MacComparisonZone: 12 Inch G4/867 MHz PowerBook vs 12 Inch G4/1 GHz iBook vs 12 Inch G4/1.33 GHz PowerBook - What Are The Performance, Feature And Price Differences
Specially prepared for Gary ... Request your own Custom Comparison
7/23/04
Introduction
This Buyer's Guide compares the 12 Inch G4/867 MHz PowerBook to the 12 Inch G4/1 GHz iBook, and to the 12 Inch 1.33 GHz PowerBook. All three laptops have the Combo optical drive.
The G4/867 MHz was released in January of 2003. At the time is was a low-end model of a family of four, which included a 1 GHz 17 inch machine, two 15 inch machines, one running at 1 GHz and the other at 867 MHz.
The current 1.0 GHz 12 Inch iBook was released in April, 2004 ... 16 months later. It is the low-end model, of a family of three , which includes a 14 inch model, also running at 1GHz, and a 14 Inch model clocked at 1.2GHz.
The current 1.33 GHz 12 inch PowerBook was released in April, 2004. It is also a low-end model, this time of a family of four, which includes a 1.5GHz 17 inch PowerBook, a 1.5 GHz 15 inch machine, and a 15 inch PowerBook running at 1.33GHz
Major Technological Differences:
Processor Speed
Cache Speed/Amount
Weight
Battery Life
Price Difference: $100 to $500
Bus Speed
Graphics Card & Video Memory Amount
Hard Drive Size
Optical Drive Speed/Options
Ethernet Speed
USB Port Speed
Audio in & out Options
Built-in Wireless Options
External Video Support
Sound System
Below you will find specifications and features, performance, and price comparisons. We also provide further links where you can do additional research, should you so wish.
Give us your feedback. Tell your friends about our service!
2 USB 2.0 Ports (480 Mbps)
1 FireWire Port (400 Mbps)
Audio in & out
Bluetooth 1.1 built in
Video
12.1" TFT XGA active-matrix
1024 x 768
1600 x 1200 support on external display
VGA output using included Apple VGA Display Adapter
S-video and composite video output to TV or projector (requires Apple Video Adapter, sold separately)
Dual display and video mirroring: Simultaneously supports up to 1024 x 768 pixels on the built-in display and up to 1600 x 1200 pixels on an external display, both at millions of colors
12.1-inch (diagonal) TFT XGA active-matrix 1024 by 768
VGA video output with Apple VGA Display Adapter
S-video and composite video output to TV or projector (requires Apple Video Adapter, sold separately)
Video mirroring on an external display or projector (24-bit color) with included Apple VGA Display Adapter
12.1-inch (diagonal) TFT
1024 x 768
2048 x 1536 support on external display
Mini-DVI port
DVI output using included mini-DVI to DVI adapter
ADC output using optional Apple DVI to ADC Adapter
VGA output using included mini-DVI to VGA adapter
S-video and composite video output using mini-DVI to video adapter (sold separately)
Dual display and video mirroring: Simultaneously supports up to 1024 by 768 pixels on the built-in display and up to 2048 by 1536 pixels on an external display, both at millions of color
Specification Notes
Has third speaker for midrange
Audio line in (minijack)
SuperDrive build to order option
Has third speaker for midrange
Audio line in (minijack)
Unfortunately, because of the time distance between when these machines were tested, we are not able to give you a fuller picture of the comparative performance of these three machines. For a more detailed comparison between the iBook and the 1.33 GHz PowerBook see the links below in the Further Information section.
The percentage faster number for the iBook is in comparison to the 867 MHz PowerBook. The percentage faster for the 1.33 GHz PowerBook is in comparison to the iBook.
Clocked at just about 15% faster the iBook turns in just about 20-30% better performance in basic processor work over the 867 MHz machine (on average).
Clocked at just about 33% faster the 1.33 GHz PowerBook turns in just about 20-30% better performance in basic processor work over the iBook (on average).
