Definitely worth a look. Props to Dennis for the heads-up on the iBook monitor-spanning hack.
|
Feature
|
PowerBook | iBook | Notes |
|
Processor
|
1.5-GHz G4 | 1.2-GHz G4 | 300-MHz difference |
|
System bus
|
167-MHz | 133-MHz | 34-MHz difference |
|
RAM
|
512 MB | 256 MB | 256 MB difference; both will need added RAM |
|
RAM limit
|
2 GB | 1.25 GB | 750 MB difference; not a significant factor |
|
Hard drive
|
80 GB @ 5400 rpm | 60 GB @ 4200 rpm | 20 GB and big speed advantage |
|
SuperDrive
|
4x | 4x | equal |
|
Display
|
15.2" | 14.1" | 1.1" advantage to PowerBook |
|
Resolution
|
1280 x 854 | 1024 x 768 | |
|
Monitor spanning
|
Yes | Yes, with hack | |
|
Graphics support
|
128 VRAM (4x AGP) | 32 MB VRAM (4x AGP) | PowerBook video card is significantly faster and more capable |
|
Video outs
|
ADC, DVI, VGA, S-video, composite | VGA, S-video, composite | Some require adapters |
|
Modem
|
56k V.92 | 56k V.92 | |
|
Ethernet
|
10/100/1000BASE-T | 10/100BASE-T | Gigabit ethernet is still relatively uncommon |
|
Airport Extreme
|
Yes | Yes | |
|
Bluetooth
|
Yes | Yes | |
|
USB
|
2 USB 2.0 ports | 2 USB 2.0 ports | |
|
FireWire 400
|
1 port | 1 port | |
|
FireWire 800
|
1 port | none | Not a major deal today; might in the future |
|
Audio in
|
Microphone, line-in | Microphone only | Work around is to use a USB mic |
|
Audio out
|
Speakers, headphone jack | Speakers, headphone jack | |
|
Battery life
|
4.5 hours | 6 hours | Big win here for the iBook |
|
Weight
|
5.7 lbs | 5.9 lbs. | |
|
Extras
|
Backlit keyboard, PC card slot | – | Card slot is potentially useful |
|
Cost
|
$2389 | $1624 | Ed price of computers as modified; $765 more for PowerBook |
Comments/suggestions welcome!