andrel's Journal: new 12" Powerbook specs

Since I still have the old spec sheet for the 12-inch G4 Powerbook on my desk, here is what has changed:

• 1GHz CPU (up from 867MHz).
• 512K L2 cache (up from 256K).
• one open SO-DIMM slot (up from 0 open).
• maxes out at 1.25GB RAM (up from 640MB).
• I think the RAM upgrade price is cheaper, but I can't find my notes.
• Upgrade option for 60GB or 80GB drive (old upgrade was only 60GB).
• USB 2.0 (up from USB 1.0).
• NVIDIA GeForce FX Go5200 graphics chip (old was NVIDIA GeForce4 420).
• DVI video out (not mentioned on old spec sheet, though I thought they had it).
• S-video adapter now sold separately (formerly included).
• Safari is the only web browser on the spec sheet (formerly Internet Explorer).

The only thing here that really concerns me is the CPU. The old CPU was already very hot and drained the battery quickly, far faster than the 5 hours Apple claims for both machines. That can only have gotten worse. (Note that GNU/Linux is reputed to have substantially longer battery life than OS-X on the old Powerbooks and to run the cooling fan in a different pattern.)

I'm glad I didn't place my order two weeks ago. I'd have been pissed about the changes. Before ordering I have to make sure that the new machines boot the -benh kernels and that XFree86 supports the new graphics chip.