Apple iBook Laptop 14.1" M9848LL/A (1.42 GHz PowerPC G4, 512 MB DDR SDRAM, 60 GB Hard Drive, SuperDrive)

by Apple

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 12.7 x 1.4 inches ; 5.9 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 13 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0009U7XH4
• Item model number: M9848LL/A
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (51 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: July 26, 2005

Product Description

Includes: lithium ion battery, AC adapter, VGA adapter, Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger, iLife '05, Safari, Sherlock, iSync, iCal, AppleWorks, Quicken 2005 for Macintosh, & more. Apple 14.1" iBook G4 Notebook Computer - This lightweight (a mere 5.9 lbs.) notebook computer features a powerful 1.42GHz PowerPC G4 processor and 512MB of PC2700 DDR SDRAM. An impressive 1-2 punch that can handle your everyday applications, as well as your more demanding programs - like graphical and video editing or games. Being a great mobile computer has it's drawbacks though - you'll want to take it everywhere, which can increase the odds of your iBook getting a few bumps and bruises. Not to worry though, because Apple has you covered. The built-in Sudden Motion Sensor senses changes in the iBook's axis position, as well as accelerated movement. So if you drop it, the hard drive heads are instantly parked, protecting your data. When the iBook is level, the hard drive is automatically released for normal operation. Those are just a few of the many features this iBook has in store for you. Take a look at what else it has to offer: 60GB ATA/100 4200RPM HDD Slot-Loading SuperDrive - up to 8x DVD-R, 8x DVD+R, 4x DVD-RW, 4x DVD+RW, 24x CD-R, 16x CD-RW, 8x DVD-ROM, & 24x CD-ROM 14.1 XGA Display Native Resolution - 1024x768 ATI Mobility Radeon 9550 graphics with 32MB of dedicated DDR SDRAM Built-in 54 Mbps AirPort Extreme 802.11b/g Wi-Fi Wireless Network Adapter Built-in Bluetooth 2.0+EDR Support 1 FireWire 400 Port (up to 400 Mbps) 2 USB 2.0 Ports (up to 480 Mbps) 10/100 Ethernet VGA Video Out (with included adapter) S-Video & Composite Video Out (requires optional adapter) Built-in 56k v.92 Modem

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

138 of 146 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good Mac Notebook Value, August 18, 2005

By 

Steve H "books911" (U.S.) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Apple iBook Laptop 14.1" M9848LL/A (1.42 GHz PowerPC G4, 512 MB DDR SDRAM, 60 GB Hard Drive, SuperDrive) (Personal Computers)

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 in the 14-inch model, from 1.33 GHZ to 1.42GHZ. Big improvement? No, but it is good to always improve performance. The system bus speed in the 14-inch iBook was also increased, from 133MHZ to 142MHZ.

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 60 GB, from the 40 GB that was previously standard on the 14-inch. 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 video takes up space fast, so be careful with that.

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.

Superdrive - The Apple SuperDrive allows you to burn music and data CDs, plus you can burn your own DVDs! Edit home videos in iMovie, put together a beautiful DVD menu to access those home movies in iDVD, and then burn it all to DVD! Furthermore, you can use your Superdrive to back-up important data to DVD.

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 14-inch iBook G4 has a drawback when it comes to video output options. The 14-inch 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.

Furthermore, the 14.1" display runs at a resolution of only 1024x768. This is not a particularly high resolution. In fact, it is the same resolution as the 12-inch iBook. This means you will not fit anything more onto 14-inch iBook display than you would the 12-inch display. The 14-inch display simply makes things look bigger, which is an advantage, if you have a difficult time seeing things up-close.

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 14-inch iBook does not offer any more screen real estate than the 12-inch model, but things will appear larger, for those with poor eyesight. Of course, a larger size and slight increase in weight are consequences of the larger screen, but you are also rewarded with a standard superdrive for burning DVDs, which is not even an option on the 12-inch iBook. The new iBook G4 is a brilliant machine, and it is sure to find its way onto many desks in the coming months.

