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Lombard: Still The Mac To Have If You’re Only Having One - From The Road Warrior Archive

From The Road Warrior Archive

At the Worldwide Developers Conference in May, 1999, Steve Jobs unveiled the second iteration of Apple's G3 Series PowerBooks - the alimmed-down Lombard, and a couple of weeks later I posted this The Road Warrior opinion piece commenting on the new machine. As I noted in the first paragraph, laptops still had a fair way to go before they matched and then surpassed desktop Macs in sales, although that threshold would be passed just a few years later.

I never did own a Lombard, although one of my offspring did, but I've had three PowerBook G3 Pismos, which share the Lombard's form factor. The Lombard was a bit of a transitional machine, being the first PowerBook with "New World" ROM and USB and the last to support SCSI. Ultimately, its successor, the Pismo, proved to be a much more successful computer, but the Lombard pioneered a new era in Apple laptop engineering, and served many of its owners well.

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Lombard: Still The Mac To Have If You're Only Having One - [Originally Published May 28, 1999}

The introduction of Apple's new G3 Series '99 ("Lombard") PowerBook has me musing again about my theory that PowerBooks are the logical Mac for most of us, and revisiting my quandary about why they sell in such relatively modest numbers. I mean, some 450,000 Yosemite blue & whites were sold in just four months, while only about 200,000 PowerBook G3 Series I and II machines were produced in a full year of model life.

Obviously the short answer to my question is cost. PowerBooks are the most expensive Macs. The new "low-end" Lombard 333 Mhz unit lists for $2.499 -- substantially more than twice as much as a 333 Mhz iMac, which also has a bigger hard drive, albeit less standard RAM and VRAM.

So why would someone like myself, who doesn't really *need* a portable computer, choose to buy a PowerBook rather than an iMac? Believe me, this is a question I ask myself sometimes!

Now, the iMac is one cool computer. It's lightning-fast, has a great CRT monitor with ample power to drive it, and -- PC cheapos at half the iMac's price or less notwithstanding, the colorful Mac offers amazing value for its price.

However, the iMac also weighs a hulking 40 pounds, and relatively compact as it is, it still occupies a significant chunk of desktop real estate. The iMac may have a convenient carry handle, but very few of us would ever consider it to be a seriously portable computer. And while it is in many respects the logical heir of the original "small Macs," it weighs more than twice as much and is a LOT bigger.

So, the PowerBook's obvious first advantage is its small size and portability. Some people need, and others like me simply prefer, the small size of a laptop computer. You aren't rooted in one spot, and can even conveniently use the computer outdoors in nice weather if the mood strikes you. PowerBooks also don't dominate a room the way a desktop machine does. They are more SUBTLE, something that appeals to me greatly.

For me, another major advantage of choosing to work on a PowerBook is the flat screen display. And of course, the LCD screen is one of the main reasons why PowerBooks cost so much. Flat screen technology is expensive (and getting more so, alas). You can of course buy a flat screen monitor for a desktop Mac, but doing so will erase a significant chunk of the desktop price advantage.

Costly or not, I would find it difficult to go back to using a CRT monitor for day to day work. Even the good ones (and the iMac's is very good) still flicker, and all CRTs have a harsh "electrically charged" quality about them which is borderline intangible, but which I find uncomfortable. CRTs give me eyestrain and headaches, and LCDs don't. I find the LCD's quiet, non-flickering image "gentle" and soothing, and CRTs enervating.

The PowerBook G3 Series made the "PowerBook as my only Mac" concept a no-apologies potential reality for many users. Of course, some people still need the raw power and expandibility of a high-end desktop Mac like the formidable blue & white Yosemite, but for many of us, a PowerBook will do anything we need a computer to do and a great deal more besides.

Some have expressed disappointment that Lombard is not a more radical design departure from the WallStreet G3 Series concept, but why mess with success when there is no compelling reason to do so? Apple got it right with the WallStreet 'Books, and Lombard's evolutionary upgrade of a winning concept acknowledges that.

