Attention all PowerBook 5300cs Owners

#1 Fri, 26 Feb 2010 - 19:35 68kMLA

What are your opinions on the screen of the PowerBook 5300cs? Is it the worst of the worst of passive matrix or is it one of the better ones? Better or worse than 1400cs?

#2 Sat, 27 Feb 2010 - 15:46 68kMLA

I don't have a 1400cs and so cannot really answer your question for sure, but I do have a 5300cs. What I can say is that once the screen resolution and colour depth are factored out, the 5300cs screen is as good as or even better than the passive matrix 12" Wallstreet's. Most likely that means that it compares favourably with that of the 1400cs (though again, at 640x480).

Mind you, that is not saying much, as passive matrix screens are generally disappointing for all but one use: working outdoors.

#3 Sat, 27 Feb 2010 - 19:23 68kMLA

I don't like the screen on mine. It looks really "bubbly" (pixels seem to float from the bottom of the screen to the top, like bubbles in a fish tank) and the movement kind of distracts you from what you're doing.

#4 Sat, 27 Feb 2010 - 20:19 68kMLA

I take it that it would not be nice to play games on, correct?

#5 Sat, 27 Feb 2010 - 20:52 68kMLA

Not at all. Way to distracting. I tried playing Spin Doctor on it but I couldn't concentrate due to all the movement.

#6 Sat, 27 Feb 2010 - 21:41 68kMLA

I don't have a 5300cs but I believe the 190cs has the same screen and I have found the refresh rate is poor for games. The screen is poor for darks and the screen has poor refresh rates as well as a poor viewing angle.

Definitely go for the active matrix screen if you can find one.