The MacComparisonZone: 15" PowerBook G4/800MHz vs 14" iBook G4/1GHz - What Are The Performance, Feature And Price Differences

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The MacComparisonZone: 15" PowerBook G4/800MHz vs 14" iBook G4/1GHz - What Are The Performance, Feature And Price Differences

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

Updated: 6/19/04

Introduction

This Buyer's Guide compares the 15" PowerBook G4/800MHz, which has a Combo optical drive, to the 14" iBook G4/1GHz , which also has a Combo optical drive.

The 15" PowerBook G4/800 was released in April of 2002. The G4/800 was the high-end laptop, out of a family of two, which also included a G4/667MHz machine.

The 14" iBook G4/1GHz, was released 24 months later, in April, 2004. It was the middle model of a family of three, which included a 12 inch 1GHz machine at the low-end, and a 14 inch 1.2GHz iBook at the high-end.

Major Technological Differences:

Processor Speed
Cache Speed/Size/Type
Weight
Battery Life
Current Price Difference: $230
RAM: Amount/Max/Type
Graphics Card
Expansion Slots
Hard Drive Type
Optical Drive Speed
Wireless Networking Installation/Speed
USB Port Speed
Audio In
Screen Size/Resolution
External Video Support

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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Specifications & Features

Model/Mhz

PowerBook G4/800MHz (15")
(#M8592LL/A )
L2 Cache: 256K @ 800MHz
L3 Cache: 1 MB DDR @ 200 MHz
Release Date: April, 2002

5.4 pounds (2.4 kg)

Battery Life: 55.3-watt-hour- 5 hours

iBook G4/1GHz (14")
(#M9418LL/A )
L2 Cache: 512K @ 1GHz
L3 Cache: None
Release Date: April, 2004

5.9 pounds (2.7 kg)

Battery Life: 61-watt 6 Hours

Price Information

MSRP: $3,199
Current Price: $1,069

DealZone

MSRP: $1299

Apple Store
DealZone

Bus Speed
(Mhz)

133 MHz

RAM
(MAX)

512 MB
PC133 SDRAM
(1GB max)

256 MB
PC2100 (266MHz)
(1.25GB)

Graphics Support

ATI Mobility Radeon 7500
32MB DDR SDRAM
4x AGP

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

Expansion
Slots

11-Mbps AirPort slot

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

AirPort Extreme (54 Mbps) slot

Hard Drive

40GB Ultra ATA/66
(4200 rpm)

40GB ATA/100
(4200 rpm)

Optical Drive

Combination Drive (slot loading)
Writes CD-R at 8x
Writes CD-RW at 8x
Reads DVD-ROM at 8x
Reads CD-ROM at 24x

Combination Drive (slot loading)
Writes CD-R at 24x
Writes CD-RW at 16x
Reads DVD-ROM at 8x
Reads CD-ROM at 24x

Connectivity & Communication

56k modem

Built-in 11-Mbps AirPort Card (IEEE 802.11 DSSS compliant)

10/100/1000 BT Ethernet

2 USB 1.1 Ports (12 Mbps)
1 FireWire Port (400 Mbps)

Audio in & out

Optional Bluetooth technology for wireless connectivity

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 technology for wireless connectivity

Video

15.2" TFT Active Matrix
1280-by-854-pixel resolution

2048 by 1536 support on external display

DVI output port

VGA output support with included Apple DVI to VGA Adapter

S-video output port

Composite output support with included S-video to composite adapter

Support for dual display and video mirroring: Millions of colors on the built-in display and on an external display at up to 2048 by 1536 pixels

14.1-inch (diagonal) TFT XGA active-matrix
1024-by-768 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

Specification Notes

60GB 5400-rpm drive available in build-toorder computers

Optional SuperDrive instead of Combo Drive

Performance

Machine

PowerBook G4/800MHz (15")
(#M8592LL/A )

iBook G4/1GHz (14")
(#M9418LL/A )

Processor

66.06 seconds

44.85 seconds - - 47% Faster

Burn CD

127.26 seconds

103.18 seconds - - 23% Faster

General - Interface

45.53 seconds

43.30 seconds - - 5% Faster

MS Word

101.31 seconds

89.08 seconds - - 14% Faster

MS Excel

66.74 seconds

53.66 seconds - - 24% Faster

Battery Life

130 Minutes

206 Minutes - - 58% More Time

Notes

Unfortunately, because of the time distance between when we tested these two machines, we are not able to provide a very detailed performance comparison.

