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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?

Specially prepared for Jayesh ... Request your own Custom Comparison

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.

Give us your feedback. Tell your friends about our service!


Specifications & Features

Model/Mhz

PowerBook G4/1GHz
(#M9007LL/A - Combo Drive)
(#M9008LL/A - SuperDrive)
12 Inch Screen
L2 Cache: 512K @ 1GHz
L3 Cache: None
Release Date: September 2003

4.6 pounds (2.1 kg)

Battery Life: 47-watt 5 Hours

iBook G4/1.0GHz (#M9426LL/A )

12 Inch Screen
L2 Cache: 512K @ 1GHz
L3 Cache: None
Release Date: April, 2004

4.9 pounds (2.2 kg)

Battery Life: 50-watt 6 Hours

PowerBook G4/1.33GHz
(#M9183LL/A - Combo Drive)
(#M9184LL/A - SuperDrive)
12 Inch Screen
L2 Cache: 512K @ 1.33GHz
L3 Cache: None
Release Date: April, 2004

4.6 pounds (2.1 kg)

Battery Life: 50-watt 5 Hours

Price Information

MSRP: $1,599 or $1,799
Current Price: $1,199 to $1,494
DealZone

MSRP: $1,099
Apple Store
DealZone

MSRP: $1,599 - Combo Drive
MSRP: $1,799 - SuperDrive
Apple Store
DealZone

Bus Speed
(Mhz)

133 MHz
133 MHz
167 MHz

RAM
(MAX)

256MB PC2100 (266MHz) DDR SDRAM
(1.25 GB max)
256 MB PC2100 (266MHz)
(1.25GB)
256MB
PC2700 (333MHz) DDR SDRAM
(1.25 GB max)

Graphics Support

NVIDIA GeForce FX Go5200
32MB of DDR SDRAM
4x AGP
ATI Mobility Radeon 9200
32MB of DDR SDRAM
4x AGP
NVIDIA GeForce FX Go5200
64MB of DDR SDRAM
4x AGP

Expansion
Slots

AirPort Extreme Ready (54 Mbps) slot

AirPort Extreme (54 Mbps) slot

AirPort Extreme (54 Mbps) slot

Hard Drive

40GB Ultra ATA/100
4200rpm
30GB ATA/100
4200 rpm
60 GB Ultra ATA/100
4200rpm

Optical Drive

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

Connectivity & Communication

56k modem

Optional 54-Mbps AirPort Extreme Card (based on 802.11g standard; 802.11b Wi-Fi certified)

10/100 BT Ethernet

2 USB 2.0 Ports (480 Mbps)
1 FireWire Port (400 Mbps)

Audio in & out

Bluetooth 1.1 built in

56k modem

Optional 54-Mbps AirPort Extreme Card (based on 802.11g standard; 802.11b Wi-Fi certified)

10/100 BT Ethernet

2 USB 2.0 Ports (480 Mbps)
1 FireWire Port (400 Mbps)

Audio out

Optional Bluetooth

56k modem

Installed 54-Mbps AirPort Extreme Card (based on 802.11g standard; 802.11b Wi-Fi certified)

10/100 BT Ethernet

2 USB 2.0 Ports (480 Mbps)
1 FireWire Port (400 Mbps)

Audio in & out

Bluetooth 1.1 built in

Video

12.1-inch (diagonal) TFT XGA active-matrix 1024x768

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

12.1-inch (diagonal) TFT XGA active-matrix 1024x768










VGA video output with Apple VGA Display Adapter

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

Specification Notes
Has third speaker for midrange
Audio line in

 

Has third speaker for midrange
Audio line in

Performance
Machine
PowerBook G4/1GHz (12")
(#M9007LL/A - Combo Drive)
iBook G4/1.0GHz (12")
(#M9426LL/A )
PowerBook G4/1.33GHz (12")
(#M9183LL/A - Combo Drive)
Processor
91 Points
95 Points- - 4% Faster
121 Points- - 27% Faster
Processor Mutitasking
321.11. seconds
330. seconds - - 3% Slower
252.88. seconds - - 30% Faster
Processor G4 Tuned
52.70 seconds
44.99 seconds- - 17% Faster
36.94 seconds- - 22% Faster
Graphics (Card)
477 Points
300 Points - - 59% Slower
505 Points - - 68% Faster
Graphics (Processor)
108 Points
115 Points - - 6% Faster
144 Points - - 25% Faster
Graphics Gaming
(Graphics Card)
14.5 frames per second
10.5 frames per second - - 38% Slower
14.9 frames per second - - 42% Faster
Drive Muti-Files
214.63 seconds
286.72 seconds - - 34% Slower
216.74 seconds - - 32% Faster
Drive Single File
128.07 seconds
173.67 seconds - - 36% Slower
137.11 seconds - - 27% Faster
Burn CD
109.36 seconds
103.50 seconds - - 6% Faster
104.20 seconds - - 1% Slower
General - Interface
25.17 seconds
42.14 seconds - - 67% Slower
21.59 seconds - - 95% Faster
QuickTime Encode
43.30 seconds
45.67 seconds - - 5% Slower
33.11 seconds - - 38% Faster
iMovie Render
Not Available
194.20 seconds
134.62 seconds - - 44% Faster
iDVD Import
Not Available
108.06 seconds
71.23 seconds - - 52% Faster
Photoshop (Workflow)
53.66 seconds
54.98 seconds - - 2% Slower
44.97 seconds - - 22% Faster
Photoshop (Filters)
117.63 seconds
128.45 seconds - - 9% Slower
107.13 seconds - - 20% Faster
StuffIt Expand
67.85 seconds
72.71 seconds - - 3% Slower
61.29 seconds - - 19% Faster
MS Word
86.94. seconds
89.13 seconds - - 3% Slower
68.06 seconds - - 31% Faster
Giants (Game)
(Processor)
17.7 frames per second
22.3 frames per second - - 26% Faster
26.5 frames per second - - 19% Faster
Battery Life
119 Minutes
181 Minutes - - 52% More Time
148 Minutes - - 22% Less Time
Notes

