The MacComparisonZone: 12 Inch G4/1.0GHz iBook vs 12 Inch G4/1.33GHz PowerBook - What Are The Performance, Feature And Price Differences - Updated
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Introduction
9/14/04
This Buyer's Guide compares the 12 Inch G4/1.0GHz iBook, to the 12 Inch 1.33 GHz PowerBook. Both machines have the Combo optical drive.
The current 1.0 GHz 12 Inch iBook was released in April, 2004. It is the low-end model, 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, this time 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
Weight
Battery Life
Price Difference: $500 - $700
Bus Speed
Graphics Card & Video Memory Amount
Hard Drive Size
Stock 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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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 1024 by 768
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 by 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
In basic processing power, the 1.33 GHz PowerBook appears to have about a 20 to 30 percent edge over the 1GHz iBook.
The graphics card in the PowerBook is clearly supperior. It also has twice the amount of graphics memory
In drive performance the iBook seems to be a slow poke compared to the PowerBook, and in the General Interface test the iBook also fared poorly against the other machine
However the iBook is king when it comes to battery life.
Graphics (Card) is based on CineBench 2003. In this type of image rendering, the graphics card takes the lead
Graphics (Processor) 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 used 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
Base machine (1-2 days) HP Photosmart 7660 inkjet photo printer, $30 after mail-in rebate ($129 up front) HP DeskJet 5850 Wireless Inkjet Printer, $50 after mail-in rebate ($149 up front) HP PSC 2410 Multifunction Printer, $200 after mail-in rebate ($299 up front) PSC 2175 all-in-one, $80 after rebate ($179 up front) DeskJet 5740 inkjet printer, free after rebate ($99 up front)
Base Machine HP Photosmart 7660 inkjet photo printer, $50 after rebate ($129 up front) HP DeskJet 5150 inkjet printer, free after rebate ($89 up front) HP PSC 2410 Multifunction Printer ($299 up front) PSC 2175 all-in-one, $100 after rebate ($179 up front) HP DeskJet 5850 Wireless Inkjet Printer ($149 up front) DeskJet 5650 inkjet printer, $30 after rebate ($129 up front)
Major Technological Differences:
- Available
- Unknown/Delay
- Unavailable
Base machine (1-2 days)
HP Photosmart 7660 inkjet photo printer, $30 after mail-in rebate ($129 up front)
Base Machine