The processor score difference, seems high to us, however it appears to be confirmed by other results we have for this particular test. In applications that are processor intensive, we would not be surprised to see a smaller performance gap between this PowerBook and iBook.

In the General Interface Test, we believe that the PowerBook is helped out by its more developed caching scheme, and the fact the graphics card in the iBook is not a top tier one.

Processor Performance Test based on AltiVec Fractal program

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

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 G4/800MHz (15")
(#M8592LL/A )

iBook G4/1GHz (14")
(#M9418LL/A )

Reviews

MacSpeedZone
MacSpeedZone
MacDirectory
BareFeats
PowerBook in action (QuickTime VR)

MacReviewZone
MacReviewZone
LowEndMac

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:
iBook InfoZone
iBook Performance
iBook Performance vs Others
iBook Buyer's Guide
Closeout & Refurbished iBooks
Apple's iBook Web Pages
iBook Specs and Features
iBook Discusson Forum

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

G4 PowerBooks 15 Inch

Titanium PowerBook G4/400 ... Original price: $2,599

PowerMax - Used... $1,388 .... 90 day warranty .... Shipping $19. Tax: None ...Trade-in Program

Titanium PowerBook G4/500 ... Original price: $3,499

PowerMax - Used $1,499 .... 90 day warranty .... Shipping $19. Tax: None ...Trade-in Program

Small Dog - Used $769 to $829 ... 90 day warranty ... Shipping $25. Tax: VT

Titanium PowerBook G4/550 ... Original price: $2,199

PowerMax - Used $1,588 to $1,649 .... 90 day warranty .... Shipping $19. Tax: None ...Trade-in Program

Small Dog - Used $849 to $949 ... 90 day warranty ... Shipping $25. Tax: VT

PowerBook 15in G4/667 ... Original price: $2,499

Small Dog - Used $899 to $1,099 ... 90 day warranty ... Shipping $25. Tax: VT

Titanium PowerBook G4/800 ... Original price: $3,199

PowerMax - Used... $1,788 .... 90 day warranty .... Shipping $19. Tax: None ...Trade-in Program

Small Dog - Used $1,069 to $1,189 ... 90 day warranty ... Shipping $25. Tax: VT

PowerBook 15in G4/867/60/combo ... Original price: $2,299

Small Dog - Used $1,089 to $1,269 ... 90 day warranty ... Shipping $25. Tax: VT

PowerBook G4 1GHz/256MB/60GB/Combo/GigE/15"TFT ... Original price: $1,999

Apple Store - New $1,799 .... one year warranty.... Shipping Free. Tax: All states with sales tax

ClubMac - New $1,794 .... one year warranty .... Shipping Free. Tax: CA, TN, WI ... Extras

MacConnection - (search for item M8980LL ) ... Refurbished $1,599 ... 90 day warranty .... Shipping Free Tax: MA, NC, OH, TN ... Extras

MacConnection - (search for item M8980LL ) ... New $1,794 ... one year warranty .... Shipping Free Tax: MA, NC, OH, TN ... Extras

MacMall - New $1,794 .... one year warranty.... Shipping Free. Tax: CA, TN, WI ... Extras

MacZone - New $1,795 .... one year warranty.... Shipping Free. Tax: CA, IL, MO, NV, OH, TN, WA ... Extras

PowerMax - New .. $1,769 to $1,788.... one year warranty .... Shipping $19. Tax: None . ...Trade-in Program

Small Dog - New $1,799 ... one year warranty ... Shipping $25. Tax: VT

PowerBook G4 1GHz/512MB/60GB/SuperDrive/GigE/15"TFT #M8859LL/A ... Original price: $2,599

Small Dog - Used $1,349 to $1,579 ... 90 day warranty ... Shipping $25. Tax: VT

PowerBook G4 1.25GHz/512MB/80GB/SuperDrive/AP Extreme Card/GigE/15"TFT #M8981LL/A ... Original price: $2,599

Apple Store - New $2,299 .... one year warranty.... Shipping Free. Tax: All states with sales tax

ClubMac - New $2,294 .... one year warranty .... Shipping Free. Tax: CA, TN, WI ... Extras

MacConnection - (search for item M8981LL ) ... Refurbished $1,999 ...90 day warranty .... Shipping Free Tax: MA, NC, OH, TN ... Extras

MacConnection - (search for item M8981LL/A ) ... New $2,294 ... 1 year warranty .... Shipping Free Tax: MA, NC, OH, TN ... Extras

