Apple peels wraps off fastest ever iBook G4

Apple has unveiled what it claims is its fastest ever iBook G4 laptop, a $1,499 1.33GHz PowerPC G4 processor-based device sporting a 14in screen and a DVD burner drive.

In addition to the top-of-the-range unit the firm has also begun shipping a budget $999 model with a more modest 12in screen and a 1.2GHz CPU.

Targeted at consumers and education customers, the iBook line up offers AirPort Extreme 54Mbps 802.11g wireless networking in every model and an optional internal Bluetooth module for wirelessly connecting peripherals.

The notebooks offer ATI Mobility Radeon 9200 graphics with 32MB of dedicated DDR memory and AGP 4X support for gaming and watching DVDs, as well as VGA video out.

The devices also include either a slot-load SuperDrive for burning both DVDs and CDs, or a slot-load combo drive capable of burning and playing CDs and watching DVDs.

Encased in a polycarbonate plastic enclosure, the G4 models also offer I/O ports including FireWire 400, USB 2.0, a built-in 56K v.92 modem and Ethernet (10/100BASE-T).

David Moody, Apple's vice president of worldwide Mac product marketing, said: "With prices starting at just $999, including AirPort Extreme wireless networking built-in and faster PowerPC G4 processors, the new iBooks are a great deal for every student, home user and small business owner."