Apple Revs iBooks and Mac minis

Apple Computer updates some affordable Macs, speeding up and improving the iBook portable line while (finally!) doubling the default RAM installed in Mac minis.

Apple Computer today took the wraps off revised versions of its popular iBook portables and the super-tiny, super-affordable Mac mini.

Apple’s iBooks see the most improvement, with the Power PC G4 processor speeds bumping up to 1.33 GHz in the model with the 12-inch screen, and 1.42 GHz in the model with the 14-inch screen. The new iBooks also pick up the ATI Mobility Radeon graphics controller with 32 MB of video RAM and both built-in Airport Extreme (802.11g) and Bluetooth wireless connectivity. Most interestingly, however, the revised iBooks have inherited two cool Apple-only technologies from the higher-end PowerBook line: the scrolling trackpad and Sudden Motion Sensor. The scrolling trackpad offers a customizable way to scroll through any active window just by touching two fingers to the trackpad instead of one; the Sudden Motion Sensor senses rapid changes in the computer’s axis and/or acceleration and instantly parks the hard drive’s heads, reducing the risk of damage or data loss from a fall or sudden shock while the computer is running. Prices for the new iBooks start at $999 for the 12-inch model and $1,299 for the 14-inch model; several built-to-order options are available, including a slot-loading version of the DVD-burning SuperDrives for the 14-inch model. All iBooks ship with Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger and Apple’s iLife ‘05 application suite pre-installed.

Apple also revised its tiny Mac minis today, doubling the default amount of RAM from the previously-paltry 256 MB to a barely-adequate 512 MB across the line, and adding Airport Extreme (802.11g) and Bluetooth connectivity as defaults on the top two configurations in the Mac mini product line. Pricing remains unchanged, with the base Mac mini starting at a mere $499—bring your own keyboard and monitor—up to $699 for a tricked-out version with the DVD-burning SuperDrive. Mac minis also ship with Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger and iLife ‘05 pre-installed.