Low End Mac's Dan Knight has posted an interesting column on the upgraded iBooks, entitled "New iBooks a Better Value?"

Among many other things, Dan notes that "According to IBM's benchmarks, the 366 MHz 750Cx should outperform the 366 MHz G3 with 512k backside cache used in the original iBook Special Edition. We'll have to wait for someone to benchmark the new iBooks, but I suspect the new iBook will outperform the old iBook SE. At the entry level, Apple has doubled memory, included a much larger hard drive, added FireWire and video output, and improved the video subsection. The 366 MHz 750Cx (or G3e, for enhanced) will probably perform about one-third better than the old iMac's 300 MHz G3 with 512k 2:5 backside cache. All this for $1,499 -- $100 less than the earlier model."

"This is obviously a better value than the just-discontinued iBook," Dan continues, "but we should also consider Moore's Law, which projects about 50% more capability every year. Doubled memory and the huge hard drive definitely go beyond that level, although processor performance may fall a bit short of that goal. FireWire and video out are icing on the cake. In the final analysis, I'd call the new iBook a slightly better value today than the original was one year ago.... At US$,1500, I don't believe there's a better laptop value than the new iBook."

Yesterday in my iBook report I wrote:

"I think the new "Key Lime" color which is offered on both models, but only through the Apple Store, will be more controversial. It looks like plain old Lime left over from the pre-July-2000 iMacs, and since it was the least popular color for the iMac, why does Apple think it will be more successful on the iBook? Personally, I found Tangerine much more visually arresting and suitable to the iBook's sunny personality.

To which Eolake Stobblehouse responded:

"It is way uglier than the old green, which was a nice green, not this LOUD yellow-green. It is about the first color I really don't like. But some kids are sure to, I guess." Eolake sent this graphic evidence to back up his point:

And Nik C. Stanosheck writes:

"Charles,

"In your iBook article you were mistaken, The fruity flavor popularity changed by the month, but overall the numbers went like this;

Top to Lowest selling fruity colors:
1. Blueberry
2. Grape
3. Lime
4. Strawberry
5. Tangerine.

"That is why tangerine was such an odd choice of plastics. When it was later revealed that only blueberry & tangerine would port to the rubber and plastics used on the iBook, it made sense. I agree with you that a ruby iBook would be keen, but I think that key lime appeared because Sage didn't work out on the iBook rubber & plastics. At least Apple still has a BRIGHT colored iBook going, sadly it doesn't match the bright iMac in Ruby.

"Nik C. Stanosheck"

I stand corrected on both counts. At least I was right about the controversial part. Read on.

Applelinks reader Nicholas Taylor writes:

"Fortunately, Key Lime is only available from the Apple Store, which will hopefully reduce it's exposure to the real world! I think Steve bungled on that color choice... I own a Lime iMac, and I love it, but from what I've seen, Key Lime is quite distasteful. Now a question, why did Apple use a 6x speed DVD on the iBook, but not on Powerbooks? Does this mean a revision is in order for Powerbooks in the near future? I'm interested in a 'Book for school, but don't want to purchase too soon. Should I wait? I don't NEED a laptop, but I WANT one. (See the difference?!)"

(I do. Please see my news story on this topic today, Nicholas)

Sam Schlegel writes:

"I agree with your comments about the new "Key Lime" color. Although real key limes are probably not that common in Cupertino, I'm surprised that Apple didn't check out the actual color of a key lime. Or, maybe they did. Key limes are pale yellow when ripe and dark green when still growing. They only have the "lime popsicle green" color of the new iBooks when they are half-ripe. Is Apple trying to tell us something? Just the perspective of a former resident of the Keys. --"

Charles W. Moore

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