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The 'Book Review
Widescreen iBook Rumors Gain Weight, 12" iBook G4 Reviewed, Ultralight Laptops, Rugged Laptops, and More
Charles Moore
- 2005.06.24
This Week's PowerBook, iBook, and Notebook News
General Apple and Mac desktop news is covered in The Mac News Review. iPod news is
covered in iPod News
Review. News about Apple's transition to Intel CPUs and other
Intel developments is covered in The Macintel Report.
All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
News & Opinion
- From Mac Plus to 17" PowerBook G4
- Widescreen iBook Rumors Gain Weight
- Taiwan's Asustek Snatches iBook Order from
Quanta
Intel Transition
- Intel Integrates WiFi with
CPU (Macintel Report)
Reviews
Windows Watch
Bargain 'Books
News & Opinion
From Mac Plus to 17" PowerBook G4
hyku's Josh Hallett says:
"Unpacking my new PowerBook
17" got me thinking about my Macintosh history. It has spanned
18 years and seen 12 different machines starting with a Macintosh Plus in 1987 and
continuing today with a new G4 PowerBook 17".
"Let's take a look back, shall we."
Widescreen iBook Rumors Gain Weight
The Register's Tony Smith says:
"Asustek, not Quanta, will produce Apple's upcoming widescreen
iBook laptop Mac.
"So claims a report in Taiwan's Economic Daily News, which adds
weight to rumours published in April that the Mac maker is
preparing a consumer-oriented widescreen notebook."
Taiwan's Asustek Snatches iBook Order from
Quanta
AFX News Limited (via Forbes) reports:
"Asustek Computer Inc (2357.TW) has signed a contract with Apple
Computer Inc to make 14-inch 'iBooks' for the American computer
giant, the Economic Daily News reported, quoting unnamed market
sources."
DigiTimes.com's Jessie Shen reports:
"Asustek Computer recently beat out Quanta Computer to grab
orders from Apple Computer for a 14.1-inch widescreen iBook model,
with shipments to total about 500,000 notebooks, according to the
Economic Daily News.
"Last year, Asustek shipped more than one million notebooks to
Apple, the paper indicated. According to sources, the company
produced Apple's 12.1-inch iBook and 12.1-inch PowerBook. Asustek
also secured orders for the 15.4-inch iBook, which will be launched
in 2006, the sources added."
Reviews
12" iBook G4/1.2 GHz Reviewed
MacUser says:
"When the iBook range was launched, there was a wide performance
gap between this new consumer portable and the existing PowerBook
models. Now, though, it's a different story. Both portable lines
feature G4 processors and, despite the PowerBooks having more
megahertz, their performance is similar. And the iBooks are nipping
at the PowerBooks' heels in other respects, too."
- Link:
iBook G4 12in 1.2 GHz Combo Reviewed (subscription
required)
Windows Watch
Carbon Fibre Used in Ultralight Laptops
gizmag.com reports:
"The never-ending quest for lighter, more powerful notebooks
appears to have a new trend, at least if you can call two carbon
fibre notebooks a trend. A fortnight ago Acer showed its Ferrari
4000 Carbon Fiber notebook, now MPC has joined with its own
high-powered notebook with carbon fibre lid. The sad part is that
unlike the sleek and sexy Acer, which shows the carbon fibre weave,
MPC has elected to paint theirs. Designed to offer an ultra-sleek
notebook with exceptional performance in a lightweight form factor,
the TransPort U1000 ultra-portable notebook computer weighs less
than four pounds, an Intel Pentium M processor for high-performance
mobile computing, and 12.1" display integrated into a carbon-fiber
lid. At US$1,900, it's a lot of performance in an incredibly light
package, but someone should tell them about the attractiveness of
the carbon weave."
Laptops Built for Abuse
Forbes' Arik Hesseldahl says:
"Occasionally I have a nightmare about bad things happening to
my laptop. A drink gets spilled in the keyboard, or it goes
crashing to the ground. Either would be enough to give me a real
start in the real world and would be certainly enough to shatter an
otherwise peaceful night's sleep....
"With these fears in mind, I've always wanted to try out some of
the so-called 'ruggedized' notebooks I've heard so much about over
the years. The opportunity finally presented itself when I got
samples from two manufacturers of rugged notebooks: Panasonic, a
unit of Japan's Matsushita, and the privately held Itronix, based
in Spokane, Wash.
"These are the machines that utility companies buy for their
field service personnel, that police departments buy for cops and
that the military buys for soldiers in dangerous places around the
world.
- Link:
Laptops Built for Abuse
Bargain 'Books
Bargain 'Books are used unless otherwise indicated. New and
refurbished units have a one-year Apple warranty and are eligible
for AppleCare.
