I've still yet to setup either Font Reserve or Suitcase in OSX to work as well as ATM did in OS9. I can definitely say that I'm curious to see this new product.

Maybe this is why Adobe sacked further development of ATM? hmmm...

It's definitely a fine line to walk. Apple is a really great software designer, and it would seem in their best interest to-if they are capable of doing so-produce the best software, even if it somewhat hurts a third party. I do not believe they will run anything against adobe's other products: photoshop, illustrator, indesign, or anything like quark. I think Final Cut Pro was a special circumstance, in that they thought they could do it better, and that the Mac was best for video.

Panther looks really nice. I dont get crazy excited anymore about hardware, but the G5 is now on my wish list. The font managment looks nice. I use Suitcase on OSX and like it for the most part, but there are features in it I dont need, and it causes quite a few problems with printing, file issues, etc.

Can I be the first to whine about the new case design?

Yes it is pretty, but gone are the soft and slight curves of the g4 that make me want to touch it. The machine wants me to grab it because it still has handles, but the handles look very uncomfortable. It looks cold, mechanical, and utilitarian.

The front panel ports mitigate the above feelings. Finally!

These opinions come from a man who misses the old clam shell design ibooks. A man comfortable enough with his own masculinity to still carry one about.

The front panel ports mitigate the above feelings. Finally!

That's what I was thinking. Of all the new features they've put into the OS and hardware, THAT was the one I've been waiting for!

I'm also pleasantly surprised by the pricing of $1999-$2999.

Not that *I* can afford it, but Apple certainly seems to be trying to appease the masses a bit more. I can see a big surge in new hardware purchases these next two quarters for Apple as design firms finally start the mass migration to OSX...

Front-side ports are nice. The new case looks like a space heater.

Tough shit if you if you want multiple optical drives. No really, we made it impossible. Buy a hub. And a helmet.

Why is Expose an application, and not just part of the OS? It's a window manager, which if you get down to the Unix root of OSX, is all that Aqua as a whole is. Instead, we're going to take over Fkeys that you've probably already assigned to do other things. Got that helmet yet?

Our dual-processor system runs a lot faster than that other single-processor system[Su: Ya think?].

The case is divided into four heat zones, blahblah slow fans blahblah. Oh, yeah: That means it won't keep you up at night like the G4[Su: Yes, it's that loud. Note the G5 is 3x quieter. Computers shouldn't be so loud you can express "quieter" in orders of magnitude.]

I love Apple's marketing. It so satisfies my nitpicking tendencies. There's more, but I'm bored.

things i like: labels are back.

faster and smarter user switching.

security enhancements.

things i hate: omni-present iDisk in the finder, thus making it the "funder."

the new g4 grille design is fucking ugly—and a horror for those of us with furry pets. i am not buying a machine i need to dust every week.

brushed. metal. interface. must. die.

finder in icon view with sidebar now looks exactly like windows, thus speeding up my possible switch to XP if apple keeps up their transparent making-you-obsolete-so-we-can-sell marketing techniques.

iChat blows and always has. use proteus. lets you hook up all your yahoo, AIM, MSN, and ICQ connections simultaneously.

What's up with that brushed metal. I dislike it. It's cold and alienating. Makes XP look friendly with its 'boiled sweet' look. But I notice on Apple's site they've swapped out their 'glass buttons' in the store for the flat sausages they use in iCal.

I am glad Apple develops applications for its desktop that work best on its own OS. It needs to continuosly develop a valid reason to invest in the platform, so whatever it can do to offer the whole package keeps the company going. It is a shame that Adobe killed ATM as I think that ATM was the killer app for the company way back - when the use for digitzed typefaces wasn't easily understood by the masses. I do worry about Apple developing a wide range of software though, because where it was in Adobe's core interest to develop type managment apps, so it could afford to - Apple could be stretched thin catering for everyone and their needs.

However - the simplicity of buying and using iTunes makes me wonder how people ever put up with RealOne (sorry frog). Should Apple make it a Windows application quickly enough - it has to bring about more converts.

But please - ditch the masculine, cold, and pretty much unfriendly brushed metal. This is where Jobs' is showing his weakness.

I applaud the case design. When Dell and Gateway started rounding off their CPUs -- it was sure sign that the novelty had run its course.

