Editorial Review

Those who’ve considered Apple’s amazing new PowerBook G4 series of portable computers but can’t quite justify the expense would do well to explore its less expensive, slightly less capable sibling, the iBook G4. Available in three flavors, the iBook G4 doesn’t sport PowerBook amenities such as DVD burning and massive widescreen displays, yet all three models feature superb connectivity, subcompact dimensions, and impressive battery life. This particular unit, the entry-level iBook G4 12-inch M9164LL/A, is the most affordable mobile computer in the entire Apple roster. Read more

Reviews (28)

Gosh Darnit
It is a millon times better than a Dell or any other windows computer. I should know i have a powerhouse windows xp pro machine. I use it for internet with the airport card awesome and easy to install. It was worth the 80 buckaroos. I also love the simplicity with my beloved 15 gb g3 iPod. The next computer may as well be a Mac it runs smoother faster and It is alot simpler. And 30 gb is plenty space also even with how much i use it 256 ram is beutiful on the macs. I gave it a 5 because about 2 weeks it changed my view on what a good computer should be.

Old and slow
Look I love Macs but an 800MHz G4?It's just too slow to run modern software.The basic design of this CPU is almost 10 years old!!Most upper-end new software isn't rated to run on it. Mac OSX is nice, but the hardware is years out of date
I had this notebook for a few months, having switched from the PC to the Mac platform.OSX is a contender... it has grown quite a bit over the past few years to be a true alternative to Windows.If you are the type who only needs a few core applications (as 90% of computer users are), you might seriously consider the Mac platform.Read more

Reviews (15)

Wireless multimedia tool
Let's be clear up front: You need to add memory, an air port card and some cables to make this computer work to its best. We added Jaguar and the latest version of Office. Given that, we love this machine. It is an integral part of our wireless home network; it was easy to set up and to add to the network. The extra memory was easy to install and goosed the performance. The DVD player works fine and drives a large screen projector with the right cable; it is a good tool for the classroom. Great Laptop For Portable Work
Having been a Macintosh user for 12 years, I found it difficult to abandon Apple as I was purchasing a computer for college.This gem was by far a good buy.For its price, the iBook is powerful enough to do all standard work on the go - wordprocessing, e-mailing, browsing the internet, listening to music, and really any non-gaming task. The built-in 128 megs of RAM was not enough memory, so I upgraded the RAM to 384 Megs (OS X is RAM-hungry). Meet Max!
Not long after Max (my iBook) arrived Ruin13's fianc�e walked up to me and said "I hear you got a new iBook." Read more

Editorial Review

This model of Apple's new iBook line offers multimedia mavens something of a conundrum. On the one hand it offers a combo drive that handles both DVD-ROMs and rewritable CD-RWs, so you can watch DVD movies and burn your own custom CDs. On the other hand it forces you to live with a cramped 12.1-inch screen. So if you're serious about multimedia, our suggestion is that you look at the PowerBooks; consider the iBook if a compact Mac notebook is more what you're looking for. This model includes a PowerPC G3/500 MHz processor, 128 MB of memory (expandable to 640 MB), 10 GB hard disk drive, 56K modem, and 10/100 Mbps Ethernet NIC. It comes with both the classic Mac OS 9 and the slick new Mac OS X installed. ... Read more

Reviews (42)

Too slow
If you want to buy an iBook, buy a faster one.This one just can't run any modern software.Heck, it isn't much good for old software.Go for the 700MHZ G3 or don't bother! If you need to run any graphics software then buy a G4.My G3 can't hack Adobe anything!If I could go back I would buy a G4 based Powerbook (I use one at work).

Don't buy an iBook this slow
If you want to buy an iBook, buy a faster one.This one just can't run any modern software.Heck, it isn't much good for old software.Go for the 700MHZ G3 or don't bother! If you need to run any graphics software then buy a G4.My G3 can't hack Adobe anything!If I could go back I would buy a G4 based Powerbook (I use one at work).

