I am writing this using a Powerbook G4 17” at the Apple store in San Francisco, a “flagship” store with lots of very neatly looking technology. Came here to look for the new mini-iPods, they’re not available but the G4 is.
It is a handsome machine, but there are some idiosyncracies that can be infuriating until you get used to them. The keyboard is excellent, the machine is heavy, and the front plate large enough that my watch is scratching it, even when standing. Not that that hasn’t happened on my regular Toshiba machine, but still, it would probably mean not wearing a watch while typing.
The screen is outstanding – wide and sharp. I suppose my best bet would be the 15”, just because of the size. Then there are applications.
The trouble with Apple products remain price/performance, the fact that they require quite a few accessories that are pricey (but elegant), and perhaps lack of applications, though that shouldn’t be much of a problem with emulation. The visuals, on the other hand, are stunning, and according to a friend of mine, who bought an iMac for his children, that’s the only machine they use.
Next time, perhaps. This machine is really elegant….
Applied Abstractions
Espen Andersen's take on technology, strategy, and many other things
Applied Abstractions 
The machines certainly look sweet, but there are still a few things still keeping me from buying one, such as battery life. I’m writing this on an IBM T40, which is capable of running for more than five hours on a single charge when necessary. That really came in handy a few days ago, when my flight was cancelled and I suddenly found myself with four hours to kill. Well, come to think of it, I find the IBM rather neat as well… 😉
The old utility vs. looks argument, I suppose….what I really would want is an Apple G5 with a 20” Cinema screen and the time to play with it….