I see it very much like automotive design. The Mini, Honda Element, and the new Hummer is the hot 'in' shape -- utilitarian and authentic functionality is apparently back in form. "Authenticity" is going to be the new design mantra for many things in the coming years. The G5's case design is just a more successful execution of the G3 cube. I think it's a very smart decision.

As to Font Book. HAL-LE-LU-fucking-JA! I hate Suitcase, ATM, and Font Reserve all put together. If it works as promised, Font Book will be worth its weight in gold to me.

And griff -- you really miss the clamshell? How did you ever fit it on the tray on planes? Or do you just fly first class? I loved the shape also, but hated this most obvious failure of design.

Tan! Don't let them get to you! Square and boxy is no more functional or authentic than round and bubbly! They're fleecing you, Tan! Don't buy it!

Alright this might seem like a dumb question, but I'm picking up a laptop for my impending trip and I'm in a bind between the 15" and the 12" powerbooks. I have the budget for either, but I've actually heard that the 12" is a better overall machine. does anyone here have either of them? Any suggestions....

>HAL-LE-LU-fucking-JA!

I would have put fucking between LE and LU, HAL-LE-fucking-LU-JA... yeah... that's better.

I actually like the new casing. Clean. Streamlined. Matches the PBs nicely.

To nitpick a few of SU's nitpickings:

Tough shit if you if you want multiple optical drives.

I used to think the same, but now really appreciate the simplicity and portability of externals. Sticking a FW powered FW drive into a computer these days is so simple.

Why is Expose an application, and not just part of the OS?

Well, most of the OS that we interact with (the finder) is an application as well. I agree that it should be more seemless, though.

The case is divided into four heat zones, blahblah slow fans blahblah. Oh, yeah: That means it won't keep you up at night like the G4[Su: Yes, it's that loud.

When mine sleeps, all the fans go off. When it's on, it's loud. Albeit still quieter than the Dell at work.

I have the budget for either, but I've actually heard that the 12" is a better overall machine. does anyone here have either of them?

Go to the Apple store and play with them both. The 12" is a great little laptop. It's value is in its size.

The 15", if I remember, have some niceties that the 12" don't have like an L3 cache.

Front-side ports are nice. The new case looks like a space heater.

Tough shit if you if you want multiple optical drives. No really, we made it impossible. Buy a hub. And a helmet.

I don't think more than a couple people really NEED an extra optical drive. I can't think of any reason for wanting one unless I was endlessly burning cds right from another cd.

Why is Expose an application, and not just part of the OS? It's a window manager, which if you get down to the Unix root of OSX, is all that Aqua as a whole is. Instead, we're going to take over Fkeys that you've probably already assigned to do other things. Got that helmet yet?.]

i think it probably is really just part of the os. it doesn't say anywhere that you need to launch an app. i think they just wanted to nickname a cool feature, like they do with everything else. and you don't need to use the fkeys, you can also use gestures, which seems pretty intuitive.

i'd rather argue about freaking abortion than get in a mac/pc type discussion. people get so blinded by loyalty.

Alright this might seem like a dumb question, but I'm picking up a laptop for my impending trip and I'm in a bind between the 15" and the 12" powerbooks. I have the budget for either, but I've actually heard that the 12" is a better overall machine. does anyone here have either of them? Any suggestions....

unless you are going to be doing hardcore work on it away from your desk, i'd go with the 12. you can always hook it up to a larger display there, and then you'll have dual monitors to boot. if you want the 15, though, wait until it gets updated...which should happen sometime soon.

Not that this brings anything of value to the discussion, but this Apple Store will most certainly kick ass... right in my backyard... well, not exactly, but close.

Oh, I also like the new case. I never really liked the huge-ass handles on the G3-4's.

does anyone here have either of them? Any suggestions....

The 12" is a great machine, my friend has it. However, it lacks the ever crucial L3 cache which will make graphics work a bit slow. Graphics like print and video. For administrative work and web work it should suffice. It also lacks a DVI out for an LCD monitor, this feature of course depends if you plan on using with an external monitor at all.

Other then those two setbacks, it's wonderful. The 15" model is considered "old" now, it's rumored to be updated shortly as an aluminum bodied version with similar mobile updates such as built in Bluetooth and the faster wi-fi which the 12" and 17" currently spec.

Hope this helps. Damn I'm a geek...

Thanks Kiran, couple of questions:

will make graphics work a bit slow

a bit slow or unbearably slow? I'm currently working on an old G4 500 tower. Will it keep up?

