Apple iBook Laptop M8602LL/A (700-MHz PowerPC G3, 128 MB RAM, 20 GB hard drive)

by Apple

Product Details

Product Manual [7.85mb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 11.2 x 1.4 inches ; 4.9 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 12 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000068IE6
• Item model number: M8602LL/A
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: May 21, 2002

Product Description

Amazon Product Description

The Basics:
An Apple notebook for this price? The Apple iBook Notebook M8602LL/A may not be up to speed with Apple's faster, costlier notebooks (such as the iBook G4 line), but it does deliver Apple reliability, super-lightweight portability and even DVD playing at a surprisingly affordable price point. Demanding users who need high-end power for the latest business applications, games and graphics will want to look slightly higher up the Apple mobile roster, but anyone who frequently hauls their notebook with them to remote un-plugged environments and engages in comparatively basic tasks such as word processing, data gathering, photo organization, contact management and email/Internet sessions may find the iBook M8602LL/A offers all they need.

Processor:
At the heart of any computer lies the CPU (or processor), a massive collection of miniature transistors that governs the speed and power of the entire unit. Some of today's notebooks are equipped with high-end CPU's on par with those found in top-of-the-line desktop PCs, while others are quick enough only for basic duties such as word processing, email and the like. Driven by a 700 MHz PowerPC G3 processor, the iBook M8602LL/A is not exactly a speed demon. It is, however, quick enough for most typical notebook applications.

Memory:
Computers typically store information on their hard drive, but they keep frequently and recently accessed data in Random Access Memory (RAM) for faster retrieval. More RAM means more efficient computing, superior multitasking and less strain on your hard drive. The iBook M8602LL/A incorporates just 128 MB of RAM, the minimal amount in today's notebook jungle. For this reason, the unit is not suitable for high-level multitasking, complex graphic applications or any memory-hungry tasks.

Video:
CPU's are usually so busy doing basic calculations that they need help translating visual output to the viewing screen. This is the duty of the graphics card (or graphics controller). When shopping for a computer, it's good to remember that a video controller with "dedicated" built-in video memory is preferable to one with "shared" video memory wherein the graphics controller borrows a portion of the all-important main system memory. This system's graphics controller is an ATI Mobility Radeon with 16 MB of dedicated video memory. This is not an ample capacity of video memory, but it is dedicated solely to graphics processing. Thusly, the unit will efficiently display 2D and some midlevel 3D applications but shouldn't be expected to efficiently and smoothly render high-end 3D games or complex 3D animations and graphics, though it will.

Display:
Given its size, the iBook M8602LL/A sports a comparatively generous 12.1-inch display capable of crystal clear 1024 by 768 resolutions.

Hard Disk:
You won't be storing any enormous audio/video libraries on the system's 20 GB hard drive. Nor can you maintain an abundance of sophisticated high-end games or other potentially large applications. However, the 20 GB limit isn't a problem for a typical roster of mobile apps and user-created files.

Optical Drive:
An optical drive is essential in today's computing environment. A "CD-ROM" drive allows you to install CD-based applications and play music CDs. A "CD-RW" drive adds CD "burning", so you can also backup your important files to long-lasting discs and create personalized music CDs. With a DVD-ROM drive you can watch DVD movies. And with a DVD-RW drive, you can "write" home movies to durable discs and archive files to DVD (DVDs boast more than seven times the storage capacity of a CD). Some drives allow you to do a combination of all of these tasks. This system features a CD-RW/DVD drive through which you can do all of the above, apart from recording DVDs.

Audio:
The unit is equipped with two miniature stereo speakers, a mini microphone jack and a stereo mini headphone jack.

Keyboard and Controls:
You'll control your notebook via a 77-key keyboard and Apple Trackpad pointing device.

Connectivity and Expansion:
The iBook M8602LL/A offers both a 56K modem for low-speed dial-up Internet and email access and a 10/100BASE-T Ethernet port for high-speed wired network and Internet, but does not feature wireless technology. Other key amenities include two high-speed USB 2.0 ports for plug and play devices such as external drives and digital cameras, a FireWire port (commonly used for quick data uploads from digital camcorders), and an S-Video out for high-quality digital video feeds to external monitors and televisions.

Operating System and Software:
Apple will preinstall the rock solid OS X operating system and a selection of established multimedia utilities such as Quick Time, iPhoto, iTunes 2 and iMovie 2. Apple's productivity tool AppleWorks is also included.

Dimensions and Weight:
Many of today's most powerful notebooks are also the largest, weighing ten or twelve lbs or more and therefore too big and cumbersome for extensive, continuous traveling. These are often referred to as "desktop replacements". On the other extreme are "thin and lights" or "ultra-portables", super-miniaturized units that typically aren't as powerful as their larger brethren but weigh as little as two or three lbs. and will often fit comfortably inside a large purse. The iBook M8602LL/A is definitely in the latter category at a mere 11.2 by 9 by 1.4 inches and 4.9 lbs.

Power:
Under ideal conditions, battery life is estimated at a stunning six hours.

From the Manufacturer

Now there's even more to love about Apple's iBook notebook. Weighing in at an easily portable 4.9 pounds and featuring a 700 MHz PowerPC G3 processor, a 20 GB hard drive, and 128 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.

