Last year Apple introduced computers with personality in the iMac, the colorful hip
cool Mac companion. Apple will continue down the same path this fall with the iBook, the
virtual offspring of the iMac and the Powerbook.
Early reviews are very favorable and the feature filled iBook is expected to take the
market by storm. The iBook will initially be available in two "flavors":
blueberry and tangerine, and will be completely portable with its handy retractable
handle. Walk around with one and you'll look like your carrying the hippest new purse, or
a large 
colored clam.
The iBook will initially retail for $1599. Primary features include an 800 x 600 pixel
12.1 inch screen with the ability to handle millions of colors. A 300MHz G3 processor will
run the show. Also included are a 56k internal modem, and a 24x CD-ROM.
Apple boasts a 6-hour battery life for the iBook, but this remains to be seen. The
battery will automatically recharge itself when the unit is plugged into a power outlet.
Other features include a PC card slot and microphone, a retractable power cord with
its own take-up reel, and a spring-loaded hinge for opening and closing. The keyboard
contains full sized keys that are well placed.
The iBook will be full of software as well. The unit runs on a Mac OS 8.6 operating
system, and includes Appleworks, a programming package with word processing, database and
spreadsheet capabilities. IBM's World Book Encyclopedia will be included as well. The
iBook will also feature integration with palm-based technology and organizers.
Your Internet woes will be solved with the iBook as well. Each iBook will contain
Internet Explorer, Netscape, AOL 4.0 and Microsoft Outlook. ISP access will even be
included from Earthlink, starting with a 30-day free trial.
Perhaps the most interesting feature will be iBook's wireless networking capabilities.
The wireless AirPort networking system will allow users to have wireless Internet
connections up to 150 feet away from the Airport hardware access point. All you need for
wireless access is an iBook, the AirPort card and the AirPort hardware.
So, get rid of that PC or Mac, that Powerbook, Laptop or Notepad and get on the iBook
bandwagon!
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