It also lacks a DVI out for an LCD monitor

This doesn't preclude external monitors in general does it?

the faster wi-fi

wi-fi???

Our dual-processor system runs a lot faster than that other single-processor system[Su: Ya think?].

all of the comparisons were against a dual-processor Xeon PC as well as the single P4s.

> Square and boxy is no more functional or authentic than round and bubbly! They're fleecing you, Tan! Don't buy it!

it's...too...late...for...me...rebecca.

save...your..self.

a bit slow or unbearably slow?

I don't have personal first hand experience, but check out MacWorld's review of the 12" PowerBook. It talks about the lack of L3 cache and has a matrix comparing it's speed to other machines. Whichever machine you go with, it will feel/be considerably faster then what you are a currently working with.

This doesn't preclude external monitors in general does it?

Nope. You can hook up the 12" to any monitor that has a standard VGA plug. I was a bit misleading before, there are LCD monitors with VGA connections, what I should have said was that DVI is a digital connection while VGA is analog. The 12" comes with 32MB of video memory, that should be equivalent or more than what's in your G4 tower now.

Again I have to apologize for my geekiness. Wi-Fi is basically wireless connectivity for your Mac, I think it stands for "wireless fidelity" or something. The 12" has the capablity of the new 802.11g wireless standard which is faster than the current 802.11b standard.

I remember saying you are headed to Europe? You will certianly find the wireless connectivity (which comes in the 15" model as well but only can use the slower protocol but lacks built-in Bluetooth), especially Bluetooth which will let you sync data with your cellphone wirelessly or browse the internet and check email, albeit at a slow connection rate. Europe is huge on mobile technology.

Sheesh, I need to get out more.

I have a 15" which I've been using for I guess about two years now as my primary machine. I moved countries twice in those two years, which I admit might be a bit out of the ordinary, but in doing so I greatly valued having the full capability to work with me at all times. It's light and my iPod gave me extra disk space on the go.

The new 15" have better screens and resolution than the model I have making it both better to work on it without a second monitor attached and with.

My only suggestion would be to fill it up with RAM from the outset.

The 12" seems to be an inbetween situation only worth it if you have an excellent desktop set up and need something additional because you're often mobile. Whereas the 15" is a bit of an overkill for email and web browsing only.

I'm shopping for one right now to replace my aging clamshell iBook, so all this geek info is most helpful.

As I understand it, the 12 and 15 monitors have the same resolution count. The 15 simply stretches it out on a bigger screen, which in my eyes, makes it slightly less sharp.

Damien -- I'm impressed, but not surprised, that you can use the 15 as your primary machine. Good to know.

For me, portability is key for taking a machine anywhere. Plane trays are tiny these days, so a 12" would be a much better fit. Everything in Europe is tighter and smaller. Security might also be a concern -- you can put a 12" in a number of small cases -- cases that don't look like laptop cases.

Just some thoughts.

Everything in Europe is tighter and smaller.

Hey - Europe isn't that bad. I was going to say something rude about tight and small Europeans but now that Speak Up is 'printworthy', perhaps I'd better not.

Yes - it has been a bit of a trial using such an old Powerbook for all of my work. I keep meaning to upgrade - but I don't wish to get anything but the ideal set up, and I'm waiting for that to happen. I think a 17" Powerbook would be great. I hate buying hardware that gets outdated so quickly.

I didn't do any design as my primary source of distraction for a long time, so a PowerBook sufficed. But then as I picked up more work I ended up using it as my workhorse. I have a lot of projects in the UK now so travel is a necessity.

For print stuff it's a bit limited - I've got one of the first models of 15" powerbooks. But for web work it is more than adequate. For a long time I didn't use a second monitor and the only annoyance was the Adobe Palette overkill leaving very little real estate to work in.

Apart from those handy looking G5s I was never that keen on getting a desktop. I like the efficiency and "tightness and smallness" of them Titanium Powerbooks.

I only have one reaction to the new machines:

maybe it's not a good idea to piss of your biggest vendor of software

As much as it might seem predatory and against its suppliers' best interests, competition in the software field is always a good thing. Without it, companies get complacent. Do you hear me, Quark? So I think Apple is merely setting a bar for other suppliers. As long as Apple doesn't withhold certain code bits that only they can take advantage of, then I think it only helps the game.

> Hey - Europe isn't that bad. I was going to say something rude about tight and small Europeans.

Hey, calm down there, Brit boy. I didn't mean it as derogatory.

