THE first Ibook came out around the summer of 2000 during a Mac World conference where all the new and fancy gadgets for Apple are first unveiled. The first generation Ibook had a colourful rubber shell and was shaped like a shell. This version had some limitations that were resolved in the New IBook G3.

Lightweight

The Ibook weighs about 2.2 kg (5.99 lbs) which is the average weight of most mobile computers today. You certainly would not want to be walking through an airport with a brick on your shoulder. The dimension of the Ibook vary as there are two display models: 12.1-inch display with width 11.2 inches by 9.05 inches by 4.9-inches. While the 14.1 inch display has 12.7 inches width by 10.2 inches by 1.35 inches.

Ibook is made of impact-resistant polycarbonate plastic that can withstand the abuse of travel and everyday use. The inside casing is reinforced with a magnesium frame, giving it superior strength.

Connectivity

This little Ibook has various connectivity options including a 56K modem, 10/100BASE-T Ethernet port, two USB ports for plugging in extra devices such as printer and digital camera, A Firewire port (400-Mbps) also can be used for digital cameras and has a faster download speed than USB, VGA out port. This was left out of the first generation Ibook which really did not make sense as you had no outport to an external monitor or overhead projector, and last but not least an audio/video connector.

Options

The Ibook comes in three different favours in terms of processor power: 500Mhz PowerPC G3, 600Mhz PowerPC G3 and 600Mhz PowerPC with 14.1 inch display.

The higher end Ibook comes with 256MB Ram, 20GB Ultra ATA drive, 600Mhz system bus, 14.1 inch TFT display with DVD-ROM/CD-RW standard.

Be advised that the 3.5-inch floppy drive isnot standard and is an additional accessory.

The design of the new Ibook seems much more sturdy and functional than its florescent coloured older brother which will be missed.

Applications

Comes loaded with a host of editing software and audio applications for MP3 downloads.

The starting price for the Ibook is US$1,200 which isn’t bad compared with the other name brand mobile computers today.

For further information on the Apple Ibook G3, visit Apple inc website at www.apple.com.

— Excerpts taken from Apple.com and TechTV.com

Edward K Taylor is Senior Systems Administrator, Jamaica Observer Limited.

E-mail comments to: taylore@jamaicaobserver.com