The MacComparisonZone: 12 Inch G4/1.0GHz PowerBook vs 12 Inch G4/1.0GHz iBook vs 12 Inch G4/1.33GHz PowerBook - How Much Faster Is The 1.33GHz Model?
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Introduction
6/11/04
This Buyer's Guide compares the 12 Inch G4/1.0 GHz PowerBook, to the 12 Inch G4/1.0GHz iBook, to the 12 Inch 1.33 GHz PowerBook. All three machines have the Combo optical drive.
The 1GHz PowerBook was released in September of 2003. At the time is was a low-end model of a family of four, which included a 1.33 GHz 17 Inch machine, and 1GHz & 1.25GHz, 15 Inch PowerBooks.
The current 1.0 GHz 12 Inch iBook was released in April, 2004 ... 8 months later. It is also a low-end model, this time of a family of three , which includes a 14 inch model, also running at 1GHz, and a 14 Inch model clocked at 1.25GHz.
The current 1.33 GHz 12 Inch PowerBook was released in April, 2004 . It is also a low-end model of a family of four, which includes a 1.5 GHz 17 Inch machine, and 1.33GHz & 1.5GHz, 15 Inch PowerBooks.
Major Technological Differences:
Processor Speed
Battery Life
Bus Speed
Graphics Card & Video Memory Amount
Hard Drive Size
SuperDrive Speed
Wireless Networking
External Video Support
Sound System
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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Combination drive
CD R - 24x
CD-RW write - 10x
DVD-ROM - 8x
CD -ROM - 24x
or
" SuperDrive"
CD-R write - 16x
CD-RW write - 4x
DVD-ROM - 8x
CD read - 24x
DVD write 2x
Combination Drive (slot loading)
Writes CD-R at 24x
Writes CD-RW at 16x
Reads DVD-ROM at 8x
Reads CD-ROM at 24x
Combination drive
CD R - 24x
CD-RW write - 16x
DVD read - 8x
CD read - 24x
or
"SuperDrive"
CD-R write - 16x
CD-RW write - 8x
DVD read - 8x
CD read - 24x
DVD write 4x
ADC output using optional Apple DVI to ADC Adapter
VGA output using included mini-DVI to VGA adapter
S-video and composite video output using mini-DVI to video adapter (sold separately)
Dual display and video mirroring: Simultaneously supports up to 1024 by 768 pixels on the built-in display and up to 2048 by 1536 pixels on an external display, both at millions of color
S-video and composite video output to TV or projector (requires Apple Video Adapter, sold separately)
Video mirroring on an external display or projector (24-bit color) with included Apple VGA Display Adapter
12.1-inch (diagonal) TFT
1024 x 768
2048 x 1536 support on external display
Mini-DVI port
DVI output using included mini-DVI to DVI adapter
ADC output using optional Apple DVI to ADC Adapter
VGA output using included mini-DVI to VGA adapter
S-video and composite video output using mini-DVI to video adapter (sold separately)
Dual display and video mirroring: Simultaneously supports up to 1024 by 768 pixels on the built-in display and up to 2048 by 1536 pixels on an external display, both at millions of color
The 'percentage difference' for the iBook is related to the 1 GHz PowerBook. The 'percentage difference' for the 1.33 GHz PowerBook is related to the 1 GHz iBook
In basic processing power, the 1.33 GHz PowerBook appears to have about a 27 to 30 percent edge over the 1GHz machines. The iBook seems to be slightly faster than the 1 GHz PowerBook ... but most of the processor scores are close to the margin of error. The only score difference between the two 1 GHz portables that is puzzling, is the one for the 'G4 Tuned Processor Test'. The gap between the two machines should not be as great as it is. We think that this anomaly should be confirmed elsewhere ... before you take it to the bank.
In drive performance the iBook seems to be a slow poke compared to either PowerBook, and in the General Interface test the iBook also fared poorly against the other two machines (We would like to see these results, also confirmed by others).
However the iBook is king when it comes to battery life.
Graphics test is based on CineBench 2003. In this type of image rendering, the graphics card takes the lead
Graphics Gaming Test is based on the game 4x4 EVO2 .. a racing game. All settings are at highest quality
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
12.1" PowerBook G4/1GHz Combo Drive #M9007LL/A ... Original price: $1,599
Apple Store - Refurbished $1,199 .... one year warranty.... Shipping Free. Tax: All states with sales tax
ClubMac - New $1,394 .... one year warranty .... Shipping Free. Tax: CA, TN, WI ... Extras
MacMall - New $1,394 .... one year warranty.... Shipping Free. Tax: CA, TN, WI ... Extras
MacConnection - (search for item M9007LL ) ... New $1,394 ... one year warranty .... Shipping Free Tax: MA, NC, OH, TN ... Extras
PowerMax - Refurbished... $1,249.... one year warranty .... Shipping $19. Tax: None ...Trade-in ProgramPowerMax - Open Box ... $1,329.... one year warranty .... Shipping $19. Tax: None ...Trade-in ProgramPowerMax - New .. $1,319 to $1,499.... one year warranty .... Shipping $19. Tax: None ...Trade-in ProgramSmall Dog - Demo $1,379 ... one year warranty ... Shipping $25. Tax: VT
Small Dog - New $1,329 to $1,399 ... one year warranty ... Shipping $25. Tax: VT
12.1" PowerBook G4/1GHz SuperDrive #M9008LL/A ... Original price: $1,799
Apple Store - Refurbished $1,299 .... one year warranty.... Shipping Free. Tax: All states with sales tax
Apple Store - New $1,499 .... one year warranty.... Shipping Free. Tax: All states with sales tax
ClubMac - New $1,494 .... one year warranty .... Shipping Free. Tax: CA, TN, WI ... Extras
ClubMac - Open Box $2,259 (search for item Z07M ) .... one year warranty .... Shipping Free. Tax: CA, TN, WI ... Extras
MacConnection - (search for item M9008LL ) ... Refurbished $1,399 ... 90 day warranty .... Shipping Free Tax: MA, NC, OH, TN ... Extras
MacConnection - (search for item M9008LL ) ... New $1,494 ... one year warranty .... Shipping Free Tax: MA, NC, OH, TN ... Extras
MacMall - New $1,494 .... one year warranty.... Shipping Free. Tax: CA, TN, WI ... Extras
MacZone - New $1,495 .... one year warranty.... Shipping Free. Tax: CA, IL, MO, NV, OH, TN, WA ... Extras
PowerMax - Refurbished... $1,449.... one year warranty .... Shipping $19. Tax: None ...Trade-in ProgramPowerMax - Open Box.. $1,388.... one year warranty .... Shipping $19. Tax: None ...Trade-in ProgramPowerMax - New .. $1,499 to $1749 .... one year warranty .... Shipping $19. Tax: None ...Trade-in ProgramSmall Dog - New $1,439 to $1,499 ... one year warranty ... Shipping $25. 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 Inch G4/1.0GHz PowerBook vs 12 Inch G4/1.0GHz iBook vs 12 Inch G4/1.33GHz PowerBook - How Much Faster Is The 1.33GHz Model?
Major Technological Differences:
- Available
- Unknown/Delay
- Unavailable
Base Machine
DeskJet 5850 wireless printer, $100 after rebate ($199 up front)
PSC 2175 all-in-one, $100 after rebate ($199 up front)