Apple iBook (Dual USB) vs Apple iBook (FireWire)

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

iBook (Dual USB) compared with iBook (FireWire)
AppleiBook (Dual USB)AppleiBook (FireWire)
Overview
Released2001September 2000
Display
Screen size12.1″12.1″
Resolution1024 × 768 (better)800 × 600
TouchscreenNoNo
Display type12.1-inch TFT XGA active-matrix display, 1024 × 768 native resolution. Exact panel technology, brightness and built-in refresh unpublished.12.1-inch active-matrix TFT display, 800 × 600 native resolution. Exact panel technology, brightness and built-in refresh unpublished.
Performance
ProcessorPowerPC G3 500 MHz (iBook Dual USB 2001)PowerPC G3 366 MHz (iBook FireWire 2000) or PowerPC G3 466 MHz (iBook FireWire 2000)
CPU cores11
GraphicsATI Rage Mobility 128 (8 MB SDRAM)ATI Rage Mobility 128 (8 MB SDRAM)
Memory64 MB, 128 MB, 576 MB or 640 MB (better)64 MB or 320 MB
Storage10 GB to 20 GB10 GB to 20 GB
CPU500 MHz PowerPC G3 with 256 KB on-chip L2 cache at processor clock; 66 MHz system and memory buses. Exact silicon supplier and model omitted.366 MHz PowerPC G3 standard, 466 MHz Special Edition; 256 KB on-chip L2 cache at processor clock and 66 MHz system/memory buses. Exact silicon supplier and model omitted.
GPUATI Rage Mobility 128 with 8 MB SDRAM and AGP 2×.ATI Rage Mobility 128 with 8 MB SDRAM and AGP 2×.
Memory type64 MB onboard in the CD-ROM stock, 128 MB in the DVD-ROM and Combo stocks; one PC100 SO-DIMM slot supports up to 512 MB, giving respective maker maxima of 576 and 640 MB.64 MB onboard PC100 SDRAM and one SO-DIMM slot; maker-supported maximum 320 MB total.
Storage type10 GB Ultra ATA throughout the maker stock table; optional 20 GB. CD-ROM stock has 64 MB; DVD-ROM and Combo stocks have 128 MB. Optional CD-RW drive also listed, without adding unsupported separate configurations.10 GB IDE drive, optional 20 GB. Standard models have 24× CD-ROM; Special Edition has 6× maximum DVD-ROM according to the maker sheet. EveryMac lists 4× instead; maker retained.
Battery and size
Battery life (maker's claim)Up to 5 hoursUp to 6 hours
Battery capacity42 Wh50 Wh (better)
Weight2.2 kg–
Thickness34 mm–
Width × depth285 × 230 mm–
Battery life detail42 Wh lithium-ion battery; maker claim up to five hours. Maker reference weight 2.2 kg varies by configuration; published size 28.5 × 23.0 × 3.4 cm.50 Wh lithium-ion battery; maker claim up to six hours. Maker weights are 3.0 kg standard and 3.1 kg Special Edition, so no single main weight is selected. Maker labels: width 34.4 cm, height 29.4 cm, average depth 4.6 cm (range 3.15–5.2 cm). No main axis reinterpretation or computed metric dimensions.
MaterialsImpact-resistant white polycarbonate enclosureRubber-coated translucent clamshell with carrying handle and latchless lid.
ColoursWhiteIndigo standard, Graphite Special Edition; Key Lime available for both through the Apple Store.
Connections
Ports2 × USB-A, Ethernet, headphone jackUSB-A, Ethernet, headphone jack
Wi-FiOptional AirPort 802.11bOptional AirPort 802.11b
Operating systemmacOSmacOS
Port detailTwo 12 Mbps USB ports, one 400 Mbps FireWire, 10/100BASE-T Ethernet, internal 56K V.90 modem and stereo AV/headphone minijack. Optional 11 Mbps AirPort card; VGA adapter included, composite requires optional Apple AV Cable.One 12 Mbps USB port, one 400 Mbps FireWire port, 10/100BASE-T Ethernet, internal 56K V.90 modem and stereo headphone/composite AV output. Optional AirPort card.
External displaysVGA mirroring and composite video output; external display mirrors the internal screen.Composite video output via the AV port; no built-in VGA output.
Keyboard77 US or 78 ISO keys, including 12 function keys, four arrows and embedded keypad.76 US or 77 ISO keys, including 12 function keys, four arrows and embedded numeric keypad.
TrackpadTap, double tap and drag supportTap, double tap and drag support
SpeakersBuilt-in stereo speakersSingle built-in mono speaker
MicrophonesBuilt-in microphoneNo built-in microphone; optional USB microphone supported
In the boxKeyboard/trackpad, modem cable, RGB display adapter, power adapter/cord and lithium-ion battery. Mac OS 9.1 at launch; retained sheet also lists Mac OS X requiring 128 MB. Maker May 1 release specified mid-May availability; actual first-sale confirmation remains unavailable, so released has year precision.Mac OS 9, iMovie 2, AppleWorks and QuickTime; power adapter, power cord, battery and modem cable. All configurations available immediately in the maker release.

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