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Low End Mac's Best Deals

Best 15" PowerBook G4 Deals

2009.11.09

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Apple last updated the 15" PowerBooks in October 2005, making dual-layer SuperDrives standard and putting in higher resolution displays and a faster memory bus. The newest 1.67 GHz models are designated as "hi-res" (because of their 1440 x 960 resolution display vs. 1280 x 854) in our listings to distinguish them from the earlier PowerBooks.

We've posted an article looking at revised PowerBook value, The October 2005 PowerBook Value Equation. New models are distinguished by dual-layer SuperDrive optical drives. For an overview of the whole line, see Low End Mac's Compleat Guide to the 15" PowerBook.

The 15" PowerBook G4 has two memory slots, and earlier models come with just 256 MB of RAM. We recommend no less than 512 MB for good OS X performance with Mac OS X 10.4 "Tiger", 1 GB for 10.5 "Leopard". All alumninum G4 PowerBooks are able to run Mac OS X 10.5 "Leopard" - with 1 GHz and higher CPU speeds and room for 2 GB of RAM (which only costs $25-75 these days), they can handle it well.

The 15" and 17" aluminum PowerBooks include FireWire 800, gigabit ethernet, and a CardBus slot; 12" PowerBooks only support FireWire 400, 10/100 ethernet, and have no CardBus slot. 802.11g AirPort Extreme WiFi was standard with all 15" aluminum PowerBooks except for the 1 GHz model, so we do our best to note when it is not included.

Note that original batteries have probably lost most of their capacity over the years. Other World Computing sells the NewerTech NuPowr 55.5 Watt battery, which has up to 20% more capacity than Apple's original battery, for $107.99.

The 15" MacBook Pro replaced the 15" PowerBook in early 2006; it has since been replaced by even more powerful models based on the Intel Core 2 Duo CPU.The best deals are marked in bold type in the full listings below. Prices are for used PowerBooks unless otherwise noted. Used PowerBooks typically include a 90-day warranty.

Best Used PowerBook Prices

1 GHz Combo, $400, Mac Resource
1.25 GHz Combo, $460, Mac Resource
HOT 1.5 GHz SD, $478, Mac-Pro
HOT 1.5 GHz SD, new battery, $500, Mac of All Trades
1.67 GHz SD, $649, DV Warehouse
1.67 GHz hi-res SD, $809 shipped, Power Max (uses less costly PC4200 memory)

Recent RAM Prices

PC2700 (normal res 'Books): 256 MB, $7.89; 512 MB, $16.69; 1 GB, $37å
PC4200 (hi-res 1.67 GHz): 512 MB, $5.49; 1 GB, $19.49

Best Mac OS X Prices

Listings note RAM/hard drive size. We do our best to note when AirPort Extreme is not included. Be sure to factor in shipping costs and possible sales tax. Your best value depends on whether you need/want a color printer, extra RAM, etc.

Unless otherwise noted, there is no surcharge for credit card purchases, and shipping is not included. Vendors are listed in alphabetical order. Be sure to visit their sites for full details.

Prices may be limited to quantity on hand. Not responsible for typos. Please email any corrections or additional sources with competitive prices to Dan Knight .

Buying through some of these links benefits Low End Mac. Buying at these prices benefits you.

Profiles: 1.0/1.25 GHz (9/03), 1.33/1.5 GHz (4/04), 1.5/1.67 GHz (1/05), 1.67 GHz hi-res (10/05)

DV Warehouse

Shipping may add $20 or more.

1.25 GHz Combo, 512/80, $569
1.5 GHz SD, 512/80, $599
1.67 GHz SD, 512/80, $649

Mac in the Box

1.5 GHz SD, 512/80, $525

Mac of All Trades

Ground shipping averages $30. Mac of All Trades has the highest product turnover of any used Mac dealer we track.

1.5 GHz SD, 1 GB/80, new battery, $499.99

Mac-Pro

Shipping may add $30 or more. 60 day warranty.

1.5 GHz SD, 1 GB/80, $477.77

MacResource

Shipping may add $30 or more. Add $40 for AirPort Extreme on 1.0 to 1.33 GHz models.

1 GHz Combo, 256/60, no APX, $399.99
1.25 GHz Combo, 256/60, no APX, $459.99
1.33 GHz Combo, 256/60, no APX, $499.99
1.5 GHz SD, 512/80, APX, $549.99
1.67 GHz SD, 512/80, APX, $649.99

Power Max

Free ground shipping. Power Max has the broadest selection of used Macs of any dealer we track.

1 GHz Combo, 512/60, $619
1.25 GHz SD, 1 GB/80, $739
1.5 GHz Combo, 256/80, $659
1.5 GHz SD, 512/80, $729
1.67 GHz SD, 1024/80, $739
1.67 GHz hi-res SD, 1 GB/80, $809
lots of other configurations listed, including some "B grade" units

Wegener Media

Shipping may add $26 or more. 60 day warranty.

1 GHz Combo, 512/60, $549.99
1.25 GHz Combo, 256/60, $559.99
1.33 GHz Combo, 256/60, $579.99
1.5 GHz Combo, 512/80, $595.99
1.67 GHz SD, 1 GB/80, $689.99
1.67 GHz hi-res SD, 512/80, $799.99
SuperDrive upgrades: $99.99 and $154.99
other upgrades available

Can't afford a 15" aluminum PowerBook but need portability? The 13.3" widescreen MacBook with its 1280 x 800 display might be perfect for you - see our MacBook Deals for prices. Also check out our 12" PowerBook G4 Deals, Titanium PowerBook G4 Deals, iBook G4 Deals, iBook G3 Deals, and PowerBook G3 Deals.

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