There are two different versions of WallStreet running at 233
MHz, the cacheless MainStreet
version and the later Series II
with a level 2 cache. It's not always possible to determine from
the vendor's listing which is being offered, so we've included
links within this paragraph to the two models. The same goes for
the PowerBook G4/667 (VGA) and
G4/667 (DVI), the titanium vs.
aluminum 15" PowerBook G4 at 1 GHz, and 1.25 GHz to 1.5 GHz
15" PowerBooks.
- 12" iBook G3/500,
192/10/CD-ROM, $399.99
- 12" iBook G3/600,
256/20/Combo, $529.99
- 12" iBook G3/800,
256/30/CD-ROM, $529.99
- 12" iBook G3/900,
256/40/Combo, $679.99
Special Deals: Apple
Certified
- refurb 12" iBook G4/1.2
GHz, 256/30/CD-ROM, $799
- refurb 12" iBook G4/1.2
GHz, 256/30/Combo, AirPort Extreme, $849
- refurb 14" iBook G4/1.33
GHz, 256/60/Combo, AirPort Extreme, $1,099
- refurb 14" iBook G4/1.33
GHz, 256/60/SuperDrive, AirPort Extreme, $1,299
- refurb 12" PowerBook G4/1.33
GHz, 256/60/SuperDrive, AirPort Extreme, $1,299
- refurb 12" PowerBook G4/1.5
GHz, 512/80/SuperDrive, AirPort Extreme, Bluetooth, $1,499
- Blueberry iBook G3/300,
96/6/CD-ROM, $279.99
- Tangerine iBook G3/300,
96/6/CD-ROM, $279.99
- PowerBook Pismo G3/400,
192/10/DVD, $415
- PowerBook Pismo G3/500,
256/12/DVD, $459
- 15" PowerBook G4/500,
256/20/DVD, $599
- new 12" iBook G4/1 GHz,
256/40/CD-ROM, AirPort Extreme, $849
For more deals on current or recently discontinued models, see
our Best PowerBook G4 Deals,
Best iBook G4 Deals, Best PowerBook G3 Deals, and Best iBook G3 Deals. 
Recent 'Book Reviews
- Apple #4 in Reliability, Apple Tablet a Gadget for All?, HP's i7 Notebook Outdoes Mac Rivals, and More, 11.20.
Also Flash 10.1 improves video on Hackintosh netbooks, thin-and-light notebooks impress, Windows XP finally on the way out, and more.
- OS X 10.6.2 Breaks Atom Netbooks, 320 GB MicroDrive, Adamo XPS World's Thinnest Laptop, and More, 11.13.
Also Mini DisplayPort now a VESA standard, Modbook price drop, Litl Webbook Internet appliance, 3G USB device from AT&T, and more.
- Quad-Core CPU Makes Sense in MacBook Pro, OS X 10.6 Causing Overheating, Overseas Power, and More, 11.06.
Also Late 2009 MacBook reviewed, how to add RAM to new MacBook, 18.4in Acer notebook used Intel i7, and SanDisk SSD chosen for Sony VAIO X.
- Upgrades for New MacBook, Quad-core MacBook Pro Expected, New MacBook Benchmarked, and More, 10.30.
Also equivalent PC laptops nearly the same price as Apple's MacBook, Late 2009 MacBook reviewed, 8 GB memory upgrade for new MacBook, and more.
- More in the .
Links for the Day
- Mac of the Day: 17" MacBook Pro Core Duo, Apr. 2006 - The top-end MacBook Pro includes a 1680 x 1050, 2.16 GHz Core Duo CPU, and supports Apple 30" Cinema Display.
- Group of the Day: G4 List is for those using Power Mac G4s or G4 upgrades.
- Support Low End Mac
Recent Content on Low End Mac
- Pismo WiFi Networking Issue Finally Solved?, Charles W. Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 11.24.
It turns out the problems wasn't the Pismo, the Buffalo WiFi card, or Mac OS X 10.4. It was the Wireless G router - Linksys to the rescue!
- Mini VGA to S-video Adapter a No Go for eMacs, Dan Bashur, Apple, Tech, and Gaming, 11.24.
You might think that Apple's Mini VGA S-video adapter is a cheap way to connect your eMac or G4 iMac to your TV. You would be wrong.
- Google Calendar with iPhone or iTouch Is Great for Scheduling, John Hatchett, Recycled Computing, 11.24.
Web-based Google Calendar allows access and updates from any computing platform, including Mac, Windows, Linux, and iPhone OS.
- Why Spaces is My Favorite Leopard (and Snow Leopard) Feature, Charles W. Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 11.23.
Spaces, a feature introduced with OS X 10.5, is like having several monitors on your Mac without the cost and space of using multiple displays.