I should've said "tidier and more efficient" -- I think it's fine that things aren't sprawling all over the place there. Part of the charm. Cafe tables are smaller, cars are smaller, hotel rooms, beds, and bureaus all tend to be slightly smaller in scale compared to the US. No big deal -- it's just a scale issue I thought people should be aware of.

And I know what you mean about stuff getting outdated. I can't keep up either.

So no to a 12" as my ONLY machine?

I don't do much intensive video work though I am interested in doing more heavy-duty print based projects. I have a good deal of patience too :)

I guess the issue is it seems the 15" models are a little outdated, and that the 12" are just better built machines. (sturdier design, no keyboard marks on the screen(wtf?), etc. Portability is a big factor, but not huge as I'll mainly be going from school to home. Any more feedback?

re: PBs...I use a 15" 667 as my main machine. It's OK. Certainly not fast. DEFINITELY not anywhere near twice as fast as my old desktop (350 G4). Macromedia products really bog down the system. Open Office can take 20 - 40 seconds to launch a file. VPC is pretty much uselsss. I'm not terribly happy with the performance of OSX nor the laptop.

Everything else about it is great, though. Extremely portable...very battery friendly...haven't rebooted in four months.

To be fair, I should up the memory. OSX LOVES memory. So, whatever you get, max out the memory.

So, Darrel, if I understand your comment, carrying your laptop is a plus, using it is a minus?

So no to a 12" as my ONLY machine?

I hear you Kevin, it's a tricky time to buy a laptop. I used a 500MHz G3 PowerBook for about 2 years as my main machine and then when I needed a new one this past spring, opted for the Dual 1.25GHz tower instead of a laptop. If extreme portability is more important then speed (despite the lack of L3 cache, it should be quicker then what you are used to now) then get the 12".

the 15" models are a little outdated

They are but you can get one rather cheap, rock an Acme Made display cover, and then just max out the RAM like Darrel said.

Well...just realize that a laptop will never be as fast as a same-processor desktop. This is due to a few things...Bus speeds, HD speeds, etc.

You are basically weighing price/speed (desktop) over portability/convenience (laptop).

But, like I said, I don't have enough RAM. I'm only running 512 and I bet if I had a Gig I wouldn't be complaining as much. Feed OSX memory. It gobbles that stuff up.

I don't think more than a couple people really NEED an extra optical drive.

True. Making it simply impossible to get one is another matter, though. I'd much rather have that option than 128-bit encryption and spy-grade file deletion.

all of the comparisons were against a dual-processor Xeon PC as well as the single P4s.

And what purpose does the comparison serve other than to point out the obvious fact that dual processor machines are not even in the same category as singles? Y'know, that Lexus is a little nicer than the Civic...

My point is that Apple has developed a pathology of making questionable marketing decisions, and "creative" technical claims of a class that I've never seen much more assumed-evil companies do, and I'm curious about it. They are working their way into territory that has cause major, major backlash to other manufacturers in similarly-fanatical markets(ie: high-end graphics cards).

As a follow up to the "powerbook as main machine/desktop replacement" thread...

when the first PBG4's came out, I was in the market for a new machine, and was constantly traveling, freelancing in different offices, and collaborating in a lot of different environments. So I bit the bullet and went with the original G4-500. I used it up until last November, when I got the new 1Ghz (sigh...how was I supposed to know they were going to come out with the 17? I got a bonus at work and went for the tax deduction...) Anyway... the end result is that for the last two years, I've used my PB's as my main machine for web, print (including some massive signage pieces), video, and recording. And while perhaps short of greased lightening, they have done well; the added benefits (MOBILITY, space efficiency even at home, easy effective two monitor set up) for me have far outweighed the decreased performance. Of course there are compromises, but so often dialouge about performance and these books focuses on the comparitive and not on "does it work fast enough to be comfortable and productive".

THAT SAID... There are a few tricks to eaking more "desktop-like" performance out of these puppies though:

1. It's been mentioned, but I cannot stress enough (especially with X!): MAX THE RAM. My new 1Ghz with only 512MB felt only marginally better than old reliable (the original 500) did with 1GB. Now I've maxed this one, and I'm happy again. Yeah, it's a little extra. JUST DO IT. It's the best $200 you can spend on these puppies.

2. Hard Disks. Desktops almost unilaterally are equipped with 7200RPM drives, while apple is shipping PB's with 4200RPM travelstars. Swear that 500MB photoshop file opens faster on your old G4-450 than your new powerbook? You're not dreaming- and that's why. And while all currently available laptop drives ARE slower, there are options.

