RSSApple Refreshes iBook, Mac Mini Lines
By Ed Oswald | Published July 26, 2005, 11:55 AM
As expected, Apple on Tuesday refreshed its Mac Mini and iBook lines. Changes to both of the products include increased memory and built-in wireless capabilities, while the iBook gained faster processor speed and some features previously only available in the higher-end PowerBook models.
The iBook G4 line was simplified and now only includes two models, a 12-inch version with a Combo Drive that runs at 1.33 GHz and a 14-inch model with a SuperDrive that runs at 1.42GHz. Contrary to earlier reports, a widescreen iBook was not unveiled.
Both models include 512MB of RAM, as well as a TrackPad and a Sudden Motion Sensor, two features brought down from its higher end PowerBook models. Integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth have also become standard.
The 12-inch iBook will retail for $999 USD, and the 14-inch model for $1,299 USD.
The internal specifications of the Mac Mini stayed the same; however, the entire line was boosted to 512MB of memory. Increased standard memory was a feature that many analysts and customers had requested due to the increased power needs of Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger.
Apple also created a new top-of-the-line Mac Mini, which will retail for $699 USD. The machine will include a 1.42GHz processor, as well as integrated wireless, Bluetooth and a SuperDrive. Previously, such a setup would have cost the customers over $800 USD to configure.
Wireless and Bluetooth are also now standard in the $599 USD Mac Mini as well. All models are available immediately.
*Phew*, good thing they didn´t make the iBook widescreen or I could never have resisted buying one :/
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|I had an order processing for a 12" ibook and they upgraded mine to the new ibook which actually brought my total price down. The only bad part is that my shipping date was pushed back further.
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|All worth it if it saves you money and you get a better product in the end. ;)
I think this is a good idea. For the people that want such things, having them already built in can save on a lot of costs. It's like in new laptops you have to factor in the built-in ethernet and WiFi, which is like an added $50 expense in older models.
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|Very true and very nice add-on. It's a laptop, obviously, many will be wanting to use wireless features.
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