13inch iBook?

[MacRumors]

Kodawarisan posted (http://www.kodawarisan.com/ug/index.html) some information about an iBook update.

The translation is not perfect (http://www.excite.co.jp/world/url/?wb_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kodawarisan.com%2Fug%2Findex.html&wb_lp=JAEN&wb_dis=2&wb_co=excitejapan) but suggests a 13" (1024x768) iBook made of iMac-like materials by late this year.

[Hemingray]

I wonder what the case change is all about. I personally liked the idea of getting one of the glossy white ones, but it sounds like that might change. Do the current ones scratch easily?

[sluthy]

Why would they make a 13in. iBook? Does 13in. offer anything better than either the 12 or the 14? Why would they bother paying for the construction of a new size that doesn't offer anything that we don't already have?:confused:

[oldMac]

The footprint of the current iBook is very nice. I think there's room to fit a 13" screen in a similar footprint.

Some folks complain that the current 12" iBook screen is too small to read at 1024x768. However, most people are still buying the 12" over the 14" model because of the size factor.

While it doesn't seem like the iBook design is very old, it could stand to be a bit thinner and lighter.

Here's to hoping that the next iBook has the same physical footprint of the existing model, but thinner with less heft.

[Rajj]

Originally posted by oldMac
The footprint of the current iBook is very nice. I think there's room to fit a 13" screen in a similar footprint.

Some folks complain that the current 12" iBook screen is too small to read at 1024x768. However, most people are still buying the 12" over the 14" model because of the size factor.

While it doesn't seem like the iBook design is very old, it could stand to be a bit thinner and lighter.

Here's to hoping that the next iBook has the same physical footprint of the existing model, but thinner with less heft.

I concur, the iBook screen is rather small, that's why I didn't buy it (the G3 also)!! So I got a TiBook, which has a bigger screen and it is lighter!!!

[ryan]

Originally posted by xrhajj


I concur, the iBook screen is rather small, that's why I didn't buy it (the G3 also)!! So I got a TiBook, which has a bigger screen and it is lighter!!!
The TiPB is lighter than the 14" iBook but heavier than the 12" iBook.

[ryan]

Just to echo what everyone else has said... if Apple wants to pack a larger screen/faster processor into the size of the current 12" iBook, without any additional weight, I'd say go for it.

I was a long time Duo user and loved the size and weight of those machines. I rarely found/find myself needing a floppy/CD-ROM(DVD, CD-R) and would love to see an "Executive" type PowerBook that is the same thickness as the TiPB but the length and width of iBook and weights 3-3.5lbs (a la the Dell Latitude X200 or C400). I'm a developer (Java/DB/Web) who takes my iBook with me everywhere and every extra ounce I don't have to carry my back thanks me.

[gooddog]

As a teacher, I could really use a G4 iBook with a case that won't depress me with scratches and dings.

I hope too that the cheap latch arrangement on the iBook will be replaced by a two-latch system that keeps the lid on straight instead of a lopsided or gull-winged looking mess.

Also, a slight lip on the edge of the lid will cover the air gap between screen and keyboard, so that debris will not fall into the gap (screen) and so that the closed iBook will not look like a cheap cigar box with a warped lid.

With JAGUAR's Universal Access ZOOM feature (which I have tried and it ROCKS) , the small text size will be ameliorated . Thank goodness for this zoom !!!!!!
I was getting really fed up with holding a loupe up to my iMac every time I used the Mac HELP menu with it's tiny print that is fixed in size !!!

---gooddog

It doesn't matter how you get there,
when you don't know where you are going.