- i5 iMac Benchmarked, Mac mini 'Shouldn't Be Overlooked', Twitter Client for Classic Mac OS, and More, Mac News Review, 11.20.
Also why Apple leaves the low end to others, 10.6.2 fixes video playback problem in 27" iMac, 3D Leopard and Snow Leopard performance, and more.
- Apple's Tablet an End Run Beyond Netbooks, Frank Fox, Stop the Noiz, 11.20.
Whatever Apple has planned will leverage existing technologies while going beyond what its competitors can offer.
- NASA Chemical Sensor for iPhone, Smartphone Death Match, iPhone Earrings, and More, Ian R Campbell, 11.20.
Also mobile phone dangers, new apps, GPS solution for iPod touch, new iPod and iPhone cases, and more.
- More links in our archive.
Recent Deals
- Best iPod nano Deals, 11.25.
Refurb 8 GB 4G nano, $99; new, $126; refurb 16 GB, $129; new, $150; new 5G/8 GB, $134.60; 16 GB, $161.12. Shipping included.
- Best Classic Mac OS Deals, 11.25.
System 6.0.8 floppies, $10; 7.1, $12; 7.5, $20; 7.6 $13; 8.1, $11; 8.5, $20; 8.6, $90; 9.0, $20; 9.2.2, $30.
- Best 15" PowerBook G4 Deals, 11.25.
Used 1 GHz Combo, $400; 1.5 GHz SuperDrive, $449; 1.67 GHz hi-res, $600.
- Best G4 iMac Deals, 11.24.
Used 15" 700 MHz CD-RW, $150; 800 MHz Combo, $229; 1 GHz, $289; 17" 1.25 GHz, $200; 20" 1.25 GHz, $509.
- Best MacBook Air Deals, 11.24.
Used from $899; refurb from $1,099; new 1.6 GHz/120 HD, $1,150 after rebate; 1.8/64 SSD, $1,150 a/r; 1.86/128 SSD, $1,350 a/r; 2.13/128 SSD, $1,694 a/r.
- Best PowerBook G3 Deals, 11.24.
Used 233 MHz WallStreet, $75; 266 MHz, $160; 400 MHz Lombard, $199; 400 MHz Pismo, $289; 500 MHz, $350.
- Best 12" PowerBook G4 Deals, 11.23.
Used 867 MHz SuperDrive, $348; 1 GHz Combo, $379; SD, $519; 1.33 GHz, $529; 1.5 GHz Combo, $549; SuperDrive, $609.
- Best Mac Pro Deals, 11.23.
Used 2.66 GHz 4-core, $1,300; 3.0 4-core. $1,919; refurb 2.66 4-core Nehalem, $2,149; 2.93, $2,549; 2.93 8-core, $4,999; new 2.26 8-core, $2,290.
- Best Time Capsule and AirPort Deals, 11.23.
Used 802.11g AirPort Extreme, $49; 500 GB Time Capsule, $150; new, $190; 1 TB dual-band, $280; 2 TB, $469; 802.11n AirPort Extreme, $170.
- More deals in our archive.
About LEM | Support | Usage | Privacy | Contacts
Charles Moore - 2005.06.24
This Week's PowerBook, iBook, and Notebook News
General Apple and Mac desktop news is covered in The Mac News Review. iPod news is covered in iPod News Review. News about Apple's transition to Intel CPUs and other Intel developments is covered in The Macintel Report.
All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
News & Opinion
- From Mac Plus to 17" PowerBook G4
- Widescreen iBook Rumors Gain Weight
- Taiwan's Asustek Snatches iBook Order from Quanta
Intel Transition
- Intel Integrates WiFi with CPU (Macintel Report)
Reviews
Windows Watch
Bargain 'Books
News & Opinion
From Mac Plus to 17" PowerBook G4
hyku's Josh Hallett says:
"Unpacking my new PowerBook 17" got me thinking about my Macintosh history. It has spanned 18 years and seen 12 different machines starting with a Macintosh Plus in 1987 and continuing today with a new G4 PowerBook 17".
"Let's take a look back, shall we."
Widescreen iBook Rumors Gain Weight
The Register's Tony Smith says:
"Asustek, not Quanta, will produce Apple's upcoming widescreen iBook laptop Mac.
"So claims a report in Taiwan's Economic Daily News, which adds weight to rumours published in April that the Mac maker is preparing a consumer-oriented widescreen notebook."
Taiwan's Asustek Snatches iBook Order from Quanta
AFX News Limited (via Forbes) reports:
"Asustek Computer Inc (2357.TW) has signed a contract with Apple Computer Inc to make 14-inch 'iBooks' for the American computer giant, the Economic Daily News reported, quoting unnamed market sources."
