MacComparisonZone: 14 Inch G4 iBook vs 15 Inch PowerBook? Which One Is faster And Has Better Features?

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MacComparisonZone: 14 Inch G4 iBook vs 15 Inch PowerBook? Which One Is faster And Has Better Features?

Updated 4/19/04

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

Introduction

This Buyer's Guide compares the 14 Inch G4/1GHz MHz iBook which has the Combo optical drive, to the 15 Inch G4/1 GHz PowerBook.

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.

How could this Guide be improved? ... Give us your feedback. Tell your friends about our service!

Specifications & Features

Model/Mhz

iBook G4/1GHz/1GH/256K
(#M9165LL/A )
L2 Cache: 256K @ 1GHz
L3 Cache: None
Release Date: October, 2003

14.1" Screen

Combination Drive

5.9 pounds

Battery Life: 61-watt 6 Hours

PowerBook G4/1.0GHz
(#M8980LL/A )
L2 Cache: 512K @ 1GHz
L3 Cache: None
Release Date: January, 2003

15.2" Screen

Combination Drive

5.6 pounds

Battery Life: 46 -watt 4.5 Hours

Price Information

MSRP: $1,499
Apple Store
DealZone

MSRP: $1,999
Apple Store
DealZone

Bus Speed
(Mhz)

133 MHz

167 MHz

RAM
(MAX)

256MB of PC2100 (266MHz) DDR SDRAM
(640 MB max)

256MB PC2700 (333MHz) DDR SDRAM
(2 GB max)

Graphics Support

ATI Mobility Radeon 9200
32MB of DDR SDRAM
4x AGP

ATI Mobility Radeon 9600
64MB of DDR SDRAM
4x AGP

Expansion
Slots

AirPort Extreme Ready

One PC Card/CardBus slot supporting one Type I or Type II card

AirPort Extreme (54 Mbps) ready

Hard Drive

60 GB Ultra ATA

60 GB Ultra ATA/100
4200rpm

Optical Drive

Combination Drive (slot loading)

Writes CD-R at 24x
Writes CD-RW at 10x
Reads DVD-ROM at 8x
Reads CD-ROM at 24x

Combination Drive (slot loading)

Writes CD-R at 24x
Writes CD-RW at 10x
Reads DVD-ROM at 8x
Reads CD-ROM at 24x

Connectivity & Communication

56k V.92 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)

Optional internal Bluetooth

56k V.92 modem
Optional 54-Mbps AirPort Extreme Card (based on 802.11g standard; 802.11b Wi-Fi certified)

10/100/1000 BT Ethernet

2 USB 2.0 Ports (480 Mbps)
1 FireWire Port (400 Mbps)
1 FireWire 800 Port

Audio in & out

Bluetooth 1.1 built in

Video

14.1-inch (diagonal) TFT XGA active-matrix
1024x768
800x600
640x480
resolutions with millions of colors

Video Mirroring

Included Apple VGA Display Adapter.

S-video and composite video output to TV or projector (requires Apple Video Adapter, sold separately)

15.2-inch (diagonal) TFT active-matrix

Support for resolutions of
1280 by 854 (native)
1152 by 640,
1896 by 600,
720 by 480,
640 by 480
pixels at 3:2 aspect ratio;

1024 by 768,
800 by 600,
640 by 480 pixels
at 4:3 aspect ratio

2048 x 1536 support on external display

ADC output using optional Apple DVI to ADC Adapter

VGA output using included DVI to VGA adapter

S-video output port

Composite video output using included S-video to composite adapter

Dual display support for extended desktop and video mirroring modes

Specification Notes

Has third speaker for midrange
Audio line in

Illuminated fiber-optic, backlit keyboard with ambient light sensor optional

Performance

Machine

iBook G4/1GHz/1GH/256K

PowerBook G4/1GHz/1GHz/512K

Processor

87 Points

91 Points - - 5% Faster

Graphics

217 Points

539 Points - - 148% Faster

Graphics Gaming

15 frames per second

17.5 frames per second - - 17% Faster

Drive

250.13 seconds

223.74 seconds - - 12% Faster

General - Interface

41.99 seconds

43.77 seconds - - 4% Slower

iMovie Encode

159.98 seconds

167.17 seconds - - 4% Slower

MS Word Macro

109.34 seconds

92.77 seconds - - 18% Faster

Photoshop - Actions

59.45 seconds

52.25 seconds - - 14% Faster

Notes

The main stand out here is the difference in Graphics rendering on the PowerBook, which has a better graphics card and is almost 150% faster.