110 of 116 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THRILLED to be a switcher!, August 8, 2005

By 

JGFox "JGFox" (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Apple iBook Laptop 14.1" M9848LL/A (1.42 GHz PowerPC G4, 512 MB DDR SDRAM, 60 GB Hard Drive, SuperDrive) (Personal Computers)

Wow! This laptop is absolutely amazing and gorgeous to look at.. I bought this laptop as a spare computer and to teach myself OS X. After using it for less than 15 minutes, I had already set everything up including AOL Instant Messenger,Internet Explorer, iTunes, iDVD and Microsoft Word. I bought the laptop with 1 gb of ram and a 100 gb drive which I would highly recommend! It moves at break neck speeds and still sips battery life!

Operating System Impressions:

The entire OS X interface can be intimidating at first but once you bring out the explorer from within, it's a blast to use. FOR BUSINESS USERS, I would recommend some caution when picking up an OS X laptop. The latest version of Internet Explorer is 5.2 on Mac and some of my online interfaces for work will not work on 5.2 so I still need Windows for that and some other bits of real estate software. Software (as expected) is a bit difficult to find but I'm learning that although there are fewer software programs per category with OS X, the software programs are of much higher quality than what you will find in a Windows setting. Apple's internet browser, "Safari", is one of the best browsers I've ever used but I decided to use Mozilla Firefox (...) as my main browser because it has a very easy to use interface and tabbed browsing. Also, the animated interface of OS X is exceptional and makes using the computer blissful.

Software/Misc. Additions:

I ordered .Mac software and the AppleCare plan with the iBook and couldn't be happier. I had an issue with FedEx shipping the iBook and it took 4 days instead of 2 days so I called Apple's sales support team and they offered to refund the shipping without any haggling! Such great customer service gives me a great deal of confidence in the company with the AppleCare plan. Regarding .Mac, I have not been disappointed yet. Outside of the most talked about features, they have online tutorials and the homepage creation process is very simple. Once I explore .Mac further, I will try to update this review.

Hardware/Quality of Product

This is probably what I have been most impressed by thus far. The speakers on this iBook are, to understate, AMAZING! They have no bass because they are laptop speakers but the clarity is wonderful.

The one button mouse was the biggest turn off to me because I thought it would make computing such a task but it's actually comfortable and makes using the laptop easier because I'm not accidentally hitting the right click button. For desktop versions where you may be doing more intensive work, I might recommend someone looking into a Logitech MX1000 (also another wonder product) but for a laptop, one button is as much as you'll ever need.

The build quality of this laptop is legendary and Apple didn't disappoint with my iBook. It is a lot more solid and creak free than my last Dell laptop.

The screen is bright and easy to read... The best part of all.. NO DEAD PIXELS! Another sign of quality from Apple.

Lastly, the keyboard is simple, spaced out well and easy to use. The keys still suffer from "laptop syndrome" because they are all shifted over to the right by one but after a few minutes, I was able to pick it up in no time.

Final Thoughts:

The iBook or any Apple computer for that matter is a MUST HAVE for just about anyone... This is how I always thought computing should be and it's nice to see Apple is making way for the future with the positively perfect OS X. For business users, I would still keep a Windows computer around for the rare instance you may need to use it but you can keep it in the closet to collect dust (It'll be our little secret). *** HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! ***

--------- Updated Below : 12/8/2005 ------------------

After spending many months with this product, I still couldn't be any happier! Make sure you get the AppleCare plan though because when you are new to OS X and Apple, there are a lot of things you won't know and they are always there to help! I promised to update the review regarding .Mac and whether it is worth the price.

Since the original writing of the review, .Mac now offers 1 gb of storage as opposed to the 250mb that I started with. I would recommend .Mac 200% because it is the best suite of tools I've ever used! Shortly after getting the computer, I had to endure the hassle of switching ISPs and my emails from the old ISP to a new email address. With .Mac, I can pay a low yearly fee and keep my email account wherever I choose to go! Also, the homepage features are stunning and the way it is integrated into Apple's suite of iLife software (iPhoto in particular) is nothing short of a programming miracle shaped by the creative people of Apple. iDisk is also useful because it allows you to create pages where others can download files from your iDisk, serves as a safe backup for items on your computer and it makes great general storage space! I haven't used the other features so I won't rate them. Highly recommended that you pick up .Mac when buying an iBook!

