Buying a Powerbook

[mtranter]

Hi Everyone :mac:

After using a PC literally forever, I've decided to switch to Apple after visiting the Apple Store in Bullring Birmingham. After visiting the store several times I set my heart on buying a 12" Powerbook with Superdrive. Becuase the 12" doesn't have a PC Card slot, does this mean I won't be able to upgrade the RAM?

I would use the Mac for word processing, surfing, photoshopping and Garageband. Would the upgraded memory be enough for this?

Also, I would need to access the internet while on the move (train etc.), so is there any ways of accesing the web at a decent speed when out of range of Wi-Fi or Airport?

Thanks in advance.

Matt

 

[Acill]

You can upgrade the RAM to 1.25GB. It has one internal slot for that and 256MB soldered on the board. The PC card slot is for things like an extra wireless card, flash cards, USB ect. If you want to surf out of range of WIFI I would get a 15" Powerbook so you can add one of the GPRS or other type of wireless cards that use a mobile network. They work great. Verison has a good nation wide service here in the US.

 

[zeta101]

Although im new to macs (i only just got a 12" PB, im from birmingham area too, weird huh) im pretty certain you can pair your mobile phone with your powerbook via bluetooth and use the gprs on your phone. You need to find out if there are any compatibility problems with the phone you have (assuming you have one). GPRS is still pretty expensive in the UK though Orange do a 10MB bundle for £8 for example.

 

[slaguru]

Although im new to macs (i only just got a 12" PB, im from birmingham area too, weird huh) im pretty certain you can pair your mobile phone with your powerbook via bluetooth and use the gprs on your phone. You need to find out if there are any compatibility problems with the phone you have (assuming you have one). GPRS is still pretty expensive in the UK though Orange do a 10MB bundle for £8 for example.

Interesting one.

I have a 12" Pb (about 2 months old). Its the best laptop I have everyhad for build and looks, its fast as well. Granted I use a G5 at home, but thats for music work.

Garageband works well in 768megs ram, but more will always help.

However I will be moving to a 15" Pb for the PC card slot. I travel a bit so need 3G and GPRS. Orange 3G software runs on OSX, so it looks a good bet. I will however be sad to see the 12" go. excellent machine.