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

by Apple

Product Details

Product Manual [2.34mb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 11.2 x 1.4 inches ; 4.9 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 8 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0009U7WZM
• Item model number: M9846LL/A
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (68 customer reviews)
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #1,978 in Computer & Accessories (See Top 100 in Computer & Accessories)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: August 28, 2005

Product Description

Manufacturer's Notice

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announces the following recall in voluntary cooperation with the firm below. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. Name of Product: Rechargeable, lithium-ion batteries with cells manufactured by Sony for certain previous iBook G4 and PowerBook G4 notebook computers only. Units: About 1.1 million battery packs (an additional 700,000 battery packs were sold outside the U.S.) Battery Cell Manufacturer: Sony Energy Devices Corp., of Japan. Computer Manufacturer: Apple Computer Inc., of Cupertino, Calif. Hazard: These lithium-ion batteries can overheat, posing a fire hazard to consumers. Incidents/Injuries: Apple has received nine reports of batteries overheating, including two reports of minor burns from handling overheated computers and other reports of minor property damage. No serious injuries were reported. Description: The recalled lithium-ion batteries were used with the following computers: 12-inch iBook G4, 12-inch PowerBook G4 and 15-inch PowerBook G4. Consumers should remove the battery from the computer to view the model and serial numbers labeled on the bottom of the unit. Computer model name ,Battery model number, Battery serial numbers: 12-inch iBook G4 A1061, ZZ338 through ZZ427, 3K429 through 3K611, 6C510 through 6C626; 12-inch PowerBook G4, A1079, ZZ411 through ZZ427, 3K428 through 3K611; 15-inch PowerBook G4, A1078 and A1148, 3K425 through 3K601, 6N530 through 6N551, 6N601. No other Apple notebook computers are involved in this recall. Sold Through: Apples online store, Apple retail stores nationwide, and Apple Authorized Resellers from October 2003 through August 2006 for between $900 and $2300. The batteries also were sold separately for about $130. Assembled in: Japan, Taiwan and China.

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 12.1" iBook G4 Notebook Computer - This lightweight (a mere 4.9 lbs.) notebook computer features a powerful 1.33GHz 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: 40GB ATA/100 4200RPM HDD Slot-Loading CD-RW/DVD-ROM Combo Drive - up to 24x CD-R, 16x CD-RW, 8x DVD-ROM, & 24x CD-ROM 12.1 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

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

210 of 219 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Notebook Value, August 7, 2005

By	Stephen "books911" (Brawley, US, Canada) - See all my reviews (VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

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

80 of 86 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars More for less, August 14, 2005

By	Samuel Chell (Kenosha,, WI United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Apple iBook G4 1.33GHz 1GB, 40GB HD, CDRW/DVD-ROM MAC OS X 12.1in LCD (Open-Box Refurbished) (Personal Computers)

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.

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Value for Money, November 23, 2005

By	P. De (New York) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Apple iBook G4 1.33GHz 1GB, 40GB HD, CDRW/DVD-ROM MAC OS X 12.1in LCD (Open-Box Refurbished) (Personal Computers)

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!