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The original Macintosh iBook, first introduced just over nine years ago and affectionately dubbed "the clamshell," was arguably the most visibly striking notebook computer form factor Apple ever built - the only challenger IMHO would be the MacBook Air, but I think the clamshell iBook bests even the Air, with the former's bright, two-tone colored livery, voluptuously rounded corners, and handy built-in carry handle. Trivia points: the original iBook is one of the largest laptops Apple ever built, while the MacBook Air is the smallest.

Not everyone was immediately smitten by the iBook's radical design and expansive proportions. However, the clamshell iBook grew on me over time. I came to appreciate its funky looks, and I think it has aged rather gracefully, not seeming old-fashioned even nine years later. The clamshell was eventually made in five colors over its roughly 20 months in production: Blueberry, Tangerine, Graphite, Indigo, and finally Key Lime - a model that was only sold through The Apple Store, and which is my personal favorite aesthetically.

Others liked the original iBook's look right off the bat, including the folks at MacCase who came out with an Apple-specific laptop case inspired by the iBook's design and color livery back in 1999, and which they have re-introduced for a new generation of Apple laptops as the 2008 Classic Case in direct response to requests from MacBook and iBook owners.