Customer Reviews

Apple iBook G4 1.33GHz 1GB, 40GB HD, CDRW/DVD-ROM MAC OS X 12.1in LCD (Open-Box Refurbished)

5 star:		(47)
4 star:		(14)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

The iBook G4 line has been incredibly successful, for Apple. Why? It combines a beautiful and sleek form factor, while at the same time being a machine capable of getting your tasks completed.

Improvements - What were the improvements in the July 2005 update to iBook?

Faster Processor - The G4 chip was increased, from 1.2 GHZ to 1.33 GHZ. Big improvement? No, but it is good to always improve performance, and an extra 133 MHZ is appreciated.

More memory - The memory in the iBook has been doubled, with a now standard 512 MB DDR SDRAM, which speeds up your entire experience on the iBook, particularly, when multi-tasking. The iBook also has an open user-accessible slot, where you can add 256 MB, 512 MB, or an entire gigabyte of DDR SDRAM. However, the now standard 512 MB, allows the majority of users to fully appreciate the iBook out of the box.

Store More Stuff - The hard drive has been increased to 40 GB, from the 30 GB that was previously standard. This is important, for people are constantly putting more music, photos, and applications on their systems. This hard drive will hold thousands of songs and photos, but you won't fit much video on here.

Even More Wireless - Airport Extreme, for wireless networking, continues to be standard, but Apple has also made bluetooth technology standard, with this iBook. Bluetooth allows you to use wireless bluetooth mice, keyboards, mobile phones, etc. It is a great technology and helps to clean-up your desktop by doing away with some of the cords.

Core Image Compatible - The new IBook G4's video card is an ATI Mobility Radeon 9550, which is core-image compatible. This allows you to take advantage of Mac OS X Tiger's core-image technology, including the well-known "droplet" effect, when you open a widget.

The great iBook features that continue to shine: A buyer of the iBook will continue to enjoy Mac OS X Tiger, which is the best consumer operating system in the world. It works seamlessly with the hardware to provide a simple, fast, elegant, and reliable experience. One of the favorite descriptions of Mac fans, to describe Macs, is simply, "it just works."

The iBook continues to include iLife '05, with great applications such as iPhoto, iMovie HD, iDVD, iTunes, and Garageband. These are all included, with every iBook G4. You will be challenged to find any PC notebook that includes applications that come anywhere close to the iLife suite. Manage thousands of your digital images in iPhoto, create home movies in iMovie, and create professional music in Garageband.

Appleworks is included for simply word processing, spreadsheets, etc., but you might want to pick up Microsoft Office for Mac. A student/teacher edition is available, for just over $100.

ComboDrive - The Apple Combo Drive allows you to burn music and data CDs, plus you can watch DVDs!

Form Factor - The iBook's strong, white casing is rugged. It is, unfortunately, prone to scratching, so be careful. However, the iBook is strong, and there are many stories of it taking a beating, but kept on performing.

Drawbacks? The 12-inch iBook G4 does not have any option, for a Superdrive, which would allow you to burn DVDs. If you want a superdrive, you will have to pick-up the 14-inch iBook, or choose the 12-inch Powerbook. The other drawback is the video output options. The iBook only supports mirroring to an external display, and you cannot close the iBook, while connected to an external display, or it goes to sleep. Furthermore, the iBook splits the video memory between an external display and its on built-in LCD, no matter what you do. The external display is also limited to 1024x768, since it mirrors the iBook's own display. What does this mean? If you want a notebook that works beautifully with a big external display, when you're back at your desk, then you probably do not want an iBook. However, if you're going to use the iBook as its intended, as a notebook computer, it is a fantastic choice.

Overall, the July 2005 update to the iBook G4 has made Apple's consumer notebook even more competitive in the market. It is faster, has more memory, a bigger hard drive, and bluetooth technology built-in. Furthermore, you'll continue to enjoy Mac OS X Tiger, iLife '05, and the other great Macintosh applications. The new iBook G4 is a brilliant machine, and it is sure to find its way onto many desks in the coming months.

I purchased this machine from Amazon when repairs to my 12" Apple Powerbook (late 2003 model, 866 mhz) would have come within a couple hundred dollars of the cost of a new iBook.