One somewhat universal complaint about WallStreet is that the thing is just too big and heavy for a laptop. Indeed, my faithful old PowerBook 5300 looks like a subnotebook when parked beside my PowerBook G3 Series II. I guess that WallStreet's heft and bulk are part of the price of stuffing desktop power and a comprehensive feature set into a laptop form factor, but Apple has done a masterful job of slimming WallStreet's voluptuousness into a significantly more svelte sillouette without compromising its functionality too much.

Apple's G3 Series PowerBook portables essentially removed any logical rationale for owning a both desktop computer and a laptop for most Mac-users, and Lombard sustains that argument. With more speed than any but the very fastest desktop models -- Mac or PC -- and an inventory of features that would have been considered the pinnacle of high end only a couple of years ago, a PowerBook can finally be "the computer to have when you're only having one" with no excuses necessary.

When you park a PowerBook beside one of today's behemoth desktop Macs, it gives you pause to wonder how all the space that the latter occupies can be justified. Of course if you need a lot of expansion slots or multiple hard/CD-ROM/DVD-ROM/Zip drives, or multi-megabytes of VRAM power, or multi-processing, and the like, you need a desktop tower unit, but percentage-wise, how many Mac-users need that kind of expandability?

With the G3 PowerBooks' hot-swappable expansion bay (two of 'em in WallStreet) and PC card slot (two of 'em in WallStreet) 8MB of SGRAM graphics memory (2MB or 4 MB in WallStreet), ATI 3D RAGE LT chip for 2-D/3-D graphics acceleration, built-in Ethernet, built-in IRDA infrared data transfer, VGA and S-video ports, and array of standard Apple ports (USB and SCSI in Lombard; Serial, ADB, and SCSI in WallStreet), there's enough power, expansion potential, connectivity, and drive versatility to satisfy all but the highest end power-users.

With the big, beautiful, 14.1" LCD monitor screens, plugging a G3 Series PowerBook into an external CRT monitor may be superfluous (although Lombard can drive a 21" CRT in millions of colors), but if you prefer a CRT or need higher resolution, you can easily do so.

Of course if you want to, you can even convert your PowerBook into a virtual desktop Mac for stationary use. Just plug in an external monitor, a standard keyboard and mouse (USB for Lombard; ADB for Wallstreet), whatever other peripherals you need, and voila! This sort of set-up costs substantially less than buying separate portable and desktop computers.

An external keyboard allows you to position the laptop at a more optimal viewing angle, but the built-in keyboard is so good that it's hard to resist..

Another PowerBook advantage, especially if you live out in the boonies like I do, is lack of worry about power outages. I can happily keep on computing, and even web surfing and faxing through blackouts as long as my batteries hold up.

And of course, portable computing is not just a boon to travelling business people, students, and other computer road warriors. It's a pleasure to be able to pick up the computer and work outdoors on a lovely summer afternoon, or just move to another location in the house or office. It's a lot more convenient to carry the same computer between home and the office, than it is to deal with the hassle of keeping files synchronized between two computers. When you go on vacation or business trips it's easy to take a laptop along. In the rare instance that your trusty PowerBook needs service, it's a lot less backstrain to carry a laptop into the dealer than a 50 to 60 pound desktop box.

PowerBooks -- not iMacs -- are really the logical successors to the beloved original "luggable" compact Macs.

I've been asked by several people whether I think they should buy a new Lombard PowerBook, or to try an pick up one of the last WallStreets at a bargain price. It really depends on what you need and can afford. The WallStreet is still a formidable computer, and few people will find it slow (?!) for their computing needs. However, Lombard is even faster, so if raw processor speed is what you need, it's your logical choice.

Those who purchased Series II 'Books during the fire-sale price promotions Apple ran through most of early 1999 to clear inventory prior to Lombard's introduction have no reason for buyer remorse. The new 'Book is cool, but the old one is still cool too, and maybe the better choice for some users.

Here's a rundown of some of Lombard's features, with my WallStreet comparison comments:

• PowerPC G3 processors running at 400 Mhz (1 MB L2 cache) and 333 Mhz (512k L2 cache) PowerPC G3 chips that handily outperform all Pentium II-based notebook computers.

Wallstreet, by comparison, was available in 233 Mhz (no cache); 233 Mhz (512 k cache); 250 Mhz (1 MB cache); 266 Mhz (1 MB cache); 292 Mhz (1 MB cache); and 300 MB (M cache). All of these machines are very fast computers. Even the cacheless 233 is about one third faster than a PowerBook 3400/240, which is itself no slouch.

