iBook G4 vs. PowerBook G4: Which is Best?

[anh_fan]

Apple introduced the iBook G4 last October 22; since then, dozens of friends and readers have asked, “PowerBook G4 or iBook G4?”

When the iBook had the older, slower G3 processor, I would reply, “it depends on what you want to do with it…” The iBook was a solid little notebook computer, but much slower than a PowerBook, and lacking several features found only in the more-expensive PowerBook line.

Today, with both the iBook and PowerBook lines sporting speedy G4 processors, things aren’t so simple and the line between the two product lines isn’t drawn as finely.

Rather than compare individual models, let’s take a look at the differences between the iBook and PowerBook product lines:

First, the similarities: Both iBook and PowerBook lines have PowerPC G4 processors and DDR memory architecture. Both lines have active matrix TFT flat-panel displays, full size keyboards, and V.92 modems. But beyond that you’ll find differences both big and small.

The first big difference is the availability of Apple’s hot, DVD-burning SuperDrive. You can only get one in a PowerBook; they’re not offered in any iBook model. Which means that if you intend to use iDVD, Apple’s terrific DVD authoring solution, you’ll have to go with the PowerBook, because iDVD only runs on Macs with an internal SuperDrive.

The second big difference is in the display—PowerBook displays aren’t just physically larger, they also display more pixels. The 12-inch iBook and PowerBook and the 14-inch iBook have maximum resolutions of 1,024 x 768 pixels; the 15-inch PowerBook maxes out at 1280 x 854 and the 17-inch PowerBook delivers up to a whopping 1440 x 900. The point is: If you want more than 1024 x 768, you need a PowerBook.

The third big difference—and I have to admit, this is a big one for me—is that the iBook doesn’t support a second display. Understand that the iBook does offer VGA output, so you can connect an external display or projector. Apple even includes the little adapter cable. But the iBook external video support is limited to “mirroring,” so the external display or projector shows what’s on the built-in screen.

The PowerBook line isn’t limited to mirroring (though PowerBooks, of course, can mirror). That means you can add up to 2048 x 1536 additional pixels to your desktop by connecting an external display. Since I’m a big fan of two-display Mac systems, this one’s the deal-breaker for me. Even the 17-inch PowerBook doesn’t have enough built-in screen real estate for my tastes; the ability to use every pixel on my Cinema display with my PowerBook is crucial.

Other differences that may or may not matter to you include FireWire 800 or Gigabit Ethernet support, which are only available on (some) PowerBook models, but not the iBook line. And RAM capacity may be an issue for you—iBooks max out at 640MB; PowerBooks allow as much as 2GB.

So which do you buy? Heck if I know. I’ve had one of each—a 1.25GHz 15-inch PowerBook G4 and a 1GHz 14-inch iBook G4—here for the past month. They’re phenomenal notebook computers and I love them both to pieces.

If I had to decide between them tomorrow, I’d have to choose the PowerBook for the reasons I’ve outlined above. But the G4 iBook is incredibly sweet and aggressively priced; it may be the perfect notebook for you.


(By Bob LeVitus)

[sunny_summer]

ờ ..... xin thứ lỗi ... mình thật 0 bít là bạn pót bài này để làm gì nhỉ ? bây giờ thì toàn là Macbook và macbook pro thui ah2, G4 là của năm 2004 cơ mà ?! mà khi nhìn cấu hình iBook và powerbook g4, mình có cảm giác như là so sánh Intel Macbook và Intel Macboon pro vậy, ngộ lém !

[macseeking]

Vậy cho nó có thực tế minh chứng. So sánh giữa PBG4 17 đởi cuối và iBookG4 14 inch đời cuối.

[powerbook17]

so sanh như vầy để nói lên điều gì nhẩy???? cấu hình đâu có giống nhau đâu .... một em nhìu tiền ,một em ít tiền hơn mà .....hehehehehe...thì phải khác nhau chứ....cái này giống như lấy cub 50cc ra đua với dream 100cc vậy....hichic