rick_k's Full Review: Apple iBook 12.1 in. (M8485LL/A) Mac Notebook
First a little background on who I am. I've personally used windows from version 3.1 to windows 2000. I have also used different versions of Mac OS. While I use windows 2000 at work I prefer Mac OS X. My first computer was an Apple ][. When Apple started with the original Mac I switched over to windows. When OS X came out I started playing with it as an alternative to windows xp. I now own a G4 tower.
I have recommended the iBook to a few people. Both my mother and sister have purchased iBooks, solely on my say so. So you know if anything goes wrong , they will call me. To date my mom (computer illiterate), and my sister (former windows user), have had no problems with the iBook. Being I set up an Airport® network for them and administer it. they have been happy. The iBook is a pretty solid computer, but I also suggest investing the extra in AppleCare®. Notebooks take more abuse than desktops, by nature. So AppleCare® is a small, price to pay for the security it offers.
First the Pros:
The iBook is a decent size and weight for a notebook. Not too big and heavy, yet big enough to work on. There aren't may notebook that draw the looks like a Mac notebook. Being these are consumer level computers they have enough punch to do what the majority of users want. 12.1" iBook 4.9 pounds, 14 " iBook 5.9 pounds. They average a 4 hour 45 minute to 5 hour battery life, depending on use. You can also plug in an Apple keyboard and optical mouse, or any other USB Keyboard and mouse.
The iBook has
2 USB ports, 1 Firewire® port, either a tray loading CD-ROM or Combo drive (DVD/CD-RW), Airport® ready (Airport® card $99 extra), 10/100 base T ethernet port, internal 56k (v.92) modem (modem cable included), power adaptor (wall plug) and an output for an external monitor (adapter included). You can pick up an iBook for as little as $999 these days (G3 700 MHz).
From The Apple store http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore/
700 MHz iBook $999.00
• 128 MB SDRAM built-in
• 20 GB Ultra ATA drive
• CD-ROM drive
• Keyboard/Mac OS - U.S. English
• ATI Mobility RADEON 7500 w/ 16 MB VRAM
• Mac OS X and Mac OS 9 included
• 12.1-inch TFT XGA display
With the following software included
Mac OS X, Mac OS 9, QuickTime, iCal, iChat, iMovie, iPhoto, iTunes, DVD Player (on Combo drive equipped iBooks), AppleWorks, Mac OS X Mail, Microsoft Internet Explorer, EarthLink (includes 30 days of free service), AOL, Quicken 2003 Deluxe, World Book 2003 Edition, Mac OS X Chess, Otto Matic, Deimos Rising, FAXstf, PixelNhance, and Acrobat Reader; Apple Hardware Test CD.
My mom has been using hers for over a year without any problems, my sister has been using her's since June, again without any problems.
The Cons:
There are a few minor problems with the iBook in my eyes. They are
1) 128 MB RAM Should be 256 MB (12.1" models)
2) Lack of user upgrades, beyond the RAM and Airport® card there are no user upgradeable options. I would like to be able to upgrade the hard drive, without voiding the warranty.
For anyone looking for a laptop to use in DVD editing, as a desktop replacement, or for a work machine I would suggest the TiBook (Titanium Powerbook). But as a consumer level computer, the iBook is a friendly dependable unit. OS X (Jaguar), makes the iBook a steal at the prices listed by Apple.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 1,299 Operating System: Macintosh Processor: PowerPC G3 Screen Size: 12 inches RAM: 256 Internal Storage: CD-RW and DVD Hard Drive (GB): 21-30
When Apple set out to create the iBook, one of key design goals was to create a lightweight notebook computer tough enough to stand up to the occasion...More at eBay
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