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MacBook Pro Q&A - Revised November 19, 2006
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What is the difference between the MacBook Pro "Core Duo" 15-Inch and PowerBook G4?
Please note that all systems mentioned in this Q&A have been discontinued. The MacBook Pro "Core Duo" models were replaced by the "Late 2006" MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" series on October 24, 2006.
As there are a large number of models in the PowerBook G4 series with vastly differing capabilities, it is probably easiest to compare the MacBook Pro "Core Duo" 15-Inch to its immediate predecessor, the PowerBook G4/1.67 15-Inch (DLSD/HR).
Upon first glance, the systems look similar as they both use aluminum enclosures and weigh 5.6 pounds. Both systems have the same "Sudden Motion Sensor" technology that stops the hard drive heads from moving if the laptop is dropped, the same fiber-optic-based "ambient light sensor" that automatically "measures ambient light and works with integrated software to adjust keyboard illumination and screen brightness based on user preferences", and the same "scrolling TrackPad" that allows one to scroll or pan by touching the trackpad with two fingers instead of one.
Differences start becoming more apparent with an evaluation of the ports. Both systems have AirPort Extreme (802.11g), Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, Gigabit Ethernet, a FireWire "400" port, two USB 2.0 ports, optical digital audio in/out, and DVI out. However, the MacBook Pro "Core Duo" 15-Inch models drop the Firewire "800", S-video out, and internal modem provided by the PowerBook G4, and substitute a new ExpressCard/34 expansion slot for the standard Type I/II PC card slot. Oddly, apparently due to the slightly thinner enclosure, the MacBook Pro "Core Duo" 15-Inch also drops the dual-layer DVD±RW capability for a single-layer DVD±RW drive.
Review the technical specifications, and the differences between the systems become far more noticeable. The MacBook Pro "Core Duo" 15-Inch models use an Intel "Core Duo" processor with 2 MB of "on chip" shared level 2 cache and a 667 MHz frontside bus, compared to the PowerBook G4/1.67 15-Inch (HR), which uses a PowerPC 7447a (G4) processor with 512k SRAM of "on chip" level 2 cache and a 167 MHz system bus. Apple advertises that the "MacBook Pro "Core Duo" [15-Inch] is up to four times faster than the product it replaces, the PowerBook G4, running industry standard benchmarks." Keep in mind that this is using benchmarks optimized for the Intel processor rather than "real-world" tests and older applications running via the Rosetta emulator generally run more slowly, or no faster, than on recent PowerPC-based models. MacOS 9/Classic applications will not run on the MacBook Pro.
The MacBook Pro "Core Duo" models also use faster PC2-5300 (667MHz) DDR2 memory, compared to PC2-4200 (333 MHz) DDR2 memory for the PowerBook G4/1.67 15-Inch (HR). As well as enhanced graphics processors -- the ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 with 128 MB or 256 MB of GDDR3 memory for the MacBook Pro "Core Duo" 15-Inch -- compared to an ATI Mobility Radeon 9700 (AGP 4X) graphics processor with 128 MB of DDR SDRAM for the PowerBook G4.
Apple notes that the MacBook Pro systems use a "new lithium-polymer technology" battery and that the wireless antennas have been moved from the display to the hinge, presumably to improve Wi-Fi reception.
The MacBook Pro 15-Inch models have a 15.4-inch widescreen display (1440x900 native) that Apple reports is 67% brighter than the 15.2-inch widescreen (1440x960 native) display used by the PowerBook G4/1.67 15-Inch (HR).
In addition to performance and graphics enhancements, the MacBook Pro 15-Inch includes a built-in iSight video camera for easy videoconferencing, an included Apple Remote for use with Apple Front Row media organization software, and the clever "MagSafe" power connector that is magnetically connected to the MacBook Pro and safely disconnects if someone accidentally yanks on or trips over the cord.
In general, the MacBook Pro "Core Duo" models have faster processors, faster architectures, improved displays and graphics support, and more features.
Please refer to the Ultimate Mac Comparison feature to dynamically compare any MacBook Pro model to any other G3 or later Mac.
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