- 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.
is a longtime Mac user. He was using digital sensors on Apple II computers in the 1980's and has networked computers in his classroom since before the internet existed. In 2006 he was selected at the California Computer Using Educator's teacher of the year. His students have used NASA space probes and regularly participate in piloting new materials for NASA. He is the author of two books and numerous articles and scientific papers. He currently teaches astronomy and physics in California, where he lives with his twin sons, Jony and Ben.< And there's still a Mac G3 in his classroom which finds occasional use.