[ncbill]

I especially am interested in the "poly-mosquito material"

September 18 of 2002 day
* With the frame where the iBook is new even within year announcement
According to information, 13 inch liquid crystal (the resolution 1024x768) from the poly- mosquito where the iBook of loading has the current model glossy, like the iMac the mat it becomes the frame of white, development is last stage when destined for the announcement within year, it is thing. That the poly- mosquito material where with the iBook of the new frame, like the current model apple logograph does not shine and is modified, with the back light chrome is plated in the palm rest section is glossy is adopted it seems

[mac15]

cool, whats the diff, the screen will be like an old imac , well a touch smaller

[djcobb44]

I would prefer an ibook vs the powerbook, but I don't like the fact that the usb, firewire, etc ports are on the left side. If I were to attach a usb mouse, and since I'm right handed, i have to string the cord all the way around....(No offense to the lefties out there, but I believe right handed people are the majority). Perhaps if the usb ports were on the left side, I'd be happy, or even better, put all ports on the back like the powerbook. I realize that the screen hinge would be in the way, but I didn't like the way the screen was connected to the base either.
Does anyone else feel this way?...

[Tue12]

I'm telling ya, Apple engineers are world class, 50-years ahead of their times. Who else could make such freaking cool cutting edge tech like 'poly-mosquito' casings. :cool:

I wonder if the animal rights people will protest Apple's abuse of mosquitos. :D

Dumping the 12" iBook will be a big boo-boo on Apple's part. The current 12" iBook probably has enough room in the LCD frame to squeeze in a 13" LCD. The screen would be flush with the edge like on the Tibook. In which case, it's alright to make it 13". But if the whole iBook bigger, booo.

It's kind of funny if you think about it. Apple has a 'Mhz Myth' problem, and now they have an 'LCD-size myth' (size vs pixel density) problem. :D

[Macmaniac]

Maybe they will increase the keyboard size because on the 14in iBook the keyboard is the same size as the 12, maybe they could put larger or more keys on it ad maybe a two button track pad.
13in sounds interesting, but maybe it is part of some bigger sceme by Apple. The Discontinue the 12in and 14in and put in 13in and 15in iBooks!! Maybe with G4s cause they have more room to put it in, what do you think?

[oldMac]

I, personally, like having the USB port on the left.

I'm right-handed, but most mouse cords are much longer than they need to be for use with a laptop. I think it helps to run the cord around the back of the machine to take up some of the slack.

As for changing the port placement, they should really move the firewire port away from the ethernet jack. It's too easy to fumble around with a firewire cable and nearly successfully plug it into the ethernet port.

[masa]

highlights from the original posting... roughly translated and cleaned up a little... didn't want Apple to get in trouble with any mosquito activists. :D

According to information, regarding the 13" LCD (resolution 1024x768) iBook,
the case will change to an iMac like matte white from the present models' glossy polycarbonate material.

The iBooks new case is said to use a glossy polycarbonate material in the palm rest area, and the current models' backlighted Apple logo will change to chrome metal plating

[bousozoku]

Originally posted by ncbill
I especially am interested in the "poly-mosquito material"

September 18 of 2002 day
* With the frame where the iBook is new even within year announcement
According to information, 13 inch liquid crystal (the resolution 1024x768) from the poly- mosquito where the iBook of loading has the current model glossy, like the iMac the mat it becomes the frame of white, development is last stage when destined for the announcement within year, it is thing. That the poly- mosquito material where with the iBook of the new frame, like the current model apple logograph does not shine and is modified, with the back light chrome is plated in the palm rest section is glossy is adopted it seems

If I had read the translation, I would be confused too. :D

That's Polycarbonite, not poly-mosquito. English cognates and combination cognates/Japanese are hard to translate automatically obviously.

I'm glad to see that they're able to fit in the chrome. :D It would be interesting to see the Apple logo glow around the edges.

It sounds like more fun. Of course, a faster processor might be helpful too.

[BobVB]

Originally posted by djcobb44
I would prefer an ibook vs the powerbook, but I don't like the fact that the usb, firewire, etc ports are on the left side. If I were to attach a usb mouse, and since I'm right handed, i have to string the cord all the way around....(No offense to the lefties out there, but I believe right handed people are the majority). Perhaps if the usb ports were on the left side, I'd be happy, or even better, put all ports on the back like the powerbook. I realize that the screen hinge would be in the way, but I didn't like the way the screen was connected to the base either.
Does anyone else feel this way?... Yes but with side mounts there are problems no matter which way you go. If you just inverted the current arrangement and put the ports are on the right then the other cords that are inserted are in the 'righties' way. If you put some on the right and some on the left then the only way the CD could go would be out the 'front'.