Stellar !!
I am one of those switchers (apple.com/switch). I worked on mac 5 years ago, loved it but couldn't afford one. So I have spent the last 5 years in the PC family. Just bought the iBook. It's absolute perfection. No problem to switch files, so easy to use. I now have an ipod, a digital camera. I completely (re)adopted Mac's digital life. Read more

Subjects:  1. (Mac)    2. (Macintosh)    3. Apple   

Editorial Review

Weighing in at a respectable 5.9 pounds and featuring a 900 MHz PowerPC G3 processor, a 40 GB hard drive, and 256 MB of RAM (expandable to 640 MB)--plus AirPort wireless networking and FireWire, USB, and Ethernet ports--the iBook connects to hundreds of peripherals designed to fit your life.Read more

Reviews (11)

Sure it isn't cutting edge but who cares
I have now had my 14" ibook for going on two years and it is still a treasure. This was my primary Mac for about a year and i have since purchased a G5 iMac but the ibook is still my favourite.Although based on specs and tech yammer it is not up to scratch I can think of few things that I can't do with this smart looking machine.
The Perfect Notebook
For the past two years, I have been in the market for a notebook to use for digital music, word processing, WWW and email access, the works. Over that period, I looked at models from different companies. In October last year, I decided to get the iBook Early 2003 14 inch 900 MHZ G3 model. I decided on Apple for two reasons. One is Mac OS X (10.2 Jaguar). In my opinion, Mac OS X is the best OS I have used. I decided on Apple because I was fed up with lousy security on PC's. Perfect Laptop
I remember when the 14" iBook first came out, many in the Mac universe spoke poorly of it. Obviously, it cost more, and while the usual core features had more juice (Hard drive, processor, RAM,) the difference was not overwhelming. The main beef, though, was that the resolution on the 14" iBook is the same as the resolution on the 12" iBook (1024 X 768). The only difference is that, on the 12 incher, those dots are really scrunched in. I've used many of the 12" iBookse I work in IT, especially with Macs, so I've seen it all, and so feel qualified to take a side on this one. The verdict:Read more

Reviews (21)

switched
I'm one of those who switched from a PC to a Mac about six months ago. I took some heat from people at work, and yet they were impressed with the iPod, and when they found that OS X uses Unix. I love it!!!!
I have always been a Windows user, but I have used Macs off and on, and liked them everytime I used one.Being an author, I decided to purchase a laptop to write on instead of using my desktop.I am very glad I decided on the Apple iBook.It is a very smooth running and beautiful machine.I especially like all the software it comes equipped with.A few weeks after buying the iBook, I purchased an iMac to replace my desktop PC, and it is just as wonderful and fun to use as the iBook.Take my advice and the advice of all the other reviewers on here who say that they love this machine.It is GREAT, and you will not regret it.

Worthless Product, Worthless Customer Service
I purchased an Apple iBook direct from Apple about a month and a half ago.About a week after I recieved it, it quit working without any notice what so ever.It would not turn on.After countless hours of talking to Apple on the phone trying to get an exchange or a refund, all I could get them to do was to repair it.I sent it in for repair and got it back about two weeks ago.Yesterday, while typing, a key fell off the keyboard, and it also decided to shut itself off and not come back on again.I spent 4-5 hours on the phone with apple again, and they just try to make everything sound okay on how much money I dished out for it and tell me all they can do is repair it again. Meanwhile, I am still paying for it.So, after owning it a whopping month and a half, it's going in for its second repair.Try and stay away from Apple.There are more duds than you think, I work with them all day.If you are one of the lucky ones to get a dud, Apple makes it your problem instead of theirs.BEWARE! ... Read more

Features

• 1.33 GHz PowerPC G4 processor with 133 MHz Frontside Bus
• 256 MB DDR SDRAM expandable to 1.25 GB
• 60 GB ATA/100 hard drive; 8x DVD Read / 24x CD-R / 16x CD-RW / 24x CD Read
• 14.1 inch TFT XGA display; AirPort Extreme built-in
• Mac OS X version 10.4 Tiger, Classic environment, Mail, iChat AV, Safari, Sherlock, Address Book, QuickTime, iLife (includes iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD (5), GarageBand), iSync, iCal, DVD Player, AppleWorks, Mac OS X Chess and more

Reviews (13)

Apple screws me for first and last time
Well, I got the laptop on time from Amazon.Good job by them.
This is cool get it!!
This iBook is the best computer i have ever used. The os is great Much beter than xp. My dad gave me two getting an c- on the ITBS. Apple's great macintel !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Shiny Apple
Elegant.That's the word I've used to describe this laptop since buying it.You can put Jane Hathaway in a ball gown, but she's still homely.This thing is more like Jackie Kennedy.It's got the ball gown, but it also speaks French and doesn't snort at dinner parties.
Read more

Reviews (5)

The CD R/W is too slow
The 4x write on the CDR means it takes over 20 minute to create a CD!The standard these days on a entry level product like this is 16x.And because the CPU is so slow you can't do anything while it is creating the CD.I was not impressed.

