TwitterOMG… G4 iBooks!
October 22nd, 2003
Apple has done what nobody thought was possible (including myself), added the Power PC G4 processor into the new “iBook”:http://www.apple.com/ibook/. We’re not talking about techincal impossibilities, more like marketing. Why would Apple want to sell an 800mhz G4 iBook with DVD/CDRW for $1099? Heck the top of the line iBook is the same 1Ghz speed as the low-end Powerbook G4 and the iBook $100 less. Sure, there are a few “features” missing from the iBook, most of them unimportant to the average consumer like DVI output (the iBook still has VGA/S-Video/Composite output). One thing that is disappointing is that they still support only 640MB of RAM.
bq. “With its extra long battery life, compact size and ultralight weight, the iBook G4 can accompany you everywhere. And with a choice of 12.1-inch or 14.1-inch displays, turbocharged 800MHz, 933MHz or 1GHz PowerPC G4 processors, 30GB, 40GB or 60GB Ultra ATA/100 hard disk drives, 256MB of RAM expandable to 640MB ó plus optional AirPort Extreme wireless networking and optional built-in Bluetooth wireless peripheral connectivity as well as conveniently located FireWire, USB 2.0 and Ethernet ports ó the iBook gives you astonishing performance in a stunning design.”
This is a bold move by Apple, one that I’ve very happy about frankly. I just hope they continue to sell through their whole line of laptops and not just the new iBooks. I for one am no longer interested in the $1599 12″ Powerbook G4 but will instead opt for one of the new iBooks when I’m ready to upgrade my existing iBook.
Entry Filed under: mac
2 Comments
1. Judi | October 22nd, 2003 at 11:02 am
First of all, the textile shorthand for blockquote is bq. not bg.
But on to the topic at hand, I think Apple did a good job of separating the iBook from the PB line in more than just price. The PB has Airport built-in, while it’s an option on the iBook. Plus, there is no SuperDrive option on any iBook, it can hold less RAM and there’s no FW 800 port.
2. Jeffrey | October 22nd, 2003 at 6:01 pm
Thanks for pointing that out! Sometimes my dyslexic brain moves to fast to double check spellings or logic errors.
I agree that Apple did an excellent job. I think the new iBooks are awesome. However, I do feel that people who couldn’t decide between the low end PB and the high end iBook before are most than likely go with the new high end iBook as they are very similar.
Also, the new iBooks don’t have the same type of G4 processor, the 7445 instead of the 7447.
Overall a very nice upgrade and unexpected with a G4 processor.