Apple iBook (FireWire) vs Apple PowerBook G4 (12-inch DVI)

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

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iBook (FireWire) compared with PowerBook G4 (12-inch DVI)
AppleiBook (FireWire)ApplePowerBook G4 (12-inch DVI)
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 20002003
Display
Screen size12.1″12.1″
Resolution800 × 6001024 × 768 (better)
TouchscreenNoNo
Display type12.1-inch active-matrix TFT display, 800 × 600 native resolution. Exact panel technology, brightness and built-in refresh unpublished.12.1-inch TFT XGA active-matrix display; panel technology and refresh unpublished.
Performance
ProcessorPowerPC G3 366 MHz (iBook FireWire 2000) or PowerPC G3 466 MHz (iBook FireWire 2000)PowerPC G4 1 GHz (PowerBook 12-inch DVI)
CPU cores11
GraphicsATI Rage Mobility 128 (8 MB SDRAM)NVIDIA GeForce FX Go5200 (32 MB DDR)
Memory64 MB or 320 MB256 MB or 1.25 GB (better)
Storage10 GB to 20 GB40 GB to 80 GB (better)
CPU366 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.1 GHz PowerPC G4, 512 KB on-chip L2 and 133 MHz system bus. Exact silicon supplier omitted.
GPUATI Rage Mobility 128 with 8 MB SDRAM and AGP 2×.NVIDIA GeForce FX Go5200 with 32 MB DDR video memory and AGP 4×.
Memory type64 MB onboard PC100 SDRAM and one SO-DIMM slot; maker-supported maximum 320 MB total.256 MB PC2100 DDR266 standard, one open SO-DIMM slot; up to 1.25 GB.
Storage type10 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.40 GB 4200 rpm Ultra ATA/100 standard; the retained whole-family sheet confirms an 80 GB 4200 rpm build-to-order option. Combo DVD-ROM/CD-RW or 2× DVD-R SuperDrive. Individual table repeats Combo for both SKUs; descriptive drive section and launch release confirm SuperDrive option.
Battery and size
Battery life (maker's claim)Up to 6 hoursUp to 5 hours
Battery capacity50 Wh (better)47 Wh
Weight–2.1 kg
Battery life detail50 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.47 Wh lithium-ion, up to five hours. Published reference weight 2.1 kg with battery and optical drive; varies by configuration/manufacturing. Published dimensions: height 3.0 cm, width 27.7 cm, depth 21.9 cm.
Charger–45 W power adapter
MaterialsRubber-coated translucent clamshell with carrying handle and latchless lid.Aluminium enclosure
ColoursIndigo standard, Graphite Special Edition; Key Lime available for both through the Apple Store.–
Connections
PortsUSB-A, Ethernet, headphone jack2 × USB-A, Ethernet, headphone jack
Wi-FiOptional AirPort 802.11bOptional AirPort Extreme 802.11g/b
Bluetooth–1.1
Operating systemmacOSmacOS
Port detailOne 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.Two USB 2.0 ports, FireWire 400, 10/100 Ethernet, 56K V.92 modem, mini-DVI, audio input and headphone output. Mini-DVI-to-DVI and mini-DVI-to-VGA adapters included; television adapter separate.
External displaysComposite video output via the AV port; no built-in VGA output.Dual display and mirroring; external resolution up to 2048 × 1536.
Keyboard76 US or 77 ISO keys, including 12 function keys, four arrows and embedded numeric keypad.Full-size keyboard with embedded numeric keypad
TrackpadTap, double tap and drag supportTap, double-tap and drag support
SpeakersSingle built-in mono speakerStereo speakers with midrange-enhancing third speaker
MicrophonesNo built-in microphone; optional USB microphone supportedInternal omnidirectional microphone
In the boxMac OS 9, iMovie 2, AppleWorks and QuickTime; power adapter, power cord, battery and modem cable. All configurations available immediately in the maker release.Apple announced 16 September 2003 and expected the 12-inch model later that month. Actual first on-sale month unestablished after bounded contemporary source search; year precision retained.

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