In the Graphics Interface Test the 1.33 GHz machine is helped by having a faster graphics card, with twice the amount of video memory than the other two machines.
The Graphics Interface' test is based on Let1kWindowsBloom, which is freely available
Graphics (Card) is based on CineBench 2003. In this type of image rendering, the graphics card takes the lead
Graphics Gaming (Graphics Card) Test is based on the game 4x4 EVO2 .. a racing game. All settings are at highest quality
Graphics Gaming (Processor) Test is based on the game Giants.. All settings are at highest quality. This game is more processor dependent ... will also make used of dual processors if present
The Photoshop (Workflow) score is based on the BareFeats Photoshop Action Script, which you can download and run on your own machine, if you have Photoshop.
Battery Life was tested by playing a DVD movie on the fully charged machine until it was completely drained.
Have questions about the performance of these machines?
For more detailed performance results see this page
Note: No benchmarking is perfect. At best benchmark scores provide a general guide to the comparative performance between machines when running the same tasks. As time passes comparisons between older machines and newer ones become more difficult. We have tried to err on the side of caution, and conservatism, so that if you are surprised ... it is pleasantly so.However the best benchmark it the one you run ... how fast does the computer handle your applications and tasks, letting you get your work done efficiently.
So we urge you, in making your assessments, not to throw benchmarks out the window, but that you treat them as good indication of performance, not a precise one .... have fun!
We receive a small commission on computers purchased using the links below. Though this adds no cost to your purchase price, it does help us defray the cost of running MacReviewZone and MacSpeedZone. Your support is appreciated! As always check your tax status at these merchants so that you don't get a nasty shock at checkout time.
For Latest up-to-date prices check the online Buyer's Guides
Base machine HP Photosmart 7660 inkjet photo printer, $50 after rebate ($129 up front) HP DeskJet 5150 inkjet printer, free after rebate ($89 up front) HP PSC 2410 Multifunction Printer ($299 up front) PSC 2175 all-in-one, $100 after rebate ($179 up front) HP DeskJet 5850 Wireless Inkjet Printer ($149 up front) DeskJet 5650 inkjet printer, $30 after rebate ($129 up front)
Base Machine HP Photosmart 7660 inkjet photo printer, $50 after rebate ($129 up front) HP DeskJet 5150 inkjet printer, free after rebate ($89 up front) HP PSC 2410 Multifunction Printer ($299 up front) PSC 2175 all-in-one, $100 after rebate ($179 up front) HP DeskJet 5850 Wireless Inkjet Printer ($149 up front) DeskJet 5650 inkjet printer, $30 after rebate ($129 up front)
Base Machine HP Photosmart 7660 inkjet photo printer, $50 after rebate ($129 up front) HP DeskJet 5150 inkjet printer, free after rebate ($89 up front) HP PSC 2410 Multifunction Printer ($299 up front) PSC 2175 all-in-one, $100 after rebate ($179 up front) HP DeskJet 5850 Wireless Inkjet Printer ($149 up front) DeskJet 5650 inkjet printer, $30 after rebate ($129 up front)
PowerMax does not provide availability information online...