Fast, Faster, Fastest!!
I added 256 Mb RAM to the basic rig (128 Mb), and it's by far the fastest computer that I've ever owned! Can't wait to get it up to 630 when I get some more 'ducats'. And because I travel so much (twice weekly), the portability and, better yet, the DVD-ability are '...The [best]!'I'm stoked...can't recommend it highly enough! If you can spring for an extra battery ..., you've got it made on longer flights.

Best computer I've ever owned
This is my 11th computer and the best one I've ever owned. It's also the first one I've been excited to use in years. I can't recommend it highly enough. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Good buy
I am a regular Linux user and my requirements in having a laptop were (a) it have nothing to do with Microsoft and (b) It's not a flashlight----L@@K it's an iBook!
I was out of town on business a few weeks ago when a lightning My first Apple product...
Boy!this is very beautiful, and good capabilities. my iBook is the 14" with 256 MB, and it runs quite ok. although there is slight down side with its speed while opening an app. or running a video. but rest its gorgoeus, and runs quite good, if you are in to looks and style this is perfect. its software integration is greate. and i absolutely love it. if its for personal use at home or studies this is perfect i gues. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

My favorite Mac
This is a great computer. I have owned seven Macs over the last 14 years, and this is my favorite. It is easy to use, beautiful, and fast enough (once more memory is added) to meet most business tasks. OS X is wonderful - it never crashes.

Don't buy this computer
If you have lived your whole life in the shadow of Microsoft then you will truly understand how foolish you were to wait this long to buy the i book.I have a PC, laptop, and now an i book, and recently set up a wireless network.Using an SMC7004AWBR router to work off of my PC, it took me about 2 hours to configure both my PC and laptop to work correctly.On the ibook, it took me all of 2 minutes to install the air port card, 5 minutes to install the software, and another minute to restart the machine and have it autoconfigure to the wireless network.This has been the same story on every application or change with using this i book so far.Without a doubt I am a closet mac fan now.

A truly impressive lap top
This is an incredible lap top for the price. I have this iBook and a Dell Inspiron. Both do the same stuff, but the iBook is lighter, more portable, the battery lasts for 4 hours. All for half the price of the Dell. Read more

Editorial Review

Read more

Reviews (26)

Nice laptop but be prepared for some problems
I really enjoy my iBook when it works.I not very computer savy and it is perfect for a novice like me.My main complaint is that I have had to send it back twice for repairs.The first time the screen died.I mean just died.I turned it on, heard a pop, and that was it.Sending it back wasn't much trouble, but by the time I got it back about three weeks had passed.Then it stop booting and made a funny grinding noise.They sent me a new hard drive (quickly this time) but that didn't do the trick.I just sent the whole thing back and I haven't got it back yet.So I love it, but I really wish it was more reliable.

A few flaws, but a good buy, overall.
Being a long-time user of Powerbooks and Apple laptops in general, this iBook was quite an improvement from its predecessors. The G4 Powerbook is far too expensive to interest a buyer like myself, however price and features combine to make this iBook a very solidly good computer. It does run CAD
I bought the 800 MHz version with the 12"screen and have added 512MB of RAM and an Airport card.I love the portability, the screensize is adequate, but I have never gotten used to not having a mouse (so I am buying one). I run the normal Adobe graphics and office stuff, but decided to load up Virtual PC, Win 98, and the CAD standard used by most engineers.It isn't fast, but it is definitely functional.Also, I can design when I am sitting out in the daughter's play yard (nice mid November day in the 70's).I have a wired/wireless LAN in the house, so I can just share my drawings with the wife's PC where my homework was usually performed.It's mighty convenient and the weather outside is better for my creativity (actually, I haven't started the PC in days).Although I usually run the Apple's Jaguar OS for my other stuff, the CAD seems to like OS 9.2 better with the emulator...I have no idea why. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Super-portable and reasonably priced, the Apple iBook might be just the ticket for those seeking a versatile Mac system for both travel and home use.Weighing in at a mere 4.9 poundsand standing 1.35 inches high, it is easily one of the most compact units on themarket. This notebook comes with a 500 MHz PowerPC G3 processor, 128 MB of RAM(expandable to 640 MB), and a 15 GB hard disk. Additional features include a 24xCD-ROM drive, a 56K modem, a 10/100 Mbps Ethernet NIC, and a 12.1-inch, active-matrix display. The system comes with both the classic Mac OS 9 and the slicknew Mac OS X operating systems installed.Read more

