BIOS: Technology Means Business

Apple Computers' latest iBook range is the fastest to date. Still lacking in raw speed compared to Intel Centrino-based laptops, the consumer model is available from just £636 (ex. VAT) and comes in three standard configurations. The entry-level model comes with a 1.2GHz PowerPC G4 processor, 12.1in. display, 256MB of DDR SDRAM (expandable up to 1.25GB), 30GB hard disk, ATI Mobility Radeon 9200 (32MB of memory), AirPort Extreme 802.11g (54Mbit/s) wireless networking, two USB 2.0 ports, a single FireWire 400 port, VGA video-out, S-Video and composite video-out ports, Ethernet (10/100Base-T), as well as a stylish slot-loading DVD-ROM/CD-RW combo drive. The next model in the range adds a faster 1.33GHz PowerPC G4 processor (£765 ex. VAT), larger 14.1in. display and 60GB hard disk, whereas the top-of-the-range model (£892 ex. VAT) further adds a SuperDrive (multi-format DVD recorder). All models come with Mac OS X 'Panther' operating system and iLife '04 digital imaging suite. Unfortunately, all of the screens offer a paltry native resolution of just 1024x768 pixels and Bluetooth is an optional extra.

Pros: Built-in 802.11g; excellent claimed battery life
Cons: Low resolution screen; no built-in Bluetooth

Release: Apple today unveiled the fastest, most affordable iBook G4 ever for consumers and education customers, featuring built-in AirPort Extreme 54Mbit/s 802.11g wireless networking across the line and prices starting at just $999. The iBook line includes PowerPC G4 processors running up to 1.33GHz and an available slot-load SuperDrive for burning DVDs, as well as Apple's breakthrough iLife '04 suite for managing digital music and photos, making movies and music and creating professional-quality DVDs.

'Designed for the digital life on the go, the iBook G4 has been incredibly popular with consumers and students,' said David Moody, Apple's vice president of Worldwide Mac Product Marketing. 'With prices starting at just $999, including AirPort Extreme wireless networking built-in and faster PowerPC G4 processors, the new iBooks are a great deal for every student, home user and small business owner.'

Encased in a sleek, durable polycarbonate plastic enclosure, the new 12- and 14in. iBooks offer improved performance with either a 1.2GHz or 1.33GHz PowerPC G4 processor. Providing up to six hours of battery life for all-day use on the road or in the classroom, the iBook lineup offers AirPort Extreme 54Mbit/s 802.11g wireless networking in every model and an optional internal Bluetooth module for wirelessly connecting peripherals such as the Apple Wireless Keyboard and Apple Wireless Mouse. All iBook G4 models also offer a full complement of I/O ports including FireWire 400, USB 2.0, a built-in 56K v.92 modem and Ethernet (10/100Base-T) for connectivity to a wide range of peripherals such as speakers, MIDI keyboards and iPod.

Providing world class graphics capabilities, each iBook G4 offers ATI Mobility Radeon 9200 graphics with 32MB of dedicated DDR memory and AGP 4X support for gaming and watching DVDs, as well as VGA video out for easy mirroring to projection systems and external displays. The new iBook G4 also includes either a slot-load SuperDrive, for burning both DVDs and CDs, or a slot-load combo drive capable of burning and playing CDs and watching DVDs.

Every new iBook G4 also includes iLife '04, Apple's award-winning suite of digital lifestyle applications including iTunes for managing digital music, iPhoto for organising and sharing digital photos, iMovie for digital movie making, iDVD for creating and burning Hollywood-style DVDs and GarageBand, the revolutionary music application that turns a Mac into a professional-quality musical instrument and recording studio. iBook G4 also comes with a collection of productivity and entertainment titles including AppleWorks, Mac OS X Mail, Quicken 2005 for Mac, WorldBook Encyclopedia 2004 Edition, Marble Blast Gold and Nanosaur 2.

The iBook G4 comes with Apple's latest operating system pre-installed. Mac OS X version 10.3 'Panther' delivers more than 150 breakthrough features including iChat AV, an easy to use personal video conferencing solution; FileVault, which uses the latest security standards and 128-bit encryption technology to ensure that data in the home directory is kept secure; Exposé, a revolutionary new way to instantly access any open window; Instant On, which wakes the iBook from sleep in just one second; Apple Setup Assistant, a migration tool that allows Mac users to quickly and easily transfer files, applications, and preferences from one Macintosh to another; and Automatic Networking, which automatically switches the network connections between Ethernet, 802.11 and modem. With enhanced Windows compatibility, files, printers and network services can easily be shared with Windows users.

The new iBook lineup is immediately available through The Apple Store, Apple's retail stores and Apple Authorised Resellers in three standard configurations. Additional build-to-order options for the new iBook G4 include up to 1.25GB of DDR SDRAM, a 60GB or 80GB Ultra ATA/100 hard drive, internal Bluetooth module, AirPort Extreme and AirPort Express Base Stations and the AppleCare Protection Plan.