Apple updates iBook line, Mac Mini

Computerworld - Apple Computer Inc. today unwrapped updated iBooks that sport faster G4 processors, double the standard memory, a new video graphics card and a scrolling trackpad. Apple also revised its entry line of Mac Mini computers, doubling the memory in them as well to 512MB of RAM and offering new configurations that include wireless networking and a SuperDrive for $699.
The move means that all of Apple's computers now come standard with 512MB of memory.
The iBook lineup has been streamlined to just two models: An entry-level 12-in. model, which goes for $999 and has a 1.33-GHz G4 processor, and the 14-in. model, which now has a 1.42-GHz G4 processor. Despite rumors that Apple might offer widescreen versions of its popular iBooks, the new models come in the same sizes as their predecessors.
Both models offer a screen resolution of 1,024 by 768 pixels, and they can be ordered with either Apple's SuperDrive for burning and playing CDs and DVDs or a Combo drive that burns CDs and plays DVDs.
The iBooks come standard with 802.11g wireless cards for wireless connectivity and Bluetooth 2.0, meaning all of Apple's laptops now come standard with those wireless technologies. Both models can be special-ordered with larger hard drives as well. The base model comes with a 40GB hard drive that spins at 4,200 rpm; the 14-in. version comes with a 60GB hard drive. Either one can be equipped with a hard drive providing up to 100GB of data storage.
"With improved performance, double the memory and new mobility features like the scrolling trackpad, Sudden Motion Sensor and Bluetooth, the new iBooks are an amazing value," said David Moody, Apple's vice president of Mac Product Marketing.
According to Apple, the iBooks provide up to six hours of battery life and come with the ATI Mobility Radeon 9550 graphics card with 32MB of video RAM. Both come with the scrolling trackpad first introduced on PowerBooks in January and Apple's Sudden Motion Sensor. That technology is designed to help protect a spinning hard drive -- and the data stored on it -- if the laptop is accidentally dropped.
The new iBooks include built-in 10/100 Base-T Ethernet for high-speed networking, as well as two USB 2.0 ports and one FireWire 400 port. The updated laptops also come with Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger and Apple's iLife suite of software.
As for the Mac Mini, which debuted in January, Apple is now offering a third configuration. Prices for the base Mac Mini start at $499, and that model --which has a 1.25-GHz G4 chip -- is unchanged except for the added RAM. Apple offers a $599 version that offers a 1.42-GHz G4 processor, an 80GB hard drive (twice the size of the hard drive on the basic Mini), as well as an 802.11g wireless card and Bluetooth. The top-end Mini, which sells for $699, adds a SuperDrive.
"Mac Mini has been a popular choice for consumers getting started with Mac OS X and iLife '05," said Moody. "With double the memory and new features like built-in wireless networking and DVD burning, the new Mac Mini delivers an even greater value in an innovative compact design."

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