PowerBook and iBook Developer Notes

Do these really matter to application developers?

Or is it more for drivers and hardware developers?

is this in any way shape or form different from how Apple usually releases information on new builds? i dont remember this happening with previous releases, though for some reason i am sure it must have on a certain level.

I don't remember hearing that they had changed the battery:

Previous Model
46 watt-hours battery
Current Model
50 watt-hours battery

What does this mean? Longer battery life?

I don't remember hearing that they had changed the battery:

Previous Model
46 watt-hours battery
Current Model
50 watt-hours battery

What does this mean? Longer battery life?

Maby it's because the processor runs at a higher clock rate, so it uses more power.

Developers need to know the terms Apple uses for all of the standard and upgrade equipment on the PowerBooks (or any computer listed this way for that matter). All of us know what FireWire is, but sometimes is necessary for a developer to know that a machine is equipped with 1394 and what revision of the hardware I/O it is. This came into effect when a device runs into trouble such as the FireWire 800 issue with Hardrive Manufacturers.

I have a "windows" key on my Powerbook's keyboard??? What is that for? Virutal PC?

I thought this was something Apple already did before. It's funny how Airport Extreme is a new feature, the only new part is they dont charge you $99 for it.

I don't remember hearing that they had changed the battery:

Previous Model
46 watt-hours battery
Current Model
50 watt-hours battery

What does this mean? Longer battery life?

Yep. Question now, of course, is, will it fit the 1/1.25 15"... It's not a gigantic difference, but it'd be nice...

The New Features page, for the 15" model only, has a nice old/new comparison chart, showing changes such as going from a 2x SuperDrive to a 4x SuperDrive. That's where you can see the battery change mentioned above.

Sure would be nice if the 50 watt fit my now slightly old 1.25 PBook. one can only hope. I love my PBook and I've been able to use it for almost all school year, but i sure am jealous of the 4x burner, and 9700 mobility. Is there really much difference between teh 9600 and 9700?