DigiTimes.com's Jessie Shen reports:
"Asustek Computer recently beat out Quanta Computer to grab orders from Apple Computer for a 14.1-inch widescreen iBook model, with shipments to total about 500,000 notebooks, according to the Economic Daily News.
"Last year, Asustek shipped more than one million notebooks to Apple, the paper indicated. According to sources, the company produced Apple's 12.1-inch iBook and 12.1-inch PowerBook. Asustek also secured orders for the 15.4-inch iBook, which will be launched in 2006, the sources added."
Reviews
12" iBook G4/1.2 GHz Reviewed
MacUser says:
"When the iBook range was launched, there was a wide performance gap between this new consumer portable and the existing PowerBook models. Now, though, it's a different story. Both portable lines feature G4 processors and, despite the PowerBooks having more megahertz, their performance is similar. And the iBooks are nipping at the PowerBooks' heels in other respects, too."
- Link: iBook G4 12in 1.2 GHz Combo Reviewed (subscription required)
Windows Watch
Carbon Fibre Used in Ultralight Laptops
gizmag.com reports:
"The never-ending quest for lighter, more powerful notebooks appears to have a new trend, at least if you can call two carbon fibre notebooks a trend. A fortnight ago Acer showed its Ferrari 4000 Carbon Fiber notebook, now MPC has joined with its own high-powered notebook with carbon fibre lid. The sad part is that unlike the sleek and sexy Acer, which shows the carbon fibre weave, MPC has elected to paint theirs. Designed to offer an ultra-sleek notebook with exceptional performance in a lightweight form factor, the TransPort U1000 ultra-portable notebook computer weighs less than four pounds, an Intel Pentium M processor for high-performance mobile computing, and 12.1" display integrated into a carbon-fiber lid. At US$1,900, it's a lot of performance in an incredibly light package, but someone should tell them about the attractiveness of the carbon weave."
Laptops Built for Abuse
Forbes' Arik Hesseldahl says:
"Occasionally I have a nightmare about bad things happening to my laptop. A drink gets spilled in the keyboard, or it goes crashing to the ground. Either would be enough to give me a real start in the real world and would be certainly enough to shatter an otherwise peaceful night's sleep....
"With these fears in mind, I've always wanted to try out some of the so-called 'ruggedized' notebooks I've heard so much about over the years. The opportunity finally presented itself when I got samples from two manufacturers of rugged notebooks: Panasonic, a unit of Japan's Matsushita, and the privately held Itronix, based in Spokane, Wash.
"These are the machines that utility companies buy for their field service personnel, that police departments buy for cops and that the military buys for soldiers in dangerous places around the world.
- Link: Laptops Built for Abuse
Bargain 'Books
Bargain 'Books are used unless otherwise indicated. New and refurbished units have a one-year Apple warranty and are eligible for AppleCare.
There are two different versions of WallStreet running at 233 MHz, the cacheless MainStreet version and the later Series II with a level 2 cache. It's not always possible to determine from the vendor's listing which is being offered, so we've included links within this paragraph to the two models. The same goes for the PowerBook G4/667 (VGA) and G4/667 (DVI), the titanium vs. aluminum 15" PowerBook G4 at 1 GHz, and 1.25 GHz to 1.5 GHz 15" PowerBooks.
- 12" iBook G3/500, 192/10/CD-ROM, $399.99
- 12" iBook G3/600, 256/20/Combo, $529.99
- 12" iBook G3/800, 256/30/CD-ROM, $529.99
- 12" iBook G3/900, 256/40/Combo, $679.99
Special Deals: Apple
Certified
- refurb 12" iBook G4/1.2 GHz, 256/30/CD-ROM, $799
- refurb 12" iBook G4/1.2 GHz, 256/30/Combo, AirPort Extreme, $849
- refurb 14" iBook G4/1.33 GHz, 256/60/Combo, AirPort Extreme, $1,099
- refurb 14" iBook G4/1.33 GHz, 256/60/SuperDrive, AirPort Extreme, $1,299
- refurb 12" PowerBook G4/1.33 GHz, 256/60/SuperDrive, AirPort Extreme, $1,299
- refurb 12" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 512/80/SuperDrive, AirPort Extreme, Bluetooth, $1,499
- Blueberry iBook G3/300, 96/6/CD-ROM, $279.99
- Tangerine iBook G3/300, 96/6/CD-ROM, $279.99
- PowerBook Pismo G3/400, 192/10/DVD, $415
- PowerBook Pismo G3/500, 256/12/DVD, $459
- 15" PowerBook G4/500, 256/20/DVD, $599
- new 12" iBook G4/1 GHz, 256/40/CD-ROM, AirPort Extreme, $849
For more deals on current or recently discontinued models, see
our Best PowerBook G4 Deals,
Best iBook G4 Deals, Best PowerBook G3 Deals, and Best iBook G3 Deals.
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