of one bad thing to say about this laptop. Yes, it costs more than your average laptop, but it packs many more features. Worth every bit of the money.

apple ok , perhaps great - but not ouside usa.......2004-04-25

This review is for people that live outside the States. The bottom line is: do not
expect decent support service from Apple. In my case, I live in Mexico. In a recent trip to the states I bought a 15in Powerbook. (The possibility of using UNIX got to me.) After a month the audio card burned. It took almost two months to get it replaced. The service here is simply horrendous. There is a single provider for the whole country. Replacements are sent to the local service centers and must be used within three days, otherwise they have to be returned. And more time passes. The people in the Apple "certified" local service centers are incompetent. Eventually, I got my laptop back, with a working audio card. However, from the service center, they took the liberty to change passwords and include all sort of files from a different customer (out of respect for privacy I deleted them). Not even a word of apology. As a scientist, I was considering going Apple with the resources of my next grant. Not now. I pick Dell. I will put up with Windows and/or Linux. They provide good support internationally, not only in the Bay area.

Product Description

Midland is a world leader in wireless two-way and weather/hazard alert radios, with an extensive line of land mobile radios, CB, GMRS and FRS radios, MURS radios, weather-monitor alert radios, itinerant radios and a line of quality antennas and accessories.

Amazon.com Product Description

This 2-way radio come with the convenience of both GMRS and FRS channels. It features a total of 15 GMRS/FRS channels with up to a five-mile line-of-site range with GMRS channels. The backlit LCD display offers easy reading in low-light conditions. The G-18 radios also feature a key lock to prevent accidental channel changes, and vibrating call alert. The hands-free VOX feature has six levels of sensitivity, enabling you to set how loud you need to talk to activate the VOX circuit. By activating the VOX you only have to talk into the front of the radio or use an optional headset to make the radio transmit. With 38 CTCSS codes and 83 DCS codes allow for private communicating. This package comes with a high speed recharging unit, allowing for a ninety minute turn-around for the included NiMH battery pack. Remember that you'll need a FCC license to operate this powerful radio.

What's in the Box
One G-18 radio, desktop charger, wall adaptor, belt clip and user's manual.

Product Description

The LaCie Big Disk Extreme is a unique innovation that offers incredible storage capacities. Featuring a new, faster chipset, the LaCie Big Disk Extreme is the first FireWire 800 storage device to achieve transfer rates that are up to 50% faster than first-generation FireWire 800 drives. This high-performance drive also allows for native RAID 0 speed without complicated configuration.Compatible with Mac and PC platforms, this drive features two FireWire 800 ports and one FireWire 400 port, making it ideal for audio and video professionals working with large DV video, SD video and video RAID. Cross-platform with plug-and-play convenience, this drive can be easily shared and its data quickly exchanged among computers and workstations. The LaCie Big Disk Extreme is also ideal for large-scale backup among multiple users without clogging the network.Equipped with the blazing FireWire 800 interface, the LaCie Big Disk Extreme drive can achieve amazing sustained transfer rates that make it twice as fast as most FireWire 400 drives. Hot-pluggable with immediate device recognition, this drive's FireWire capabilities offer unbeatable ease of use with no software installation required for Windows XP and Mac OS X users.The LaCie Big Disk Extreme features a stylish, metallic design crafted from a sturdy aluminum alloy that dissipates heat, allowing for operation without a noisy fan. A drive stand provides stability and allows for upright desktop use to save valuable desk space, while an optional rack-mounting kit enables versatile configuration in standard 19-inch racks. This drive's convenient, automatic on/off feature conserves energy and prolongs the life of the drive.

Product Description

LG's award winning monitors meet the need of the most dynamic visual applications, combining versatility, multiple inputs and superior image quality. Wide viewing angles, sharp contrast levels, high brightness and a vivid range of colors ensure that they are perfect in the office or at home.

Average customer rating:
NXG Technology NX-PRO80C 2-Way In-Ceiling Speakers with 8" Woofers (White, Pair)

Manufacturer: NXG TECHNOLOGY
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

In-Wall & In-Ceiling | Speakers | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics
Ceiling Speakers | Speakers | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics
Product Features:

Pair of 2-way in-ceiling speakers designed for stereo or surround augmentation

Each speaker uses an 8-inch woofer and a pivoting, 1-inch titanium-dome tweeter

Compatible with amplifiers producing 5 to 100 watts per channel (8 ohms nominal, 6 ohms minimum); 40 to 22,000 Hz frequency response

Paintable white finish; user-installable using common tools (including a stud finder and a utility knife or drywall saw)

Measures 10.75 x 4 inches (W x D) each

ASIN: B00009W5G3

Amazon.com Product Description

Bring your music or DVD sound to places where traditional speakers won't fit with NXG Technology's 2-way NX-PRO80C in-ceiling speakers. They make unassuming surround speakers for home theater, too--simply mount one pair (2 speakers) to the rear of your listening position or, for 7.1 sound, 2 pairs with speakers both behind and to the side of your listening area.