• A thinner and lighter form factor than the Series I and II G3 Powerbooks -- 20% thinner and almost 2 pounds lighter ( at 5.9 pounds) than its predecessor.

If you lug your laptop around a lot, Lombard is your no-brainer choice. WallStreet is an almost no-compromise substitute for a desktop computer in a portable form factor, but it can feel like you actually are carrying a desktop Mac around with you by the end of a day.

• New longer life battery with, get this: up to five hours operation on one battery, and with the new PowerBooks dual-battery capability, you can keep working for up to 10 hours.

Advantage -- Lombard, if Apple can deliver on this promise.

• 64 MB RAM standard; support for up to 384MB RAM

Basically a wash here. Lower-end WallStreets came with 32 Mb standard RAM, which was barely enough to run on, but upgrading to 64 Mb (preferably more) is not expensive enough to make that a make-or-break issue. While Apple says 384 MB Max. officially, you can actually install 512 MB in either WallStreet or Lombard by using Simple Technology's low-profile (1.5 inch) 256 MB SO-DIMM (part number SIT-STA-MAIN/256) in the lower RAM slot of either model. With a larger (2.0 inch) 256 MB SO-DIMM in the upper slot, voila! -- 512 MB.

Very few users will actually do this, since the Simple Technology 256 MB module reportedly sells for a street price of about US$1000 if you can find one (MSRP is US$795).

• 8 MB video RAM

Advantage Lombard, if you need high-end graphics support or want to drive a big external monitor at high resolutions. Wallstreet's 2 MB/4 MB VRAM is more than adequate for middle-of-the-road computing.

• ATI RAGE LT Pro video controller.

A wash

• Easy access to RAM expansion and removable hard drive via flip-up keyboard.

WallStreet's RAM access was easy; Lombard's is even easier. Not a major sticking point.

• 4GB IDE hard drive (333) and 6GB IDE hard drive (400) -- 10 GB optional

Here is one of the areas where WallStreet has a potential advantage. Because of its thinner profile, Lombard supports a maximum hard drive height of 12.7mm, making 10 GB the largest currently available drive that will fit. WallStreet can accommodate a larger IBM 14 GB drive which is 17 mm tall.

• Built-in 56K modem.

Identical specification except for location. Lombard moves the modem port from the sside to the back panel, which is less convenient. Lombard uses the same modem as in the WallStreets and the iMac, so will support Boca Research's Global Village GlobalFax 2.6.5 fax software, which I personally prefer over any and all other brands of fax software I've tried.

•10/100 BASE-T Ethernet

Advantage -- Lombard. WallStreet has just 10 BASE-T Ethernet

• Two USB ports

USB is the future, and Lombard supports it. On the other hand, you will be able to add USB support to a WallStreet soon with a USB PC Card

• A hot-swappable expansion bay

WallStreet supports expansion devices in both of its bays -- Lombard only in the right-hand one. Advantage -- WallStreet.

• A single PC Card slot

WallStreet has two PC Card slots to Lombard's one -- another casualty of the slimming and weight loss program. Since Lombard has built-in USB and extended external monitor support, this is not as big a deal as it might have been, but if you have need of more than one Type I or II PC Card, or even one Type III Card (which Lombard does not support), WallStreet has the advantage.

• 14.1-inch active-matrix TFT display

Identical specification.

• Dual-display capability (last seen on the PowerBook 5300) so you can add an external monitor and expand your on-screen workspace, or video mirroring (as on the 1400 to G3 Series II PowerBooks)

If you need this feature in a WallStreet, you will have to plug an ixMicro RoadRocket card in one of your PC Card slots. Lombard has the edge here.

• Another returning feature that last appeared on the PowerBook 5300 and 3400 is the Expansion Bay Blank, a light, hollow, plastic media bay insert designed to protect the opening when you don't have an expansion device in the bay.

Simply not a big deal.

• S-video out for connecting to a TV or projection device.

Identical speification.

