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iBook Specs...

Just to clear something up,...

... IBM has NOT released a 1GHz G3. They have announced the 750fx, which apparently will be introduced at 800MHz, and get to 1GHz a little bit later. It isn't shipping, and if rumor is true, won't be at 1GHz when it ships.
 
Re: Re: iBook Specs...

Originally posted by cleo


What with putting the real power only in the 14"? (More RAM, larger HD). Could they be trying to phase out the 12" by insinuating that it's "low-end"?
Click to expand...
How's that??

You mean the extra 128MB RAM and 10GB of HD space?? Real power??

The 12" is not going anywhere.



blakespot
 
Specs

I am going going to get an iBook in a couple of months. If they are not speed bumped, I still will be getting one (though I am sure that by MWNY at the latest, they will be speedbumped, prob. Tuesday.) The main items on my wishlist for the bump are...

1) 100MHz bus. The lowend iBook has a 66MHz bus, presently.

2) Faster video. I would rather see beefier video hardware on a 600MHz G3 then the current video hardware on a 733MHz iBook.

I think these will likely both be addressed in the bump. The only concern I have now is price. I would be getting, if I purchased from the current selection, the $1299 500MHz unit w/ DVD. I hope there is something akin to this sitting at the $1299 pricepoint. I would be hard pressed to purchase a $1499 unit to get the extra 100MHz, given that I have _no_ use for CD-RW functionality in my iBook (I have a DP G4 800 w/ that capability sitting on my desk).

It's interesting. My main motivation in getting the iBook is just to be able to carry OS X with me. As if to have it ready to use as an aide in explaining the fineness of OS X. I have no "need" for the unit, in practical terms. Talk about getting caught up in the spirit of it all. Ahh well, a nice place to be.

Now we'll have to see how much funding I can scrounge...


blakespot
 
Re: Re: Re: iBook Specs...

Originally posted by blakespot

How's that??

You mean the extra 128MB RAM and 10GB of HD space?? Real power??

The 12" is not going anywhere.
Click to expand...

You're right; it was a poor choice of words. But there's a huge performance jump from 128 MB to 256 MB RAM (I know from personal experience with my iBook). Why not make this a standard option on the 12" iBooks as well?
 
Re: Re: Re: Re: iBook Specs...

Originally posted by cleo


You're right; it was a poor choice of words. But there's a huge performance jump from 128 MB to 256 MB RAM (I know from personal experience with my iBook). Why not make this a standard option on the 12" iBooks as well?
Click to expand...
Just add more after the fact. A memory purchase after the purchase of the computer itself doesn't count, financially, anyway.


blakespot
 
Stop b**ching and whining about the iBook. A G3 is a perfectly good chip... If you want a g4 buy a tibook. the iBook does everything fine. Sure, it's a bit disappointing about the ATI Rage Mobility 128 (only 8mb) and Quartz Extreme. But all in all, the iBook's the best portable computer you can get in its price range.
 
Originally posted by maiku
Pathetic...
Why is Apple still using G3s? What about a 500mhz G4 with 100mhz bus
and a graphics card that would support all the features of OS 10.2 (i.e. Quatrz Extreme) Is that too much to ask? What's that Steve? You need fuel for your personal jet? Oh Sorry, I forgot....
Click to expand...

OK, get a clue. What do you really think would be faster at real world apps, like surfing the net, and typing in word, playing MP3's etc. a 500 MHZ G4, or a 700 MHZ G3? If you think the G4, then I have some ocean front property in Kansas that I would like to talk to you about.

Please, post your opinion, but don't post flamebait.
 
Why not G4s?

The high-end iMac has the same processor (800Mhz G4) as the low-end PowerMac. I don't see why they couldn't do the same thing with iBooks and PowerBooks.

For example, what about:
550Mhz/12.1"/128MB/CD/20GB for $1399
550Mhz/12.1"/256MB/combo/30GB for $1699
667Mhz/14.1"/256MB/combo/30GB for $1999

Of course, they still couldn't have the L3 cache of the PowerBooks and would have an inferior video chipset (maybe Rage128 Mobility with 16MB). They'd also run on a 100Mhz bus isntead of 133Mhz. And, of course, there's always the screen -- even the 14.1" doesn't really compare to the new 15.2".

That would seem to differentiate them enough from the PowerBooks not to cannibalize sales, but still allow them to have G4s (which seem necessary at this point from a marketing perspective).

Just a thought.
 
Here's something I posted over at MacWorld's Forums:
------------------------------
Whoa, whoa, whoa. Slow down, everyone.
First, the Sahara (the 750FX) from IBM will NOT be used in the upcoming iBooks. This is not because the G3 is dead, but rather because the Sahara is a far better processor than those of equal processor speed from Motorola (the Sahara picks up over 2000 MIPS, nearly five times a single 800MHz G4).

