Apple Introduces New iBooks: Faster Processors, Faster Video, Better Level 2 Cache

A pple has updated the iBook line, introducing two 700 MHz units and a 600 MHz unit. The new iBooks are based on the G3 processor, like their predecessors, but the on-chip level 2 cache has been doubled from 256K to 512K. Apple says that the faster processor and level 2 cache combine to make the new iBook 35% faster than the previous model.

The upgraded iBooks also include a 16 MB Radeon Mobility graphics chip set, as opposed to the Rage Mobility 128 in the previous generation, a VGA out port, and a 30 GB drive on the high-en iBook. The models still come with 14.1" displays and the original 12.1" display. From Apple:

Apple® today updated its popular iBook® notebooks with faster PowerPC G3 processors now running at up to 700 MHz, double the on-chip level 2 cache, a more powerful ATI Mobility Radeon graphics processor and larger hard drives.

The new iBook runs up to 35 percent faster than previous models in CPU performance tests such as encoding a song from an audio CD into an MP3 file using iTunes™. iBook also now features a new video-out port that supports VGA output, as well as S-video and composite video with optional adapter.

Every iBook includes Appleis award-winning suite of digital lifestyle applications, including iTunes 2 for organizing and burning digital music, iMovie™ 2 for creating digital movies, and iPhoto™ for organizing and sharing digital photographs.

iBook also offers:

  • a 12.1-inch (diagonal) or 14.1-inch (diagonal) active-matrix 1024-by-768 resolution display;
  • 128MB or 256MB SDRAM, with expansion up to 640MB;
  • a new ATI Mobility Radeon graphics controller with 16MB RAM and AGP 2X;
  • 20GB or 30GB Ultra ATA hard drives and a new 40GB option;
  • a choice of DVD-ROM/CD-RW Combo drive or CD-ROM drive;
  • a built-in 56K V.90 modem and 10/100BASE-T Ethernet;
  • USB and FireWire® ports;
  • AirPort®-ready with integrated antennas and card slot for wireless Internet access*;
  • a built-in microphone and stereo speakers;
  • a collection of productivity and entertainment titles;
  • a small, lightweight power adapter;
  • free 30-day Internet access with EarthLink**; and
  • Mac® OS X version 10.1.4, as well as Classic Mac OS 9.2.2.

*Wireless Internet access requires an AirPort Card, AirPort Base station and Internet access (fees may apply). Some ISPs are not currently compatible with AirPort.

**Available in the U.S. and selected territories only.

iBook with a suggested retail price of $1,799 (US) includes:

  • a 700 MHz PowerPC G3 processor with 512K on-chip level 2 cache;
  • a 14.1-inch (diagonal) active-matrix TFT display;
  • 256MB SDRAM;
  • a 30GB Ultra ATA hard drive; and
  • a DVD-ROM/CD-RW Combo optical drive.

iBook with a suggested retail price of $1,499 (US) includes:

  • a 700 MHz PowerPC G3 processor with 512K on-chip level 2 cache;
  • a 12.1-inch (diagonal) active-matrix TFT display;
  • 128MB SDRAM;
  • a 20GB Ultra ATA hard drive; and
  • a DVD-ROM/CD-RW Combo optical drive.

iBook with a suggested retail price of $1,199 (US) includes:

  • a 600 MHz PowerPC G3 processor with 512K on-chip level 2 cache;
  • a 12.1-inch (diagonal) active-matrix TFT display;
  • 128MB SDRAM;
  • a 20GB Ultra ATA hard drive; and
  • a CD-ROM optical drive.

Apple also notes that education pricing for the new iBook starts at US$1099. You can find more information on the new iBooks at Appleis iBook page. The new units are available now.