New iBooks announced; include G4 processors, USB2.0, AirPort Extreme

This morning, Apple introduced G4-based iBooks. Although the new models look very similar to the previous generation of iBook, they include a new internal architecture and numerous new and updated features:

• Panther pre-installed
• 800MHz (12" display), 933MHz (14" display), and 1GHz (14" display) PowerPC G4 processors
• Price (U.S. dollars): $1099 (12"), $1299 (14"), and $1499 (14")
• 256K Level 2 cache
• 133MHz system bus
• ATI Mobility Radeon 9200
• 30GB (12"), 40GB (14"), and 60GB (14") Ultra ATA/100 hard drives
• Slot-loading Combo drive (SuperDrive apparently not available)
• 256MB DDR RAM (expandable to 640MB)
• AirPort Extreme ready
• Optional built-in Bluetooth wireless
• 10/100Base-T Ethernet
• USB2.0 (2 ports)
• FireWire 400 (1 port)
• 4.9 pounds (12" display) or 5.9 pounds (14" display)
• "Up to 6 hours of battery life" (all models)
• Software: Mail, Safari, iChat AV, Sherlock, Address Book, QuickTime, iLife (includes iTunes, iPhoto, and iMovie), iSync, iCal, DVD Player, AppleWorks, Mac OS X Chess, and Classic environment; Microsoft Internet Explorer, AOL, Quicken 2004 Deluxe, World Book 2003 Edition, Microsoft Office 4.X Test Drive, Tony Hawk?s Pro Skater 4, Deimos Rising, Sound Studio, and Zinio Reader; Apple Hardware Test.

Other features, including video mirroring but no extended desktop, remain the same as the previous generation of iBook. Although many of the updated features are a clear step up from the previous models, no iBook models are available with a SuperDrive (most likely to prevent the iBook line from impacting PowerBook G4 sales).

The new iBooks are available for purchase at the Apple Store Online.

Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.

Resources

G4-based iBooks

Apple Store Online

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