Apple swears when you look at the specs that a 5400RPM laptop drive isn't really any better than a 4200; my time spent with both laptops, their original drives, and the 5400RPM 48GB replacement drive I bought indicates otherwise. While menial tasks don't change much, Do a render in Final Cut or open a 1GB high res graphic, and you'll notice a distinct difference. Still better news: Hitachi/IBM just announced a 7200RPM, 60GB Travelstar that will give desktop drives a run for their money, for around $300 (hopefully available later this summer.) This is another place that throwing some upgrade $$ later on can get you better performance, without having to go the "two computers" route.

3. Hard Disks Part 2: don't want to replace your internal drive? Or just still not thrilled with the performance when opening big PSD's? When you're parked at your desk, working off of an external firewire drive can also give you some of the speed you might otherwise be missing out on. Get a decent one, with a 7200RPM drive and the Oxford911 chip set, or, if you're feeling particularly needy, get two and set up a RAID.

Untimately, if I make some good money this next year, OF COURSE I'd love to augment my arsenal with a new G5... and there will certianly be a MARKED performance boost if I do. :)

But if you can only afford one machine, and Mobility is even remotely an issue for you, I say GO FOR IT. Even unadorned (except for the RAM... MUST do the RAM) I really love working on this machine, and don't find myself DESPARATE for more power...whether on the road, at my desk, or on the porch. And at the office when I need to eak out everything it's got, a few extra toys (monitor, firewire RAID) make it a reasonably serious workstation.

Hmmm... that got a little long... while somewhat basic, hopefully SOMEONE finds it at least minutely helpful in a decision making process.

if anyone is interested in the aforementioned upgrades, I can post links to info on the new Travelstar, and some inexpensive, well-performing FW drives I use with mine (though those decisions sometimes become holy (geek) wars unto themselves...)

And what purpose does the comparison serve other than to point out the obvious fact that dual processor machines are not even in the same category as singles?

They were comparing what's on the market. Dell sells dual Xeons, hence the comparison. Dell doesn't sell Dual P4s AFAIK.

My point is that Apple has developed a pathology of making questionable marketing decisions, and "creative" technical claims of a class that I've never seen much more assumed-evil companies do

Interesting link. However, no one should believe benchmarks like that anyways. There's simply no way to fairly compare systems other than actual real-world uses (ie, Photoshop filters, PDF distilling, etc...) and even then there are so many variables (OS overhead, video cards, bus speeds, RAM speeds, dual-processor management chips, processor-specific processor enhancements such as altivec, etc.)

Thanks Brendon,

That gives me a vote of cobnfidence. Everyone's mentioning the RAM and this is what I'm scared of. The 12" powerbooks max out at 640 which is scarily low.

That's my main issue I suppose, anyone think they'll come out with bigger sticks anytime soon? Is the added performance from the RAM worth the extra dough and getting an "older" machine?

ugh. Yes, I forgot about that 640MB limit... :( RAM is always getting smaller (space-wise) and higher-capacity (MB). But as to whether that would save you in the future is debatable; traditionally a machine has a theoretical maximum recognized by the bios/firmware/whatever (that said, I have some old beige boxes that when RAM capacities jumped, I was able to soup up to 2x their original RAM rating.)

I haven't looked enough at the 12" to be sure, but I would be fearful that if in this day and age, Apple says that's the limit, it probably is. If you're daily tasks involve heavy lifting, you might be better served on the 15 or 17's. (all previous discussion of present and upcoming 15's apply...with only the addition that at the right price, the current 15 can still be VERY usable machine.)

oh, and since I'm here.... here's that travelstar link... ;)

Hitachi Travelstar 7K60

Good luck with your decision, Kevin. And if you're looking for a used 15" 1Ghz... oh, wait. :) Naw, I'll be trotting happily along on this workhorse for some time to come...

...one more note about the "older machine"/"newer machine"...

differences you can't reallly make up for:

- the 15 has older architecture (slight performance increase with the newer)

- the 15 has older Design (weaker hinge design, screen things, et al.) but using a screen protector my 2 yr old screen still looks great, and no hinge problems yet (and she has been hauled around a lot.)