This system features a brilliant 12.1-inch TFT XGA active-matrix display and razor-sharp 1,024 x 768 resolution. It's the perfect place for doing everything from working on spreadsheets to displaying your movies and digital pictures in millions of colors (incidentally, the iBook display scales down beautifully, again with millions of colors, for special games and applications optimized for 800 x 600 or 640 x 480 resolutions).

Included is a combo CD-RW/ DVD-ROM drive for playing games and music CDs, as well as for enjoying DVD movies. The 700 MHz iBook ships with a 20 GB hard disk drive, or upgrade to an optional 30 GB hard drive for even more storage space. In addition, this system comes with the ATI Mobility Radeon graphics accelerator with 16 MB of SDRAM and AGP 2x support for gorgeous 3-D graphics.

The iBook also comes loaded with iPhoto, the cool new software application in the easy-to-use tradition of iTunes, iMovie, and iDVD. iPhoto makes it a snap to manage your digital pictures. You can present them in a full-screen slide show (accompanied by your favorite music), e-mail them to your family and friends, print them on your inkjet printer, order Kodak prints over the Internet, or have them made into custom-printed, linen-bound books.

In addition to handling digital photos with ease, the iBook lets you make your own movies--and show them anywhere. Capture digital video footage on your DV camcorder and turn it into engaging movies with the iMovie 2 software that comes pre-installed. iMovie lets you transfer video clips from your digital camcorder to your hard disk using the included FireWire port. Use iMovie to snip out the boring parts and enhance the best parts with cool effects, transitions, and titles. Then add a great soundtrack and you're done. Now watch your finished movies full-screen on your iBook or use the iMovie Export feature to select from a range of predefined QuickTime formats for creating and sharing movies. You can, for example, compress your movies so you can burn them onto a CD or post them on the Internet, or use the VGA video output port (for video mirroring on an external display) and an AV port to show your movies and presentations on a big-screen TV or projector (just add an optional Apple AV cable).

For those interested in audio as well as video applications, the iBook comes with iTunes 2, the software that lets you convert (or "rip") the songs on your music CDs to MP3 format, simply by clicking a button. iTunes compresses CD-quality audio files to about a tenth of their original size with very little loss in audible quality. These significantly smaller file sizes enable you to store thousands of songs on your iBook's hard disk drive.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding machine at a reasonable price, June 18, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Apple iBook Laptop M8602LL/A (700-MHz PowerPC G3, 128 MB RAM, 20 GB hard drive) (Personal Computers)

Unlike many PC notebooks that are stripped down and lack features, Apple's iBook is a no-compromise portable that is perfect for the student (I'm one). It comes complete with wireless network capabilities, a high-speed ethernet port,usb ports, firewire, and enough hard disk space to satisfy even the most prolific digital photographer. If you still need room, just burn a few data cds on the cd burner!

This new line of iBook really performs well too. It is fast. MOst of the student's activities (surfing the web, writing papers, checking email) will fly. Ripping cds and watching movies is also fast. OS X is also a HUGELY important reason to have this machine. It ROCKS.

Features aside, this notebook is just cool too! Screen is awesome, it's sweet looking, and is really, really portable and durable. I don't think you'll be disappointed!

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not much room for improvement, June 28, 2002

By 

Paul Carr (Silver Spring, MD United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Apple iBook Laptop M8602LL/A (700-MHz PowerPC G3, 128 MB RAM, 20 GB hard drive) (Personal Computers)

I love my iBook, and they keep getting better. This is no commodity notebook - Apple has put tremendous amounts of thought into minute details, and the result is the best consumer laptop out there. It's not intended for pro use, but I use it all the time for work when I can't be in the office. In addition to the great design, the best features are the Firewire port, which is essential if you have a DV camera or an iPod, and OS X, which is simply essential and has built-in al kinds of professional power features like Java 2 and Unix.

That said, these things don't ship with enough memory. 128 mB is the bare minimum for OS X. I'd get at least 256 mB, or even more (I have 320). If you're going to use your iBook at home much, the optional Airport card is a great investment (you'll need a base station too, but you don't have to buy Apple's).

For the future, I would love to see Apple add the G4 processor and the Superdrive so I could burn DVDs. A built-in stereo ADC so you can burn CDs from vinyl would be cool too (I use a thrird-party product). Battery life and weight are never good enough, of course.

Don't worry about Apple's viability - they have billions of dollars in cash and an established loyal customer base.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My wife loves "my" Ibook =(, July 20, 2002

By 

Danny Y. Kim (Portland, OR) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Apple iBook Laptop M8602LL/A (700-MHz PowerPC G3, 128 MB RAM, 20 GB hard drive) (Personal Computers)

And I thought it was for me? Airport and Ibook means, email in bedroom, kitchen, living room, and bathroom =). I can't get her to let me use it, until I have to use it for work. I love the 12 inch monitor, I love the smaller size, I have another G3 computer so I don't need a bigger screen. I just put it in my suitcase, and i'm off. The Battery life is great! I let my kids watch DVD on trips. I've made a little place for the laptop to sit between the front seats in my van, instant portable theater! Nice little CD burner. I've never had such flexibility with any other computer in my life, and I've had many. Mac X is an impressive OS, and with a little added memory (i got an extra 256), I can't see too much difference between my Ibook and the 800mzh G4 Imac. Oh by the way, did I mention, that my Ibook makes other laptops look like plastic toy boxes. Nice looking machine. If you need a laptop, there is no other way to go. Way to Go Apple!