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In all tests except Final Cut Pro 3, the PowerBook 800 exceeded the expected performance against these two machines based on clock speed alone. And, even with Final Cut pro 3, the results were nearly a wash in this regard. I can't stress enough how impressive this is for a notebook computer. (For more information on what each of these tests involved, please read our article entitled "Apples to Apples," which can be found at http://www.creativemac.com/2002/05_may/features/g4benchmarks020514.htm.
But even more impressive was the PowerBook's 3D performance versus a recent top of the line Mac model, the dual 800 MHz G4. Running Maxon's CineBench benchmarking software, the PowerBook 800 actually outperformed the dual 800 in OpenGL, Cinema 4D shading and single-processor raytracing in Mac OS 9. (A Mac OS X version of CineBench is not yet available.) [an error occurred while processing this directive]
| CineBench 2000 Tests | |||
| PowerBook G4 800 MHz | Desktop Dual G4 800 MHz | Desktop Dual G4 1 GHz | |
| Cinema 4D Shading | 6.91 | 6.2 | 8.65 |
| OpenGL | 8.47 | 8.1 | 11.01 |
| Single Processor Raytracing | 10.0 | 9.13 | 12.37 |
| Note: Results are relative. Higher scores are better. Raytracing scores counted only one processor. To download CineBench, visit http://www.maxoncomputer.com. | |||
Again, please keep in mind that for all of these tests, the PowerBook had only 512 MB RAM, compared with 1.5 GB for the high-end desktops. The speed gains come from the 133 MHz system bus, the 1 MB DDR level-3 cache, the AGP 4x graphics (Radeon Mobility 7500) and, of course, the zippy new G4 processor.
The tangibles and intangibles
Of course, a PowerBook is more than just a list of benchmark scores. In fact, I hadn't even expected to publish benchmarks at all until I saw just how amazing this little machine performs.
But aside from its surprising power, the Titanium PowerBook is, simply, a work of art. From its beautiful exterior to its vastly improved LCD screen, it's a marvel to look at. The previous-generation Titanium PowerBook was equally stunning on the outside, but its LCD screen wasn't impressive at all. The new model has a higher resolution (1,280 x 854) and brightness, as well as an overall larger size (15.2 inches diagonal). And its color is much more even and less washed-out, though the quality depends on the viewing angle. (The Titanium PowerBooks, like other notebooks, do have a limited optimal viewing angle on their screens.)
For totability, if that's even a word, the PowerBook 800 weighs in at a slim 5.4 pounds and is about the size of a spiral-bound notepad, about the same as its predecessor. It includes a very light power adapter and a host of interfaces for connecting up to peripherals and monitors in just about any situation. These include a DVI port, a DVI to VGA adapter, S-video, audio I/O, FireWire and, of course, USB.
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