The MacComparisonZone: 12" iBook G4/800 MHz vs 12" iBook G4/1 GHz - What Are The Performance, Feature And Price Differences
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Updated: 6/20/04
Introduction
This Buyer's Guide compares the 12" iBook G4/800 MHz, which has a Combo optical drive, to the 12" iBook G4/1 GHz , which also has a Combo optical drive.
The 12" iBook G4/800 MHz was released in October of 2003. The G4/800 was the low-end iBook, out of a family of three, which also included a 933 MHz and 1 GHz model, both with 14 inch screens.
The 12" iBook G4/1 GHz, was released 7 months later, in April, 2004. It is the low-end model of a family of three, which includes a 14 inch 1GHz machine in the middle, and a 14 inch 1.2GHz iBook at the high-end.
Major Technological Differences:
Processor Speed
Cache Speed/Size
Current Price Difference: $104
RAM: Max
Optical Drive Speed
Below you will find specifications and features, performance, and price comparisons. We also provide further links where you can do additional research, should you so wish.
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In basic processing power, the 1 GHz iBook appears to have about a to 30 percent edge over the 800 MHz machine even though it is clocked at only 25% faster. We believe that the faster iBook is helped by the fact that it has twice the L2 cache of the 800 MHz machine.
Interestingly in our Single File Drive Test, the 1 GHz iBook came in behind its slower sibling. However it was not by a large amount.
In the Microsoft Word Test, the 1 GHz iBook is again helped, dramatically, but the larger L2 cache
Graphics (Card) test is based on CineBench 2003. In this type of image rendering, the graphics card takes the lead
Graphics (Processor) test is based on CineBench 2003. In this type of image rendering, the processor takes the lead
Graphics Gaming (Graphics Card) Test is based on the game 4x4 EVO2 .. a racing game. All settings are at highest quality
Graphics Gaming (Processor) Test is based on the game Giants.. All settings are at highest quality. This game is more processor dependent ... will also make use of dual processors if present
The 'General Interface' test is based on Let1kWindowsBloom, which is freely available.
The Photoshop (Workflow) score is based on the BareFeats Photoshop Action Script, which you can download and run on your own machine, if you have Photoshop.
Battery Life was tested by playing a DVD movie on the fully charged machine until it was completely drained.
Have questions about the performance of these machines?
For more detailed performance results see this page
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For Latest up-to-date prices check the online Buyer's Guides
iBook G3/800 12 inch 128/30/CD-ROM/56K ... Original price: $999
Apple Store - Refurbished ... $649.... 1 year warranty ... Shipping Free. Tax: All States with a sales tax
Apple Store - Refurbished ... $749.... 1 year warranty ... Shipping Free. Tax: All States with a sales tax
ClubMac - New ... $700 .... one year warranty ... Shipping Free. Tax: CA, TN, WI ... Extras ... (Temporarily Offline)
MacMall - New ... $700 .... one year warranty ... Shipping Free. Tax: CA, TN, WI ... Extras ... (Temporarily Offline)
PowerMax - Used ... $729 .... 90 day warranty .... Shipping $20. Tax: None ... Extras
iBook G4/800 12 inch 256/30/Combo/56K M9164LL/A ... Original price: $1,099
Apple Store - Refurbished $849 .... one year warranty.... Shipping Free. Tax: All states with sales tax
MacZone - New $995 .... one year warranty.... Shipping $31. Tax: CA, IL, MO, NV, OH, TN, WA ... Extras
PowerMax - Open Box $949 .... 1 year warranty.... Shipping $20. Tax: None ... Extras
PowerMax - New $979 .... 1 year warranty.... Shipping $20. Tax: None ... Extras
SmallDog - Used ... $729.... 90 day warranty ... Shipping $29. Tax: VT
Base Machine DeskJet 5850 wireless printer, $100 after rebate ($199 up front) PSC 2410 multifunction printer, $200 after rebate ($299 up front) PSC 2175 all-in-one, $100 after rebate ($199 up front) Photosmart 7660 inkjet photo printer, $50 after rebate ($149 up front) DeskJet 5150 inkjet printer, free after rebate ($99 up front) DeskJet 5650 inkjet printer, $30 after rebate ($129 up front)
The MacComparisonZone: 12" iBook G4/800 MHz vs 12" iBook G4/1 GHz - What Are The Performance, Feature And Price Differences 
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Base Machine
DeskJet 5850 wireless printer, $100 after rebate ($199 up front)
PSC 2175 all-in-one, $100 after rebate ($199 up front)