The iBook was a line of laptop computers introduced by Apple Computer in 1999. It was targeted towards the consumer and education markets, with lower prices than its brother portable, the PowerBook (and more recently, the MacBook Pro). It was less expandable and had fewer ports than the PowerBook and MacBook Pro lines. The last generation of iBooks included two types: A 12-inch model and a 14-inch model, with higher specifications for the latter. It was replaced by the MacBook in May 2006.
The target audience included young children, so a carrying handle was built into the hinge. Apple touted the durability of the casing by demonstrating someone holding on to the iBook jumping off a height (onto cushions). Like the iMac, the iBook ran a PowerPC G3 chip, and included no legacy Apple interfaces. USB, Ethernet, and modem ports were standard, as was an optical drive. The ports were placed uncovered on the side, as a cover was thought to be fragile. To attract sales to schools, the iBooks had power connectors on the underside of the machine that allowed multiple iBooks to be easily charged on a custom-made rack. In addition, it had no latches, so instead it opened and closed like a clamshell mobile phone.
The first iBook was the first mainstream computer ever to be sold with internal wireless networking; it featured an antenna built around the display bezel, though it still required an optional wireless card installed under the keyboard to enable wireless functionality. Apple partnered with Lucent in the creation of the iBook's wireless capabilities, setting an industry standard. Apple released the AirPort wireless base station at the same time.
Heated debate was made over just about everything—the aesthetics, features, weight, performance, pricing and so on. The iBook was heftier than the PowerBook of the time, with lower specifications. Long rumoured features of touch-screens, and ultra-long battery life were absent. The iBook was labelled as "clamshell" (owing to its latchless design) or rather less flatteringly, "toilet seat" due to the distinctive design. Nevertheless, this version of the iBook, along with many other Macs, could be seen in hit movies and televisions shows.
Despite its drawbacks, the iBook was a commercial success. The line continually received processor, memory, and hard disk upgrades. A revision to the iBook brought new colors, directly from the mid-2000 iMac. Colors available were "Graphite", "Indigo" and "Key Lime"; FireWire and video out were added as well, along with doubled video RAM (from 4 MB to 8 MB) and an upgraded hard disk controller (from ATA-33 to ATA-66).
Models
The five "flavors" of the original iBook. Top row: "Tangerine" and "Blueberry" Bottom row: "Graphite", "Indigo" and "Key Lime"
iBook (June 21,1999) - First iBook (Tangerine, Blueberry)
*12.1-inch Active-matrix TFT Display (800x600 max resolution)
*12.1-inch Active-matrix TFT Display (800x600 max resolution)
*G3 366/466 MHz
*64 MB RAM
*8 MB ATI Rage 128 Mobility AGP 2x
*10 GB Hard Disk (ATA-66 Controller)
*CD-ROM/4x DVD-ROM
*USB, Firewire, Video Out (through a special 3.5mm cable), Ethernet
*Airport (802.11b, optional)
*Mac OS 9.0.4
*(Other Specifications same as iBook and iBook SE)
The original iBook design was discontinued in May 2001, in favor of the new "Dual USB" iBooks.
Expandability/Upgrades
The original iBook's only customer-serviceable parts were the memory (RAM) and AirPort card, accessed via two slots under the easily-removed keyboard. No other modifications could be performed in warranty, and no PCMCIA port existed to provide additional expansion capabilities. Complicated procedures and countless screws had to be removed in order to access any internal components such as the hard disk and optical drive. Most iBooks shipped with Mac OS 8.6 or 9.0. Support for these iBooks is built into OS X v10.0 through v10.3.9. OS X v10.4 (Tiger) requires a Firewire port and DVD drive, essentially restricting it to the late-model iBook SE.
For those who are determined to run OS X v10.4 on an older iBook, it is possible to obtain an official Apple CD-ROM with v10.4 by participating in the Apple Media Exchange program [Apple.com — Mac OS X Tiger Upgrade], which allows owners of 10.4 DVDs to exchange them for 10.4 CDs for a fee of $9.95. Unfortunately, the CD as shipped by Apple will still not install on an older iBook as it is an unsupported model.
