Apple PowerBook G4 (PowerPC G4 1.33GHz, 256MB RAM, 60GB HDD, MacOS X 10.3)

Apple's sleek and stylish line of PowerBook G4 laptops includes three models to cover a range of uses. On the high end, the desktop-replacement 17-inch PowerBook G4 combines top-notch performance with a huge display for gamers and graphic designers. On the opposite end, the ultraportable 12-inch model is the smallest and least-expensive PowerBook. Balancing between these two extremes, the thin-and-light 15-inch Apple PowerBook G4 offers great performance in a 5.6-pound case.

Apple currently offers two varieties of its 15-inch PowerBook G4. The $1,999 (as of August 2005) model includes a 1.5GHz processor and a DVD/CD-RW combo drive, while the $2,299 model includes a slightly faster, 1.67GHz processor and a SuperDrive that can play and burn DVDs and CDs; if you don't anticipate burning DVDs, the less expensive model should be adequate. All 15-inch PowerBook G4s start with 512MB of relatively slow, 333MHz DDR SDRAM; a zippy 80GB, 5,400rpm hard drive (you can upgrade to a 100GB drive for $100); and ATI Mobility Radeon 9700 graphics with 64MB dedicated memory. The systems also offer an impressive list of ports and connections, including two USB 2.0 ports; the rare combination of FireWire 400 and 800; a PC Card slot that accepts Type I and II PC Cards; and support for DVI, VGA, S-Video, and composite video. In addition, the laptops are equipped with Bluetooth and 802.11g Wi-Fi radios, as well as Gigabit Ethernet and modem jacks. For more information on the 1.67GHz model we tested, read our full 15-inch Apple PowerBook G4 review.

For the budget-conscious, Apple's lower-end iBook series offers slower processors and a different design. The 14-inch iBook features a large screen and competitive hardware specs for a respectable $1,299 (as of August 2005); students and other users who want an entry-level Mac should consider the 12-inch iBook, which costs $999.