Apple iBook G4 12.1" Laptop - M9846B/A (July,2005)

Surf the Web, chat with friends, do homework, play games, even burn DVDs and CDs to create your own video or musical masterpiece. The 14-inch iBook G4 is a solid and stylish laptop, but it's considerably more expensive than the PC competition.I wanted portability which is why my first Mac was a laptop. I do a lot of genealogy research. I have two problems with the first being my genealogy software is Windows based only. I solved this with Virtual PC. The programs run slower but they run problem free with only a click of an icon. I take a lot of digital images when doing genealogy research so with the simple connecting the digital camera to the iBook G4 I can easily upload the images to the laptop to free up my camera memory card. All that takes is carrying the camera connection cord with you which doesn't take up a lot of space.

We did the same thing when travelling as I take a lot of pictures! What we also did while travelling was used the iBook G4 to watch DVDs. The clarity of the screen was amazing. It was crisp and clear. The battery lasted well so I have no complaints there.

What I like: I love the portability and function. For such a small computer the iBook G4 packs a lot of punch. Not only does it have a built in modom but it is alos AirPort ready for wireless and Bluetooth can be easily installed. I like that is is not a heavy weight computer. I can pack the iBook G4 into my backpack on wheels and when I get to a research centre, it takes little space something that is important. The portability is wonderful for travelling! This computer sees a lot of mileage not only for research but for vacation.

Bottom line is I really like the function. I can go online without worrying. I can use Windows based programs if I want. The computer comes with a lot of very useful software so that is a non-issue.

The Laptop Is Very Fast And Works A Great Distance From Your WIFI Connection. Even Faster When Plugged In With An Ethernet Cable! Im Typing On It Now And Its Very Fluent To Type On, e.g. feels smooth and speedy. As the title says 'Advising You To Buy It!'. On ebay these are currently going for about £70 - £250 and for the price I must say that they are well worth the buy!

The CD drive is very smooth as well, when you put in a CD it automatically pulls it in and at the press off a button the CD will come back out.

The boot up speed is very good and so is the shut down speed as well as the sleep, etc,etc.

As stated above the Airport (WIFI) Card is very good and reliable.

The battery is great, charges fast and lasts a long time!

The software availiable on this and how it works is great to, i've currently got adobe pack (reader, photoshop, flash, iphoto, imove HD, GarageBand and also logic express). They are the main features i use. They all work well and better as this ibook is great for them!

The MAC OSX Software is fast and great!

Overall this laptop gives you a great experience and is fun to use for your kids etc etc. Great buy and well worth it!

RECOMMENDED FROM AN EXPERT! REVIEW ON JUNE 2010

Hey Guys,
This is my first review so bear with me.
The Apple Mac G4 is a good second laptop or for somone who is moving from Windows to Mac (like myself) it is compact, stylish and everything you would exspect from Apple. There are plenty about so go for a G4 ibook with the fastest processor you can. The caseing can easly be scratched so also check the description for this, the battery life is very good I love how the charging jack changes from orange while charging to green when charged. Most come with 1 and 1/2 gig or of ram (part inbilt part added) and the G4 runs responsive with this. If like myself you are changing over from windows I would highly recomened this laptop once you get use to were things are and how it all works it's in my oppinon a excellent laptop and will be a permanant move to Apple!
Rob

Very nice and small laptop,handy for travelling and using wi-fi internet browsing. Fairly good speed with 1.5 GB RAM although could do with more -but unfortunately cannot take more then 1.5 GB due to power pc based processor....

Internert browsing is ok ,good for personal use but not for when one needs speed and multitasking.
DVD player is a bonus -we found it usefull for keeping children happy .

Reliable -as expected from Macs and excellent for basic work.

As with all older iBooks(laptops) battery life goes down with age so new battery is recommended-I will get high capacity 8800 instead 4400...

Good place to buy is a repair shop where one can get good hold battery from broken iBook...

Happy with my purchase as it does what I need it to do...(-:

i have been after a apple laptop for a while now, i have recently got into Mac's in a big way after iPhone... then power mac G5.... now an iBook. the screen is a little on the small size but it is very portable which is great for me. is still very fast and the start up is almost instant. 2 x usb 1 x fire wire and a couple of others (ethernet modem etc) but it has a great super drive dvd writer. its nice a quiet, screen is bright, battery holds a good 5+ hours life and all in all a great little laptop!