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#1 2003-10-22 2:42 pm
- JT
- Member
- Registered: 2003-10-19
- Posts: 1028
iBook G4
Baring in mind i'm new to macs, is it just me or is the iBook G4 12" too similar to the powerbook 12". The only differences I can see between the technical specs is a slower processor, less level 2 cache, no DVD-rw option, slightly different software, a different graphics processor, and the size, ok, so quite a few things are different, but is there any point in spending an extra
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#2 2003-10-22 4:12 pm
- dv
- Negusa Negest
- Moderator
- From: Minneapolis, MN
- Registered: 1999-08-30
- Posts: 18103
Re: iBook G4
I was about to make fun of you for saying that the iBook was a G4, but then, just to make sure, I double-checked Apple's web site.
Holy smurf! They introduced an iBook G4? When?
So, jaw-dropping aside, the main differences between the 12" AlBook and the 12" iBook are as follows:
CPU - 800 MHz iBook, 1 GHz AlBook.
Cache - 256kb iBook, 512kb AlBook
RAM - 640 MB max iBook, 1.25 GB mac AlBook.
GPU - Radeon 9200 iBook, GeForceFX 5200 AlBook.
HDD - 30 GB iBook, 40 GB AlBook
External Monitors - VGA Out iBook, Mini-DVI AlBook
So, for $500 extra, you get 25% more speed (at least, probably a bit more with the larger cache) possibly better graphics performance (it's probably a wash, but I think the GeForceFX supports some things in hardware that the Radeon 9200 doesn't.) A higher memory ceiling, more HD space, and better compatibility with external flat-panel displays.
So, if you need all of the above things (keeping in mind that a 40 GB HD is pretty cheap) you need an AlBook.
However, I would also point out that the 14" iBook G4/933 is a killer deal. Really killer, imo.
"Now commences the process of cutting off the head, which generally takes from an hour to an hour and a half by an expert workman with a sharp blade." -Reuben Delano, Wanderings and Adventures
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#3 2003-10-22 6:49 pm
- benwards
- Swordsman, Lover, Geek
- From: City of Roses
- Registered: 2003-02-12
- Posts: 2015
Re: iBook G4
Actually, as I was reading over in the Games section, sounds like the Radeon is a better mobile graphics card than the nVidia, but, hey, what else is new? 
All about the nipples.
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#4 2003-10-22 9:37 pm
- Blutronic
- Member
- From: Sydney,Australia
- Registered: 2003-05-18
- Posts: 327
Re: iBook G4
OMG
im creaming and foaming at the same time
"Any ass can fart an opinion."
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#5 2003-10-22 9:46 pm
- SwisSlesS
- Member
- From: Home of the Massholes
- Registered: 2002-06-19
- Posts: 8307
Re: iBook G4
You said they were almost the same, and then listed all the things that make one computer more expensive than another. Just thought I'd point that out. 
I'm a dog, spelled backwards.
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#8 2003-10-23 12:14 am
- Marc
- On the run from the MPAA
- Registered: 2003-05-10
- Posts: 13129
Re: iBook G4
According to the tech specs, the 12 inch iBook can use the GB sticks too, though for some reason they won't sell GB sticks with it, as they now do with the 12 inch Powerbook.
like you want Apple selling you RAM anyways... 
You know the hole, the one you put the pie in?
My mean my pie-hole?
Yeah, shut it.
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#9 2003-10-23 3:49 am
- JT
- Member
- Registered: 2003-10-19
- Posts: 1028
Re: iBook G4
Does the fact that Apple unexpectedly announced a G4 iBook mean that a G5 Powerbook isn't as far away as people imagine?
And I just realised (this is from memory, so may be wrong) that the specs of the G4 iBook are very similar to the first Powerbook 12" (except for the graphics card and slightly slower processor)
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#10 2003-10-23 5:34 am
- LCGuy
- Member
- From: /dev/null
- Registered: 1999-03-06
- Posts: 3873
Re: iBook G4
I reckon it will be a while before we see a PB G5. The G5 runs quite hot, and needs a huge heatsink, as you can see in the Apple pics. On top of that, remember, there was a two year wait in between the introduction of the PowerMac G4 and the TiBook.
"I mean how hard can it be?" - Jeremy Clarkson
Friends don't let friends buy ACER.
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#11 2003-10-23 7:16 am
- dv
- Negusa Negest
- Moderator
- From: Minneapolis, MN
- Registered: 1999-08-30
- Posts: 18103
Re: iBook G4
True, but the iBooks are definitely going to be stealing AlBook sales.
I think they may be at least speed-bumping the AlBooks pretty soon, maybe to 1.5 GHz.
"Now commences the process of cutting off the head, which generally takes from an hour to an hour and a half by an expert workman with a sharp blade." -Reuben Delano, Wanderings and Adventures
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#12 2003-10-23 8:52 am
- JT
- Member
- Registered: 2003-10-19
- Posts: 1028
Re: iBook G4
Well I can wait nearly a year for a Powerbook G5, it just means I might be able to afford a better one by then.
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#13 2003-10-27 7:22 pm
Re: iBook G4
U sure the G5PowerBOOK wont bE out BeFore DEcEmBer 25 2003 lol i mean that would be the best way to do it if u think about it lol. i have a friend who works for apple in program did you know in 1997 apple had a working copy of OS 10 lol sooo i bet apple has a couple of g5powerbooks but when will they come out LOL
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#14 2003-10-27 8:34 pm
- joethebarber
- Member
- From: Crested Butte
- Registered: 2000-03-02
- Posts: 442
Re: iBook G4
U sure the G5PowerBOOK wont bE out BeFore DEcEmBer 25 2003 lol i mean that would be the best way to do it if u think about it lol. i have a friend who works for apple in program did you know in 1997 apple had a working copy of OS 10 lol sooo i bet apple has a couple of g5powerbooks but when will they come out LOL
shoot me now. oh, and not a chance.
"He has a company that makes computers. Or a computer that makes companies. Anyway, you wouldn't understand."-Homer
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#17 2003-10-27 10:16 pm
- Tallgeese
- Sternly Advising
- From: Pool Party
- Registered: 2000-10-17
- Posts: 34114
Re: iBook G4
You're stupid.
Happy?
I still believe in liberalism today as much as I ever did, but, oh, there was a happy time when I believed in liberals.
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#18 2003-10-28 10:32 am
- dv
- Negusa Negest
- Moderator
- From: Minneapolis, MN
- Registered: 1999-08-30
- Posts: 18103
Re: iBook G4
Yowsers. 
That's the problem with computers - people don't need to learn to read or write anymore.
"Now commences the process of cutting off the head, which generally takes from an hour to an hour and a half by an expert workman with a sharp blade." -Reuben Delano, Wanderings and Adventures
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