Second, a G3 coupled with a 32MB video card will run OS X fine, granted that the upcoming version of OS X supports Quartz Extreme. The iBooks should receive the Mobility Radeon 7500.

Third, a 133MHz system bus would be the nicest of upgrades available. Not that it is feasible without a Sahara processor, but a G3 at 733MHz and a 133MHz system bus should be appealing enough.

So, here is my wish (and maybe a bit of a guess):

- 533 and 733MHz G3s
- 133MHz system buses
- ATI Mobility Radeon 7500 with 32MB video
- 15 and 20GB Hard Drive
- 128 and 256MB RAM
- Option of 12" or 14" screen

That would do it. I think that those specifications alone would lure in new buyers, until a major revision of the iBook with a G4 is released around the Holidays.
-------------------------------------

That's just my wishlist. The improved video card is likely the biggest setback in the iBook right now (especially in OS X). The increased bus speed would be nice to see, even if higher than the current iMac.
 
Re: Re: iBook Specs...

Originally posted by cleo


What with putting the real power only in the 14"? (More RAM, larger HD). Could they be trying to phase out the 12" by insinuating that it's "low-end"?

I'll keep my G3 600 with a 12" over a G4 (one day) 14" any day!
Click to expand...

You must not run X, or any app very processor or memory hunger. If you did, you would never settle or prefer a G3 to a G4. That's like wanting a Yugo over a Mercedes, just plain ridiculous.
 
Originally posted by Backtothemac


OK, get a clue. What do you really think would be faster at real world apps, like surfing the net, and typing in word, playing MP3's etc. a 500 MHZ G4, or a 700 MHZ G3? If you think the G4, then I have some ocean front property in Kansas that I would like to talk to you about.

Please, post your opinion, but don't post flamebait.
Click to expand...

Using real world apps in X, yes it would. Not to mention using X at all. If you think a 700 mhz G3 with 100mhz bus is faster running X then a 500mhz G4 then I have some farm land in The Everglades that I would like to talk to you about.
 
Re: Re: Re: iBook Specs...

Originally posted by Kid Red


You must not run X, or any app very processor or memory hunger. If you did, you would never settle or prefer a G3 to a G4. That's like wanting a Yugo over a Mercedes, just plain ridiculous.
Click to expand...

Yea, Vitural PC is very processor and hard drive intensive, altivec enabled, and dual aware, and yet not much faster than on a G4. Actually, for what the iBook is for, your answer is no. She doesn't. She will be running photoshop soon, but that still is not unuseable on a G3.

yea a G4 can do a render in 1 minute and the G3 may take 1.5 or 2 minutes. Is that the end of the world? At least she has a Mac. The only people that care about the 30 seconds are the uber geeks, and pros, and the iBook is for neither.
 
new iBooks

Everyone seems to think that because the iMac has a G4 chip, the iBook will too. But in the desktop space, G4 towers are still differentiated by having dual-processor capability. Also from a marketing stand-point, a higher Mhz G3 sounds better to the uneducated than a lower Mhz G4 - and compares better to the Wintel systems. If it means a cooler running and longer battery life - I'd prefer the G3 any day.

Apple continues to optimize and smooth out OS X. Things like the sluggish behavior of live window resizing will be remedied (in 10.1.5 I think).

Now that the Powerbook has a Radeon 7500, it makes sense for the previous generation Radeon to be in the iBook. Especially because Quartz Extreme doesn't work on a Rage 128. Considering that the iBook doesn't support dual-monitors (other than mirroring), the 16MB of RAM should be fine. Indeed, all the previous-model Ti owners won't be left out in the cold because of "only" 16MB VRAM - 32 is just a recommendation.

Offloading work to the graphics card will also mean that Altivec isn't necessary for blending and compositing.

I don't quite see the point of the 14" iBook. For the extra money/size/weight, why not spend a bit more and get a low-end Powerbook?

I like my 12" iBook, and hope that the "high end" features like 8x8x8x combo drive and large HDD are included in it.

I wish for a cooler running iBook - the new Powerbook has redesigned cooling and is apparently a fair bit better.

A bit thinner and lighter would be nice, and I think integrating Bluetooth and Airport on the Motherboard makes a great deal of sense.

I have my doubts that they will come out Tuesday, or anytime before MWNY. But I suppose it is possible. They could still come out with DDR towers and bump the iMac chip/video at MWNY - and perhaps come out with the rumored iBook SE then as well (slot-loading, audio-in, S-Video out?).

- n8
 
Originally posted by Kid Red


Using real world apps in X, yes it would. Not to mention using X at all. If you think a 700 mhz G3 with 100mhz bus is faster running X then a 500mhz G4 then I have some farm land in The Everglades that I would like to talk to you about.
Click to expand...

Well look at these.
http://www.barefeats.com/pb08.html
http://www.barefeats.com/pb05.html

considering that the G3 500 iBook ran right with the G4 400. I would feel very comfortable saying that a G3 700 iBook with a 100 MHZ bus would best a 500 MHZ G4 with a 133 mhz bus. Plus, use less power, generate less heat, and most important. It is cheaper.

