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Pao|o · Sep 1, 2005, 01:08 PM

I've placed a downpayment on a 12" iBook 1.33GHz (got it for US$977.48 before taxes) and I wanted feedback from current owners. Are you happy with the speed? I'm currently using an 12" iBook 700MHz CD-ROM and a dual 1GHz Quicksilver 2002.

I've managed to find a supplier for a 1GB SODIMM that is embarassingly cheap.

SSharon · Sep 1, 2005, 01:22 PM

My 14" 1.2 ghz (768mb) is plenty fast for audio recording in Word 2004, Firefox, Safari, Mail, AIM, and a few other apps with proc set to reduced. You should be fine, unless you plan on using it for pro stuff in which case specify which apps.

Pao|o · Sep 1, 2005, 01:45 PM

basically CS2, iLife 05, Office and very light p2p

misc · Sep 1, 2005, 02:12 PM

It's not the fastest, but I like it tons. Get the extra 1gb card, it will make a difference. This machine is more than worth the price.

It will be fine for CS2 and Office.

Krusty · Sep 1, 2005, 09:34 PM

absolutely LOVE my couple week old iBook. Extra gig of ram is on the way which I hope will address some slowdowns I have when I have lots of apps open. If I still find this thing useful by tax time next year, I plan to plop down the moolah for a large capacity, faster hard drive and pay someone to install it.

Seems plenty fast right now for light use ... but it IS noticeably slower than my 1.25 eMac which has 1.5gb ram and a 160gb, 7200 rpm hard drive. The iBook is definitely no Ferrari ... its a Swiss Army Knife

Dorrigo · Sep 3, 2005, 03:04 AM

We (my wife and I) have one each of the new 1.33mhz.

In short:

CS2 and Office are fine (with 1gb RAM)
No problem digitizing audio tapes (via iMic)
DVD playback is smooth
Works seamlessly with a variety of WiFi networks
Both are used for presentations to a variety of digital projectors/TVs - no problems

We are very happy with them. Size is just right for portability.
I used an 800mhz 14" iBook before. 1.33 is definately much faster and much easier to lug around.

My wife is a switcher (first Mac) and has already got rid of her PC.

mediasamurai · Sep 3, 2005, 04:50 AM

I have a 15" Powerbook G4 DVI 667Mhz. With the exception of the smaller screen size, would it be a significant upgrade if I bought this 12" iBook people are discussing on this forum? I have considered the 12" Powerbook since I need a smaller laptop(I live in Tokyo and travel a LOT), but the specs seem close enough to make the 12" iBook a better deal. The money I save could go to a larger HD, more RAM, and Applecare(all of which are slightly overpriced in Tokyo I think). Can anyone offer me some advice on this as well? This will help out two people, as my friend is in the same situation, considering an iBook as well.

Pao|o · Sep 3, 2005, 11:11 AM

Dont get the current 12" Powerbook. It'll be updated at the end of the month.

Dorrigo · Sep 3, 2005, 05:36 PM

I have used the 12" Powerbook quite a bit at work.
Apart form the dual screen capability I can't see any compelling reason to pay quite a bit more for it. And battery life is not as good, in my experience.

I believe you can fix the dual screen (as in non-mirrored ability) with a patch, but I have not tried it. Didn't buy my iBook as a desktop replacement.

MindFad · Sep 3, 2005, 10:12 PM

12"er is perfect for what you listed. I absolutely love my new one.

lamewing · Sep 4, 2005, 07:27 AM

Originally Posted by Pao|o

Dont get the current 12" Powerbook. It'll be updated at the end of the month.

Well, that is unless you can get a really good price on it.

Pao|o · Sep 4, 2005, 09:54 AM

Originally Posted by lamewing

Well, that is unless you can get a really good price on it.

I'm guessing the current Pbooks will be offered with a $100-200 price cut once the updates are offered.

