The next big thing from Apple: The new 17-inch PowerBook G4. Featuring the largest, most spectacular display ever to grace a portable, miraculously engineered into a 1-inch-thin notebook that’s ultralight (just 6.8 pounds). [ apple.com ]

With the stunning PowerBook 17-inch G4, Apple merges incredible power, a 17-inch widescreen display (the largest display of any notebook and the same screen dimensions as a 19-inch CRT monitor), and an impressive array of conveniences into a state-of-the-art aluminum alloy enclosure. A true desktop replacement in every sense except in its remarkably space-efficient, 6.8-pound, 15.4-by-10.2-by-1-inch stature, the PowerBook 17-inch G4 is ready for anyone who appreciates and can afford the cutting edge of mobile computing technology. The PowerBook 17-inch G4 ensures you’ll stay connected in any environment. For wireless situations, the unit features integrated 802.11g AirPort Extreme--the fastest wireless connection available on a Mac--and new Bluetooth support. For traditional setups you’ll find a host of wired connections, including high-speed 10/100/1000Base-T Ethernet facilities, a low-speed 56K modem, one IEEE 1394 FireWire and two USB 1.1 ports, and a variety of audio and video ins and outs. System controls include a unique fiber-optic backlit keyboard with laser-etched keys that’s right out of the future. It even features a light sensor that automatically adjusts the keyboard and screen brightness based on the available ambient light. Average battery life is estimated at an admirable 4.5 hours. [ read more ]