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Apple iBook G4: a first look

Tom Dunlap CNET

Published: 23 Oct 2003

After a long wait, Apple has finally beefed up its aging but venerable iBook notebooks. The company revved the mainstream iBooks by adding the PowerPC G4 processor, its OS X 10.3 operating system (better known as Panther), faster memory, and faster graphics from ATI Technologies. In addition, the new models now include a minimum of 256MB of RAM and a CD burner.

Apple iBook: now beefed up by the G4 processor and Panther OS.

Improving on a well-respected mainstream notebook, the new entry-level iBook features an 800MHz G4 processor, 256MB of RAM, a 30GB hard drive, a 12.1in. display and a DVD/CD-RW combo drive. All three new models have ATI's Radeon 9200 graphics chip and come with 32MB of video memory. You can add Apple's AirPort wireless networking for a reasonable £79 (inc. VAT).

As a result of the updates, Apple's entry-level iBook now goes for £849 (inc. VAT), with the mid-range 933MHz, 40GB HD model costing £999 and the top-end 1GHz, 60GB HD model priced at £1,199 (inc. VAT).

Apple has created a lot of buzz lately with its (US-based) iTunes online music service and the continuing strong sales of its iPod digital music player. Can the new iBook keep the buzz going? Check back soon for a full review.

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Featured Talkback

Put simply, what is the compelling reason to pay ~$200 extra for an Eee with Windows XP? A Windows Eee won't come with any useful applications and you'll have to buy anti-virus software to boot. The truth about low cost computing is that nobody really cares whether the machine is running Windows or Linux as long as its cheap, its easy to use and it works.