Fantastically portable
Written: Sep 19 '03
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Pros: Small size and portability, all-in-one solution, durability
Cons: Limited screen real estate
The Bottom Line: Great laptop for constant use, even if it's not the fastest available
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| Jaharmi's Full Review: Apple iBook 12.1 in. (M8861LL/A) Mac Notebook |
I am primarily a Macintosh user, although I use Windows-, OpenVMS-, and UNIX-based computers in the course of my work. I am in technical support, so I would say I'm a little more advanced in my computer knowledge, and demanding of my computers, than the average user.
I have used several Apple laptops. My first was a PowerBook 5300cs, which was an interesting introduction to portable computing to say the least. It was heavy, yet small. I wouldn't call it a desktop replacement, but it did what I wanted it to do. I knew, after buying this computer, that I wanted more from a portable.
I eventually used a PowerBook G3/292 and then a PowerBook G3/400. With these computers, I could essentially get rid of my desktop system. By the time I reached the PB G3/400, I was really only using my desktop computers for specialized tasks.
The iBook/800, then, was a step up from my PB G3/400 -- and really got me working with Mac OS X at a level that I wanted to be at. At first, it didn't seem all that much faster than the PowerBook it replaced, but I appreciate the fact that it is faster with most tasks -- things that would have bogged down the older computer at least run on the iBook, and often run pretty well. That said, you should not expect the iBook to be a speed demon.
In particular, you will see much better performance on Mac OS X and selected applications on a more expensive PowerBook G4. The iBook is designed for portability and ruggedness, the PowerBook is simply a higher-end machine.
I appreciate the durability of this computer. While the case shows scratches and scuffs from the endless abuse I put it through, I am amazed at how well it holds up under stress. All of my other laptops have been much more problematic than this one.
I did have to get it repaired once, for a problem with the screen fading out. Apple fixed it under warranty and I had it back within two days! I also had to get the power adapter replaced, but Apple cheerfully shipped me one. Since I know it's good to have a second one, I bought one at a local store while I waited for Apple's replacement -- I needn't have bothered, because my battery wouldn't have run out in the day it took them to ship it to me. (I have other colleagues with power adapters, so I could borrow theirs to get a quick charge.)
The battery life is phenomenal. I sat through a day-long seminar using a single charge on the iBook's battery. I did set the power saving functions to their maximum near the end, put it to sleep during lunch, and limited saving documents (to avoid having the hard disk spin up). Six hours of battery life that day was pretty good in my book. These results may not be typical, but I have no problems with the iBook's battery.
Based on my experience with other laptops and similar batteries, though, I would suggest replacing the battery with a fresh one after about two years.
Sleep mode is terrific, as on past PowerBooks I've used or owned. You can leave the computer asleep for long periods of time without fully draining the battery; if you are going to do so for more than a day, though, I think you ought to hook it up to AC power -- or turn the computer off. Waking from sleep is instantaneous; you just open the lid of the computer. Put it to sleep by closing the lid. (There are other ways to accomplish each.)
The laptop is warmer than past models I've used. I've had problems adjusting to the heat patterns. It can kick its internal fan on when I least expect it. It almost always turns on the fan when I plug in more than one USB device, or any FireWire device. The heat is not overwhelming, but the fan noise is a little aggravating. If it seems very hot, I'll put the computer to sleep for a few minutes. Propping it up so that there is more airflow under the computer is perhaps a good idea; I'm hoping to get a RoadTools CoolPad or the like soon.
However, the fact that I can have so many devices hooked up -- and, in many cases, powered by the laptop -- is great. Heat is a tradeoff here. I'm thinking about getting a FireWire hub since I now have a few FireWire devices. The iBook really makes it easy to use lots of peripherals.
I also tend to use a mouse because I prefer that to the trackpad, when available. I don't like having the tap-click feature turned on. With it on, I tend to accidentally select text while I'm typing, and type over it. You can disable the tap-click in the Mac OS X System Preferences.
The convenience of having the built-in combo DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive is great. I use it with both Mac OS X's built-in burning facilities, as well as with Roxio Toast 5. If you have more than simple needs, I would get Roxio Toast. In particular, you'll have a much easier way to burn hybrid Mac and Windows compatible CD-Rs. My drive supports burn-proof technology and CD-TEXT, which is nice when used with Toast.
The speakers are nothing to write home about, but powerful. You can sort-of use them in a presentation. They won't fill the room, but they are surprising loud at full volume.
My iBook has audio out (which works well) but no mike-in or line-in. You can get a USB adapter or USB microphone if you want to record more than the built-in microphone (on the LCD panel's rim) can handle.
I would strongly recommend upgrading the unit to have 640 MB of RAM, the max. This is totally acceptable for Mac OS X use. With the basic 128 MB of RAM that the iBook shipped with, the computer wasn't all that usable in Mac OS X. The added 512 MB was less than $100 at the time I purchased it, and worth it.
I also intend to add an AppleCare warranty before the original expires. I've seen AppleCare as an asset for aging Apple laptops. They are so flexible that the extended warranty is probably a good bet -- especially with the heavy use I put my computers through.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 1325
Operating System: Macintosh
Processor: PowerPC G3
Processor speed: 701-800
Screen Size: 12 inches
RAM: More than 256
Internal Storage: CD-RW and DVD
Hard Drive (GB): 21-30
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Epinions.com ID:
Jaharmi
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Member: Jeremy Reichman
Location: Rochester, NY, USA
Reviews written: 27
Trusted by: 3 members
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