Customer Reviews

Apple iBook Laptop 14" M9627LL/A (1.33 GHz PowerPC G4, 256MB RAM, 60GB Hard Drive, Combo Drive, Built-in AirPort Extreme)

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

(Last edit: 5/9/05)

This is my very first Mac. I got tired of PCs when my 1-year-old Vaio notebook kept overheating and shutting down on me, so I researched on notebooks known for quality rather than quantity of memory, speed, etc. When I bought this iBook, I upgraded the RAM to 512MB because all the reviews for the last iBook G4 recommended it. I also opted for the 80GB hard drive, leaving me about 68GB of free space before installing other programs myself. Overall, I'm pretty satisfied.

What's GOOD:
- The speed of this notebook surprised me. PC users, don't let the 1.33GHz fool you. Compared to my 2.4GHz, 512MB Vaio, this iBook's performance is the same, if not better. It runs very quietly as well.
- The battery life is quite impressive (my average = 6 hours). This laptop actually pinned down the most essential requirement of a portable device.
- The software bundle is awesome. iLife '04 is very user-friendly, so you won't need to touch an instruction manual to get the hang of things. Lately, I've been addicted with GarageBand--creating hip-hop beats have never been so easy.
- I thought the 1-button mouse thing was gonna be annoying, but after I plugged in my USB, 2-button mouse to the iBook, the right-click button actually worked! The little scroll wheel on the mouse works, too. The little menu that pops up have less options than Windows, but I think it's a decent enough transition for a former PC user like me.
- iTunes is the most convenient music store I've ever encountered. I'm tired of Kazaa bombarding my computer with spam and damaged songs, so I thought buying music legally was worth a try. If you want to stick with free, p2p file sharing, then at least you'll enjoy iTunes as a great media player. Wait till you see its visualizer...
- This iBook came with a built-in Airport Extreme. It's WiFi certified 802.11g, so it should work with any standard wireless router. I connected seamlessly with my Netgear wireless router and a friend's Linksys one.
- Running large programs like GarageBand and Adobe Photoshop CS showed no glitches whatsoever. Also, I often have Dreamweaver, Flash, Photoshop and Illustrator running simultaneously, and I never experience any technical problems.
- This thing fits perfectly in my backpack, and it has a light, yet very solid feel to it. Nothing rattles, sticks out or snaps off, making it very convenient as a portable device.
- Last and most important of all, this notebook has NOT slowed down, crashed, overheated, or blown up on me.

What's NOT SO GOOD:
- Choices on Mac games are very, VERY limited. I bought this iBook realizing that I can't install any of my current PC games in it (only Warcraft III was compatible). The video card is pretty low, too, especially for the latest games (Radeon 9200, 32MB). I really wish I didn't have to sacrifice games for this Mac.
- The iBook does get warm whenever I'm installing a program or running large programs simultaneously. Fortunately, it's not nearly as hot as my crappy Vaio.
- There are only 2 USB ports, so I have to do some plugging/unplugging between my printer, scanner, and mouse. This may be a bother to some people.
- The built-in speakers are somewhat lacking, which is a common issue with laptops. If you're heavy into music like me, getting some decent speakers with a subwoofer is a must. I use the old ones I bought for my Vaio.
- Everything on the screen is anti-aliased, which means the edges of fonts and sharp images are blurred so their pixels won't look so prominent. This attempt on improving monitor resolution seems to be a standard on all Macs. You'll either love it, get used to it (like I did), or detest it like many former PC users do.
- Again, more conflicts with PC software. Having a Mac is the reason why I have to buy Adobe software (personally, I needed to upgrade my version anyway). This means that if you're a recent Mac convert like me, you may have to spend some extra cash on new software, i.e. Microsoft Office, etc. (unless you use Kazaa again, of course... heh, good luck on finding Mac programs on that).

Despite a few compromises, I'm really glad with my purchase. Macs really shine when it comes to quality--once you see this notebook's overall design, you'll realize that the people from Apple really think of everything. Even the AC adaptor's folding prongs, cord hooks and light indicator made it 10 times more convenient than a plain one. With its imperfections, the iBook still clearly deserves 5 stars.

If you already have a desktop computer and are looking for a notebook for wireless Internet access, e-mail, word processing, and other portable applications, the iBook is ideal. The higher priced PowerBook is a great machine, but the iBook offers a much better value, even when compared with competing Microsoft Windows PCs. Even "PC Magazine" ranked the iBook as #1 in its price range.

I own a dual-processor 1.25mHz G4 desktop and was expecting the iBook to feel sluggish by comparison. But it is surprisingly fast. Just be sure to have at least 512mb of RAM. 256mb is the bare minimum, in my experience. A second RAM chip is easy to add on your own.

As with Apple's other products, the iBook's build quality is top notch. There's very fine attention to detail. The battery life of five hours is impressive. The LCD screen is bright and crisp. It's a solid machine all around.

