Apple iBook G4 12.1" Laptop - M9846LL/A (July, 2005)

The iBook G4 was the last iBook to use the PowerPC processor before Apple revamped the line into the MacBook with Intel processors. The iBook series, unfortunately, was plagued with logic board issues. Overall, they are good computers with some quirkiness. They are fast and efficient computers though they are all at least 5 years old. They can handle most every day tasks like word processing and internet surfing. The Mac OS is definitely more stable and pretty resistant to viruses as opposed to Windows laptops. Definitely ask questions about any quirkiness your possible purchase might have. You can search the internet to find out details about how people have dealt with these various issues.
In the end, if you are patient and have need of a less expensive laptop, check into an iBook for yourself.

Even though the current version of MacBooks are available, I thought the MacBooks lacked something that iBook G4 had. I cannot describe it exactly but it is similar to comparing Final Fantasy VII to Final Fantasy XIII. It is like comparing the best friend to the cool kid on the block. Even in the modern world, with Mac OS X 10.4.11 (Tiger) installed, this machine sings. I also tried Mac OS X 10.5.8 (Leopard) with the machine, however, Tiger seemed more reliable on the iBook G4. I like the slick design with a non-sticky palm rest and the non-magnetic power adapter (which could get messy if it gets near the hard drive or etc.). Even though iBook G4 does not run HD movies or games that require a lot of GPU well, it still does what an average consumer computer does in a simpler way. With proper care, the iBook G4 would go a long way. In my opinion, this little powerhouse is Apple's best notebook computer ever made.

I got this circa 2007-2008 iBook in 2010 as a under $250 entry into the Apple computer world. After getting used to Apple quirks, I really enjoy it. Smooth operation, and seemingly less program / system failures than my pcs have historically had. That said, the apple seems to process a little slower than a pc equivalent machine. also, was surprised that I needed a full 1 GB RAM in order to stream video from netflix (where PC only needs 512); that is a little disappointing, and required unexpected RAM upgrade.

Otherwise, barring any serious issues, I think I'm an apple convert.

In the always evolving mobile computing market. Apple has stood the test of time. I have had a couple G3 ibooks and now I am using a G4. What can I say about Apple's vision for mobile computing? The ibooks were ahead of their time and designed so well they are still competitive in the mobile computing market. Before PC designers even thought of the concept of the "netbook" Apple's little white ibook with long battery life and built in wi-fi antenna's were already in the market. Apple has always been first. CD roms standard on all computers not to mention usb, firewire. The ibook was the forunner of mobile electronics as we know it. ipods, iphone and now the ipad. Get a ibook for affordable reliable mobile computing.
I switched over to mac 10 years ago and never looked back.

I bought my first iBook G4 in 2005 when I finally couldn't take anymore PC crashes. I was afraid that I would have trouble learning a whole new way of thinking after having spent many years learning how to use PC's but Apple's way was so intuitive and simple. I fell madly in love. And I loved its tiny size and white case. When my G4 eventually couldn't keep up with new programs I wanted to use I bought a 13 inch MacBook. Apple no longer made 12 inch laptops and I was lucky to get one of the last white models. Now they are all aluminum.

I can do a lot more with the MacBook. My 10-year-old granddaughter loves to record music with GarageBand and make movies on DVD. In fact, she loves it so much that at times I would have to wait a long time before answering my email or paying my bills or streaming my movies and TV shows.

I had already given my G4 to my 8-year-old grandson who adores it so I bought myself another iBook G4 on Ebay to use while my granddaughter makes movies. The G4 is not powerful enough to handle iMovie or GarageBand but it can do all the things I need to do every day. I think I will wait to buy my next computer until Apple brings back the white case in a 12 inch laptop.