I've found that the Kensington optical mouse has plenty of cord for the behind the screen wrap to the right and for just websurfing on the go I use one of those hand grip trackballs (http://www.cyberguys.com/cgi-bin/sgin0101.exe?UID=2002092110452104&GEN6=00&GEN9=5CG01&HKW=5CG01&T1=133+0142&UREQA=1&UREQB=2&UREQC=3&UREQD=4) - great for sitting and surfing.

[ibookin']

Originally posted by Hemingray
I wonder what the case change is all about. I personally liked the idea of getting one of the glossy white ones, but it sounds like that might change. Do the current ones scratch easily?

An answer to your question in the form of a story:

I sent my iBook in for repairs, which included replacing the top and bottom with new, scratch-free ones. Repair costs insurance company $690. iBook comes back on Sunday with ZERO scratches, but with broken Airport antenna. Sent back to Apple. Comes back on Wednesday working perfectly, but with large scratches on top. Apple's fault.

The gist: these things are SO easy to scratch that Apple's own techs scratched my machine.

Calling Apple today to make them fix scratches.

[Hemingray]

Originally posted by ibookin'@mwny
The gist: these things are SO easy to scratch that Apple's own techs scratched my machine.

Jeez! :eek: You'd think that Apple would make something actually scratch resistant after touting how "rugged" it is on their web site... :rolleyes:

Thanks for letting me know about that. I was planning on getting a carry case for when I get mine anyway, so hopefully that would help things a bit... I'm already used to babying my iPod like it's a priceless artifact. :D

[medea]

I really like the current design of the iBook myself, so hopefully it wont change too much. A standard 13' screen for the same price as the current 12 inchers would be a smooth move. I've been thinking about buying one soon but I'll definitely wait to see what these look like first. And isnt it already "late" this year? 9,10,11,12.....

-richard
www.osx.has.it

[medea]

Oh and I thought the Tibook was supposed to be the next in line for a change-up:confused: , it is older.....

[dave8118]

Originally posted by ibookin'@mwny

The gist: these things are SO easy to scratch that Apple's own techs scratched my machine.

I remember a discussion I had with a materials engineer a while back about the magical scratch-attractive powers of the new iBooks. He said that the sort of polycarbonite material Apple used is very strong — resistant to breaking, cracking, splintering, etc.; but as a trade-off it is very easily scratched. It seems that you can get a cheap plastic which is strong, or one that is scratch-resistant, but not both. It's just a trade-off inherent in the material.

And besides, they're not cosmetic scratches, they're war wounds...

[dongmin]

Originally posted by Total OS X
Oh and I thought the Tibook was supposed to be the next in line for a change-up:confused: , it is older.....

The source says TiBooks in the third week of October and iBooks 'within the year' whatever that means--I'm guessing more like MWSF.

[Nebrie]

Originally posted by Hemingray


Jeez! :eek: You'd think that Apple would make something actually scratch resistant after touting how "rugged" it is on their web site... :rolleyes:

Thanks for letting me know about that. I was planning on getting a carry case for when I get mine anyway, so hopefully that would help things a bit... I'm already used to babying my iPod like it's a priceless artifact. :D

You will get scratches on your ibook, this has been known since day one. However, unless you look for them at a weird angle with light, you won't really notice them. It's rugged because it's not likely to crack in half or develop a crack that you can see 5 feet away. All the scratches you will see are merely cosmetic. My ibook has been the most durable notebook I've ever had.

[Zaren]

Wow, it's been a long time since I've thought of this software, absent-mindedly 5-tapping the shift key just to hear the tones... ah, memories :)

[NHMac]

Love the overall size of my 12" iBook. 13" in the same footprint would be ok, but I hope they dont make the book any bigger. Lighter would be great. Most folks that lift my ibook are surprised by its weight... heavier then it looks. Go for the MiniTi!

