Apple’s recently redesigned iBook has traded its original cuteness for simplicity and a reduced size, according to USA Today’s Bruce Schwartz. His review is called Updated iBook is bound to impress.
Noting that the original iBook had the same effect on laptop computers that the original iMac had on desktop machines, Schwartz called the original “colorful and inventive.” The new iBook, said Schwartz, doesn’t draw a crowd or inspire affection like its predecessor did.
Schwartz called the new iBook “natural” for business travelers and students who might accidentally bang their laptop around, since it has a high-impact plastic case, magnesium frame and internal shock mounts.
Schwartz noted the absence of a pop-out handle, a feature on the original iBook, and also noted the lack of a floppy drive — a potentially important issue for some PC users, but of negligible import for most Mac users, who have seen Macs ship without such accouterments since 1998.
Schwartz also noted the inclusion of two USB ports, FireWire connectivity, built-in Ethernet, optional AirPort wireless access connectivity, and the iBook’s video output capability as well.
Calling his DVD-ROM/CD-RW equipped unit an “all around fun machine,” Schwartz indicated that DVDs look great and batteries are thrifty as long as you’re not playing DVDs. He also lauds Apple’s iTunes software as greatly simplifying what can be a complicated, error-prone process. He also complimented Apple’s iMovie video editing software.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the new iBook,” concluded Schwartz. “It’s versatile, reliable and obedient — it did just about everything I asked it to do, without complaint or conflict.”