Description:
As the mid-level model of Apple's freshly unveiled PowerBook roster, the 15-inch PowerBook G4 M8980LL/A offers a good compromise between power and price. Though not the fastest notebook on the market, it nevertheless sports a bevy of truly high-end amenities and state-of-the-art connectivity opportunities, all wrapped up in distinctive and durable shell. Surprisingly, the affordable 15-inch PowerBook G4 M8980LL/A is driven by the same processor used in last year's top-of-the-line 17-inch PowerBook, the 1 GHz PowerPC G4 processor with 512 KB Level 2 cache for rapid retrieval of recently accessed data. Apple has added 256 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 most high-complexity tasks. Serious gamers, 3-D designers and demanding businesspeople may want to look at either the more powerful 15-inch PowerBook G4 M8981LL/A or the top-of-the-line 17-inch PowerBook G4. High-speed architecture is evident throughout the unit, where you'll find connectivity options such a standard FireWire port, an ultra-fast Apple-designed FireWire 800 port, two 480 Mbps USB 2.0 interfaces, integrated 10/100BASE-T Ethernet, a DVI output for LCD monitors, and built-in Bluetooth for the new breed of cordless digital peripherals. 54-Mbps AirPort Extreme wireless communication is available with the addition of an AirPort Extreme card. Storage facilities include a spacious ATA/100 60 GB hard disk and a DVD-ROM/CD-RW ComboDrive through which you can burn audio CDs, backup critical data and watch the latest movies on the system's 15.2-inch widescreen display (1280 by 854 maximum resolution). DVD burning is not supported in this configuration. Measuring just 13.7 by 9.5 by 1 inch and tipping the scales at a mere 5.6 pounds, the 15-inch PowerBook G4 M8980LL/A is eminently portable. Battery life is estimated at an admirable 4.5 hours under ideal conditions.
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