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.

Processor performance based on CineBench 2003

Processor G4 Tuned Test based on AltiVec Fractal program

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

Links To Further Information
Machine
PowerBook G4/1GHz
(#M9007LL/A - Combo Drive)
(#M9008LL/A - SuperDrive)
iBook G4/1.0GHz (12")
(#M9426LL/A )
PowerBook G4/1.33GHz (12")
(#M9183LL/A - Combo Drive)
(#M9184LL/A - SuperDrive)
Reviews

LowEndMac

MacReviewZone
MacReviewZone
MacSpeedZone
Macworld
ComputerWorld

Links to additional information

Additional Resources:
PowerBook Info Zone
PowerBook Performance
PowerBook Performance vs Others
PowerBook Buyer's Guide
Closeout - Refurbished PowerBooks
Apple's PowerBook Web Pages
PowerBook Specs & Features
PowerBook Discussion Forum

Additional Resources:
PowerBook Info Zone
PowerBook Performance
PowerBook Performance vs Others
PowerBook Buyer's Guide
Closeout - Refurbished PowerBooks
Apple's PowerBook Web Pages
PowerBook Specs & Features
PowerBook Discussion Forum

Price & Bundle Comparisons

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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 Program
PowerMax - Open Box ... $1,329.... one year warranty .... Shipping $19. Tax: None ...Trade-in Program
PowerMax - New .. $1,319 to $1,499.... one year warranty .... Shipping $19. Tax: None ...Trade-in Program
Small 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 Program
PowerMax - Open Box.. $1,388.... one year warranty .... Shipping $19. Tax: None ...Trade-in Program
PowerMax - New .. $1,499 to $1749 .... one year warranty .... Shipping $19. Tax: None ...Trade-in Program
Small Dog - New $1,439 to $1,499 ... one year warranty ... Shipping $25. Tax: VT
 


iBook G4/1GHz 12.1" Screen, Combo Drive #M9426LL/A
Store

Apple Store

Price & Shipping*

$1,099 .... Education Discount Price: $999
Free shipping

Sales Tax

All states with sales tax.

Deals & Bundles

available - Available

unknown/delay - Unknown/Delay

unavailable - Unavailable

Apple Promotions and:

available Base Machine
delay DeskJet 5850 wireless printer, $100 after rebate ($199 up front)
delay PSC 2410 multifunction printer, $200 after rebate ($299 up front)
unaviailable PSC 2175 all-in-one, $100 after rebate ($199 up front)
delay Photosmart 7660 inkjet photo printer, $50 after rebate ($149 up front)
unaviailable DeskJet 5150 inkjet printer, free after rebate ($99 up front)
delay DeskJet 5650 inkjet printer, $30 after rebate ($129 up front)

 
Store

ClubMac

Price & Shipping*

$1,094
Free shipping after mail-in rebate

Sales Tax

CA, TN, WI

Deals & Bundles

available - Available

unknown/delay - Unknown/Delay

unavailable - Unavailable

Apple Promotions and any/all of the following:

available Base Machine
available Harry Potter Deluxe Edition, free after mail-in rebate
available $25 mail-in rebate on Microsoft Office 2004 Student/Teacher Edition
available $50 mail-in rebate on Microsoft Office 2004 Standard Edition or upgrade
unavailable 512 MB RAM, free after rebate, $40 install
unavailable Free case after mail-in rebate
available Epson Stylus C84 Printer, $70 discount via mail-in rebate ($99 up front)
available Epson CX5400 multi-function printer, $90 discount via mail-in rebates ($149 up front)
available Epson CX6400 multi-function printer, $90 discount via mail-in rebates ($199 up front)
available HP Deskjet 5150, $99 discount via Apple rebate ($100 up front)
available HP Deskjet 5650, $99 discount via Apple rebate ($130 up front)
available HP Deskjet 6122, $99 discount via Apple rebate ($180 up front)
available HP Officejet 6110 all-in-one, $99 discount via Apple rebate ($300 up front)
available HP PhotoSmart 7960, $99 Apple rebate plus "shopping cart special" (see note above)
available MYOB FirstEdge for $10

 
Store MacConnection ... Best Buy
Price & Shipping*

$1,094
Free shipping on web orders

Sales Tax

MA, NC, OH, TN

Deals & Bundles