Then, there's OS X, the UNIX-based operating system. That alone is worth the price of admission. It is such an elegant, powerful, intuitive and robust OS. If you're currently using Microsoft Windows and have had problems with security and other issues ... boy, are you in for a pleasant computing experience!

The bundled software is a good start for home users. AppleWorks has word processing, spreadsheet, database and drawing modules. This program will open and save Microsoft Word documents, too. Then, there's iLife, a suite of great easy-to-use multimedia programs for editing video, making DVDs, creating music, and managing your digital photo library. (If your iBook comes with iLife '04 installed, you can send in a coupon to Apple to upgrade to the new iLife '05 package.)

The iBook has wireless capability (Airport Extreme) as a standard feature. I've been able to access the Internet with my iBook at coffee shops and the local mall. If you buy an Airport Extreme transceiver, too, you can have a wireless network within your home.

The iBook ... right out of the carton, everything works just as you'd like!

I recently purchased an iBook G4 14" 1.33 GHZ 256MB RAM 60GB HD with Super Drive and Airport Card. All I have to say about this Mac and the other one I own in one word is awesome! I'm a senior at a private Online college and have owned/worked with many computers (Windows and Mac). In comparison to my Compaq Presario running XP Pro, the Mac is better in just about every aspect. Sure people want to say they love their Windows computers (I like mine and it works well), but when you've worked on a math assignment for two hours using the equation editor in Word and it crashes (forget about loving Windows XP) you want to smash your notebook and throw it out the window because now you must start from scratch. I've never experienced this with either of my Macs. Starting out as a college student I initially went with a Windows computer, It worked well but I think I would have been better off buying a Mac from the start. Ok enough about Windows.

Apple has done an outstanding job putting together this notebook. Talk about features and ease of use. On the desktop using Expose I can open multiple windows (Word, Excel, Power Point, Entourage, IE, AOL) and press one button to put all applications into a single view on the desktop "live" that means everything works in the background applications. I've never seen anything like this on a Windows machine, though it may be possible, the Mac works that way right out of the box.

Ever run out of things to do on your computer? My iBook works so well I finish my tasks quickly and efficiently and I find myself with more time than I had with my Windows Computer-because the Mac simply works. If you've ever done research on the Internet and wrote a paper at the same time, the Mac switches between Internet Applications, iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie and iDVD flawlessly. It's hard to crash a Mac-though it can be done most users will never do this because it requires multiple requests through the bus and kernel. The Mac of course has a Unix based OS (what many Internet Servers run). This means the Mac can support many user profiles and their data (family members/friends). The iBook G4 has so many features it's unparalleled; you must go Online and check it out for yourself.

My comments where not to down play Windows XP Pro because Windows XP Pro does work and is an outstanding operation system I paid some $399 odd dollars for it. Mac OS X is not only a good operating system it is a superior one and is underrated for some reason. Let me make it simple if you're considering buying a new notebook. I enjoy using my Mac and I won't need to buy another computer in two, three or even four years. If I choose to, I can upgrade and I'll be just fine for years to come-great ROI (return on investment).

Elegant. That's the word I've used to describe this laptop since buying it. You can put Jane Hathaway in a ball gown, but she's still homely. This thing is more like Jackie Kennedy. It's got the ball gown, but it also speaks French and doesn't snort at dinner parties.

I've read quite a few of the reviews for the iBook 14". I, like many reviewers, I am a new convert to Apple. I used the old (first generation?) Macs in college in the mid-80's, and loved them then. PCs were just bulkier, uglier, and tougher to navigate. PCs have obviously come a long way, and so have Apples.

I bought my iBook at CompUSA, which had an 18 month no interest promotion on all computers, which got my attention. I'm not a huge nerd, but I do spend a lot of time online and do a lot of digital photography. I also am president of my homeowner association, so I do quite a bit of writing--meeting minutes, newsletters, etc. I talked with the nerds (IT guys) at work, telling them that I was about to buy a laptop. We use Dell at work, and I found a great deal on a Dell at Costco.com. I showed them the deal, and they agreed it was a good price, but I might need a few upgrades. Several of these IT guys mentioned an Apple as a choice. I didn't feel like learning a new operating system, so I actually placed the order for the Dell.

Believe it or not (and I hope this doesn't turn too many people off), it was Rush Limbaugh who made the best arguments for Apple for me. He was talking to a listener who had called him asking which computer would be best for his daughter who was entering graduate school. Rush (a technophile) suggested the PowerBook and went down a laundry list of reasons to choose Apple over PC. At the top of the list (like many of the lists here) is the fact that there are virtually no virus issues with Macs. I turned the car around and went to CompUSA to check out the (small and somewhat neglected) Mac department. I cancelled my order for the Dell and bought my friendly little iBook.