MacMall - New $2,294 .... one year warranty.... Shipping Free. Tax: CA, TN, WI ... Extras

MacZone - New $2,295 .... one year warranty.... Shipping Free. Tax: CA, IL, MO, NV, OH, TN, WA ... Extras

PowerMax - Open Box .. $2,228.... one year warranty .... Shipping $19. Tax: None ... Extras ...Trade-in Program

PowerMax - New .. $2,299.... one year warranty .... Shipping $19. Tax: None ... Extras ...Trade-in Program

Small Dog - Demo $2,199 ... one year warranty ... Shipping $25. Tax: VT

Small Dog - New $2,299 ... one year warranty ... Shipping $25. Tax: VT

PowerBook 15" 1.33GHz 256 60 Combo 56K #M9421LL/A ... Original price: $1,999

MacConnection - (search for item M9421LL ) ... Refurbished $1,844 ... 1 year warranty .... Shipping Free Tax: MA, NC, OH, TN ... Extras

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 - 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*	$1,094 Free shipping 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 Harry Potter Deluxe Edition, free after mail-in rebate 512 MB RAM, free after rebate, $40 install Free case after mail-in rebate Epson Stylus C84 Printer, $70 discount via mail-in rebate ($99 up front) Epson CX5400 multi-function printer, $90 discount via mail-in rebates ($149 up front) Epson CX6400 multi-function printer, $90 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 Apple rebate plus "shopping cart special" (see note above) 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 - Available - Unknown/Delay - Unavailable	Apple Promotions and: Base Machine Epson Stylus Color C84 Inkjet Printer, free after mail-in rebates ($100 up front) 512MB RAM, free after mail-in rebate ($40 install fee) Carrying case, free after mail-in rebate ($40 up front)

Store	MacMall
Price & Shipping*	$1,094 Free shipping 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 Harry Potter Deluxe Edition, free after mail-in rebate 512 MB RAM, free after mail-in 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 Apple rebate plus "shopping cart special" (see note above)s MYOB FirstEdge for $10

Store	MacZone
Price & Shipping*	$1,095 Free shipping for a "limited time"
Sales Tax	CA, IL, MO, NV, OH, TN, WA
Deals & Bundles - Available - Unknown/Delay - Unavailable	Apple Promotions and: Site offline at time of update. Data below is from May 6th... Base Machine

Store	PowerMax
Price & Shipping*	$1,094 $14 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) $25 rebate on iBook $100 mail-in rebate on 23" Cinema Display PowerMax does not provide availability information online...

iBook G4/1GHz 14.1" Screen, Combination Drive #M9418LL/A
Store	Apple Store
Price & Shipping*	$1,299 .... Education Discount Price: $1,199 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*	$1,294 Free shipping 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 Harry Potter Deluxe Edition, free after mail-in rebate 512 MB RAM, free after rebate, $40 install Free case after mail-in rebate Epson Stylus C84 Printer, $70 discount via mail-in rebate ($99 up front) Epson CX5400 multi-function printer, $90 discount via mail-in rebates ($149 up front) Epson CX6400 multi-function printer, $90 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 Apple rebate plus "shopping cart special" (see note above) MYOB FirstEdge for $10

Store	MacConnection ... Best Buy
Price & Shipping*	$1,294 Free shipping on web orders
Sales Tax	MA, NC, OH, TN
Deals & Bundles - Available - Unknown/Delay - Unavailable	Apple Promotions and: Base Machine Epson Stylus Color C84 Inkjet Printer, free after mail-in rebates ($100 up front) 512MB RAM, free after mail-in rebate ($40 install fee) Carrying case, free after mail-in rebate ($40 up front)

Store	MacMall
Price & Shipping*	$1,294 Free shipping 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 Harry Potter Deluxe Edition, free after mail-in rebate 512 MB RAM, free after mail-in 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 Apple rebate plus "shopping cart special" (see note above)s MYOB FirstEdge for $10

Store	MacZone
Price & Shipping*	$1,295 Free shipping for a "limited time"
Sales Tax	CA, IL, MO, NV, OH, TN, WA
Deals & Bundles - Available - Unknown/Delay - Unavailable	Apple Promotions and: Site offline at time of update. Data below is from May 6th... Base Machine 512 MB RAM, free after mail-in rebate ($40 installation fee)

Store	PowerMax
Price & Shipping*	$1,294 $15 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) $25 rebate on iBook $100 mail-in rebate on 23" Cinema Display 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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