On July 26 Apple announced upgraded iBook and Mac Mini computers. While formerly there were three iBook models, now there were only two, and the two Mac Mini versions were replaced by three new ones.
Most important among the changes is that all of the new iBooks and Mac Minis are equipped with 512MB of memory. Since OSX was introduced four years ago, critics have assailed Apple for using an operating system that really needed 512MB of RAM, even though many of its computers came with only 256MB as standard. Now the only Apple computer offered with 256MB of memory is the $799 eMac.
While processor speeds on all five models have been increased, these speed bumps are small ones and probably won't make much difference in how the computers actually operate. For example on the two iBook models, the increase was from 1.2MB to 1.33MB and from 1.33MB to 1.42MB.
The iBook's mid-level configuration has been dropped, and the price for the top-of-the-line is now $200 less, at $1299. The entry level iBook ($999) with a 12-inch display now has a 40GB hard drive. The other model with a 14-inch display includes a 60GB drive and the Combo Drive has been replaced with a new, faster SuperDrive that writes both DVD+ and DVD- discs.
New iBook features are a scrolling trackpad and the Sudden Motion Sensor. The first allows the user to drag two fingers across the trackpad to scroll either vertically or horizontally, or to pan around any active window. The SMS instantly parks the hard disc heads in case the iBook is dropped, to avoid scratching the disc. As soon as the iBook is securely back on the horizontal, the hard drive heads are unlocked automatically.
Mac Mini configurations are still priced at $499 and $599, along with the new $699 model. The major changes in the low-priced version are the faster processor and increased RAM. In addition to similar revisions, the mid-level model now also includes both AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth for wireless capabilities. The new top-of-the-line model has the same specifications as the mid-level one, except that a SuperDrive has been added.
All in all, these new features and improvements make the iBooks and Mac Minis even more attractive as the most compact and lowest priced Apple notebooks and desktop computers available.
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© 2005 Lowell J. Erickson. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
Date Revised: 18 August 2005