Long term use of the iBook makes me understand WHY everyone loves Apple computers so much! I've had so many obnoxious people that poke the LCD screen for whatever reason and still no dead pixels or any damage! To keep the screen and laptop clean, you REALLY need to pick up some iKlear. It's a product that should be married to all Apple computers! The one downside to the screen is that it DOES get pretty washed out in direct sunlight so if you plan to sit on campus in the grass or elsewhere with direct sunlight, make sure you do it within the return policy allowed by Apple (providing you opted not to customize your laptop) to avoid disappointment. It is still usable outside but I do wish the screen was a lot brighter [and yes, it is at maximum brightness! ;)].

The battery life on this thing just goes and goes and goes like I've never seen on an electronic device in my life! I can be at a company meeting and while my manager is trying to find an outlet to plug his juggernaut Toshiba into, my computer happily motors on with 3+ hours of battery life to go!

Lastly, it's been said before and I'll say it again! With OS X, everything just WORKS! lol.. it's so hard to believe that something just works without problems and long talks to the technical support team but this thing does it. When I am in a cafe or wireless network zone, all I do is open the computer and wake it up. Within a minute, it will detect any wireless networks and ask if you would like to connect to it. Imagine my delight when my manager can't get online and keeps fussing with his notebook for 15+ minutes while I just open up and have internet access!

The one thing I didn't know would happen before buying an iBook is how much I would actually love to use it... Now that I use it 99% of the time (that poor Windows machine must get lonely), I have managed to hit the speed limitations of this computer. It's not a bad thing but if you are anything like me and plan to use this for A LOT of stuff, make sure you save up and opt for the Powerbook instead. All in all, Apple has a runaway hit on their hands yet again! Buy it and you won't regret it!

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars MAC from PC converter and DELIGHTED !, September 8, 2005

By 

E. W. D. De Leo "ewddl" (Mexico, D.F., D.F. Mexico) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Apple iBook Laptop 14.1" M9848LL/A (1.42 GHz PowerPC G4, 512 MB DDR SDRAM, 60 GB Hard Drive, SuperDrive) (Personal Computers)

I had mixed thoughts about buying a IBOOK. Apple computers have always had a great reputation, but do they live up to expectations? Are they as good and as compatible as they claim to be?

I bought my IBOOK 14" in Mexico City, but it is the same model as the U.S.A. model.

Technical specifications:
- iBOOK 14"
- 1.42 GHz PowerPC G4 Processor
- 1 Gb of RAM (I added 512Mb)
- 60 Gb Hard Drive
- Super Drive (DVD & CD burner)
- English keyboard
- Bluetooth and Wireless Internet (Airport Extreme) included
- MAC OS TIGER 10.4.2

OPERATING SYSTEM
It's a breeze to use. You take a bit of time (about 3 days) to get used to it, especially a ONE button mouse and the shortcuts with the keyboard, but it is very nice, very stable. I've had the computer for a week, no problems in that time. No freezing, no crashing, but a lot of rebooting for new or updated software.
SPOTLIGHT, and instant finder of files anywhere in your hard drive, DVD/CD bay, IPOD or connected devices is fantastic and easy to use. On the other hand, the very celebrated DASHBOARD (widgets in your desktop like clocks and maps and calculators) feels and looks very cheap. Yahoo! Widgets are much better and are available for APPLE and PC computers.

SCREEN
It's bright, bright, bright ! Looking at it from different angles does not give you a very sharp and contrasted image, but right in front of you, it has incredible colors. TIGER OS, also has incredible and elegant wallpapers and icons that are a joy to see through your screen. 14" is good enough for me. If you read something about "fuzzy text" in other reviews, it is true; compared to my previous laptop (Sony VAIO 15" monitor) it is fuzzy, but it isn't too much and won't notice it in a couple of days.
Best of all, the screen came with no dead pixels. Excellent quality.