Each of the two speakers in the NX-PRO80C package is outfitted with a large, 8-inch titanium-anodized, injection-molded woofer with a durable rubber surround and a 1-inch liquid-cooled, titanium-dome tweeter. The tweeters pivot so you can aim them toward your primary listening position(s).

With in-ceiling speakers, the ceiling and the space behind it actually serve as a speaker cabinet, resonating with lower (bass) frequencies that would be lost without the focusing a cabinet provides. As such, the speaker depth is just 4 inches, yet they still deliver a nearly full-range 40 to 22,000 Hz frequency response. Mounted flush to the ceiling, they occupy absolutely no shelf space. This discreet, compact format is perfect for applications where traditional speakers would be impractical or impossible--or simply unsightly.

The speakers' sensitivity is rated at 90 dB (1 watt @ 1 meter), which means they're easily driven; NXG recommends use with integrated amplifiers or surround receivers up to 100 watts (maximum) per channel. The speakers sound great on their own, but you can also use them as secondary speakers to bring music from your living-room system to additional rooms in the house.

NXG recommends using a minimum of 16-gauge speaker wire for all installations, keeping in mind that gauge decreases as the wire thickens (i.e. 14-gauge wire is thicker than 16-gauge wire). You may paint the perforated speaker grilles, as well as the frames, to match any room.

What's in the Box
Two speakers with removable grilles, a mounting template, and a user's manual with warranty information.

Note: Tools required for installation include a drill and bits, a stud finder, a utility knife or drywall saw, a level, wire cutter/strippers, and speaker wire or speaker cable (all sold separately).

Product Description

There are pictures to shoot, masterpieces to create. With the DX4330, you'll have the features you'll need to do it all. This is one powerful camera. But don't be fooled - the Kodak EasyShare DX4330 zoom digital camera is also amazingly simple. You'll be impressed with the Indoor/Outdoor LCD as well as the exceptional-quality prints you can create - in sizes up to 11" x 14" (28 cm x 36 cm) enlargements. Plus, with creative settings such as landscape, night, and sports scene modes, you'll get the exact look you want.

Product Description

This is a hard disk drive that makes PC storage upgrades fast and easy. With its miniature design and large 520MB native capacity, it is small enough to fit in a shirt pocket and large enough to store an entire suite of software applications and files. It features 128KB read-ahead buffer to insure quicker data transfer. It's low-power consumption and rugged 750G non-operating shock resistance rating makes it ideal for today's demanding mobile computing environments.

Product Description

When simple, individual, copper-to-fiber or copper-to-coax conversions are required, the McBasic Series of standalone media converters is the perfect, low-cost solution. Its small, rugged design makes it ideal for installation in virtually any location, particularly in environments where space is limited such as adding fiber to the desktop. With its internal 100/240 ?10% VAC power supply, McBasic can significantly increase reliability over competitive products that all use bulky, external AC/DC power transformers. McBasic offers a wide range of solutions for most media conversion requirements, including 10 Mbps Ethernet, 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet, 10/100 Autosensing Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet. It is also available for virtually any fiber type, from short-haul multi-mode to long-haul single-mode, with standard ST or SC connectors or with Small Form Factor connectors such as MT-RJ, VF-45 and LC.

Mcbasic 10/100-1300-sc Standalone Media Converter

Average customer rating:

Mcbasic 10/100-1300-sc Standalone Media Converter

Manufacturer: IMC NETWORKS CORP.
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Product Description

IMC Networks 55-10274 100Mbps Ethernet Media Converter

Average customer rating:

IMC Networks 55-10274 100Mbps Ethernet Media Converter

Manufacturer: IMC NETWORKS CORP.
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Product Description

Product Description

Put two cables with SpeakOn connectors together with this Planet Waves Dual SpeakOn Adapter.

Average customer rating:

Same problems as others have - can't play DVDs

Good product, don't expect much capability for today's world

Why can't I put zero stars? PIECE OF GARBAGE.

Can be balky but it's an easy fix in my experience

Total Junk - Sony's expensive lemon

SONY DAV-C770 DVD Dream(TM) System

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

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Product Features:

The heart of the system is a 5-Disc DVD/CD/SACD/Changer Receiver module, with 6 coordinated outboard speakers

6 channel digital amplifier (90W x 5 + 100W for Subwoofer)

2-Way Front Speakers with 2-3/8 woofers

Center and Surround Speakers with 2-3/8 full-range drivers

Subwoofer with 7 driver

ASIN: B00006IS42

Product Description

Progressive-scan video, Pro Logic II decoding, MP3 playback - Sony has packed the DAV-C770 "Dream System" with tons of advanced features, so you can unlock the true power of home theater with this convenient, all-in-one package! The DAV-C770 system features a 6-channel digital amplifier with 550 RMS watts of muscle. It powers five satellite speakers and the subwoofer - for a convincing surround sound experience. The satellites feature a true 2-way design, so you'll hear more detail from movie soundtracks and your favorite CDs. The system includes Dolby Digital and DTS decoding for DVDs, as well as Pro Logic and Pro Logic II for VHS tapes and stereo TV broadcasts. This super-capable system also gives you lots of video connectivity options, so you'll get the best picture your TV has to offer!

