Apple iBook Notebook M8602LL/A (700-MHz PowerPC G3, 128 MB RAM, 20 GB hard drive)
Apple iBook Notebook M8602LL/A (700-MHz PowerPC G3, 128 MB RAM, 20 GB hard drive)
Manufacturer: Apple Computer
Product Type: Personal Computer
Editorial Review:
Amazon Product Description
The Basics:
An Apple notebook for this price? The Apple iBook Notebook M8602LL/A may not be up to speed with Apple's faster, costlier notebooks (such as the iBook G4 line), but it does deliver Apple reliability, super-lightweight portability and even DVD playing at a surprisingly affordable price point. Demanding users who need high-end power for the latest business applications, games and graphics will want to look slightly higher up the Apple mobile roster, but anyone who frequently hauls their notebook with them to remote un-plugged environments and engages in comparatively basic tasks such as word processing, data gathering, photo organization, contact management and email/Internet sessions may find the iBook M8602LL/A offers all they need.
Processor:
At the heart of any computer lies the CPU (or processor), a massive collection of miniature transistors that governs the speed and power of the entire unit. Some of today's notebooks are equipped with high-end CPU's on par with those found in top-of-the-line desktop PCs, while others are quick enough only for basic duties such as word processing, email and the like. Driven by a 700 MHz PowerPC G3 processor, the iBook M8602LL/A is not exactly a speed demon. It is, however, quick enough for most typical notebook applications.
Memory:
Computers typically store information on their hard drive, but they keep frequently and recently accessed data in Random Access Memory (RAM) for faster retrieval. More RAM means more efficient computing, superior multitasking and less strain on your hard drive. The iBook M8602LL/A incorporates just 128 MB of RAM, the minimal amount in today's notebook jungle. For this reason, the unit is not suitable for high-level multitasking, complex graphic applications or any memory-hungry tasks.
Video:
CPU's are usually so busy doing basic calculations that they need help translating visual output to the viewing screen. This is the duty of the graphics card (or graphics controller). When shopping for a computer, it's good to remember that a video controller with "dedicated" built-in video memory is preferable to one with "shared" video memory wherein the graphics controller borrows a portion of the all-important main system memory. This system's graphics controller is an ATI Mobility Radeon with 16 MB of dedicated video memory. This is not an ample capacity of video memory, but it is dedicated solely to graphics processing. Thusly, the unit will efficiently display 2D and some midlevel 3D applications but shouldn't be expected to efficiently and smoothly render high-end 3D games or complex 3D animations and graphics, though it will.
Display:
Given its size, the iBook M8602LL/A sports a comparatively generous 12.1-inch display capable of crystal clear 1024 by 768 resolutions.
Hard Disk:
You won't be storing any enormous audio/video libraries on the system's 20 GB hard drive. Nor can you maintain an abundance of sophisticated high-end games or other potentially large applications. However, the 20 GB limit isn't a problem for a typical roster of mobile apps and user-created files.
Optical Drive:
An optical drive is essential in today's computing environment. A "CD-ROM" drive allows you to install CD-based applications and play music CDs. A "CD-RW" drive adds CD "burning", so you can also backup your important files to long-lasting discs and create personalized music CDs. With a DVD-ROM drive you can watch DVD movies. And with a DVD-RW drive, you can "write" home movies to durable discs and archive files to DVD (DVDs boast more than seven times the storage capacity of a CD). Some drives allow you to do a combination of all of these tasks. This system features a CD-RW/DVD drive through which you can do all of the above, apart from recording DVDs.
Audio:
The unit is equipped with two miniature stereo speakers, a mini microphone jack and a stereo mini headphone jack.
Keyboard and Controls:
You'll control your notebook via a 77-key keyboard and Apple Trackpad pointing device.
Connectivity and Expansion:
The iBook M8602LL/A offers both a 56K modem for low-speed dial-up Internet and email access and a 10/100BASE-T Ethernet port for high-speed wired network and Internet, but does not feature wireless technology. Other key amenities include two high-speed USB 2.0 ports for plug and play devices such as external drives and digital cameras, a FireWire port (commonly used for quick data uploads from digital camcorders), and an S-Video out for high-quality digital video feeds to external monitors and televisions.
Operating System and Software:
Apple will preinstall the rock solid OS X operating system and a selection of established multimedia utilities such as Quick Time, iPhoto, iTunes 2 and iMovie 2. Apple's productivity tool AppleWorks is also included.
Dimensions and Weight:
Many of today's most powerful notebooks are also the largest, weighing ten or twelve lbs or more and therefore too big and cumbersome for extensive, continuous traveling. These are often referred to as "desktop replacements". On the other extreme are "thin and lights" or "ultra-portables", super-miniaturized units that typically aren't as powerful as their larger brethren but weigh as little as two or three lbs. and will often fit comfortably inside a large purse. The iBook M8602LL/A is definitely in the latter category at a mere 11.2 by 9 by 1.4 inches and 4.9 lbs.
