MacComparisonZone: 12 Inch G4/867 MHz PowerBook vs 12 Inch G4/1.33 GHz PowerBook - What Are The Performance, Feature And Price Differences
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7/21/04
Introduction
This Buyer's Guide compares the 12 inch G4/867 MHz PowerBook with the Combo optical drive, to the 12 inch G4/1.33GHz PowerBook, which has the Combo optical drive.
The G4/867 MHz was released in January of 2003. At the time is was a low-end model of a family of four, which included a 1 GHz 17 inch machine, two 15 inch machines, one running at 1 GHz and the other at 867 MHz.
The current 1.33 GHz 12 inch PowerBook was released in April, 2004 ... 16 months later. It is also a low-end model of a family of four, which includes a 1.5GHz 17 inch PowerBook, a 1.5 GHz 15 inch machine, and a 15 inch PowerBook running at 1.33GHz
Major Technological Difference:
Processor Speed
Cache Size/Speed Battery Capacity
Current Price Difference: $400
Bus Speed
RAM Type/Maximum
Graphics Card/Memory Amount
Hard Drive Size
Optical Drive Options/Speed
USB Port Speed
Video Output Options/Resolutions
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" TFT XGA active-matrix
1024 x 768
1600 x 1200 support on external display
VGA output using included Apple VGA Display Adapter
S-video and composite video output to TV or projector (requires Apple Video Adapter, sold separately)
Dual display and video mirroring: Simultaneously supports up to 1024 x 768 pixels on the built-in display and up to 1600 x 1200 pixels on an external display, both at millions of colors
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 (minijack)
SuperDrive build to order option
Has third speaker for midrange
Audio line in (minijack)
Unfortunately, because of the time distance between when these two machines were tested, we are not able to give you a fuller picture of the comparative performance of these two machines
Clocked at just about 53% faster the 1.33 GHz PowerBook turns in just about 55% better performance in basic processor work (on average).
In the Graphics Interface Test the 1.33 GHz machine is helped by having twice the amount of L2 cache, and undoubtedly a higher performance graphics card
In CD burning the 1.33 GHz machine is only slightly faster
The Graphics Interface' test is based on Let1kWindowsBloom, which is freely available
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 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
Note: No benchmarking is perfect. At best benchmark scores provide a general guide to the comparative performance between machines when running the same tasks. As time passes comparisons between older machines and newer ones become more difficult. We have tried to err on the side of caution, and conservatism, so that if you are surprised ... it is pleasantly so.However the best benchmark it the one you run ... how fast does the computer handle your applications and tasks, letting you get your work done efficiently.
So we urge you, in making your assessments, not to throw benchmarks out the window, but that you treat them as good indication of performance, not a precise one .... have fun!
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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)
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)
MacComparisonZone: 12 Inch G4/867 MHz PowerBook vs 12 Inch G4/1.33 GHz PowerBook - What Are The Performance, Feature And Price Differences 
Battery Capacity 
- Available
- Unknown/Delay
- Unavailable
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)