So, what is it about the Lombard that makes it so different from all it's predescessors? Well, lets start with the twin USB ports built into the back of the powerbook, giving it expandability and usability, even in todays IT world of plug and play. This gives the Lombard the edge over the Wallstreet. The system bus speed, whilst letting the mac down when compared to the more modern G4 powerbooks, still matches that of the Snow iBook 500mhz at 66mHz and this coupled with the RAM maxing out at 384 megs means that this powerbook will run OS 10.3, meaning it can keep the technological pace with all but the latest powerbooks and iBooks.
The 14.1 inch screen, built in stereo speakers and removable processos means that this powerbook is still a great buy, even by todays standards. Upgradability is the key here, allowing the simple installation of a G4 processor if ever required. Type II card slots means that the Lombard can accept upgrade cards such as firewire, wireless and memory card adapters. The built in SCSI ports, lacking on the latest powerbooks allows this mac to accept external scsi Apple Mac Peripherals. The hard drive, although small by todays standards, is still large enough to allow for storage of plenty of applications as well as installation of a dual boot OS X and classic operating systems.
Networking through the powerbook, as with all other Apple Mac laptops is available via the built in ethernet port and runs at a more than adequate 100megs. Again, this step up from the G3 Wallstreet at 10 megs matches that of the snow iBooks. Built in stereo out ports and sound in ports, infra red port, svga port all add to the useability of this powerbook.
Portability of the Lombard improved dramatically over the Wallstreet through a significant reduction in weight, overall dimensions and a significant improvement in battery life. Of course, with 2 batteries to hand, this powerbook will allow a full days work, particularly if working direct off a ram disk.
