IBook
The original iBook in Blueberry color
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| Developer | Apple Computer Inc |
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| Type | Consumer laptop |
| Release date | June 21, 1999 |
| Discontinued | May 1, 2001 |
| CPU | PowerPC G3, 300–466 MHz |
| Successor | iBook G3 (Snow) |
The second-generation iBook G3 "snow" (12.1 in).
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| Developer | Apple |
|---|---|
| Type | Consumer laptop |
| Release date | May 1, 2001 |
| Discontinued | October 22, 2003 |
| CPU | PowerPC G3, 500–900 MHz |
| Predecessor | iBook G3 Clamshell |
| Successor | IBook G4 Snow |
iBook G4 (12 inch)
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| Developer | Apple Computer |
|---|---|
| Type | Consumer laptop |
| Release date | October 22, 2003 |
| Discontinued | May 16, 2006 |
| CPU | PowerPC G4, 800 MHz – 1.42 GHz |
| Predecessor | iBook G3 Snow |
| Successor | MacBook |
The iBook was a line of laptop computers designed and marketed by Apple Inc. from 1999 to 2006. The line targeted entry-level, consumer and education markets, with lower specifications and prices than the PowerBook, Apple's higher-end line of laptop computers. It was the first mass consumer product to offer Wi-Fi network connectivity, which was then branded by Apple as AirPort.
The iBook had three different designs during its lifetime. The first, known as the "Clamshell," was inspired by the design of Apple's popular iMac line at the time. It was a significant departure from previous portable computer designs due to its shape, bright colors, incorporation of a handle into the casing, lack of a display closing latch, lack of a hinged cover over the external ports and built-in wireless networking. Two years later, the second generation abandoned the original form factor in favor of a more conventional, rectangular design. In October 2003, a third iteration was released that added a PowerPC G4 chip and a slot-loading drive.
Apple replaced the iBook line with the MacBook in May 2006 during Apple's transition to Intel processors. The MacBook has also evolved into different models, such as the MacBook Pro targeting high performance and the MacBook Air targeting the entry-level, ultra-portable laptop market.
They were also a major name for education, with Henrico County Public Schools being the first of many school systems in the United States to distribute one to every student.
In the late 1990s, Apple was trimming its product line from the bewildering variety of intersecting Performa, Quadra, LC, Power Macintosh and PowerBook models to a simplified "four box" strategy: desktop and portable computers, each in both consumer and professional models. Three boxes of this strategy were already in place: The newly introduced iMac was the consumer desktop, the Blue and White G3 filled the professional desktop box, and the PowerBook line served as the professional portable line. This left only the consumer portable space empty, leading to much rumor on the Internet of potential designs and features. Putting an end to this speculation, on June 21, 1999, Steve Jobs unveiled the iBook G3 during the keynote presentation of Macworld Conference & Expo, New York City.
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Wikipedia