The General Interface and iMovie encode comparison is within the margin of error ... so both machines turn in essentially the same score.

the Processor and Graphics test is based on CineBench 2003 which you can freely download and run on your own machine

The 'General Interface' test is based on Let1kWindowsBloom, which is also freely available

The Photoshop score is based on the BareFeats Photoshop Action Script, which you can download and run on your own machine, if you have Photoshop.

For more detailed performance results see this page

Links To Further Information

Machine

iBook G4/1GHz/1GH/256K

PowerBook G4/1GHz/1GHz/512K

Reviews

MacReviewZone
MacAddict
PC Magazine
Geek Patrol
ComputerWorld
Macworld
TechNews.com
BareFeats
BareFeats

Links to additional information

Additional Resources:
iBook Buyer's Guide
iBook InfoZone
iBook Performance
iBook Performance vs Others
iBook Specs and Features
iBook Discussion Forum
Apple's iBook Web Pages

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

Price & Bundle Comparisons

Note

We receive a small commission on computers purchased using the links below. Though this adds no cost to your purchase price, it does help us defray the cost of running MacReviewZone and MacSpeedZone. Your support is appreciated! As always check your tax status at these merchants so that you don't get a nasty shock at checkout time.

For Latest up-to-date prices check the online Buyer's Guides

iBook G4/1 GHz 14.1" Screen, Combination Drive #M9165LL/A
Store	Apple Store
Price & Shipping*	$1,499 .... Education Discount Price: $1,399 Free shipping
Sales Tax	All states with sales tax.
Deals & Bundles - Available - Unknown/Delay - Unavailable	Apple Promotions and: 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)

Store	ClubMac ... Best Buy
Price & Shipping*	$1,494 Shipping $28 (free after mail-in rebate)
Sales Tax	CA, TN, WI
Deals & Bundles - Available - Unknown/Delay - Unavailable	Apple Promotions and any/all of the following: Base Machine (low stock) Upgrade to 640MB RAM, free after rebate, $40 install Free case after mail-in rebate Epson Stylus C84 Printer,free after mail-in rebates ($99 up front) Epson CX5400 multi-function printer, $119 discount via mail-in rebates ($149 up front) Epson CX6400 multi-function printer, $119 discount via mail-in rebates ($199 up front) HP Deskjet 5150, $99 discount via Apple rebate ($100 up front) HP Deskjet 5650, $99 discount via Apple rebate ($130 up front) HP Deskjet 6122, $99 discount via Apple rebate ($180 up front) HP Officejet 6110 all-in-one, $99 discount via Apple rebate ($300 up front) HP PhotoSmart 7960, $99 discount via Apple rebate ($290 up front) MYOB FirstEdge for $10

Store	MacConnection
Price & Shipping*	$1,494 $13 shipping
Sales Tax	MA, NC, OH, TN
Deals & Bundles - Available - Unknown/Delay - Unavailable	Apple Promotions and: Base Machine Epson Stylus Color C84 Inkjet Printer, $79 discount via mail-in rebates ($99 up front) 512MB RAM, free after $100 mail-in rebate ($40 install fee) Carrying case, free after mail-in rebate ($40 up front) Free Macally "DotMouse"

Store	MacMall
Price & Shipping*	$1,494 Shipping $25 (free after mail-in rebate)
Sales Tax	CA, TN, WI
Deals & Bundles - Available - Unknown/Delay - Unavailable	Apple Promotions and any/all of the following: Base Machine Upgrade to 640MB RAM, free after rebate, $40 install Free case after mail-in rebate Epson Stylus C84 Printer,free after mail-in rebates ($99 up front) Epson CX5400 multi-function printer, $99 discount via mail-in rebates ($149 up front) Epson CX6400 multi-function printer, $99 discount via mail-in rebates ($199 up front) HP Deskjet 5150, $99 discount via Apple rebate ($100 up front) HP Deskjet 5650, $99 discount via Apple rebate ($130 up front) HP Deskjet 6122, $99 discount via Apple rebate ($180 up front) HP Officejet 6110 all-in-one, $99 discount via Apple rebate ($300 up front) HP PhotoSmart 7960, $99 discount via Apple rebate ($290 up front) MYOB FirstEdge for $10

Store	MacZone
Price & Shipping*	$1,495 Free shipping for a "limited time"
Sales Tax	CA, IL, MO, NV, OH, TN, WA
Deals & Bundles - Available - Unknown/Delay - Unavailable	Apple Promotions and: Base Machine Upgrade to 640MB RAM, free after mail-in rebate ($40 installation fee)

Store	PowerMax ... Best Buy
Price & Shipping*	$1,494 $22 shipping charge
Sales Tax	None
Deals & Bundles - Available - Unknown/Delay - Unavailable	Apple Promotions and any/all of the following: Base Machine 128MB RAM ($25 install) Free USB "Mega Memory" watch after mail-in rebate ($50 up front) $75 mail-in rebate on 20" Cinema Display $100 mail-in rebate on 23" Cinema Display Availability information not posted online...

