[1:15 PM CDT] G4 iBooks Are Here, Starting At US$1,099
by Bryan Chaffin
The wait is over; Apple has dropped the G3 from its product line; the G4 iBook is here. Apple announced three new models of iBook, 800 MHz, 933 MHz, and 1 GHz, all based on Motorola’s G4 processor. Called the iBooks G4, the new unit keeps the iBook form factor, the white casing, the light weight (4.9 lbs.), but sheds the more-than-seven year old G3 processor. The new models also offer DDR RAM, and Apple is shipping all three models with a minimum of 256 MB of that RAM. Other new features include an 32 MB ATI Radeon Mobility 9200 in an AGP 4X slot. From Apple:
Apple today unveiled its new iBooks featuring PowerPC G4 processors, with the 12-inch display model starting at just $1,099 (US) and the 14-inch display model starting at just $1,299 (US). The new iBook line offers advanced connectivity with AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth, and all models include 256MB of Double Data Rate (DDR) memory and slot-load Combo drives for burning CDs and watching DVDs. The new iBooks also include Apple’s latest operating system, Mac OS X version 10.3 "Panther," pre-installed with over 150 breakthrough new features, including FileVault to secure data for iBook users on the go.
The new 12- and 14-inch iBooks have been completely re-engineered based on the high performance PowerPC G4 processor and DDR memory architecture providing improved speed, efficiency and overall system performance. Each iBook provides incredible graphics performance with ATI Mobility Radeon 9200 graphics with 32MB of dedicated DDR memory and AGP 4X for gaming and watching DVD movies at the highest quality. Outfitted with its hallmark durable, sleek polycarbonate plastic enclosure and weighing as little as 4.9 pounds, iBook notebooks are the ideal mixture of form and function designed with consumers and education customers in mind. The new iBook G4 provides up to six hours of battery life for all-day mobile use in the classroom or on the road.
Each iBook now features the latest in wireless connectivity with support for AirPort Extreme that is Wi-Fi Certified and based on the ultra-fast 802.11g standard, offering data rates five times faster than 802.11b while maintaining compatibility with millions of 802.11b products.* Options include an internal Bluetooth module for wirelessly connecting peripherals such as Apple’s new Wireless Keyboard and Wireless Mouse, as well as a full complement of I/O ports, including FireWire 400, USB 2.0 and a built-in 56K v.92 modem and Ethernet (10/100BASE-T) that enable connectivity to all of today’s popular peripherals.
Perfect for today’s digital lifestyle, every new iBook also includes iLife, Apple’s integrated suite of award-winning digital lifestyle applications that features the latest versions of iPhoto, iMovie and iDVD and iTunes. iLife is the only integrated suite to include all of the four applications required for today’s "digital lifestyle" — digital music, photography, moviemaking and DVD creation — and is the first product to offer the benefits of seamlessly integrating them.
Pricing & Availability
The new iBook with a 12-inch display is available immediately, and the new iBook models with a 14-inch display are expected to be available next week through the Apple Store, Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers in three standard configurations.
The 800 MHz PowerPC G4 iBook, weighing just 4.9 pounds, has a suggested retail price of $1,099 (US) and includes:
a crisp 12.1-inch (diagonal) active-matrix TFT display;
256MB DDR SDRAM;
a 30GB Ultra ATA hard drive;
two USB 2.0 ports, FireWire 400, VGA video out, S-video and composite video out support;
up to 6 hours of battery life; and
a slot-load Combo (DVD-ROM/CD-RW) drive.
The 933 MHz PowerPC G4 iBook, weighing just 5.9 pounds, has a suggested retail price of $1,299 (US) and includes:
a crisp 14.1-inch (diagonal) active-matrix TFT display;
256MB DDR SDRAM;
a 40GB Ultra ATA hard drive;
two USB 2.0 ports, FireWire 400, VGA video out, S-video and composite video out support;
up to 6 hours of battery life; and
a slot-load Combo (DVD-ROM/CD-RW) drive.
The 1.0 GHz PowerPC G4 iBook, weighing just 5.9 pounds, has a suggested retail price of $1,499 (US) and includes:
a brilliant 14.1-inch (diagonal) active-matrix TFT display;
256MB DDR SDRAM;
a 60GB Ultra ATA hard drive;
two USB 2.0 ports, FireWire 400, VGA video out, S-video and composite video out support;
up to 6 hours of battery life; and
a slot-load Combo (DVD-ROM/CD-RW) drive.
Additional build-to-order options for the new iBook line include the ability to upgrade to up to 640MB of DDR SDRAM, a 40GB or 60GB Ultra ATA/100 hard drive 4200-rpm performance, internal Bluetooth module, AirPort Extreme Base Station, AirPort Extreme Card and the AppleCare Protection Plan.
*Actual speed will vary based on range from the base station, environmental conditions and other factors.
You can buy the 12" iBook G4 immediately, and Apple says that the 14" models will be available starting next week. You can find more information at the Apple Store, or at Apple’s iBook page.
The Mac Observer Spin:The G4 iBook. How many people have clamored for that over the last couple of years? There will no doubt be some cannibalization of PowerBook sales, but that should more than be made up for by what could be a disproportional increase in iBook sales.
We are also delighted to see Apple ship these units with a minimum of 256 MB of RAM. 128 MB just isn’t enough for Jaguar or Panther. While we recommend 512 MB at a minimum for most users, 256 is a good starting point for Apple to sell.
Lastly, these units should be very popular this holiday buying season. Apple CFO Fred Anderson offered guidance of US$1.9 billion in sales for Apple this quarter, and the G4 iBook were no doubt a big part of that projection.