[daRAT]

Originally posted by sluthy
Why would they make a 13in. iBook? Does 13in. offer anything better than either the 12 or the 14? Why would they bother paying for the construction of a new size that doesn't offer anything that we don't already have?:confused:

I have to disagree. The 13 inch ibook would probably be the only screen size offered in the ibook family. This would consolidate the R/D and production on the ibook line.

I would also think a one processor speed ibook would also be logical, lets say a G4 667 chip currently in the tbook. Then as options you would have maybe two levels of video cards, ram options and for the high end ibook an external Superdrive.

Apple would still have to maintain a performance "distance" between the ibook and the tbook, or who would buy a tbook?

This is a speculation on my part, but it makes sense, like dropping the 15" lcd iMac and keeping the 17" iMac as the base model. :D

[yamadataro]

I've just translated the article for you guys. It may still not be perfect English, but you guys could get the meaning of it clealy now. Enjoy.

****
September 18, 2002
According to the information we've received, Apple will change the design of 13" LCD screen (1024 by 768 pixel resolution) iBook from its glossy polycarbonate material to the iMac-like white matte-finished one. Apple is in the final development stage to release new iBooks by the end of this year. The new iBook design will have a chrome finished Apple logo instead of the logo illuminated by the LCD backlight, and the palm-rest part will likely be made of glossy polycarbonate material.
****

They don't mention what their info source is. Is this a credible stuff we are dealing with???

[jefhatfield]

if they can make 13" inches and keep it under five pounds, that would be great!

or have a sub-one thousand dollar 12" inch model, a 13" inch model, and a 14" inch special edition model

i have also thought about even a 15.2" inch widescreen special edition model shaped like the tibook, but with fewer features

[pianojoe]

Originally posted by NHMac
Love the overall size of my 12" iBook. 13" in the same footprint would be ok, but I hope they dont make the book any bigger. Lighter would be great. Most folks that lift my ibook are surprised by its weight... heavier then it looks. Go for the MiniTi!

That's exactly what I think. I didn't go for the Powerbook because I need a tool in a strong casing that fits in all the places where I would usually put A4 paper sheets. You don't need a bag for an iBook. Yes, mine is somewhat scratched, too, but I don't mind. It's a tool, after all.

Last week, my ibook fell of the seat in the bus when the driver had to brake hard. It flew about 2 meters, landed gracefully on the floor. Still works fine, just another scratch. (Don't try this at home.)

[ncbill]

I agree that the 13" model will be the new standard.

But I disagree on a G4:

1. How do you dissipate the extra heat with a polycabonate case?
(TiBook gets HOT HOT HOT even with metal)

2. Keeping a G3 keeps that performance distance from the TiBook.

Remember, for the target iBook audience, a faster G3 (800?) is better than having a slower G4.

The current iBook 700 beats the TiBook 667 on non-Altivec apps.

If the user needs Altivec, then they're a pro, and Apple wants to sell them a TiBook.

Originally posted by daRAT


I have to disagree. The 13 inch ibook would probably be the only screen size offered in the ibook family. This would consolidate the R/D and production on the ibook line.

I would also think a one processor speed ibook would also be logical, lets say a G4 667 chip currently in the tbook. Then as options you would have maybe two levels of video cards, ram options and for the high end ibook an external Superdrive.

Apple would still have to maintain a performance "distance" between the ibook and the tbook, or who would buy a tbook?