A next generation iBook debuted at a press conference in Cupertino on May 1, 2001. Essentially, the machine had been reinvented from the very core, with new features and a new design. Aesthetically, the former iBook's bold colors and radical, much contested form-factor were abandoned for a crisp white and slim-line polycarbonate shell, a design which earned Apple accolades from the computing industry and inspired the look of countless other products. The handle was also removed in favor of a latch similar to that on the PowerBook G4. These smaller machines were lighter, had a higher quality 12-inch LCD screen, and featured updated hardware from the previous iBooks.
iBook Early 2003 (April 22, 2003) - Minor revision
*800/900 MHz
*Mac OS X 10.2
*(Other Specifications Same as Mid 2002)
iBook G4
iBook G4
iBook G4 (12")
|- class="hiddenStructure"
! Type:
| Laptop
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! Developer:
| Apple Computer
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! Released:
| October 22, 2003
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! Discontinued:
| May 16, 2006
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! Processor(s):
| PowerPC G4, 800 MHz - 1.42 GHz
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! Base Price:
|
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! Website:
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A PowerPC G4 chip, slot-loading optical drives and a solid white keyboard were added on October 23, 2003—finally ending Apple’s use of the G3 chip. The iBook G4 was available until May 16, 2006, when it was eliminated with the announcement of the MacBook.
*(Other Specifications Same as iBook G4 Early 2004)
* The three models are: M9623LL/A (12-inch, 1.2 GHz, combo drive), M9627LL/A (14-inch, 1.33 GHz, combo drive), M9628LL/A (14-inch, 1.33 GHz, super drive)
*Originally shipped with Mac OS X v10.3 Panther but with the release of Mac OS X v10.4 Tiger, all current iBooks shipped with the more up-to-date operating system.
* While the 14-inch display is bigger it is the same resolution as the 12-inch.
* Both models now feature: 512 MB memory (expandable to 1.5 GB) at 333 MHz; ATI Mobility Radeon 9550 graphics processor with 32 MB video RAM; Sudden Motion Sensor (parks the hard drive head if the iBook is dropped); scrolling trackpad; Bluetooth 2.0+EDR; Slightly faster bus 133 MHz/142 MHz
*(Other Specifications Same as iBook G4 Late 2004)
Expandability/Upgrades
For customer installable parts such as an AirPort (wireless) card or additional memory, installation into an iBook is rather easy, as the keyboard is designed to easily open with two spring-loaded latches that may also be locked with screws if so desired. This does give the keyboard a "spongy" effect though, if the user types with heavy hands. The last iBook model (mid 2005) had a built-in AirPort card, so it is not accessible from under the keyboard.
The last iBook enclosure, however, is also notable for being difficult to open. To replace or even access the hard drive, about fifty-six screws need to be removed. For comparison, most recent Wintel laptop form factors allow removal of a hard drive caddy after removing one or two screws. iFixit offers a set of FixIt Guides for the iBooks that provide instructions with pictures covering how to get to any internal component.
Quality issues
In late November 2003, a number of iBook users started to report a display problem with their laptops [OSnews — iBook Issues? You're Not Alone, 2004-01-03]. At one point, a group of users sought to file a class action suit against Apple. In response to the problem, in January 2004, Apple initiated the "iBook Logic Board Repair Extension Program", which covers any expense of repairing "affected iBooks for three years"—essentially an extended warranty for the affected products. Apple says the program is for "repair or replacement of the logic board in iBook models manufactured between May 2001 and October 2003 that are experiencing specific component failure". The program has since been applied to other similar problems in Apple's hardware range. [Apple.com — Expanded iBook Logic Board Repair Extension Program FAQ]
Recently, an online petition has been started to encourage Apple to acknowledge that this problem is allegedly happening to early G4 iBook computers too, where one website has gathered over 700 instances of logicboard failure in the G4 iBooks shortly after the basic 1 year warranty ["iBook G4 Logic Board Petition (newer)"][Original iBook G4 Dilemma + MACFIXIT.com · Nov 29 2005]. In addition, some users are reporting similar display problems with more recent 1 GHz models. In addition users are complaining on discussion boards across the web and on Apple's own site that the replacement logic boards are faulty and failing as well. Apple has not admitted that these replacements are defective and new class action lawsuits are being organized.
Discontinuation
On May 16, 2006, Apple replaced the iBook line with the MacBook, a new Intel-based consumer portable laptop computer, available in black and white models and using a 13.3" wide-aspect, glossy screen. Unlike the iBook G4, the new MacBooks use Intel Core Duo Processors (in two speeds: 1.83 GHz and 2 GHz). The white model in particular continues the iBook look to a certain degree. The MacBook also features a latchless design and integrated graphics card, a different approach from the dedicated 32MB graphics card in the iBook G4. The iBook G4 continues to be offered to educational institutions but is now unavailable to the general public. [Apple.com — Education Solutions]
