Apple on Tuesday updated its consumer-level iBook line of notebook computers adding a faster processor and more memory across the line. The iBooks also include a scrolling TrackPad and the Sudden Motion Sensor, two technologies first introduced in the PowerBook.
Every iBook now has built-in Bluetooth 2.0 (Enhanced Data Rate) and integrated AirPort Extreme 54 Mbps 802.11g WiFi wireless networking. For device connectivity the iBook includes two USB 2.0 ports and one FireWire 400 port.
The iBook comes in two configurations. The low-end, US$999, 1.33GHz G4 includes a 12.1-inch active-matrix TFT display; 512MB DDR SDRAM expandable to up to 1.5GB maximum memory; a 40GB Ultra ATA hard drive; VGA video out, S-video and composite video out support; 56K v.92 modem, Ethernet (10/100 BASE-T); and a slot-load Combo (DVD-ROM/CD-RW) drive.
The higher-end 1.4GHz G4 model includes a 14.1-inch active-matrix TFT display; 512MB DDR SDRAM expandable to up to 1.5GB maximum memory; a 60GB Ultra ATA hard drive; VGA video out, S-video and composite video out support; 56K v.92 modem, Ethernet (10/100 BASE-T); and a slot-load SuperDrive (DVD+/-R/CD-RW) drive.
Additional build-to-order options for the new iBook include up to 1.5GB of DDR SDRAM and a 60GB, 80GB or 100GB Ultra ATA/100 hard drive. The new iBooks are available immediately.
Compared to previous models
The previous iBook models came in three configurations that ranged in price from $999 to $1499 at the high-end.
The low-end $999 iBook came with a 1.2GHz PowerPC G4; 512K L2 cache @1.2GHz; 12-inch TFT Displays; 1024×768 resolution; 256MB DDR266 SDRAM; 30GB Ultra ATA drive; Combo Drive; ATI Mobility Radeon 9200; 32MB DDR video memory; and AirPort Extreme built-in.
The $1299 mid-range model had the same specs as the low-end with the exception of a larger 60GB hard drive, a 1.33GHz G4 processor and a 14-inch display. The only difference between the high-end 14-inch model and the mid-range model was the addition of a SuperDrive instead of the Combo Drive.