[jefhatfield]

Originally posted by ncbill


The current iBook 700 beats the TiBook 667 on non-Altivec apps.



but os x is altivec, so at some point ibook will need to go G4, once tibook goes much faster and once apple gets the heat issue under control, or motorola reduces the micron process to where the chip can operate at a much lower temperature

i predict G4 ibook in 2003

i have a pc laptop from 98-99 with an amd k6-2 chip with 3dnow and that thing is hot with it's chip containing .23 micron transistors...and when my laptop heats up, everything slows down

some chips ran on .35 micron and even .43 micron and if they ran at speeds that computers run today, they would melt or seize up

amd went onto experiment with liquid cooled chip using copper tubing for the k6 chips because they ran so hot...but no chip now runs that hot today thank god

my pc laptop still works fine but after an hour, it doesn't feel any faster than a mid level pentium 1:p

oh, and also, you should hear the fans on my pc laptop...loud in a way mac users are totally unaccustomed to

thankfully, i have never heard a laptop fan from any current mac or pc laptops that loud since the fans now are much smaller as they don't need to be helicopter props anymore;)

[DavidRavenMoon]

Originally posted by ncbill
I especially am interested in the "poly-mosquito material"

Sherlock does an equally funny translation:

"When September 18th of 2002 * with the square bamboo basket ' Ì whose iBook is new according to the information of announcement, from the poly- mosquito where iBook of 13 inch liquid crystal (solution x1024x768) loading is an optical 'ò of the current model, like iMac the mat it becomes the square bamboo basket ' Ì of white, development is the last 'i floor even within year destined for the announcement within year, it is thing. It seems that the poly- mosquito 'f material where with iBook of the..."

Hmmmm, a bamboo iBook made of poly-mosquito materia!
:D

[FaasNat]

The iBook would be something I'd consider if it had a G4 and two buttons. I'd also love a scroll wheel, but right now I'm just hoping for at least the second button.

[Over Achiever]

Just wondering...

Why can't they put ports on both sides and have the CD load from the front? And why can't you have a USB port and the combo drive on the same side anyway? Right now, my PC laptop has a CD drive on the right, and it has the modem port on the same side. I really think that apple should at least put one USB port on the right side for those that have the portable mice, where the cord is only 3' long.

Anyway, my PC laptop has a 13" screen...not as slick as the iBook, but if they can put a 13" screen in the same footprint then its a good move. But then there's the problem with the 14" screen...what will happen to it? Imagine your options...13" screen or a 14" screen...if apple goes 13" then its seems that the 14" should be dropped, or atleast upgraded to a 15" model. Maybe make a 10" subnotebook for under $1000. Otherwise I don't think the 13" screen makes much sense to me.

[Over Achiever]

Originally posted by yamadataro
****
September 18, 2002
According to the information we've received, Apple will change the design of 13" LCD screen (1024 by 768 pixel resolution) iBook from its glossy polycarbonate material to the iMac-like white matte-finished one. Apple is in the final development stage to release new iBooks by the end of this year. The new iBook design will have a chrome finished Apple logo instead of the logo illuminated by the LCD backlight, and the palm-rest part will likely be made of glossy polycarbonate material.
****

I know he said his english wasn't perfect, but could this just be a typo? I read this as saying that the current 13" iBook will change materials...yet we don't have a 13" iBook. Did they mean the 12" iBook? Is this article simply saying that the iBook's material will change to look more like the current iMacs?:eek:

[OSeXy!]

Originally posted by Over Achiever


I know he said his english wasn't perfect, but could this just be a typo? I read this as saying that the current 13" iBook will change materials...yet we don't have a 13" iBook. Did they mean the 12" iBook? Is this article simply saying that the iBook's material will change to look more like the current iMacs?:eek:
That's a good point. But why would the change only apply to the smaller iBook?

Maybe I just want to believe this rumour, but, in some ways it seems obvious. The only real sticking-point for the current iBook since its release has been the size of its screen. The 14" 'solution' to that problem just lead to other problems. The (more obvious) solution of replacing the 12" screen with a larger one with smaller edge-margins is the right way forward. Updating the case to look more iMac-esque would give further distinction to the revision. Whether that makes it less likely to scratch is another question. At least polycarbonate (or poly-mosquito or bamboo, for that matter) doesn't have a tendency to rust - like another product I can think of.;)

[Over Achiever]

Originally posted by OSeXy!
At least polycarbonate (or poly-mosquito or bamboo, for that matter) doesn't have a tendency to rust - like another product I can think of.;)

True...but I haven't personally seen a ti-book rust yet...have you?