15.2" PowerBook G4/1GHz Combination Drive #M8980LL/A
Store	Apple Store
Price & Shipping*	$1,999 .... Education Discount Price: $1,799 Free shipping
Sales Tax	All states with sales tax.
Deals & Bundles - Available - Unknown/Delay - Unavailable	Apple Promotions and: 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)

Store	ClubMac
Price & Shipping*	$1,994 Shipping $28
Sales Tax	CA, TN, WI
Deals & Bundles - Available - Unknown/Delay - Unavailable	Apple Promotions and any/all of the following: Base Machine Free 512 MB of RAM after mail-in rebate ($40 installation fee applies) Epson Stylus C84 Printer, free after mail-in rebates ($99 up front) Epson CX5400 multi-function printer, $119 discount via mail-in rebates ($149 up front) Epson CX6400 multi-function printer, $119 discount via mail-in rebates ($199 up front) Free case after mail-in rebate (low stock) HP Deskjet 5150, $99 discount via Apple rebate ($100 up front) HP Deskjet 5650, $99 discount via Apple rebate ($130 up front) HP Deskjet 6122, $99 discount via Apple rebate ($180 up front) HP Officejet 6110 all-in-one, $99 discount via Apple rebate ($300 up front) HP PhotoSmart 7960, $99 discount via Apple rebate ($290 up front) MYOB FirstEdge for $10

Store	MacConnection
Price & Shipping*	$1,994 $14 shipping
Sales Tax	MA, NC, OH, TN
Deals & Bundles - Available - Unknown/Delay - Unavailable	Apple Promotions and one of the following: Base Machine 512MB, free after mail-in rebate ($40 install) Epson Stylus Color C84 Inkjet Printer, $79 discount via mail-in rebates ($99 up front) Free case after mail-in rebate ($40 up front)

Store	MacMall... Best Buy
Price & Shipping*	$1,994 $25 shipping charge (free after mail-in rebate)
Sales Tax	CA, TN, WI
Deals & Bundles - Available - Unknown/Delay - Unavailable	Apple Promotions and any/all of the following: Base Machine Free 512 MB of RAM after mail-in rebate ($40 installation fee applies) Epson Stylus C84 Printer, free after mail-in rebates ($99 up front) Epson CX5400 multi-function printer, $119 discount via mail-in rebates ($149 up front) Epson CX6400 multi-function printer, $119 discount via mail-in rebates ($199 up front) Free case after mail-in rebate (low stock) HP Deskjet 5150, $99 discount via Apple rebate ($100 up front) HP Deskjet 5650, $99 discount via Apple rebate ($130 up front) HP Deskjet 6122, $99 discount via Apple rebate ($180 up front) HP Officejet 6110 all-in-one, $99 discount via Apple rebate ($300 up front) HP PhotoSmart 7960, $99 discount via Apple rebate ($290 up front) MYOB FirstEdge for $10

Store	MacZone ... Best Buy
Price & Shipping*	$1,995 Free shipping for a "limited time"
Sales Tax	CA, IL, MO, NV, OH, TN, WA
- Available - Unknown/Delay - Unavailable	Apple Promotions and: Base Machine 512MB free after mail-in rebate ($40 installation fee) Free airport card and case ($40 installation fee) Free battery

Store	PowerMax
Price & Shipping*	$1,994 $25 shipping charge
Sales Tax	None
Deals & Bundles - Available - Unknown/Delay - Unavailable	Apple Promotions and any/all of the following: Base Machine Free USB "Mega Memory" watch after mail-in rebate ($50 up front) $50 mail-in rebate on 17 " Studio Display $75 mail-in rebate on 20" Cinema Display $100 mail-in rebate on 23" Cinema Display Free case

Shipping charges are to California - your mileage may vary. Also prices quoted are for the bare machine and do not reflect RAM installation charges (usually $40), nor the in-store prices of add-on products for which there is a rebate. Shipping charges (if any) for bundled products , also are not reflected in the prices above.

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