Apple updates iBook, Mac Mini

Apple has updated its iBook, but the anticipated widescreen models were notable by their absence.

The company also extended the Mac Mini range.

The 12in and 14in G4-class PowerPC-based consumer notebooks now run 1.33GHz and 1.42GHz, respectively, and come with a beefier 512MB of 333MHz DDR memory. The machines' frontside bus speeds are 133MHz and 142MHz, respectively. The old ATI Mobility Radeon 9200 graphics chip has been replaced with a Mobility Radeon 9550, though the video memory, 32MB, is the same as before.

The 12in model comes with a DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive and a 60GB HDD, while the 14in unit offers an 80GB hard drive and a DVD-R/CD-RW device. Both machines' hard drives incorporate anti-damage motion sensors to protect them if they're dropped. The computers now include Bluetooth 2.0 and 802.11g adaptors, previously available only as optional extras.

The Mac Mini line-up now comprises three models: a 1.25GHz box with a 40GB hard drive and a DVD-ROM/CD-RW optical unit, and two 1.42GHz versions both with 80GB HDDs, but one with the DVD-ROM/CD-RW optical drive and the other with a DVD-R/CD-RW SuperDrive. All three ship with an ATI Mobility Radeon 9200 with 32MB of graphics memory, and 512MB of 333MHz DDR main memory.

The two 1.42GHz models bundle Bluetooth 2.0 and 802.11g wireless networking - both adaptors are still an optional extra on the 1.25GHz model. Curiously, that machine ships with an integrated 56Kbps modem whereas it's an optional extra on the 1.42GHz Minis.

The 12in iBook costs £699/$999, the 14in version £899/$1299. The three Minis are priced at £349/$499, £429/$599 and £499/$699, respectively. All five Macs ship with iLife and Mac OS X 10.4 'Tiger'. ®

Related stories

Apple bounces back into US PC vendor top four
Apple iTunes sells half a billion songs
Apple to muscle in on MVNO market?
Apple profits, revenue up again
Apple updates Mac OS X Tiger
Apple feels Intel chill