Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Computing

Apple Revs iBooks and Mac minis

By

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.

Recommended Videos

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.

Editors' Recommendations

Geoff Duncan
Geoff Duncan
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…
Best Apple deals: Save on AirPods, Apple Watch, iPad, MacBook
Apple MacBook Air M1 open, on a table.

Apple has been a big player in the tech space for a long time, and it has pioneered some of the technology we use today, such as best wireless earbuds and the best smartwatches. If that wasn't enough, it even makes some of the best best laptops and best tablets on the market, so pretty much whatever tech you're looking for, Apple has an excellent version of it. Not only that, but Apple's ecosystem is also easily one of the best available, with only Samsung really competing in that space, and if you're already in the Apple ecosystem, then it makes sense to continue buying stuff from Apple.

Of course, Apple tech can be quite pricey, which is why we've gone out and searched through various big retailers to find you some of the best deals we can find. That includes everything from the MacBook to the AirTag, so hopefully, you can find the perfect deal that fits your needs and budget.
Apple AirTag (4-Pack) -- $80, was $99

Read more
How to customize mouse gestures on Mac
Apple Magic Mouse on a desk.

Did you know that you can still pull off gestures and haptic tricks with a Mac computer, even without a touchscreen? Such feats are possible, just as long as you own an Apple Magic Mouse. Far more than a sleek-looking desk accessory, the Magic Mouse functions much like a MacBook trackpad. Taps, long presses, swipes, and pinches (among other actions) deliver a number of results, and you’ll be able to customize these commands, too.

Read more
This laptop beats the MacBook Air in every way but one
Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 9 top down view showing tent mode.

The Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 9 Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

There are plenty of great 13-inch and 14-inch laptops out there, but none that can defeat the M3 MacBook Air head-to-head. That notebook is the complete package when it comes to ultra-portable laptops.

Read more