Call me a codger, but I'm just not impressed anymore.

[Robb]

I've got a Wallstreet powerbook I've had since it was expensive. ;) I use it for GIS stuff, synching maps and aerial photos with a GPS in real time, bumping along back roads and watching the little red dot tell me where I am.

It's tough. It's built well. And it still works great.

The new powerbooks just seem so... fragile. They feel like they're gonna fly apart at the seams, or I'm going to break it if I'm not careful.

I love the desktop power, OS X, etc., but I don't feel like I'd get a robust product in the powerbook anymore, Is it just me? Am I missing something, or are the portables feeling kinda chintsy? :shrug:

[alfredo]

1. From what I have heard, the iBook is

pretty rugged.

I have not heard of any problems with the powerbooks. Using Aluminum in Powerbooks is a great idea. It has a high strength/weight ratio, and it absorbs shocks well.

6063T6 aluminum alloy is tough enough to use on mountain bikes. I bet Apple uses aluminum of similar strength. Aluminum absorbs shocks well, but remains rigid.

[Ellen Forradalom]

4. My son stood on my iBook, my dog walked on the keyboard

it's survived several falls--no problems.

[geekgrrl]

2. mine is really very tough- goes everywhere with me n/t

[mrbassman03]

3. Mine is pretty damn badass...

But off topic, what apps do you use for GPS related stuff?

[ikojo]

5. I have a G4 powerbook and it is pretty rugged.

I cannot remember when I last turned it off and it keeps on tickin'

[elfin]

6. I LOVED my Wallstreet

Finally I wanted to burn CDs, I couldn't find a module and adding the capability was just enough reason for me to buy a G4. I now LOVE my G4, but it was a kick to haul my Wallstreet into the Apple store and draw a crowd of admirers. Apparently it was the last model to sport the colored Apple logo - reason enough to draw some extra Oohs and Aahs.

I do miss the "feel" of that keyboard and agree that it seems more substantial than later models. I went for the Powerbook instead of an IBook for just that reason - the IBook "felt" cheesy to me after the Wallstreet.