• 2x DVD-ROM drive (400 Mhz) or 24x CD-ROM drive (333 Mhz) (the CD-ROM will work in the 400 Mhz machine but the 333 Mhz unit does not support DVD). The 400 MHz model comes with a separate MPEG-2 and audio decoder chip on the logic board for DVD support.

There has been much grousing about Apple's apparently not planning to support DVD with the 333 Mhz Lombard. A 300 Mhz WallStreet may be the best choice for DVD cost-wise.

• 4-Mbps IrDA technology for quick wireless LAN access and file sharing

Identical specification

• A better cooling fan and more efficient ducting

Advantage -- Lombard

Ports:

• Power Adapter is the same as the WallStreet unit.
• Sound in/out uses the same 1/8" mini-plugs, but they are relocated behind the rear door, which some will find a less convenient location.
• 2 stacked 12-Mbps USB ports - replacing both Serial and ADB
•10/100 BaseT auto sensing Ethernet
• SCSI HDI-30 Port
• S-Video
• VGA 24-bit video output port
• Modem
• IrDA - 4 Mb/sec.

If you add a PC Card USB adapter to WallStreet, you have the equivalent of all of Lombard's ports, plus you still have ADB and serial too. Both Lombard and WallStreet will support the FireWire PC Cardadapters coming soon. Advantage -- WallStreet.

• 66-MHz system bus

Identical specification.

• 24x-speed (maximum) CD-ROM drive for use in expansion bay

Wallstreet has a 20x CD-ROM drive, but the difference is pretty much inconsequential.

• 16-bit CD-quality stereo input/output Sound

Identical specification

• Two built-in stereo speakers

Identical specification

• Internal omnidirectional microphone

Identical specification

Video and graphics support

• Built-in full-size keyboard with 76 (U.S.) or 77 (ISO) keys, including 12 function keys, 4 arrow keys (inverted "T" arrangement), and embedded keypad

Identical specification except that Lombard's keyboard is a translucent "bronze" (ochre? mocha?) color.

Like the WallStreet machines, Lombard could theoretically be upgradeable, but since Apple has once again mounted the system ROMs on the daughtercard, this is unlikely. Apple will never release the ROMs to third party upgrade card manufacturers, and would rather you buy the next processor generation with the next generation PowerBook bundled around it.

Expansion bay devices from Lombard and WallStreet are not compatible respectively, and Apple will not supply a floppy drive for Lombard's expansion bay. Those who absolutely can't get along without an internal floppy drive will be obliged to buy VST's $229.95 SuperDrive module which accepts 1.4 MB floppies as well as 120 MB SuperDrive disks. Other floppy solutions include external USB floppy drives like the $89 Microtech International SmartFloppy USB floppy drive from Outpost.com, Newer Technology's uDrive, the VST Tech External USB floppy drive, and probably others.

The "rubbery" feeling center panels on the top and bottom of the WallStreet machines have been continued with Lombard, but are reportedly of a more durable composition than the easily-scratched material on the WallStreets.

Until Apple's optional FireWire PC card (code-named Matchbox) is ready, FireWire (IEEE 1394a) support which some predicted would be onboard in Lombard is relegated to third-party add-ons, namely CardBus PC Card FireWire adapters from Newer Technology, Ratoc, and others. This makes Apple's cutting the number of PC Card slots on Lombard by 50% loom larger in significance.

Lombard has retained the venerable HDI-30 square SCSI port, and may well be the last Macintosh that ships with SCSI. Probably one of the reasons it was so-equipped is that there is not yet any FireWire equivalent for SCSI Disk mode. There likely will be soon.

The analog reset switch returns with Lombard (keyboard command also works.) Another returning feature on Lombard is that it can run safely with the lid closed when using an external monitor (up to 21"), since it generates significantly less heat than WallStreet does. There is also a new Powerbook SCSI Setup control panel that makes the computer wake from sleep faster.

Lombard had some pretty big boots to fill, and has managed to pull it off elegantly. The new professional 'Book is definitely an evolutionary development of the Wallstreet design, and I'm not completely sure which model I prefer. Since I already have a 233 Mhz Series II WallStreet, I couldn't rationally justify upgrading to Lombard for the sort of computing I do.

Nevertheless, Lombard is one cool machine, and will do the job admirably for those fortunate enough to own one.

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cmoore@macopinion.com

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