Apple iBook (1999) vs Apple iBook G4 (14-inch, Early 2004)

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

iBook (1999) compared with iBook G4 (14-inch, Early 2004)
AppleiBook (1999)AppleiBook G4 (14-inch, Early 2004)
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 1999April 2004
Display
Screen size12.1″14.1″
Resolution800 × 6001024 × 768 (better)
TouchscreenNoNo
Display type12.1-inch active-matrix TFT SVGA display; exact size confirmed by SFGate's full original-model review. Panel technology, brightness and built-in refresh unpublished.Active-matrix TFT XGA display supporting millions of colours. Exact panel technology, brightness and built-in refresh rate are unpublished in the cited maker sheet.
Performance
ProcessorPowerPC G3 300 MHz (iBook 1999)PowerPC G4 1000 MHz (iBook Early 2004) or PowerPC G4 1200 MHz (iBook Early 2004)
CPU cores11
GraphicsATI Rage Mobility (4 MB)ATI Mobility Radeon 9200 (32 MB DDR)
Memory32 MB or 288 MB256 MB or 1.25 GB (better)
Storage3.2 GB40 GB to 60 GB (better)
CPU300 MHz PowerPC G3; 66 MHz data path, 64 KB L1 cache and 512 KB L2 cache. Exact supplier and silicon model omitted because the maker sheet does not publish them.PowerPC G4 at 1 GHz or 1.2 GHz, with Velocity Engine, 512 KB on-chip L2 cache at processor speed and 133 MHz system bus. Exact silicon model and supplier are not published in the cited maker sheets.
GPUATI Rage Mobility with 4 MB video memory and AGP 2× support (SFGate and Macworld exact-model reviews).ATI Mobility Radeon 9200 with 32 MB dedicated DDR SDRAM and AGP 4× support.
Memory type32 MB onboard and one SO-DIMM slot. The retained maker sheet supports 288 MB total for the original; contemporary reviews described the earlier 160 MB maximum.PC2100 266 MHz DDR SDRAM; 256 MB soldered and one empty SO-DIMM slot. Up to 1.25 GB total.
Storage type3.2 GB IDE hard drive and 24× CD-ROM drive; the 6 GB stocks belong to the February 2000 refresh.4200 rpm Ultra ATA/100 hard drive; 40 GB and 60 GB factory options. Stock processor/drive ties are 1 GHz/30 GB (12-inch), 1 GHz/40 GB or 1.2 GHz/60 GB (14-inch). Slot-loading DVD-ROM/CD-RW Combo drive; 4× DVD-R SuperDrive optional on the 14-inch only.
Battery and size
Battery life (maker's claim)Up to 6 hoursUp to 6 hours
Battery capacity45 Wh61 Wh (better)
Weight–2.7 kg
Thickness–34.2 mm
Width × depth–323 × 259 mm
Battery life detail45 Wh lithium-ion battery; Apple’s six-hour claim is reported in the exact SFGate review. The maker publishes 6.7 pounds and dimensions 11.6 H × 13.5 W × 1.8 D inches; ambiguous axes and unpublished metric figures are not converted.Removable 61 Wh lithium-ion battery, with charge-indicator LEDs; maker claim up to six hours. Published 2.7 kg reference weight varies with configuration and manufacturing process.
MaterialsColoured clamshell enclosure with rubber bumpers, translucent plastics and retractable handle (Macworld).White polycarbonate enclosure
ColoursBlueberry and white; Tangerine and whiteWhite
Connections
PortsUSB-A, Ethernet, headphone jack2 × USB-A, Ethernet, headphone jack
Wi-FiOptional AirPort 802.11bAirPort Extreme 802.11g; optional except on the 1.2 GHz 14-inch configuration
Operating systemmacOSmacOS
Port detailOne USB port, 10/100BASE-T Ethernet, internal 56K modem and stereo headphone output. No FireWire, video-out, PC Card slot or audio input. AirPort requires an optional internal card.Two USB 2.0 ports, one FireWire 400 port, 10/100BASE-T Ethernet, 56K V.92 modem, stereo headphone output and Mini-VGA video output. AirPort Extreme is included only in the 1.2 GHz 14-inch stock; other stocks require the optional card. Internal Bluetooth is optional; version unpublished in the maker sheet.
External displaysNo built-in external display outputVGA mirroring through the included Apple VGA adapter; S-video and composite TV output require the optional Apple Video Adapter. Extended desktop is unsupported.
KeyboardFull-size keyboard and embedded numeric keypad; lift-out keyboard provides memory access (Macworld).Full-size keyboard with 77 US or 78 ISO keys, 12 function keys, four arrow keys and an embedded numeric keypad.
TrackpadBuilt-in trackpad with a separate buttonTrackpad with a separate button; tap, double-tap and drag capabilities.
SpeakersSingle built-in speakerBuilt-in stereo speakers
MicrophonesNo built-in microphoneBuilt-in microphone
In the boxMac OS 8.6 at launch. Apple’s spokesperson confirmed September 1999 shipping in Bryan Chaffin’s Mac Observer report; the July 1999 introduction is not the on-sale date. Macworld’s retail test is labelled January 2000 in the article despite its incorrect migrated webpage date.iBook, rechargeable battery, power adapter, Apple VGA Video Adapter, software and documentation. Mac OS X 10.3 Panther and iLife ’04.

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