Customer Reviews:

Same problems as others have - can't play DVDs.......2007-07-10

At least now I know I'm not alone. My unit has had the same problem reported by others--the DVD playing feature is very poor; most disks get skips, stuck, or just stop altogether. I called Sony service and after 45 minutes of snail-paced data-taking the call center encouraged me to send it in for flat rate repair, but after reading the other reviews I guess there's no point to that. It would have been nice of them to tell me that it was a common problem.

Good product, don't expect much capability for today's world.......2007-03-13

My wife and I got this product about 3.5 years ago along with our new 51" Panasonic HDTV; kind of a low-end system for such a (then) state-of-the-art TV, but we were tight on $$ and had no crystal ball on where the market was going as far as HD receivers/HDTV receivers, DVD-+R/RW, blah, blah, blah. Placed it upon our Hughes DirecTV (non-HD) Tivo reciever, but airflow/overheating never an issue. Sound decent and speakers never intrusive. FOR THOSE WITH DVD PROBLEMS whose warranty has expired, look into cleaning the changer. Changer (which is overly complicated, see later) stopped working (no discs in or out and no play) about three months ago; with the warranty well over and already burned by another Sony DVD player/changer product, I junior electronics-technicianed the thing. Upon unscrewing and removing the cover (but keeping the power on - BE CAREFUL!), I took in the five-tier, multi-passthrough disc changer (did I say it was complicated?!), noticed the cogs and sprockets a little too gummed up to move discs , unplugged the unit and cleaned the parts. I then tested the system, tested-sat, and secured the cover back on. It has worked just fine ever since. Still, considering the capability of the TV and today's blank media, I wouldn't get this again; too basic.

Why can't I put zero stars? PIECE OF GARBAGE........2006-12-30

Bought new for my mother-in-law about three years ago. Immediately started having problems with DVDs freezing and not reading some DVDs/CDs. We think it's a ventilation/overheating problem. Recently, the mechanics went to hell and it is stuck in eject mode.

This unit has been nothing but trouble, and it cost too damn much money. I'm not buying another Sony.

Can be balky but it's an easy fix in my experience.......2006-06-08

I own 2 of these systems. Initially I too had problems with DVD's not playing to the end without digital freeze framing and other image problems. The design is not good, but easily overcome. Just go to Home Depot and by some 1 and 1/2 inch adhesive/felt pads to put under the feet of the unit (4 on each corner will do. This gives it the ventilation it needs to keep it cool. DO NOT BLOCK the air holes on the right side of the unit. They are also finicky about being moved. Guess what? Sony tells you quite clearly in the book that comes with it, that if you're going to move it (or ship for that matter) you must a. Be sure all CD's and DVD's are taken out of the unit, and b. Press the "Stop" button on the unit itself until the words MECHANO LOCK appear. Then the internal delicate mechanism is "locked" and it's safe to move it around. It's a great deal for a surround sound system...this from a classical music broadcaster with 40 years experience in the business. Lesson: ALWAYS READ THE BOOK FIRST, then, if you still have problems, THINK "overheating". I don't regret for a moment now making the purchases. Sony's bad design can be your ticket to a great system. If you get one in an auction, test it immediately, as the seller may not have read the instructions. Get your money back fast if these suggestions don't make your unit work.

Total Junk - Sony's expensive lemon.......2006-01-18

I thought this would be a very nice system. Compact. Great sound. Was initially glad I spent the extra bucks - system cost me around $600. Sure the changer is unbelievably slow, but who cares right? The sound is great. Within 4 months the DVD's started freezing. This happened so often until it froze completely. Had it fixed under warrantee (had to store it for a year). Came back, plugged this new item in - same thing starts to happen. Sent it to Sony for repair. Since technically no longer under warrantee, I ended up paying for half the repair. The Sony Service Center seemed nice to deal with otherwise. Then, within 5 months the first sign of trouble. Disc image freezing again, while the DVD player makes noise trying to "search" the disc. Only occasional and after 1hr 15 minutes. I figured this was due to poor ventilation. Problems getting worse and worse. DVD's start sticking in the player and wont eject. Now, the DVD's won't play at all. Well, they do manage to play the FBI warning over and OVER and OVER!!
I'll NEVER buy another Sony product. Sony should recall this unit, but it wont because it must not be an easy fix. Rather a fundamental design flaw. Whatever the case, Sony just lost a customer. Will be in the market for an HD camcorder and DVD projector soon. Will never buy Sony again. Think twice about purchasing a Sony. You could end up with a total piece of junk. So $600 for less than a year's worth of a working player. This has been THE biggest headache ever! Now to contemplate fixing for the 3rd time versus junking it. If only there was a Sony corporate office nearby...I'd gladly throw it through their window in a heartbeat.

Electronics:

Electronics

Electronics