I’m absolutely loving the 17" PowerBook. The screen is big enough for me to develop on comfortably and the larger pixels mean I’m not leaning in at the screen as much as I was on the 15". The faster hard drive speed is also quite noticable.
I had thought that Apple missed the boat by not putting a numeric keypad on the 17", but I’ve found I prefer to have my hands in the middle of the screen after all. The trackpad is pretty huge, but I got used to that rather quickly.
Apple has been good about following up with my RAM situation, I should be getting the additional RAM in 2-3 weeks. Photoshop is a real bear without it, but I can make do.
On recommendation from Jason, I got a ScreenSleeve instead of just laying a cloth over the keyboard as I’ve always done with the 15". The ScreenSleeve is quite nice, I definitely recommend it.
The 17" does run a bit hot, so I’m planning to make a desk stand and a lap desk with good ventilation to keep it happy.
Overall, I’m quite pleased. This was a very nice upgrade from my 15".
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Michael Heilemann adds this Comment:
What’s the resolution on that thing?
May 8th, 2004 at 8:47 am
Alex adds this Comment:
It is a lovely 1440 x 900.
May 8th, 2004 at 2:59 pm
Jonathan Greene adds this Comment:
Alex - Look into a Coolpad - http://www.roadtools.com/ which will lift the machine off your desk a bit and let some more air flow through the vent. An added bonus is that it lets you get a nice angle for typing as well.
May 8th, 2004 at 6:22 pm
Greg adds this Comment:
You can also have a look at the IceStation from macally. It provides ventilation and also raises the screen to eye level, the only drawback is having to have an external mouse/keyboard. But as I recall you bought another keyboard already.
May 8th, 2004 at 8:03 pm
Alex adds this Comment:
I’ve actually got a CoolPad (had it for years), but it isn’t ideal with the 17″.
I’ve looked at the IceStation, the iCurve and a bunch of other options, but they aren’t what I’m looking for.
May 9th, 2004 at 1:35 am
Michael Heilemann adds this Comment:
Just sit near an open window…
May 9th, 2004 at 5:12 am