Things you can upgrade to be essentially "equal":

- Airport Extreme. The newest Apple drivers support 3rd party cards so you could add a 3rd party card to get the faster wireless if you are so inclined; unless you're doing a lot of in-house networking with it or have REALLY fat internet pipes, this may not even matter for you.)

- Bluetooth. I use a DLINK USB dongle to sync with my phone

(obviously both of these upgrades are slightly less convenient than being seemlessly built in, but I think are far from clumsy.)

I have no lack of love for this machine, and (to quote Bare Bones) "it definately doesn't suck"... but apple HAS also learned from it, and manifested it in the new machines, inside and out.

Ultimately, get into a store, play around, see what you like and what's important to you. :) And know that honestly, at the end of the day, all of the machines are in the same ballpark, and all should get you where you need to go without too much remorse. :)

Thanks again Brendon. I think I'm starting to lean towards the 15 now. Any defenders of the 12 want to step up?

Apple is now estimating that the Power Mac G5 will ship "on or before September 2."

I had a feeling...

On Font Book: The makers of Suitcase, Font Reserve and FontAgent have had plenty of time to get it right and the general consensus suggests they've failed. I have no problem with Apple stepping in, especially on such an essential piece of the system software.

I tend to agree with you on this, Stephen. The font management packages out there really aren't that great.

I thought iTunes was a bit of a slap-in-the-face for the Panic guys.

Final Cut Pro, from what I hear, is simply a better product than Premiere, so, once again, it was probably a matter of Apple simply not seeing a good product on the market and had to fill the niche.

The Sherlock/Watson thing was a bit suspect, but there's arguments both ways.

I don't blame Apple for making better software (they are a software company) and I imagine they're just trying to walk that thin line between making sure there are good products out there for the platform vs. occasionally killing off a provider of Mac software.

Certainly their biggest hurdle has been getting all of the print designers to migrate over to OSX and new machines. I'm sure XPress is a start to that final migration and Apple just wanted to help it along with something like Font Book.

Honestly, if Apple hadn't developed FontBook, I was going to. On Saturday, I had just completed my final UI draft for my own home grown font management application and had emailed it to my developer. 2 month's of work and $1000 dollars down the drain. I am not bitter though, Font Agent, Font Reserve and Suitcase forced my hand - and who knows, maybe FontBook won't be all that great and I could start work on it again?

Industrial indeed... looks like kitchen stuff :)

The font management packages out there really aren't that great.

I don't mean to start a whole Typophile like thread about font managers, but I don't seem to have any problems with FontAgent Pro.

Ive speaks up about design, on Wired.

http://www.wired.com/news/mac/0,2125,59381,00.html

SU:

Apple's take on the benchmark critiques:

on /.

Arturo:

Cool! Talk about a geek status symbol. ;o)

Ive's interview:

"I see (the G5) as a tool...There's not a plastic fa�ade that adds to the fact that it's a really powerful tool. It's very, very obvious that it is what it is."

Remember what I said about 'authenticity' as a driving mantra for the case design?

Funny that plastic, is now plastic again. What Apple gives...Apple taketh away....

I think I'm starting to lean towards the 15 now.

Granted it's a rumor but here it is for whatever it's worth in your decision making process Kevin.

The Register provides some insight and rumors into upcoming G4 processors from Motorola. According to their article, MPC7457 processors from Motorola are arriving sooner than expected:

While originally slated for Q4 2003, according to Synergy Microsystems (a Motorola customer) "Final 7457 boards will ship in Q3, says Synergy, "when production quantities of the [7457] become available".

The new chip from Motorola (announced in February) increases the L2 cache as well as the L3 cache and provides a max speed of 1.3GHz -- and incorporates a 200MHz frontside bus, allowing for DDR400 support.

The Register expects this chip to be the most likely processor for the upcoming PowerBook. This is consistent with one unverified rumor that upcoming PowerBooks come in at 1.3GHz.

I'm leaning back towards the 12" now. Played around with them both today and it just seems to make more sense , considering I CAN'T wait for the new 15. Thanks for all thecomments. The processor's bus speed and overall convenience sold me.

considering I CAN'T wait for the new 15

That is the best way to purchase a new computer. Get what you need when you need it, that's what is comes down to.

In my opinion, Font Agent Pro is the best font management app for individual users and small workgroups. It could be much better in terms of UI and speed (if they made font viewing optional).

Finalcut is meant to be an Avid killer..

Professionals do not use Premiere.

The makers of FontAgent Pro respond to Font Book. (MacCentral)