After using the iBook for the past month, I'm satisfied with my decision to jettison the Powerbook. Not only are the specs more impressive, but I've noticed increased speed and effectiveness in accessing websites and opening pages. The machine's speed is even more noticeable--even dramatically so--with the additional of a 512 mb memory chip (Amazon sells the proven Viking 512MB chip at a considerable discount to the comparable part from Apple Store). Also, though the iBook may look a tad less impressive than the aluminum-covered Powerbook, I'm experiencing less heat from the machine and a longer battery life. And as someone who confesses that he's prone to use his anatomy as a "desk," I'm buoyed by the appreciably lighter weight of this machine.

So what justifies the 50% higher cost for a Powerbook? The machine "feels" a bit tighter and more solid in the case and keyboard, and presumably its processor is better at multitasking. Also, the Powerbook's marginal onboard stereo speakers are a trifle less marginal than those on the iBook. Maybe if you use the machine as a recording studio or movie editor, the Powerbook is worth the premium price. For my purposes, and I'd assume for the general purposes of most users, the iBook represents Apple's best value, especially when the G4 processor is common to both machines and when the money saved is enough to pick up an iPod or two.

This is a really nice machine. Here are the Pros and Cons from a hardcore windows user:
Pros:
1.Price! You cannot find (except Averetec perhaps) a 12" notebook under 1000. Though I have not received the rebate back yet, if I do, I will pay $870 (1000 - rebate - gift cert). Now at this price you can only look at refurbished ones!
2.Look. Beyond doubt this is one gorgeous baby. Packaging is immaculate. Starts working right out of box and detects wireless (tips: try to start up in a wireless hotspot - it will automatically register you). Heavier than Inspiron 700m, but travel friendly.
3. Intuitive System: This machine is not for dumb people. Unlike Windows, this is not a black box. You have to understand the logic and you will start appreciating it.
4. It makes PDF just like that - no need for acrobat pro. I might add that given windows machine with same RAM PDF opens in a breeze.
5. Smart slot loading drive.
6. No compatibility issue with USB Drive and mouse. If you plug in your regular mouse it works fine - right left click,scroll!
7. That multimedia is better is a common knowledge!!
8. Comes with most of the useful softwares (for basic needs such as music, movie etc, not specialized ones). NO need to look for these softwares from elsewhere. This increases the stability of the system!
9. The dashboard is very cool and handy..
Cons:
1.Right Click!! Why the hell can't they make two button mouse!This is pure stubbornness! No delete key (delete is backspace).
2. SOFTWARE! This I think is the biggest problem. If you are a regular user of not so legal softwares you will be in trouble. Some of the windows based freewares are also not available. If you are student you can buy cheaper versions though. I strongly recommend a review of the softwares you will be using and how you will obtain them (cost, convenience). This is very very important.
Honestly can't think of any other cons!

This likely final version of Apple's 12" G4 iBook -- before next year's switch to Intel processors -- has everything you need in a super-portable laptop. It's about 10 percent faster than the 1.2 Ghz model it replaces, and now includes Bluetooth in addition to Wireless-G (aka Airport Extreme), 512MB standard (finally!), a roomier 40GB hard drive (and a better buffer should you drop it).
The iBook features a brilliant, small screen, 4+hour battery, 4.9 pounds, an array of fast ports, industry-leading styling and the best repair record in the industry, according to Consumer Reports. Reliability and service are especially important with temperamental laptops. Apple laptops also never come with the cheap integrated graphics you will find on similarly priced PC products. The new model has been upgraded with a Radeon 9550 -- much better than you'll find on most bargain-basement PCs.

There also are the usual Mac bennies: No viruses to worry about, no spyware, no pop-up ads with Safari, faster, cleaner, smarter software, painless connections to printers and networks, and the coolness factor to boot.

You can even snag a copy of Office for OSX (for students and teachers) for under a hundred smackers, and if you're heading to college, Apple also has a deal on its site offering a discount plus a free iPod Mini for the next few weeks or so...