[clonenode]

A buddy of mine works at the Apple store near me. Generally, he says most people don't get the idea of the smaller iBook. They understand the price point, but don't get how a smaller screen can be better. However, he does sell a lot of the 12" models, specifically because of the price. He says a lot of students picked those up at the end of this summer for back-to-school.

Apple needs to continue to innovate their small size laptop. Keeping the footprint the same, but fitting in a bigger screen, might strike a good balance between the current 14" and 12 " models.

[OSeXy!]

Originally posted by Over Achiever


True...but I haven't personally seen a ti-book rust yet...have you?
No. I was joking. I think the rusty TiBook is just one of those odd rumours/myths that gravitate around the mac platform (adding to the interest).

[JamesDP]

Originally posted by Over Achiever
Just wondering...

Why can't they put ports on both sides and have the CD load from the front? And why can't you have a USB port and the combo drive on the same side anyway? Right now, my PC laptop has a CD drive on the right, and it has the modem port on the same side. I really think that apple should at least put one USB port on the right side for those that have the portable mice, where the cord is only 3' long.


3' of cord isn't enough to strectch around the iBook? At the least, you'd still have a foot and a half of cord to play with. That seems like plenty to me. I've got the 12.1" iBook, and I actually like having the ports on the left side. I bought a standard Logitech optical mouse and even after wrapping it behind the back of the iBook, I have more than enough cable to move around comfortably with it. I like not having all the connectors sticking out of the same side I'm using my mouse on. I think that would be worse to have all of my peripherals and cords in a big rat's nest where I'm trying to use my mouse. I actually wish the power connector was on the same side as all the other ports, because I just end up wrapping the cord around to the other side anyway.

[rt_brained]

My girlfriend and I both have iBooks and hope Apple keeps the polycarb shells. Granted, they're prone to scratching, but they're durable as hell.

If you're really concerned about the scratches, there's a product you can buy from most auto parts stores that helps take minor scratches and fog out of clear plastic. Not sure if this would work on an iBook, but it seems to work fairly well car gauges.

I wonder if that compund you can buy to help restore scratched CDs might work. It doesn't remove the deepest scratches, but it took care of most of the minor stuff on my CDs. Cleaned 'em up real nice.

I haven't tried either product on my iBook...but it's a thought.

[logo1234]

Just a note on the flexibility and durabilty of iBooks:

I once had my iBook on the floor as I cleaned out my bag.

Our daughter decided to use it as a step :eek: .
She's about 11 kg (24 pounds).
No probs, breaks afterwards!!!! :D

[jefhatfield]

Originally posted by Over Achiever


True...but I haven't personally seen a ti-book rust yet...have you?

i think rusty tibooks would be cool ;)

or even better yet, pre-rusted tibooks to go along with those stylish pre-grunged jeans that all those girls are sporting these days

one of my part time jobs is landscaping and the jeans i wear are totally grunged out like that because i worked hard to get them that way...now all you have to do is go to the mall and buy them

so steve jobs, are you listening?

give us a special edition pre-rusted tibook so us laptops users could start a new fashion trend:p

[nelliott]

I own the new iMac 17 inch and although I am very impressed with the system overall The plastic base attracts dirt, oils and other grime. I also own a 12.1 inch iBook and find it very easy to keep clean and scratch free. If they change the case on anything it should be on the iMac to the more smooth look of the current iBook.:rolleyes:

[yamadataro]

Originally posted by Over Achiever


I know he said his english wasn't perfect, but could this just be a typo? I read this as saying that the current 13" iBook will change materials...yet we don't have a 13" iBook. Did they mean the 12" iBook? Is this article simply saying that the iBook's material will change to look more like the current iMacs?:eek:

Well, I didn't think about it much when I translated this but it looks like the original article DOES state the screen size as "13 inch." This is a pretty straight-forward translation. It doesn't say if it's a complete new design or just a partial material change. I guess it's just bits of info they've got.

Then again, they don't say what their source of info is for this particular article.