Apple Computer has unveiled updates to its iBook laptop and Mac Mini lines, lobbing in new features, more memory and built in wireless technology – although the anticipated widescreen models failed to run up at the launch party.
Mac iBook
Apple’s new iBook line now comes with a scrolling trackpad and a clever sudden motion sensor which helps protect a spinning hard drive if some clumsy klutz drops the notebook.
The new iBook G4s now come with a faster Power PC G4 processor running up to 1.42 GHz, with 512MB memory as standard, higher performance graphics and built-in AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth wireless connectivity.
The enhanced range features the ATI Mobility Radeon 9550 with 32MB of dedicated video, with machines either offering a slot-load SuperDrive (for burning DVDs and CDs), or a slot-load Combo drive (for watching DVDs and burning CDs).
Built-in Bluetooth 2.0 (Enhanced Data Rate), 10/100 BASE-T Ethernet and integrated AirPort Extreme 54 Mbps 802.11g WiFi wireless networking is provided as standard, with Apple claiming up to 6 hours battery life.
The 1.33 GHz PowerPC with 12″ screen G4 iBook retails at £699/US$999 and its bigger 1.42 GHz PowerPC G4 iBook with 14″ display knocks out for £899/US$1299.
‘The new iBook is the perfect portable for the go anywhere, do anything digital lifestyle of consumers and students,” roared David Moody, Apple’s VP of Mac Product Marketing.
“With improved performance, double the memory, and new mobility features like the scrolling TrackPad, Sudden Motion Sensor and Bluetooth, the new iBooks are an amazing value,” he positively insisted.
Mac Mini
The diminutive Mac Mini range features three new models – the 1.25 GHz Mac Mini, 1.42 GHz Mac mini and the new 1.42 GHz Mac Mini with SuperDrive – with memory upgraded to 512 MB throughout.
Prices start at £349/US$499, with a version featuring built-in AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth selling at £429/US$599.
A further model offering DVD and CD burning capabilities via a SuperDrive will knock out for £499/US$699.
They may be pat-on-the-head teensy, but Mac Minis come stuffed with connectivity options, including one FireWire 400 and two USB 2.0 ports, DVI (supporting VGA), and built-in 10/100 BASE-T NIC.
All of the machines ship with Mac OS X version 10.4 ‘Tiger’ OS and iLife ’05
“Mac Mini has been a popular choice for consumers getting started with Mac OS X and iLife ’05,” beamed Moody.
“With double the memory and new features like built-in wireless networking and DVD burning, the new Mac Mini delivers an even greater value in an innovative compact design,” he purred.