Reviews (42)

Too slow
If you want to buy an iBook, buy a faster one.This one just can't run any modern software.Heck, it isn't much good for old software.Go for the 700MHZ G3 or don't bother! If you need to run any graphics software then buy a G4.My G3 can't hack Adobe anything!If I could go back I would buy a G4 based Powerbook (I use one at work).

Don't buy an iBook this slow
If you want to buy an iBook, buy a faster one.This one just can't run any modern software.Heck, it isn't much good for old software.Go for the 700MHZ G3 or don't bother! If you need to run any graphics software then buy a G4.My G3 can't hack Adobe anything!If I could go back I would buy a G4 based Powerbook (I use one at work).

Stellar !!
I am one of those switchers (apple.com/switch). I worked on mac 5 years ago, loved it but couldn't afford one. So I have spent the last 5 years in the PC family. Just bought the iBook. It's absolute perfection. No problem to switch files, so easy to use. I now have an ipod, a digital camera. I completely (re)adopted Mac's digital life. Read more

Editorial Review

Portable enough to take anywhere, the Apple iBook boasts a solid set of features and a design that will appeal to Mac and PC devotees alike. Weighing in at a mere 4.9pounds and standing 1.35 inches high, it is easily one of the most compact unitson the market. It comes with a 600 MHz PowerPC G3 processor, 128 MB of RAM(expandable to 640 MB), and a 20 GB hard disk. Additional features include acombination CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive, a 56K modem, a 10/100 Mbps Ethernet NIC, and a12.1-inch, active-matrix display. The system comes with both the classic Mac OS9 and the slick new Mac OS X operating systems installed.Read more

Reviews (42)

Too slow
If you want to buy an iBook, buy a faster one.This one just can't run any modern software.Heck, it isn't much good for old software.Go for the 700MHZ G3 or don't bother! If you need to run any graphics software then buy a G4.My G3 can't hack Adobe anything!If I could go back I would buy a G4 based Powerbook (I use one at work).

Don't buy an iBook this slow
If you want to buy an iBook, buy a faster one.This one just can't run any modern software.Heck, it isn't much good for old software.Go for the 700MHZ G3 or don't bother! If you need to run any graphics software then buy a G4.My G3 can't hack Adobe anything!If I could go back I would buy a G4 based Powerbook (I use one at work).

Stellar !!
I am one of those switchers (apple.com/switch). I worked on mac 5 years ago, loved it but couldn't afford one. So I have spent the last 5 years in the PC family. Just bought the iBook. It's absolute perfection. No problem to switch files, so easy to use. I now have an ipod, a digital camera. I completely (re)adopted Mac's digital life. Read more

Editorial Review

One of the most compact sytems on the market, the Apple iBook delivers a comprehensive feature set and a slick design at a price that budget-minded consumers will love. Weighing in at a mere 4.9 pounds and standing 1.35 inches high, it is easily one of the most compact unitson the market. It comes with a 600 MHz PowerPC G3 processor, 128 MB of RAM(expandable to 640 MB), and a 15 GB hard disk. Additional features include an 8xDVD-ROM drive, a 56K modem, a 10/100 Mbps Ethernet NIC, and a 12.1-inch, active- matrix display. The system comes with both the classic Mac OS 9 and the slicknew Mac OS X operating systems installed.Read more

Reviews (42)

Too slow
If you want to buy an iBook, buy a faster one.This one just can't run any modern software.Heck, it isn't much good for old software.Go for the 700MHZ G3 or don't bother! If you need to run any graphics software then buy a G4.My G3 can't hack Adobe anything!If I could go back I would buy a G4 based Powerbook (I use one at work).