MacBook · Sep 4, 2005, 03:10 PM

I can use either the current 12" PowerBook (1.5GHz) or 12" iBook (1.2GHz) and have chosen the iBook. The PowerBook fan runs constantly (no matter what the settings) and the battery does not last nearly as long. I like the white plastic case better, actually, although it's a little bigger and heavier. The PowerBook has a higher quality keyboard, but a similar screen.

Kenneth · Sep 4, 2005, 03:12 PM

I love my 1 mon old 12" iBook 1.33 as well. Mostly, I use it for surfing the web and on the road. Meanwhile, I have a DP 1.25Ghz PowerMac G4 on my desk, so the 12" iBook fits my bill as a small portable. At the price, I sure recommend it.

Pao|o · Sep 5, 2005, 12:06 PM

Kenneth how does ur iBook fair against your DP PowerMac? I got a dp 1GHz Quicksilver 2002 w/ a gig and am getting a ibook 1.33ghz with 1.5 gig.

bsimons · Sep 5, 2005, 03:19 PM

Just got the 1.33 12". I'm quite surprised as to how much faster it is compared to my year old 800mhz iBook G4. watching the memory monitor though, it seems like 512mb is about the minimum needed for daily use, so I would recommend adding another stick of ram if you can afford it.

Kenneth · Sep 5, 2005, 11:56 PM

Originally Posted by Pao|o

Kenneth how does ur iBook fair against your DP PowerMac? I got a dp 1GHz Quicksilver 2002 w/ a gig and am getting a ibook 1.33ghz with 1.5 gig.

So far, I leave the iBook G4 as stock config. I may score a 1GB module later on. My DP 1.25Ghz PowerMac has 1.25GB of RAM and plenty of storage. I'm about the get the Radeon 9600 Pro (Mac & PC edition) for it.

I tested out RTCW on the iBook, I experienced some slowness anyway.

I used to have the original iBook clamshell (300Mhz w/544MB of RAM, Panther) and my sister is currently using the iBook G3/800. I believe that this is the last PPC iBook and I'm very happy with the improvement.

Pao|o · Sep 13, 2005, 02:02 PM

Just got my 12" iBook 1.33GHz + 1GB DDR333 SODIMM! No more pageouts!

krx · Sep 13, 2005, 02:42 PM

I got the new 1.33 GHz 12" iBook and gave my 1.07 GHz 14" iBook to my wife, to replace her old iMac. After 2 weeks on the new iBook, I prefer the older model. Side by side, the 14" has a much more solid feel to it than the new 12". For example, everytime I lay my left hand on the palm rest, it squeaks. If I push on it w/my finger it moves up and down and creaks like a cheap toy. The 14" makes no noise whatsoever and feels solid under my palm.

Also, the HD on the 12" makes a lot of funny noises that the 14" never made - even (and most annoyingly) while at rest! I've described the noises elsewhere as an ongoing series of clicking and scratching noises, like tiny gears engaging. This problem is currently being discussed on the Apple.com discussion boards, for anyone that's interested. It appears the Toshiba drives in the 12" iBook are particularly prone to the odd noises.

It's not the end of the world - these aren't the loud clunking noises that signal a hard drive's demise. And I'm sure, eventually, I'll get used to it. In fact, the noises can only be heard in a room w/little to no background sound (a fan in the room will mostly drown them out). But for those of us who expect nothing but the best from Apple, this one's been a bit of a disappointment, I hate to say.

kauffee · Sep 13, 2005, 04:13 PM

Hmm... I'm not noticing any squeaking on my new 12" iBook. The seams are pretty tight and the build quality feels very good overally. It sounds as if you might've gotten one that's poorly put together. As far as the drive, I have a Toshiba drive but I upgraded it to an 80gb and I don't hear any unusual noises. This thing is by far the quietest machine I've ever had. I don't think I've even heard the fan yet.

lamewing · Sep 13, 2005, 04:40 PM

Originally Posted by krx

I got the new 1.33 GHz 12" iBook and gave my 1.07 GHz 14" iBook to my wife, to replace her old iMac. After 2 weeks on the new iBook, I prefer the older model. Side by side, the 14" has a much more solid feel to it than the new 12". For example, everytime I lay my left hand on the palm rest, it squeaks. If I push on it w/my finger it moves up and down and creaks like a cheap toy. The 14" makes no noise whatsoever and feels solid under my palm.

