A User's Comparison of the 12" iBook and 15" TiBook
- 2003.02.06
I recently received the TiBook that ordered a few weeks ago from
some grant money, and I'm in the process of "switching" from
OS 9 to OS X and transferring all of my files from several
different computers to one. Having found carbonized equivalents for
all of my OS 9 software - and native versions of most - I am
now officially an "X" user and will only go back to 9 when using
student computers in the classroom. In the process, I've had a good opportunity to compare an older
iBook 500 (dual USB) with the new
1 GHz TiBook. Many people feel that Apple's product line is becoming muddied
because the high-end iBook is approaching the low-end PowerBook,
especially now that the PowerBook has been introduced in a "mini"
version.
Clearly both machines are more than adequate for normal computing
activities. In general, computer users always say get the fastest
processor, the biggest drive, and the greatest amount of RAM you can
afford to buy. Obviously, a 1 GHz G4 is going to outrun a 500 MHz G3. I'm not
equipped or knowledgeable enough to provide meaningful speed
benchmarks for comparison between these machines. Since plenty of
other sites perform such tasks, I'll concentrate on the usability and
features seen between the machines. Power supply- The new power supply for the PowerBook has a glowing ring
around the plug that indicates whether or not the battery is
charging. I understand this is standard on new iBooks as well.
It's a real problem for those of us with the older iBooks, because
when the plugs become loose - and they do - you can't tell
whether or not the laptop is charging with the lid closed.
Video- The video out on the PowerBook uses a DVI connector. The video
out on the iBook uses some weird little square doohickey that's
less "standard" than the PowerBook's port. Luckily, the PowerBook
is also equipped with an S-video out port, which worked just fine
when I tested it. Both computers require an adapter to connect to
a VGA monitor, which still puzzles me - Apple's dedication to
proprietary and uncommonly used video ports refuses to die a
peaceful death.
In any case, as many of you know, the PowerBook has "desktop
extension" and "mirroring" video options, but the iBook has been
crippled so that only "mirroring" is available. For whatever
reason, the PowerBook has the clear advantage here.
Wireless- The iBook is the clear inner here. In my nonscientific home
tests: The range is greater and the consistency of signal strength
is greater for the iBook, undoubtedly because of the titanium
frame on the PowerBook. Apple claims to have solved this for the
new large and small aluminum PowerBooks, but it remains a problem
for the TiBook.
Battery- The iBook wins. I can consistently get 3-4 hours out of a
battery, even when using the AirPort wireless connection. The
PowerBook seems to fizzle out after a couple of hours - three at
the most if I turn off AirPort, turn off sound, and refrain from
heavy hard-drive intensive activities. If you need battery
longevity, get the iBook.
Temperature- The iBook wins on the bottom - it gets warm, but not
uncomfortably so, like the PowerBook does. On the other hand, the
PowerBook stays cool on top, where your hands are. Obviously, the
iBook is more of a laptop, and the PowerBook more of a portable
desktop, meant to be used on a table.
Responsiveness- OS X likes a faster processor, and it likes the G4 with its
optimizations. Windows pop open quicker. The genie effect is
smooth. Connections to my iDisk open faster. I imagine that would
be true even if the clock speed were the same.
Sleep indicator- The iBook's sleep indicator shines through it's front edge
near the lid latch. The PowerBook's indicator is a tiny LED in the
rear of the lid. I like the iBook's indicator better; the LED
seems kind of harsh in comparison. That's just a totally
subjective impression. Both indicators do the job they're designed
to do.
Scratch resistance- The iBook is plastic on the outside, painted white on the
interior. Both computers have painted areas that can be scratched.
I haven't had the TiBook long enough to scratch it up a lot, but
it just seems as if the iBook will be more resistant to casual
scratches. I have one with some paint flaking off, and the color
match to the plastic base is so close you can hardly tell. Both
machines look better than any of the colorized plastic machines
the PC folks put out. Even with scratches.
Sturdiness- I think the PowerBook wins here; the iBook's central dropdown
hinge is clever, but when you open the lid, it almost bends as you
fight the hinge. The PowerBook's lid, although thinner, seems
stronger and stiffer - probably due to the metal vs. plastic
construction - and it just feels more solid overall.
Sound- The PowerBook's stereo speakers sound better than the iBook's
tinny speakers. No contest.
Port Access- iBook ports are on the left side, open to the world; PowerBook
ports are in the rear, covered by a lid (editor's note: Apple has
moved the ports to the side in the new aluminum PowerBooks). I
like the left side connectors much, better because you don't have
to spin or lift the machine to plug stuff in, and if you're using
a portable computer, you will be plugging stuff in. If I
were left-handed, I don't know if I'd feel the same way. And I
have never liked covered ports since the PowerBook
145b I used years ago; the covers break.
Weight- iBooks weigh less. What more is there to say?
The iBooks and PowerBooks each have their own advantages and
disadvantages. For a typical user, the iBook will be the best choice
due to the many advantages it - weight, AirPort responsiveness, and
battery longevity. This leaves the PowerBook in the domain of
professionals for whom a single feature, such as overall speed
availability of the Combo drive or screen size, is more important
than everything else. Although there are many similarities, the differences are enough
that a user with a clear vision of what they need can select the one
most appropriate to their needs. If anything, Apple should make more
of a marketing effort to point out the differences to help clear the
muddy waters for the consumer.
Jeff Adkins is a science teacher who isn't afraid to state his preferences in computing platforms. In his classroom he has everything from a beige All-in-One to a a G4 XServe, and they all work together nicely. He calls himself the "poster child for technology integration" in the classroom. He was the 2006 Outstanding Educator of the Year for the California Computer Using Educators (CUE) organization. He also maintains a site for astronomy teachers at www.AstronomyTeacher.com. Recent Mac Lab ReportsLinks for the Day- Mac of the Day: Mac LC III, Feb. 1993 - The first LC without compromise: 25 MHz 68030 CPU, 32-bit memory, up to 36 MB of RAM.
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