Don't buy an iBook this slow
If you want to buy an iBook, buy a faster one.This one just can't run any modern software.Heck, it isn't much good for old software.Go for the 700MHZ G3 or don't bother! If you need to run any graphics software then buy a G4.My G3 can't hack Adobe anything!If I could go back I would buy a G4 based Powerbook (I use one at work).

Stellar !!
I am one of those switchers (apple.com/switch). I worked on mac 5 years ago, loved it but couldn't afford one. So I have spent the last 5 years in the PC family. Just bought the iBook. It's absolute perfection. No problem to switch files, so easy to use. I now have an ipod, a digital camera. I completely (re)adopted Mac's digital life. Read more

Editorial Review

The iBook from Apple is an extremely portable, solidly engineered notebook for those who want a Mac system but don't have the budget for the Apple PowerBook. Its standout feature, a combo CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive, gives you lots of options for multimedia use. At only 4.9 pounds and 1.35 inches thick, with a 5-hour rated maximum battery life, this is a trim, extremely lightweight unit that offers strong overall portability. The rest of the feature set is solid too: A PowerPC G3 CPU running at 500 MHz, 128 MB of memory (expandable to 640 MB), 10 GB hard disk drive, 56K modem, and 10/100 Mbps Ethernet networking. Our only quibble is the relatively small 12.1-inch screen, a design compromise in the interests of portability. The system comes with both the classic Mac OS 9 and the slick new Mac OS X installed. ... Read more

Reviews (42)

Too slow
If you want to buy an iBook, buy a faster one.This one just can't run any modern software.Heck, it isn't much good for old software.Go for the 700MHZ G3 or don't bother! If you need to run any graphics software then buy a G4.My G3 can't hack Adobe anything!If I could go back I would buy a G4 based Powerbook (I use one at work).

Don't buy an iBook this slow
If you want to buy an iBook, buy a faster one.This one just can't run any modern software.Heck, it isn't much good for old software.Go for the 700MHZ G3 or don't bother! If you need to run any graphics software then buy a G4.My G3 can't hack Adobe anything!If I could go back I would buy a G4 based Powerbook (I use one at work).

Stellar !!
I am one of those switchers (apple.com/switch). I worked on mac 5 years ago, loved it but couldn't afford one. So I have spent the last 5 years in the PC family. Just bought the iBook. It's absolute perfection. No problem to switch files, so easy to use. I now have an ipod, a digital camera. I completely (re)adopted Mac's digital life. Read more

Editorial Review

Apple's new iBook is a solid choice for anyone who wants an elegantly engineered notebook but does not have the budget for one of Apple's stunning PowerBooks. At only 4.9 pounds and 1.35 inches thick, with a 5-hour rated maximum battery life, this is a trim, extremely lightweight unit that offers strong overall portability. Inside the case, the feature set is solid too: a PowerPC G3 CPU running at 500 MHz, 128 MB of memory (expandable to 640 MB), 10 GB hard disk drive, 8x DVD-ROM drive, 56K modem, and 10/100 Mbps Ethernet NIC. Our only quibble is the relatively small 12.1-inch screen, a design compromise in the interests of portability. The system comes with both the classic Mac OS 9 and the slick new Mac OS X installed. ... Read more

Reviews (42)

Too slow
If you want to buy an iBook, buy a faster one.This one just can't run any modern software.Heck, it isn't much good for old software.Go for the 700MHZ G3 or don't bother! If you need to run any graphics software then buy a G4.My G3 can't hack Adobe anything!If I could go back I would buy a G4 based Powerbook (I use one at work).

Don't buy an iBook this slow
If you want to buy an iBook, buy a faster one.This one just can't run any modern software.Heck, it isn't much good for old software.Go for the 700MHZ G3 or don't bother! If you need to run any graphics software then buy a G4.My G3 can't hack Adobe anything!If I could go back I would buy a G4 based Powerbook (I use one at work).

Stellar !!
I am one of those switchers (apple.com/switch). I worked on mac 5 years ago, loved it but couldn't afford one. So I have spent the last 5 years in the PC family. Just bought the iBook. It's absolute perfection. No problem to switch files, so easy to use. I now have an ipod, a digital camera. I completely (re)adopted Mac's digital life. Read more

Subjects:  1. (Mac)    2. (Macintosh)    3. Apple