Apple ships faster iBook models

Apple today launched two new iBook models priced at $999 and $1,299. The cheapest model comes with a 1.33GHz PowerPC G4 processor, a 12.1" display and 40GB HDD, while the slightly more expensive model features a faster 1.42GHz PowerPC G4 processor, 14.1" display, a 60GB HDD and a DVD-writer.

Both have 512MB RAM and feature AirPort Extreme WiFi and Bluetooth functionality, ATI's Mobility Radeon 9550 with 32MB memory, two USB 2.0 ports and FireWire 400.

Apple says the new iBooks offer a battery life of up to six hours. Every iBook also includes a scrolling TrackPad to easily scroll through long web pages or pan across large photographs and Apple’s Sudden Motion Sensor technology to help protect a spinning hard drive if the notebook is accidentally dropped

Each iBook includes the Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger operating system and the iLife '05 suite.

Here's a look at the specifications of the two new iBooks:

The 1.33 GHz PowerPC G4 iBook, weighing just 4.9 pounds, has a suggested retail price of $999 (US) and includes:

• a crisp 12.1-inch (diagonal) active-matrix TFT display;
• 512MB DDR SDRAM expandable to up to 1.5GB maximum memory;
• a 40GB Ultra ATA hard drive;
• AirPort Extreme 54 Mbps 802.11g WiFi wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR;
• two USB 2.0 ports, FireWire 400;
• VGA video out, S-video and composite video out support;
• 56K v.92 modem, Ethernet (10/100 BASE-T); and
• a slot-load Combo (DVD-ROM/CD-RW) drive.

The 1.42 GHz PowerPC G4 iBook, weighing just 5.9 pounds, has a suggested retail price of $1,299 (US) and includes:

• a brilliant 14.1-inch (diagonal) active-matrix TFT display;
• 512MB DDR SDRAM expandable to up to 1.5GB maximum memory;
• a 60GB Ultra ATA hard drive;
• AirPort Extreme 54 Mbps 802.11g WiFi wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR;
• two USB 2.0 ports, FireWire 400;
• VGA video out, S-video and composite video out support;
• 56K v.92 modem, Ethernet (10/100 BASE-T); and
• a slot-load SuperDrive (DVD±R/CD-RW) drive.