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Apple Updates PowerBooks

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the a-littlle-bit-more dept.

Tablespork writes "Apple this morning has updated the PowerBook G4. The new models feature 1.5 or 1.67 ghz processors, 8x superdrives, 512MB memory standard, Bluetooth 2.0, updated graphics cards, a sudden motion sensor, as well as a scrolling trackpad. Looks like we'll have to wait a little longer for the PowerBook G5."

3 of 781 comments (clear)

  1. Sudden Motion Sensor by SlashCrunchPop · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Now every PowerBook G4 is equipped with Apple's Sudden Motion Sensor to help protect your most valuable asset: your data. The Sudden Motion Sensor senses change in axis position and accelerated movement. In the event of a drop or fall, the Sudden Motion Sensor instantly parks the hard drive heads so they wont scratch the disks on impact, lessening the risk of damage and improving your chances of retrieving valuable data. When the Sudden Motion Sensor senses your PowerBook is once again level, it unlocks the hard drive heads automatically.

    This sounds like a cool feature, can anyone confirm from personal experience that it really works?

    1. Re:Sudden Motion Sensor by Timo_UK · · Score: 5, Interesting

      ...and it invalidates the warranty instantly. Now they have proof that you have dropped it!

      --
      Timo's Audio Software http://www.esseraudio.com
    2. Re:Sudden Motion Sensor by NetJunkie · · Score: 5, Interesting

      It works. My Thinkpad T42P has it. If you move it too much you'll see the icon in the tasktray change and sometimes hear the drive park the heads. It is configurable so you can turn it off. If you more it a lot, say when I grab it off the coffee table quickly, some things slow down. Video will skip if it's not buffered enough, etc.

      It also adjusts to constant steady motion, like a car or train. It's pretty neat and I think a very worthwhile feature. I use my PB around the office going from place to place in the data center a lot. I'd like it on that.