The only cautionary point is that Apple will be switching to Intel designs next year, and although they promise a smooth transition, interoperability of software, et al, you are taking a bit of a risk. (I might add, you are also taking a similar risk if you buy a Windows XP machine given that Windows Vista is supposedly just around the corner!)...

Enjoy!

After a couple months of researching Apple computers, I purchased a 12" iBook. I have two Dell desktops, and I was looking for something ultra-portable. Another Dell was not an option since I needed a Mac to run some Mac-only Bible study software (you read that right, software that only runs on a Mac!). Since receiveing the iBook it has been easy and enjoyable to use. I even convinced my parents to abandon buying a new PC and get an iMac!

As many users have testified, I was up and running out of the box in under 15 minutes, fully connected to my wireless home network. I am able to share files with my Windows PCs (although Norton IS 2005 creates some issues since the Mac is wireless - a problem on any platform) and am online anywhere in my house. The only downside is print-sharing. My HP printer can only be shared with computers using the same OS as the computer it's physically connected to. Since it's connected to an XP box, I have to physically hook it up to the Mac to print. Not a big deal, since I have to go to the printer to retrieve my documents anyway.

The OS is easy to use and much cleaner than Windows. For years I loathed Macs and everything about them. With Mac OS X Tiger, the OS is very enjoyable to use, very powerful, and surpasses my so-called eXPerience with Windows.

The 12" screen shows plenty of information at 1024x768. I often have multiple programs open and visible on the desktop at the same time. The built-in software (plus iWork) is all you need. Mail is a great program, especially if you download the new mail notification (Mail Appetizer at www.bronsonbeta.com/mailappetizer/beta/) add-in for Mail 2.0.

The battery life is everything it is advertised to be. Yesterday I unplugged my iBook at 6:30am and took it to work and never plugged it in again until after 10pm at night. I used it at various times throughout the day and never had to worry that my battery would run out on me. What Pentium-M notebook can you say that about???

All in all, you won't regret this purchase. If you need a notebook that is ultra-portable, has great battery life, and is loaded with features, the iBook is the notebook for you.

Soli Deo Gloria!

I was on the edge of my feet, I couldn't decide if I should go with the iBook with Mac OS X or another laptop with Windows. I haven't even used a Mac before which made it a very hard decision. But since I have read many reviews and been recommended to Apple Computers many times from friends, I decided to go with the iBook. I ordered it online at the Apple Store and got it within a few days. I hooked it up in an instant and tried some things with it, just to get used to it. I wasn't sure how to enable internet though. But as I said I was playing around with it, I happened to open the Internet Connect application. And there was an option to Enable Airport, so I clicked it. And most surprisingly, the iBook was able to sense my router hooked up on another computer and connect to it without any configuring! I have had this laptop for a couple months now and I have had no problems with it; it works perfectly. In addition, the Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger is a great operating system and it was an excellent choice to switch from Windows to Mac. I recommmend this laptop to people who like to do a variety of things with computers because with Mac's, you can do so much with them with ease. My friend used to despide Apple Computers because his school used the old ones which drew a negative reputation on them. Now, when I showed him my iBook, and what you can do with it, he is dying for one. I can't say anymore of what Mac's are capable of and how reliable Apple Computer's are. I give this product all my 5. Good job Apple.

I love Stephen Hall's review of the ibook G4 12" (the first listed review)...

please be aware that there is some "give" to the shell/case around the back of the display - constant pressure against the center of this area results in marks left on the screen from the keyboard's proximity when closed. Some people have reported permanent marks left on their screens while mine buff off. Some recommend leaving a cloth over the keyboard. In other words, do not apply a significant point of pressure to the back center of the case behind the screen when closed (this makes sense anyway). Laptop cases like Booq's bag made specifically for this model has a fairly large plastic "buckle" or "clip" that joins in the front of the bag - so face the screen side of the laptop away from the buckle. Also, if using a neoprene sleeve-type of case, make sure that if you are putting the laptop in another bag/backpack, keep items from applying directed pressure to the screen side of the laptop. If using the keyboard skins please be aware that due to increased keyboard height from this add-on, this *will* affect your screen. (I recommend reading some of the reviews before buying these skins.)