G4 PowerBooks 12 Inch
PowerBook G4/867 12 inch 256/40/Combo ... Original price: $1799
PowerMax - Used.... 90 day warranty .... Shipping $19. Tax: None ...Trade-in Program ... Bundled Extras ... $1049 to $1149
Small Dog - New ... one year warranty ... Shipping $25. Tax: VT ... $1199
PowerBook G4/867 12 inch 256/40/Superdrive ... Original price: $1799
Apple Store - Refurbished .... one year warranty.... Shipping Free. Tax: All states with sales tax .... $1149
PowerMax - Refurbished .... one year warranty .... Shipping $19. Tax: None ...Trade-in Program ... Bundled Extras ... $1199
Small Dog - New ... one year warranty ... Shipping $25. Tax: VT ....$1319
12.1" PowerBook G4/1GHz Combo Drive #M9007LL/A ... Original price: $1599
Apple Store - Refurbished .... one year warranty.... Shipping Free. Tax: All states with sales tax .... $1099
ClubMac - New .... one year warranty .... Shipping Free. Tax: CA, TN, WI ... Bundled Extras .... $1394
MacMall - New .... one year warranty.... Shipping Free. Tax: CA, TN, WI ... Bundled Extras .... $1394
Small Dog - Refurbished ... one year warranty ... Shipping $25. Tax: VT .... $1159
Small Dog - Demo ... one year warranty ... Shipping $25. Tax: VT .... $1349
Small Dog - New ... one year warranty ... Shipping $25. Tax: VT .... $1349 to $1375
12.1" PowerBook G4/1GHz SuperDrive #M9008LL/A ... Original price: $1799
ClubMac - New .... one year warranty .... Shipping Free. Tax: CA, TN, WI ... Bundled Extras .... $1494
ClubMac - Open Box (search for item Z07M ) .... 90 day warranty .... Shipping Free. Tax: CA, TN, WI ... Bundled Extras .... $2260
MacConnection - New (search for item M9008LL ) ... one year warranty .... Shipping Free Tax: MA, NC, OH, TN ... Bundled Extras .... $1494
MacMall - New .... one year warranty.... Shipping Free. Tax: CA, TN, WI ... Bundled Extras .... $1494
MacMall - Open Box (search for item Z07M ) .... 90 day warranty .... Shipping Free. Tax: CA, TN, WI ... Bundled Extras .... $2260
MacZone - New .... one year warranty.... Shipping Free. Tax: CA, IL, MO, NV, OH, TN, WA ... Bundled Extras .... $1585
PowerMax - Refurbished .... one year warranty .... Shipping $19. Tax: None ...Trade-in Program ... Bundled Extras ... $1349
Small Dog - Refurbished ... one year warranty ... Shipping $25. Tax: VT .... $1379
Small Dog - New ... one year warranty ... Shipping $25. Tax: VT .... $1499
12.1" PowerBook G4/1.33GHz Combo Drive #M9183LL/A ... Original price: $1599
Apple Store - Refurbished .... one year warranty.... Shipping Free. Tax: All states with sales tax .... $1349
Small Dog - Refurbished ... one year warranty ... Shipping $25. Tax: VT .... $1479
12.1" PowerBook G4/1.33GHz SuperDrive #M9184LL/A ... Original price: $1799
Apple Store - Refurbished .... one year warranty.... Shipping Free. Tax: All states with sales tax .... $1549
PowerMax - Refurbished .... one year warranty .... Shipping $19. Tax: None ...Trade-in Program ... .. $1649
Small Dog - Refurbished ... one year warranty ... Shipping $25. Tax: VT .... $1649
Shipping charges are to California - your mileage may vary. Also prices quoted are for the bare machine and do not reflect RAM installation charges (usually $40), nor the in-store prices of add-on products for which there is a rebate. Shipping charges (if any) for bundled products , also are not reflected in the prices above.
Copyright 1996-2007 by Cider Press Publishing LLC all rights reserved. MacReviewZone is not authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Apple Computer. Apple, the Apple logo, Macintosh, iPod, iBook, iMac, eMac, and PowerBook are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. Additional company and product names may be trademarks or registered trademarks and are hereby acknowledged.
MacComparisonZone: 12 Inch G4/867 MHz PowerBook vs 12 Inch G4/1 GHz iBook vs 12 Inch G4/1.33 GHz PowerBook - What Are The Performance, Feature And Price Differences 
Major Technological Differences:
- Available
- Unknown/Delay
- Unavailable
Base machine
HP Photosmart 7660 inkjet photo printer, $50 after rebate ($129 up front)
HP DeskJet 5150 inkjet printer, free after rebate ($89 up front)
PowerBook G4/867 12 inch 256/40/Combo ... Original price: $1799 
