Apple unveils faster iBook with built-in wireless networking

As expected, Apple Computer on Tuesday unveiled a faster, more affordable iBook G4 product line, featuring built-in AirPort Extreme 54 Mbps 802.11g wireless networking across the line and prices starting at $999.

Encased in a sleek, durable polycarbonate plastic enclosure, the new 12- and 14-inch iBooks offer improved performance with either a 1.2 GHz or 1.33 GHz PowerPC G4 processor. Providing up to six hours of battery life, the iBook lineup offers AirPort Extreme 54 Mbps 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.

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 combodrive capable of burning and playing CDs and watching DVDs.

Every iBook G4 comes with Apple’s latest operating system— Mac OS X version 10.3 "Panther"— pre-installed. The laptops also include iLfe '04, AppleWorks, Mac OS X Mail, Quicken 2005 for Mac, WorldBook Encyclopedia 2004 Edition, Marble Blast Gold and Nanosaur 2.

Pricing & Availability

The new iBook lineup is immediately available through the company's online store, retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers in three standard configurations.

The 1.2 GHz PowerPC G4 iBook, weighing just 4.9 pounds, has a suggested retail price of $999 (US) and includes:

The 1.33 GHz PowerPC G4 iBook, weighing just 5.9 pounds, has a suggested retail price of $1,299 (US) and includes:

The 1.33 GHz PowerPC G4 iBook, weighing just 5.9 pounds, has a suggested retail price of $1,499 (US) and includes:

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.