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Last time I talked about unpacking
my iBook and shared first
impressions. Now that I've had it for a week, I've decided to finish
this series. This time, I'll be talking about the built-in
applications as well as as any other loose ends I can tie up.
iApps
First of all, I find the supplied software very useful. I've
loaded all my music on iTunes and am burning CDs a lot more (since I
don't have to do it on the family's PC). I've also played with
iMovie, creating titles for our old VHS home movies (I have the
composite out connector).
I loaded iPhoto but haven't used it yet. I may if I ever decide to
get a digital camera. AppleWorks 6 is also useful (I've used
ClarisWorks since 2.0 and had AppleWorks 5 on my 540c).
Mac OS X proves to be a very very good experience (not Classic
booting yet), and I learned how to log in as root and "tweak" my
iBook - go here for directions: <http://homepage.mac.com/megasad/ibookswan/>.
More Apps
AOL IM for OS X turned out to be rather useless, so I downloaded
Fire. It lets me not only
talk to AOL users, but also MSN, ICQ, Jabber, and Yahoo Messenger
users. This comes in very handy. Another choice for just AOL IM
compatibility is Adium.
I loaded a copy of VirtualPC for the heck of it. Although I don't
have a copy of Windows that works with it (the 98 from our PC is a
custom IBM one that requires a certain model to run), I do have DOS
and Linux. Both run fairly well.
Palm Desktop 4.0 Beta for OS X runs fairly well. I just wish
AvantGo and others would update their conduits for OS X.
Peripherals
I ordered the Zip 100 USB "value line" model, and it works fairly
well. No power supply is needed, since it's powered by USB. It's
rather small and lightweight. I may start carrying it with my
iBook.
My Epson C60 printer has proved to be very fast - and the very
high-quality printout is surprising for such a cheap printer ($79).
Its software is built into OS X, so it was truly plug and
play.
I have also configured my iBook to work with the school's HP
LaserJet 5M and Apple LaserWriter 16/600PS. Both work flawlessly
under OS X.
Quirks & Notes
First of all, the battery does last a whole day in school
(since I put it to sleep when I'm not using it).
I've decided to end this article with a few annoyances. The case
scratches easily. The scratches aren't huge, but if you look closely
you can see them. Also, the keys rub against the screen (just like on
the Pismo and TiBook). I didn't think this was an issue with this
model, but I fixed it by placing a thin piece of fabric between the
screen and keyboard. Finally, the hinge creaks when opening (my mom's
PB 170 also does this), but I assume
my iBook just has to be broken in.
This weekend I'm going to Staples to see what they have in terms
of RoadTools CoolPads. My iBook doesn't get very hot, but it does get
warmer than I like.
Overall, my iBook seems pretty sturdy (I can hold it with one
hand), is fast enough for most users, and is a great value. I'd
recommend one to anyone in the market for a new computer (Mac or PC,
desktop or portable), although the
new iMac is also tempting.
Mac of the Day: PowerBook 170, Oct. 1991 - At 25 MHz, the PB 170 was at the top of the original PowerBook line.
List of the Day: The iPhone List Low End Mac's forum for discussing and supporting Apple's iPhone.
August 30 in LEM history: 99: The truth about USB speed - 00: Could Eazel kill the Mac? - Mac OS 8.1 on a IIci and LC III - 01: Beyond MHz and GHz - Getting a handle on email - Thanks for the IBM PC, Dad - Apple's anniversaries - 02: Mac OS X v10.2 - iBook video out - 04: Things that freak out my students - 06: Nvu and SeaMonkey can't replace Home Page - 07: DVD-RAM support
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