Apple Released Refreshed PowerBooks and iBooks
The new PowerBook G4s get 1.33 and 1.5 GHz CPUs in place of 1.0, 1.25 and 1.33 GHz, faster graphics with a minimum of 64 MB VRAM and AirPort Extreme cards and Bluetooth modules are included across the lineup. The 15" and 17" PowerBooks' graphics chip is the ATI Mobility Radeon 9700 in place of the 9600 of the previous models. In addition, the VRAM in the top 15" and the 17" PowerBooks can be upgraded to 128 MB and have faster 4X SuperDrive DVD/CD RW optical drives. The price of the 17" model was reduced $200 from $2,999 to $2,799 and the price of the top 15" model was reduced $100 from $2599 to $2499.
The new iBook G4s get 1.0 and 1.2 GHz CPUs in place of 800, 933 and 1000 MHz CPUs, ATI Mobility Radeon 9200 graphics with 32 MB VRAM and are AirPort Extreme ready. The top 14" iBook also has AirPort Extreme included and the 4x SuperDrive DVD/CD RW optical drive as a BTO option.
The only downside to us is that the 12" PowerBook G4 still does not come with PC card slot which we need for a broadband wireless PC card. We were waiting for this refresh before shopping for a small, lightweight laptop with a PC card slot like the 1.7 lb Sony Vaio x505--rats.
The speed and value of the PowerBook and iBook G4s were greatly enhanced with this refresh. The cases are identical to the previous models which is fine with us since we think they are very hard to improve upon.
All but the 17" PowerBook are available now. The new 17" model will be available in May.
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