Product Review: IBook G4

While technology seems to evolve at a nearly constant rate, we must be careful from falling into the trap that everything new is worth buying, or, worse yet, that there is no value in anything that produced any more than five months ago. While there are many specific types of technology that this applies to, perhaps one of the most applicable is computers. While the general rule of thumb states that technology becomes outdated fairly quickly, we must caution ourselves from falling too far into that trap. Case in point: The Apple iBook G4, a laptop computer that ended its production run when the company started making the MacBook and MacBook Pro.

Essentially available in two trims, either the standard white iBook G4 (with 12', 15' or 17' screens) or the powerhouse PowerBook G4 (15' or 17' screens). While the PowerBook may well be remembered as one of the greatest computers ever produced, the iBook stands a close second. Even today, after years of being off the market, the product still holds its value and provides excellent service and satisfied customers.

Regardless of it's age, the iBook G4 seems to show no weakness or apparent aging. The screen does not fade, and although it may not be as bright as the new MacBooks, we must remember that the battery life (which can hit up to six hours) is significantly longer as well. The 1.42 Gigahertz processor runs as good as it ever did, and even though it may not be the most technically powerful processor on the market, the G4 can hold it's own in nearly any task, from Photoshop editing to extended GarageBand sessions.

At the time it was produced, the iBook was a fully capable machine, and, as such, was made with some advanced features. The keyboards and speakers, despite being the entry level model, were produced with top notch quality, and the keyboard (unlike the spaced keys of the standard MacBook) is incredibly comfortable and user friendly. The touchpad is quick to respond, and still moves easily, even after ages of use.

The G4 was one of the last computers built that still had all Mac components, and does not include an Intel chip. While some argue that Apple's use of an Intel chip does wonders for the computer, the G4 in some cases still outperforms the standard MacBook (note that the PowerBook crushes even the most advanced MacBook Pro). Quite simply, the G4 refuses to succumb to age, wear, or any other factors. Durable, tough, and incredibly fast, not to mention attractive, the iBook G4 is an incredible all around product.

While many Mac enthusiasts may be caught up on the wave of the MacBook and MacBook Pro, one has to remember that the G4 laptops were regarded as some of the highest quality products that Apple ever produced. Considering that one can get a used iBook G4 for around the fraction of a cost of a new Apple computer, they should perhaps be the first choice for anyone who is seeking a Macintosh computer, but still wants some style and does not want to pay the increasingly high prices for the newer models.

All in all, the iBook G4 is an incredible machine which has stood up to the test and trial of age without even the slightest problem. Simply put, the G4 is a great computer, and one that deserves the respect which has been heaped upon it.