More for Less: New Mac iBook Models

By Jonathan Berohn

Believe it or not, it looks like Apple is finally wising up and starting to take advantage of the inroads its iPod is making into mainstream consumers.

First came the Mac Mini, and now-after the weird interlude of the impending PC architecture change-Apple has revamped its inexpensive iBook model, turning its low end laptops into bargain mobile computing powerhouses.

Features

If you aren't familiar with Apple's laptop line, Powerbooks are the high-end machines, while iBooks have traditionally been stripped down lower cost versions.  True to form, the "inexpensive" iBooks have always been more expensive and offered fewer features than similar range PC laptops.  Amazingly, that is no longer the case.  For $999 you can buy the 12" base model, while only $1299 gets you the 14" high-end edition.  For the sake of comparison, here are the feature highlights of the respective models:

12" Model

  • 1.33GHz PowerPC G4
  • 512K L2 cache @1.33GHz
  • 512MB memory (DDR333 SDRAM)
  • 12.1-inch TFT Display
  • 1024x768 resolution
  • ATI Mobility Radeon 9550
  • 32MB DDR video memory
  • 40GB Ultra ATA hard drive
  • Combo Drive (DVD-ROM/CD-RW)
  • Built-in AirPort Extreme
  • Built-in Bluetooth 2.0+EDR
  • Scrolling Trackpad
  • Sudden Motion Sensor

14" Model

  • 1.42GHz PowerPC G4
  • 512K L2 cache @1.42GHz
  • 512MB memory (DDR333 SDRAM)
  • 14.1-inch TFT Display
  • 1024x768 resolution
  • ATI Mobility Radeon 9550
  • 32MB DDR video memory
  • 60GB Ultra ATA hard drive
  • SuperDrive (DVD±RW/CD-RW)
  • Built-in AirPort Extreme
  • Built-in Bluetooth 2.0+EDR
  • Scrolling Trackpad
  • Sudden Motion Sensor

The Improvements

A quick scan of the feature lists quickly reveal the new features Apple has added.  First, they've bumped up the clock speed on both models.  They've also boosted the bus speed and the cache.  If that's not enough computing power for you, they've also boosted built-in memory to 512 megs.  You no longer need to upgrade your machine right out of the box.  Apple has also added features that improve the iBooks mobility.  Built in AirPort wireless network cards Bluetooth wireless make the iBook truly wire free.  In addition, Apple has added technology that helps protect the iBook when you inevitably drop it.  Finally, the 14' model now comes standard with Apple's popular Super Drive, which lets you burn your own DVDs.  All in all, the new iBook is a great blend of computing power, mobility, and-most remarkable for an Apple machine-value.