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The iMac to go - that's how Apple is selling the iBook, its portable computer that brings its trademark colourful curves to the notebook computer market. It stands out from the crowd just as much as its desktop counterpart, although it only comes in two shades this time - tangerine and blueberry.
But while the iMac appealed to everyone who wanted a computer, but couldn't stomach the beige blandness of a traditional PC, the iBook looks a touch too childish to slot easily into an office environment. It reminds us of a slimmed-down lunch box, but carrying this computer around the streets, which is what the carrying handle seems to invite, is a bold advert to muggers.
Another thing that might put you off lugging the iBook around with you is the weight - 6.6lb to be precise. This extra weight can be accounted for in part by the iBook's 'spacious' design - the palm rest is incredibly deep, so unless you have very large hands you may find yourself straining across it to get at the keys. There is also acres of space around the 12.1in TFT screen, which might be better filled by a few more viewing inches.
The keyboard is pleasant to use, and pressing two tabs along the top lifts it up completely to reveal the innards of the iBook, with a free space to slot in one of Apple's AirPort wireless networking cards and extra RAM. The capacity to fit up to 128MB of RAM is handy, as it comes with just 32MB as standard. The rest of the spec doesn't really make up for the memory deficit; the 300MHz G3 processor is adequate for most applications but a 3.2GB hard disk drive couldn't be considered generous.
Where Apple may lose out when it comes to cutting-edge specifications, it wins hands down when it comes to ingenious design touches. The iBook is housed in super-tough plastic - the same material is used to make bullet-proof vests, and uses a clever hinge method to keep the lid shut you simply snap it into place rather than using a latch.
A light around the power socket glows amber while the battery is charging, turning green when it has finished. Battery life is a claimed six hours and if the G3 PowerBook battery life is anything to go by then this is more than just an empty promise, so you'll have plenty of juice to keep the iBook going on your travels. Another neat lighting touch is the LED that pulsates away on the back of the iBook as it slumbers.
External expandability is provided by a single USB port and a 10/100 BaseT Ethernet port, while wireless networking is an option if you add the AirPort card and there's a 56K modem to get you online. As with all of Apple's new range there's no floppy drive, only a 24x CD-ROM drive. Apple says that this is to leave the choice of external storage device to the user, but if you do need extra storage then this will represent an extra cost, too.
The software bundle includes Mac OS 8.6, AppleWorks, Outlook Express, Netscape and IE5, World Book Encyclopedia, QuickTime 4, a couple of games and fax software.
Contact - Apple 0870 600 6010 www.apple.co.uk
See also:
All Notebooks & Tablets PCs
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