17" Powerbook, does it...

[epi]

Hi guys,

Does the 17" Powerbook come with the airport extreme card built-in? So you could use it immediately after purchase on WiFi access or do you need to buy the airport extreme card seperately? This question comes after reading extensively, everywhere stating "airport extreme built in" but then it has a sidenote saying, for wireless access you need the airport extreme card, base etc?

Thanks.

[epi]

Another thing, is it worth buying external apple keyboard and mouse for the powerbook?

[daverobev]

If you're buying from apple you can specify the AE card as part of the build.

Keyboard yes. Mouse get one with a wheel, any old USB mouse will work, no point spending £40 on one with one button.

[epi]

Okay, so why would the site say Airport Extreme built-in if you actually have to buy it seperately, I find that a tad strange?

[daverobev]

Probably because apple tend to sell three versions of the same computer, just with varying memory/HDD, instead of just saying "here's a PB 17 inch, now add what you want", they have three pre-configured specifications. Have a look on http://www.apple.com/ukstore. If all PB 17 inch have AE included, then...all 17 inch PB have AE included. Its as simple as that.

And thinking about it, apple probably DO include AE cards in all 17 inch pb's. After all, they ARE top of the line. The smaller/cheaper pbs maybe you have to specify AE as an addon. Have a look!

[epi]

Thanks dave!:]

[Lord Kordir]

It's a very very nice machine. The 15" model is the best imo though as the only real difference between it and the 17" is the screen size

[epi]

To be honest, buying a high spec laptop like the powerbook, for running of high-end applications, I reckon the 17" would be best, as the screen size is decent, and you would want to be able to view as much as you in what you are doing.

[Lord Kordir]

True but look at the silly price difference

[epi]

Heh okay, surely their must be other up sides of gettin the 17" apart from the screen size?

[daverobev]

Processor goes from 1.25 to 1.33 GHz. And less chance of the 4-pressurepoints of death, I think. A lot of the new 15 inchers are having screen troubles, but the others do in smaller numbers.

No, price premium is pretty much the screen.

[directhex]

"airport extreme ready" relates to it having an aerial built into the screen surround. it doesn't have an actual card by default.

[CocoPops]

The 17" and the 15" Superdrive BOTH have the Airport Extreme cards as standard.

You'd know this just by looking at www.apple.com/powerbook

[epi]

Heh okay thanks guys, and would you see any point in having a 12" iBook aswell as a pB just out of my random question hat?:]

[CocoPops]

Only if:-
A) You have too much money
B) You want to use the mac on the go, coz the 17 is too big. (Hence why I said, don't bother getting the 17")

[epi]

Okay Coco, I'll keep it in mind, the 17" is indeed too big to carry around, and the 12" iBook I have found is currently very cheap ;]