KEYBOARD
It has a very nice feel to it. It is soft but yet sturdy. I have it configured in Spanish and can type the characters "ñ" and the accents "'" easily, no need for silly "apple+n+n" combinations or "apple+e+vocal". Underneath the keyboard you will find the extra space for an additional RAM memory module.

HARD DISK
Announced as a 60Gb disk, it really has a 55.5Gb capacity minus the pre-installed TIGER OS, which leaves around 42 - 43 Gb of free space. FORTUNATELY, I have seen that Apple software (Office, Adobe, Macromedia, etc) are made in VERY small files (Office 2004 is only around 250Mb big), so you will have PLENTY of space (30 - 35 Gb) free when you have done installing quite a lot of programs.
Games, on the other hand, do take a lot of space.

RAM MEMORY
I heard that 512Mb were enough, but several people got me convinced on getting an additional 512 which cost $170 USD here in Mexico. It does better performance and allows multitasking (I use Excel, Fire Instant Messenger, Safari Web-browser, Itunes and posibly Adoble at the same time with no lag).
The instalation of the RAM can be do-it-yourself and it is easy (I was very frightened at first, but found it easy enough). The computer recognized the new RAM memory right away.

CD/DVD
I have been able to read copied DVDs in this driver which I haven't been able to play elsewhere (I'm sorry, it was a present, but say NO to piracy).
I have only burned data disks so far, but with TOAST 6.0 Software (not included out of the box) it was a breeze and the burn rate was very fast (around 600Mb in 4 min).
DVDs look OK, but they lack a LOT of crispiness and contrast.
CDs sound great !

SPEAKERS
They are small, have no bass, but sound good overall.

AIRPORT EXTREME
Thank goodness this is standard now. I picked up wireless hotspots easily and manage to connect in a few seconds. I have not found it to be as powerful as some people say. It still can't get a decent signal through to concrete walls, but one wall gets you a nice signal.

BLUETOOTH
This thing is awesome, if you have a cel phone with camera and bluetooth connectivity, you certainly want to check this out ! It connects easily and fast. I had my strange format videos from my phone in the my hard drive in no time and playing in Quicktime (format .gp3, who knew?)

BATTERY
Just as promised. If you use non-demanding software and no CD drive, you will have around 4.5 - 5.5 hours of battery, which is GREAT. They other day I installed software using the CD drive and had it in "maximum performance" and still the battery lasted for about 3 hours.
The option of adjusting the energy consumption through processor performance is great, so you can set it to "low consumption" if you are doing internet only or "high performance" if you are doing heavier stuff. Also dimming your screen brightness and deactivating Bluetooth and Airport Extreme will result in longer battery life.

PROCESS0R
It's not lightning speed, it seems quite as fast as my old Celeron 2.4GHz (aprox. Pentium IV 1.7 Ghz), but it does the job.

VIDEO MEMORY
I have seen no problems with this. Although I do not do image rendering or design, my Astronomical software has had no problems with this.

CASE
It is a beautiful case, the white is astonoshing and the lit up Apple behind the screen is just way too cool.
Yet, NO MATTER WHAT YOU DO, it will sooner or later get scratched. It is up to you how much you take care of it and how deep and common will your scratches be.


OVERALL:
I have used the computer for too little, only one week, yet I believe that going back to Windows is a big NO NO. This system rocks, it's easy to use and stable.
The goodies offered are great and at a fantastic value.
The battery life is awesome, yet the disk space could be bigger.
2 USB ports, 1 FireWire 400, 1 DVI video (strange format) seem to be enough considering that you have bluetooth for new-generation mouses, printers and extra keyboards.
Office's Excel in spanish has proved to be quite annoying. The decimal point separator is a "," instead of a "." This is the way Spain uses it, but not the rest of LatinAmerica and there is NO WAY OF CHANGING THIS PREFERENCE.

Tiger Operating System has proved to be compatible with (almost) everything, why not switch now when the price and the hardware are correct?