Apple has just released new, speed-bumped Powerbooks. The following confugurations are available:

A processor speed-bump across the line is the major improvement. All models include Airport Extreme and Bluetooth 2.0, scrolling trackpad capability and Sudden Motion Sensor (SMS) technology in standard configurations.

Powerbook 12" Combo:
PowerPC G4 @ 1.5Ghz
512Mb DDR SDRAM
60Gb hard drive (5400 rpm)
Combo drive
Nvidia GeForce FX Go 5200 64Mb
$1499

Powerbook 12" SuperDrive:
PowerPC G4 @ 1.5Ghz
512Mb DDR SDRAM
60Gb hard drive (5400 rpm)
SuperDrive
Nvidia GeForce FX Go 5200 64Mb
$1699

PowerBook 15.2" Combo:
PowerPC G4 @ 1.5Ghz
512Mb of DDR SDRAM
80Gb hard drive (5400 rpm)
Combo drive
ATI Mobility Radeon 9700 64Mb
Backlit keyboard
$1999

PowerBook 15.2" SuperDrive:
PowerPC G4 @ 1.67Ghz
512Mb of DDR SDRAM
80Gb hard drive (5400 rpm)
SuperDrive
ATI Mobility Radeon 9700 64Mb (expandable to 128Mb)
Backlit keyboard
$2299

Powerbook 17" SuperDrive:
PowerPC G4 @ 1.67Ghz
512Mb of DDR SDRAM
100Gb hard drive (5400 rpm)
SuperDrive
ATI Mobility Radeon 9700 128Mb
Backlit keyboard
Digital audio in/out
$2699

More information can be found on Apple Store web site.

We can appreciate slight price drops and that Apple has put 512Mb of RAM, has increased storage and has added new features (scrolling trackpad capability and SMS, dual-DVI, built-in digital audio in/out on the 17" model). We also notice that backlit keyboard is now also standard on the Powerbook 15.2" Combo. However we feel a bit disappointed by the graphic chips which remain the same and by the fact the 128Mb of VRAM+dual-link dvi option costs as much as $100.

It looks like Apple has chosen to use speed-bumped Freescale MPC-7447A processors for these new Powerbooks, as reported by macosXrumors in October 2004.