Discount Apple iBook Laptop 14.1" M9009LL/A (900-MHz PowerPC G3, 256 MB RAM

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When I was struck with the urge to buy a laptop, I spent a good deal of time reviewing the half dozen models that Apple had to offer. The Powerbooks were all the rage. My local dealer and many reviews pushed me in that direction; and, in truth, Powerbooks seemed to be technological wonders the 17" screen model dazzled, the little 12" one could be had with a DVD-burning super drive, they had the superb G4 processor, etc. But three weeks ago, I took the plunge, and I ignored all that by securing the 14" screen iBook. It may be "slow" and "yesterday's technology," but that's not apparent to me I love this computer!

It has a brilliant, beautiful screen that is a delight to my 60+ eyes. It does everything I need in a flash, including multiple programs, songs, photo management (Adobe Elements 2), and movies with iMovie. The suite of included software, including Apple's digital hub, is fabulous. The machine is gorgeous (though, to be frank, some might say its bright, white finish is akin to a kitchen appliance), extremely sturdy, and it gets warm, but not hot. Best of all, perhaps, is the price: hundreds less than a Powerbook! This is especially true when you factor in the cost of Applecare, the extended warranty program... Applecare provides terrific protection and allows you three years of telephone support from Apple's excellent technical support team.

"What's not to like?" I can only carp about three things. The speakers are pretty lame "lo-fi," to be sure but earphones cure that. Another USB input or two would be welcome, but a hub is the answer there. Finally, there is Apple's decision to eliminate a microphone input, this from a company on the leading edge of multi-media what were they thinking?...

So, for function, for appearance, and particularly for value, I'd urge you to take a long look at the iBook. It's just been bumped to 900MGz, and it has 256RAM standard, so unless you're into CAD/CAM or games with great graphics demands, it'll do the job for you, and you'll have money left over for some other toy(s).

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I remember when the 14" iBook first came out, many in the Mac universe spoke poorly of it. Obviously, it cost more, and while the usual core features had more juice (Hard drive, processor, RAM,) the difference was not overwhelming. The main beef, though, was that the resolution on the 14" iBook is the same as the resolution on the 12" iBook (1024 X 768). The only difference is that, on the 12 incher, those dots are really scrunched in. I've used many of the 12" iBookse I work in IT, especially with Macs, so I've seen it all, and so feel qualified to take a side on this one. The verdict:

It's worth it.

I went to apple.com, and and browsed to a 12" iBook with comperable fatures to the one I recently acquired. The price offered was 1350. I got mine for about 1500, which leaves about 150 to account for. Since other factors are basically equal, the difference is the screen. You want that difference. The 14" iBook feels spacious, a real trick for a lap top. The screen's extra size makes the lower half of the laptop bigger as well, so that there really is room for the keyboard, and a large palm rest. The clean lines of the design really bring out the most in the display, which is bright and clear. If you've never used a laptop, the screen feels bigger, simply because you're usually closer to it. Additionally, LCDs have a larger usable area than a CRT of the same size. As I sit here typing this review, I can tell: You feel this screen's size.

Size does matter, especially with something like a laptop. If you get a smaller screen, you'll inevitably want a larger screen, but then you'll be stuck with an expensive purchase. So put in the extra cash now. If you have the means, treat yourself to 14" iBook. You'll be glad you did.

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Before I say more let me give a little background, this is my first apple purchase and the first apple computer I have touched since apple II in school many many years ago. I have 5 home desktops each an upgraded pentium beginning with pent II and up to IV. My main desktop is a 1.8 mhz with 100 gig hd, 512ram best video card available and so on. Runs XP. I begin with this as it defines I am not an apple user, or wasn't. I bought this little machine after about 2 months of research, it began as a curiosity and then I have to admit my fustration with windows pushed me to seriously consider it. This is my third laptop. Ok I am VERY happy with this machine, it is the best computer I have had and I have hardly used my big desktop since getting this, it runs circles around my windows system, it is intuitive and everything works the minute you boot up. I have done everything to test this baby out and it will not crash. I love this, and the white finish is really classy. The screen is crisp, clear, it comes loaded with about every program you need. Did I say I love it?? Only one item I wish apple would have done on this model, I love the lit up keyboard in the top of the line power book, come on apple make that standard! Someone complained about the keyboard and I admit it has a different feel but all in all this is a four 1/2 star machine, what would make it five...better speakers, lit up keyboard! BTW I bought the ipod with it and they are the perfect match!

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I have the 800 mhz model, and I have to say it's a great machine. Light in weight (I can hold it in one hand easily), fast, and super sleek. The operating system, OS X, is fantastic: powerful, beautiful, and it doesn't crash! The book comes with quite a bit of software, and despite what someone else wrote here it DOES run RealPlayer just fine, as well as display web pages properly. It comes with AppleWorks which can open and save in the Word format, so that is a non-issue.

It plays DVD's perfectly, and iTunes 4 burns CD's as fast as my external FireWire drive. If the speakers were just a bit better (i.e. as good as the legendary Pismo model), I would give this Mac 5 stars.

BTW, before relying on a Windows user for info about Macs, talk to a knowledgeable dual platform user such as myself. You'd find the stuff you hear (they are slow, over priced, Apple is dying, etc.) is just not true.

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Apple is really doing a great job with this iBook line. Sleek, compact and great looking they have a lot of bang for the buck. My Mother, who switched from Macs to PCs years ago, switched back to the mac with this iBook. She loves it. These books come with a buch of software that will set most people up just fine: Quicken, World Book Encyclopedia, Otto Matic (game), FaxSTF, iPhoto, iMovie, iTunes, Preview (for graphics viewing, and others as well as AppleWorks which has Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Database and Drawing/Painting. AppleWorks can even open, edit and save Microsoft Word and Excel files from other Macs or PCs talk about compatability! Plus they have lots of computing power don't let the 900Mhz thing fool you. Macs have a very different processor from PCs with Intel chips. This laptop has plenty of punch for the things that most of the world does.

I am surprised at the negative review posted here. I suspect that the reviewer didn't really look at what she had already installed. As for the RealPlayer? I use it all the time on my Mac, and it is the free one.

I would definately buy one of these again (although I do think that the iBook 900 with the 12" screen is a better buy. The specs are similar and it is a little more compact.)