That's not a fair comparison, Dell's laptops are generic Taiwan models with the Dell brand. Look at a high-end IBM ThinkPad, the T42 for example, and you find a build-to-order model that allows a choice of processors, screen size, networking and connectivity options, even options for embedded security and finger print readers. They even let you choose the built-in pointing device (the eraserhead, which I love) or the eraserhead AND the touchpad.
Apple is getting better with video options on the 15" PowerBook, but for the most part they come one way. Yes, the Apple laptops are very well integrated, but pick up a ThinkPad T42 and you will see the same build quality and integration. IBM used to even give you the option of Linux instead of Windows, not sure if they still do that or not. Using the car analogy that is so common, if Apple is selling BMW, comparing to Dell you are comparing to Chevrolet, while IBM would represent Mercedes. I have (and currently) own both Apple and IBM laptops, and there are honestly things that I like better about each, not to mention a few areas in which IBM's design is better than Apple's. For example, hinges. Any long time Apple laptop owner has likely had issues with hinges. My current 12" PowerBook is great, but my last 12" POwerBook, while not loose, tended to bind a bit (new is smooth as glass). Titanium PB hinges flat-out break, as do those on Wallstreets, while Lombard and Pismo hinges just get loose. I've owned four ThinkPads over the years, and every single one of them had firm, smooth and sturdy hinges that held up to hard use. IBM's current T-series are very thin and light, weighing about the same as my 12" PowerBook and being just as thin, though with a 14" screen and a swappable drive bay that takes a second battery. That is great design, though Apple's trade-off is the wonderful slot-loading drive, which if they put their design emphasis on it, could probably be made to work in a removable bay, which could probably be crammed into the current form-fact. What I'm saying is that Apple's design, while up there with the very best in the industry, is not THE BEST in every area. Other companies (Sony, Toshiba to name two) also have design elements in their laptops that are innovative and superior. As Mac users we have it pretty good, but the fact that so many people here hang on to their Pismo and Lombard models makes it pretty clear that people value removable drives and multiple battery capability. Starting with the Titanium, Apple abandoned those features, while IBM continues to improve them with every revision to their T-series ThinkPad. Andrew On 2/15/05 9:26 AM, "Larry le Mac" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Re. BTO > > Compare a PowerBook to a Dell Laptop!! > > At Dell you can configure your laptop just about any way you want > and it is designed around this concept, while the PowerBook is > designed the way all good Macs have always been designed, to be > the way the design guys thought best, and so far it's obvious Apple > has done the right thing. > > Look at a Dell and see what the BTO concept has done for their > range of laptops, they're shit!! > > > Larry > > _________________________________________________________________ > Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! Download today it's FREE! > http://messenger.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200471ave/direct/01/ > -- G-Books is sponsored by <http://lowendmac.com/> and... Small Dog Electronics http://www.smalldog.com | Refurbished Drives | -- Check our web site for refurbished PowerBooks | & CDRWs on Sale! | Support Low End Mac <http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html> G-Books list info: <http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-books.html> --> AOL users, remove "mailto:"; Send list messages to: <mailto:G-Books@mail.maclaunch.com> To unsubscribe, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> For digest mode, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subscription questions: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Archive: <http://www.mail-archive.com/g-books%40mail.maclaunch.com/> --------------------------------------------------------------- iPod Accessories for Less at 1-800-iPOD.COM Fast Delivery, Low Price, Good Deal www.1800ipod.com ---------------------------------------------------------------