Also, the HD on the 12" makes a lot of funny noises that the 14" never made - even (and most annoyingly) while at rest! I've described the noises elsewhere as an ongoing series of clicking and scratching noises, like tiny gears engaging. This problem is currently being discussed on the Apple.com discussion boards, for anyone that's interested. It appears the Toshiba drives in the 12" iBook are particularly prone to the odd noises.

It's not the end of the world - these aren't the loud clunking noises that signal a hard drive's demise. And I'm sure, eventually, I'll get used to it. In fact, the noises can only be heard in a room w/little to no background sound (a fan in the room will mostly drown them out). But for those of us who expect nothing but the best from Apple, this one's been a bit of a disappointment, I hate to say.

All 12 inch experiences on the new G4 ibooks, NOT on 800ghz G3s and below.

I have found the left corner on at least 6 or 7 to lift up and down and creak. Also about 4 or 5 creaked when light pressure was put on the port plate on the left side. Just as many would cause the trackpad to activate if I pressed on the left palmrest near the trackpad.

It seems to be a design flaw, but nothing that will stop it from working. Nonetheless, this isn't something that should have continued on after each new update. I would love to know what the differences are (in the cases) between the 800Ghz (translucent case and silver palmrests) and earlier iBooks and the 900Ghz G3 and up are.

Eug Wanker · Sep 13, 2005, 08:14 PM

Yeah, I like it. Speed is more than adequate, for basic usage. 12" iBook 1.33 Radeon 9550, 1 GB RAM.

G3s suck.

P.S. Don't forget about the free iPod deal.

99RedSi · Sep 14, 2005, 09:09 AM

I love my week old 12" iBook (1.33GHz)! It feels slightly cheap, I suppose, with the inner plastiky (is that a word?) feel but it's a great machine. For $885 brand new, I couldn't go wrong. I figure now is a good time to get an iBook because the first generation (revision) of Intel-based iBooks will probably have some initial QA issues.

blindemboss · Sep 14, 2005, 10:08 AM

Originally Posted by 99RedSi

I love my week old 12" iBook (1.33GHz)! It feels slightly cheap, I suppose, with the inner plastiky (is that a word?) feel but it's a great machine. For $885 brand new, I couldn't go wrong. I figure now is a good time to get an iBook because the first generation (revision) of Intel-based iBooks will probably have some initial QA issues.

Yeah, that's what been holding me back from pulling the trigger on an iBook. It looks great, but it feels...umm kind of fragile. Not the exterior, but the keyboard and trackpad have this hollowness about it. Not solid like the PB's.
But performance wise, it's a great deal especially compared to the 12" PB which is long overdue for a refresh.

99RedSi · Sep 14, 2005, 11:19 AM

Originally Posted by blindemboss

Yeah, that's what been holding me back from pulling the trigger on an iBook. It looks great, but it feels...umm kind of fragile. Not the exterior, but the keyboard and trackpad have this hollowness about it. Not solid like the PB's.
But performance wise, it's a great deal especially compared to the 12" PB which is long overdue for a refresh.

Actually, you'd be surprised if you throw an iSkin on the keyboard, it's not that bad at all. In fact, I really like it!

Pao|o · Sep 14, 2005, 03:59 PM

I also notice a lot of noise when I turn on the iBook which never happens to my iBook 700MHz. It whizzes twice then the screen lights up. I'm thinking I'll be getting a new Mac by this time 2006-7 a rev B or C iMac P5?