In CNET Labs' tests, the latest 14-inch iBook G4 made a mockery of the older version's performance. It completed our Photoshop CS test in less than half the time of the older model; it also earned faster scores in our iTunes and Unreal Tournament 2004 benchmarks. Not unexpectedly, the 14-inch iBook G4 finished behind the 17-inch PowerBook G4 in every test. Still, Apple says that the new breed of MacBooks will run four to five times faster than the PowerBook G4, so we think it's worthwhile holding off until the iBook line gets that Intel chip.
That said, the 14-inch iBook G4 showed improvement over the prior generation in CNET Labs' battery-drain tests. It played our DVD for 4.1 hours before petering out (the old 14-inch iBook lasted a shorter 3.9 hours). The 12.1-inch iBook G4 lasted an even longer 4.4 hours, largely because a smaller screen requires less juice.
Apple ships the iBook G4 with the bare minimum in service and support: a one-year warranty and 90 days of free, toll-free telephone support. Fortunately, use of the company's online support Web site, which offers a forum section, FAQs, and troubleshooting info, is always free.
For more detailed information about warranties and service plans, check out Computer Shopper's overview of 37 major computer vendors.
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System configurations:
iBook G4 (1.33GHz, 12-inch)
OS X 10.4.2; PowerPC G4 1.33GHz; 512MB PC2700 333MHz DDR SDRAM; ATI Mobility Radeon 9550 32MB; Fujitsu MHV2040AT 40GB 4,200rpm
iBook G4 (1.33GHz, 14-inch)
OS X 10.3.8; PowerPC G4 1.33GHz; 256MB PC2100 266MHz DDR SDRAM; ATI Mobility Radeon 9200 32MB; Fujitsu MHT2060AT 60GB 4,200rpm
PowerBook G4 (1.5GHz, 12-inch)
OS X 10.4.2; PowerPC G4 1.5GHz; 512MB PC2700 333MHz DDR SDRAM; Nvidia GeForce FX 5200 64MB; Hitachi Travelstar 5K100 80GB 5,400rpm
PowerBook G4 (1.67GHz, 15-inch)
OS X 10.4.1; PowerPC G4 1.67GHz; 512MB PC2700 333MHz DDR SDRAM; ATI Mobility Radeon 9700 64MB; Fujitsu MHT2080AH 80GB 5,400rpm
PowerBook G4 (1.67GHz, 17-inch)
OS X 10.4.2; PowerPC G4 1.67GHz; 512MB PC4200 333MHz DDR2 SDRAM; ATI Mobility Radeon 9700 128MB; Seagate Momentus 5400.2 120GB 5,400rpm
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