Writing for PC Advisor , Robert Armstrong calls Apple’s iBook “one of the most desirable and affordable notebooks on the market.” His comments appear in a recently published review on their Web site’s Product of the Day feature (it also appears in the August 2001 issue of the printed magazine).
Armstrong noted that the iBook has undergone a major design change since its last update, commenting that the sleek, angular new look “won’t embarrass you when you’re seen with it in public.”
Its size is like a subnotebook, but its features and power are that of a full-blown laptop, according to Armstrong. The unit’s 500MHz G3 processor is described as “more than a match” for any other laptop in the iBook’s price range.
Armstrong knocks the 66MHz system bus, noting that desktop Macs and the PowerBook are faster. Regardless, Armstrong said that the iBook is fast enough for most tasks you’ll do. 64MB of RAM on the basic model is too skimpy, Armstrong complains, especially considering that Mac OS X itself requires 128MB to run (with Classic on). Armstrong said that the iBook models with CD-RW and DVD-ROM capability offer consumers the best value.
Armstrong calls “impressive” the iBook’s selection of interface ports — two USB jacks, a FireWire port, 10/100baseT Ethernet, 56K modem, RG port and AV port — along with its support of wireless networking via an optional AirPort internal expansion card.
“The iBook is neither the smallest nor the most powerful notebook around, but it combines power, features and form factor to make it the ideal all-round portable. Add to that its good looks and wireless networking ability, and we’d go so far as to say it’s one of the most desirable and affordable notebooks on the market,” said Armstrong.
For more details, visit PC Advisor.