Overall, I love this laptop. Very stable os and if you need that MS Office Suite, it is available for Macs. Ibook comes installed with OS X Tiger (10.4 I think) so some of your older hardware will not work with this operating system (e.g. all ADB interfaces - I had to let that ARTPAD II go...).

Sound is a bit tinny but you don't buy an ibook for incredible sound...

Battery life is awesome, depending on setting and usage, but I usually get over 4 hours per charge.

Light, very portable, durable, and heck, it just looks cool also - beats carrying a 15" around on campus.

I bought one of these (very very similar model) November of 2004. It is now May 2006, and it still works perfectly. I am a high school student, and I hauled it to school in my backpack almost every day for two entire school years. High school is not a laptop-friendly environment. It gets accidently dropped, kicked, beaten, battered, slammed, thrown (once), and squished regularly. I have been mean to this thing. I charge and drain the battery daily, so it gets a good five hours of daily use. 350 days a year. For one and a half years.

And it still works perfectly. I have never had to replace or repair any internal component. The left speaker is a bit iffy, and the little rubber feet on the bottom fell off (Apple have me free replacements and I superglued them on), but the fact that it is still in one piece after my junior and senior year is a feat of engineering and good design.

If you are looking for a laptop that needs to take a relative amount of wear and tear, this is without a doubt the best option.

My iBook Notebook 12' arrived last week. Up to this point, I had only used PC's -- both desktops and laptops -- over the past fifteen years, and that's all I really knew. That being the case, I was a little nervous about a learning a whole new operating system and new software, and whether or not these applications were compatible with the work I had already done on my PC. The size also worried me -- would the 12' be big enough to use on a regular basis and not cause eye-strain? But once the iBook arrived and I got into it, all my fears went away.

Granted, it's only been a week, but this little powerhouse is great! It boots up in no time at all (shuts down quickly, too), the desktop is very intuitive, it's very fast, it picked up my wireless network right away, and it doesn't heat up to the point other PCs do. And the size? As they say, size doesn't matter -- it's the performance. I do a lot of writing, so in my case, this is all I need. For those of you working on bigger projects, you may want to check out the larger screens -- the 14' or the 17'. But for me, this works just fine.

I've also seen it brought up that Apple computers are too expensive. Yeah, they can be pricy, but you get what you pay for. In terms of a laptop computer, I don't want to have to buy one every year; I can't afford to do that. I'd rather get something with a great reputation and have it last.

I made the switch from PC to Mac about a week ago; and while it's only been a week, the grass is definitely greener on the other side. Adios, Dell!

I've had my new iBook for about a week and have been very happy with the transition. I had a rather large Toshiba laptop for two years, but within the last few months my husband has come to use it almost exclusively. I really never cared for the machine, it was always too cumbersome and slow for my tastes. Plus hauling around was a hassle and it had no built in wi-fi.

I agonized over buying another laptop for several months, doing the usual dance most people do between the 12" iBook and the 12" PowerBook. After much research and review searching (CNET and MacWorld were very helpful) I finally plunked down the cash for this little notebook.

This laptop is an excellent hardware purchase for most average users. With AirPort Extreme built in (no external antenna!), 10.4 OS, and 512MB onboard memory (plus an additional expandable memory slot) it really is an excellent value. The footprint of this machine is tiny and the unit is fairly lightweight. The speakers do produce lackluster sound -- I would suggest investing in a good pair of portable headphones or earbuds (I have a pair of the open cup fold-up Sennheiser headphones and highly recommend them to friends and family). Battery life is very good, much better than my old Toshiba, and with normal use the battery will last 4+/- hours. Expect less for DVD playback, though.

For software, the system comes with several consumer applications such as Quicken '05, AppleWorks (and trial version of iWork) as well as the usual pre-loaded Apple products like iLife, iTunes, Mail, and Safari. An additional note is while iLife '05 is pre-installed mine also came with the upgrade disk for iLife '06 in the box and ready for install. Macintosh newbies will find this computer to be quick to setup and easy to use with the intuitive Tiger OS.

All in all I highly recommend the new iBook as a great value for students or non-graphics intensive users. You would be hard pressed to find a laptop of similarly good construction or user friendly features for the same price.