Power:
Under ideal conditions, battery life is estimated at a stunning six hours.
Average customer rating: 
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Apple iBook Notebook M8602LL/A (700-MHz PowerPC G3, 128 MB RAM, 20 GB hard drive)
Manufacturer: Apple Computer ProductGroup: Personal Computer Binding: Personal Computers  Notebooks
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ASIN: B000068IE6 |
Amazon Product Description
The Basics:
Processor:
At the heart of any computer lies the CPU (or processor), a massive collection of miniature transistors that governs the speed and power of the entire unit. Some of today's notebooks are equipped with high-end CPU's on par with those found in top-of-the-line desktop PCs, while others are quick enough only for basic duties such as word processing, email and the like. Driven by a 700 MHz PowerPC G3 processor, the iBook M8602LL/A is not exactly a speed demon. It is, however, quick enough for most typical notebook applications.
Memory:
Computers typically store information on their hard drive, but they keep frequently and recently accessed data in Random Access Memory (RAM) for faster retrieval. More RAM means more efficient computing, superior multitasking and less strain on your hard drive. The iBook M8602LL/A incorporates just 128 MB of RAM, the minimal amount in today's notebook jungle. For this reason, the unit is not suitable for high-level multitasking, complex graphic applications or any memory-hungry tasks.
Video:
CPU's are usually so busy doing basic calculations that they need help translating visual output to the viewing screen. This is the duty of the graphics card (or graphics controller). When shopping for a computer, it's good to remember that a video controller with "dedicated" built-in video memory is preferable to one with "shared" video memory wherein the graphics controller borrows a portion of the all-important main system memory. This system's graphics controller is an ATI Mobility Radeon with 16 MB of dedicated video memory. This is not an ample capacity of video memory, but it is dedicated solely to graphics processing. Thusly, the unit will efficiently display 2D and some midlevel 3D applications but shouldn't be expected to efficiently and smoothly render high-end 3D games or complex 3D animations and graphics, though it will.
Display:
Given its size, the iBook M8602LL/A sports a comparatively generous 12.1-inch display capable of crystal clear 1024 by 768 resolutions.
Hard Disk:
You won't be storing any enormous audio/video libraries on the system's 20 GB hard drive. Nor can you maintain an abundance of sophisticated high-end games or other potentially large applications. However, the 20 GB limit isn't a problem for a typical roster of mobile apps and user-created files.
Optical Drive:
An optical drive is essential in today's computing environment. A "CD-ROM" drive allows you to install CD-based applications and play music CDs. A "CD-RW" drive adds CD "burning", so you can also backup your important files to long-lasting discs and create personalized music CDs. With a DVD-ROM drive you can watch DVD movies. And with a DVD-RW drive, you can "write" home movies to durable discs and archive files to DVD (DVDs boast more than seven times the storage capacity of a CD). Some drives allow you to do a combination of all of these tasks. This system features a CD-RW/DVD drive through which you can do all of the above, apart from recording DVDs.
Audio:
The unit is equipped with two miniature stereo speakers, a mini microphone jack and a stereo mini headphone jack.
Keyboard and Controls:
You'll control your notebook via a 77-key keyboard and Apple Trackpad pointing device.
Connectivity and Expansion:
The iBook M8602LL/A offers both a 56K modem for low-speed dial-up Internet and email access and a 10/100BASE-T Ethernet port for high-speed wired network and Internet, but does not feature wireless technology. Other key amenities include two high-speed USB 2.0 ports for plug and play devices such as external drives and digital cameras, a FireWire port (commonly used for quick data uploads from digital camcorders), and an S-Video out for high-quality digital video feeds to external monitors and televisions.
Operating System and Software:
Apple will preinstall the rock solid OS X operating system and a selection of established multimedia utilities such as Quick Time, iPhoto, iTunes 2 and iMovie 2. Apple's productivity tool AppleWorks is also included.
Dimensions and Weight:
Many of today's most powerful notebooks are also the largest, weighing ten or twelve lbs or more and therefore too big and cumbersome for extensive, continuous traveling. These are often referred to as "desktop replacements". On the other extreme are "thin and lights" or "ultra-portables", super-miniaturized units that typically aren't as powerful as their larger brethren but weigh as little as two or three lbs. and will often fit comfortably inside a large purse. The iBook M8602LL/A is definitely in the latter category at a mere 11.2 by 9 by 1.4 inches and 4.9 lbs.
Power:
Under ideal conditions, battery life is estimated at a stunning six hours.
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