Next....
 
Slowly getting better

It looks like the iBooks are getting marginally better, but nothing which would cause people to jump out of their pants and run downtown to get one while half-way naked. It looks like they are getting into the rut the iBooks were in before they were redesigned. The next step is to probably upgrade to a G4 processor....maybe USB 2 ports, also.

However, it seems to make some sense that Apple wouldn't upgrade to a G4 yet, because if they did, the iBooks might be more powerful than their more expensive PowerBook siblings.

But, if the hardware upgrade around November is similar to this one, then it might be decent enough of a machine for what I would like to trade in my current iBook (and perhaps my PowerMac G4 400MHz, too). What I'd like to see is a $1199 system with at least 20 GB hard drive and a CD-RW drive. MHz of 600+ would also be nice.
 
Re: Slowly getting better

Originally posted by edenwaith
It looks like the iBooks are getting marginally better, but nothing which would cause people to jump out of their pants and run downtown to get one while half-way naked. It looks like they are getting into the rut the iBooks were in before they were redesigned. The next step is to probably upgrade to a G4 processor....maybe USB 2 ports, also.

However, it seems to make some sense that Apple wouldn't upgrade to a G4 yet, because if they did, the iBooks might be more powerful than their more expensive PowerBook siblings.

But, if the hardware upgrade around November is similar to this one, then it might be decent enough of a machine for what I would like to trade in my current iBook (and perhaps my PowerMac G4 400MHz, too). What I'd like to see is a $1199 system with at least 20 GB hard drive and a CD-RW drive. MHz of 600+ would also be nice.
Click to expand...

Ok.
A few things. First the iBook does have 2 USB ports. Second it is a powerful little sucker for its size. Third, people have ran out and bought it in droves. Fourth, what iBook do you have? Fifth, you can get a 600 combo drive with a 20 gig new for 1499 right now and refurbed from Apple for 1249. Seems like they are already making the system you want.

Now, keep your pants on, and rush to the nearest Apple store. :p
 
easy Backtothemac
he i think he wanted to say two USB 2.0 ports
not 2 USB 1.1 ports

its a minor misunderstanding

easy with the flame thrower
 
G3 vs G4

Kid Red wrote:

Using real world apps in X, yes it would. Not to mention using X at all. If you think a 700 mhz G3 with 100mhz bus is faster running X then a 500mhz G4 ...

<sigh> It all depends on what you use your computer for. Until shortly, I was an ardent "G4 only" guy, too. Now, I got an iBook 500 and have to say that it runs fantastic. The essential thing to make it run smoothly is RAM (I've got 320MB).
While my desktop machine is a G4 and for its only 400 Mhz is *extremely* powerful, the G3 iBook runs just perfectly. Though I doubt the 15+ apps I'm running simultaneously on the G4 would leave the iBook in as good a shape as the G4, for the usual things you do with an iBook, there are no performance trade offs. Indeed, I was surprised to see OS X run *that* fast and smoothly on the iBook (hardly slower than 9). And... 10.2 is sweet and *very* fast on the iBook too... :)
 
Originally posted by TyleRomeo
easy Backtothemac
he i think he wanted to say two USB 2.0 ports
not 2 USB 1.1 ports

its a minor misunderstanding

easy with the flame thrower
Click to expand...

Flame thrower? Hey, I didn't even pick one up. Just pointing out a few observations to the young lad. Believe me that was not flamebait, just a very mild observation session. ;)
 
Who would want a G3 iBook? My wife would be quite happy with one. Right now she is using an old HP P166 Desktop and looks at my Ti800 and is jealous that I have a way faster computer with a screen that is almost as big as hers that I can use while watching TV. I think she would like a 14" iBook more than the 12" one, but for checking her email and doing some iPhoto, I think the iBook will be quite enough for the price.
 
display/graphics is the problem, not the g3

My biggest complaint with the current iBook is the display. Not that it is too small (though a 13 inch display would sure be nice), rather, it's not bright enough and doesn't have enough constrast!!! actually, I have the same complaint with my PBG4 as well. if apple can double the brightness and the contrast, I'd be very happy. on a related issue, the graphic chip is just embrassingly slow in this day and age. I agree Mobility 7500 should be used but I'd settle for a Radeon Mobility with 32 MB of VRAM. I have no complaint, however, regarding the use of the G3 chip. Sure the G4 is faster on somethings but look at how little power the G3 uses!!! Those of you who asks for G4 just have never heard the roaring buzz of the fan in the PBG4. Try using it for a day with SETI@Home running in the background, it'll drive you crazy. I'd go with a 1GHz 750FX (<8watts) over a 667 MHz G4 (>15watts) anyday (in a iBook). finally, I love the iBook (12 inch) form factor and I hope apple will keep it.

oh yea, I want a DVI out on iBook!!!!
 
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