The MacComparisonZone: 14 Inch G4/1.2GHz iBook vs 12 Inch G4/1.33GHz PowerBook - What Are The Performance, Feature And Price Differences - Updated
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Introduction
Updated: 9/13/04
This Buyer's Guide compares the 14 inch G4/1.2GHz iBook, which has the Combo optical drive, to the 12 Inch G4/1.33GHz PowerBook, which also has the Combo Drive.
The 1.2GHz iBook was released in April of 2004. It is the high-end model of a family of three, which includes a 1.0 GHz 14 inch machine, and a 1GHz 12 inch iBook.
The current 1.33GHz 12 inch PowerBook, was also released in April, 2004. It is the low-end model of a family of four, which includes a 1.5GHz 17 inch PowerBook, and 1.5GHz & 1.33GHz, 15 inch machines.
Major Technological Differences:
Processor Speed
Screen Size
Weight
Price Difference: $100
Bus Speed
RAM Type
Graphics Card And Video Memory Amount
Audio In
BlueTooth
External Video Support
Audio 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
14.1-inch (diagonal) TFT XGA active-matrix
1024x768 resolutions with millions of colors
VGA video output for video mirroring on an external display or projector (24-bit color) with included Apple VGA Display Adapter
S-video and composite video output to TV or projector (requires Apple Video Adapter, sold separately)
Video mirroring only
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 PowerBook is 9 to 16 percent faster than the iBook, in raw processing ability. The clock speed difference between the two machines is about 11%.
The drive in this iBook performed much better than the one we tested in the 12 inch iBook.
The graphics card in the PowerBook is clearly superior to the one installed in the iBook. The same graphics card is installed in all the current iBooks. We think that the dramatic disparity between the two laptops in the General Interface test, must be down to the graphics card. We found that all the iBooks performed comparatively poorly in this test (though they turned in roughly the same score as each other). This test opens and closes 1,000 windows as fast as possible.
Again, you will get much more time out of the iBook battery, than the PowerBook battery.
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 (Card) Test is based on the game 4x4 EVO2 .. a racing game. All settings are at highest quality. This game is more graphics card dependent
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 (1-3 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, $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 (1-3 day delay) 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)
PowerMax does not provide availability information online...
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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Major Technological Differences:
- Available
- Unknown/Delay
- Unavailable
Base machine (1-3 days)
PSC 2175 all-in-one, $80 after rebate ($179 up front)
Base Machine