There's no vert like a convert, and I'm convinced. I've always thought Apple people were just a little too fanatic. Now I see why. Frankly, I wish Apple would just offer a serious money back guarantee. I'm convinced that once most people get one of these things home and find out that there's NOT much of a learning curve, and the lack of heat, exceptional speed (I did upgrade to 768 MB RAM), and available MS Office for Mac, they'd forget all about getting their money back and decide they got a realy good deal.

I just got my first Apple computer, this iBook, and I have to say, I've been converted. Not only is this computer fast, fun, and beautiful to look at, its so sleek yet powerful. I highly recommend it! I don't think I've ever had a computer I love this much. Haven't had any problems at all! The switch from Windows to Apple was not as big a change as I thought it would be. And it helps that Apples just look so good! I am very very happy!

After all of my life using Windows software, Windows-based OS, systems built for the flawed programs and having my computers overtaken with spyware, bugs, worms, viruses, adware etc... I did about a years worth of on-line research and took the plunge into buying a laptop that only 5% of the population acknowledges. I am thoroughly impressed and surprized at how happy this computer has made my computing needs enjoyable.
First off, as other readers have said 1.33 GHz vs. 2.whatever processer speeds don't really mean a whole lot. (compared it to friends 2.4GHz and my ibook was faster) So, don't let these well publicized numbers sway you

Second, NO VIRUSES! Let me say that again...NO VIRUSES! The platform apple uses for their OS is rock solid. Most Mac users use no anti-virus, spyware, adware etc. programs because there is not (to my knowledge) a way to infiltrate the system. NO VIRUS CONCERNS!!!

Third. The programs in the mac are so intuitive...The computer was built by Apple, the programs were built by Apple...so everything is where it should be. It is easy to find everything you want and nothing you don't. This part is hard to put into words. Basically, if you need a file you can find it, easy.

Fourth. Other computers may look initially enticing by their low prices...but buyer beware...don't compare apples to oranges. The only two purchases/upgrade I think are essential are to max out RAM (which should be done by yourself to save big $$$, which doesn't void your warrantee (apple actually gives you directions to do so and it's very easy)) and to buy Microsoft Office if you must comply with most who use Microsoft for easy cross communication between platforms.

I will NEVER buy another computer system which solely operates on Microsoft products, with viruses, files scattered throughout, crashing, etc...I wouldn't even consider it.

Do your research, talk to some apple owners, you won't miss you're PC for a minute once you have that beautiful mac in your possession.

So many other reasons to switch...once you own a Mac, you'll never go back.

I just thought I'd add a few additions/corrections to Czarina's review, to help fence-sitters decide.

1. The video chipset is actually pretty good compared to what some (though not all) value laptops on the Windows side have. Having a Windows laptop doesn't mean much if you're using "Intel Extreme Graphics" (which pretty much rules out any 3D gaming).

2. To solve the USB printer situation, you can always get an Airport Express or Airport Extreme base station. Both have a USB port on them to let you free up a USB port on the Mac itself.

3. There are P2P programs for the Mac, including ones that connect to the Kazaa network. Acquisition is a notable example. Keep in mind, of course, that grabbing copyrighted stuff from P2P isn't nice! It's faster and easier to buy through iTunes, anyways.

I am a new convert to the apple world. I have been a pc user since my first computer. My last pc pushed me over the edge. It kept crashing, with the dreaded blue screen, and it would take ton's of effort to get it restored. It also cost me tons of money to get it restored.

I went to the apple store in Roseville, Mn to purchase my ibook. The staff there were totally awesome, and very friendly and helpful. I did upgrade the RAM on it though.

Once I got my i book unpacked, the set up was a breeze. It is very user friendly, and easy to figure out. I have been able to figure everything out, and it works on the first try. (I am not mechanically inclined in the least, so this is a big deal.) I also purchased AirPort Express, which allows me to be wireless for internet and printing. That is really great. With AirPort you can be up to 150 feet away from your base and still be wireless.

I am using the safari for the internet, and it works beautifuly. I was not sure how I would feel about using something different from internet explorer, but I have to say that it is just great. I also love how the desk top looks, and it is so easy to use.

If you are having any doubts about switching to apple, just go for it, you won't be sorry. Apple makes a superior product to the alternatve of pc's.

This iBook is the best computer i have ever used. The os is great Much beter than xp. My dad gave me two getting an c- on the ITBS. Apple's great macintel !!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have only had the ibook for 2 hours AND I LOVE IT. I CAN'T WAIT TO CONNECT IT TO MY WIRELESS ROUTER. PLAN TO UPGRADE THE RAM FOR WEB DESIGN APPLICATIONS. OVERALL I GIVE IT A- . I AM SO GLAD I got the APPLE INSTEAD OF THE TOSHIBA. GREAT FOR THE COFFEE SHOPS AND DOWNLOADING MUSIC. Happy so far!!!
I CAN HAVE MANY APPLICATIONS OPEN AT ONE TIME, APPLE IS THE BEST. IF YOU WANT TO USE IT FOR WEB PAGES, MAKING MOVIES OR BURNING CDS THIS IS THE BEST MACHINE.