The Bottom Line: The iBook 12? is perfect for the frequent traveler that has better things to due with their time then hassle with a bulky lap top when they travel.

If you have ever had to lug around a lap top you will appreciate this small, light and extremely well equipped computer.

As an airline employee who has to pass through airport screening on almost a daily basis, I needed a computer that could be removed and ready to be scanned easily (since all laptops must be scanned separately when going through airport security checkpoints).

I like the convenience of the 12' size of the iBook. There are no external pc cards to hassle with (the wireless "airport" network card is mounted internally under the keyboard).

Dimensions: 11.2"W x 9.06"D x 1.35"H
Weight: 4.9 pounds

The standard software included with the iBook includes programs to manage, word processing, emailing, address or contacts, appointment calendar, photos, home movies, music (mp3s and/ or cds you want to store on your computer), web browsing, finances via Quicken software. You also have the ability to listen to and burn CD's and watch DVD's (an optional DVD burner is also available). There of course built-in speakers and a built-in microphone, 2-USB and 1-Fire wire port. Included is a 5-hour Lithium Ion battery.

Internet connection is easy with the built-in 56K modem or built-in 10/100Base-T Ethernet (for cable/DSL users). I purchased the Airport wireless card allowing me to connect via wireless networks. Most major airports have a wireless network, meaning when I turn my laptop on in let's say Denver International Airport, the "Airport" card detects the AT&T wireless network and offers me a way to hook up to the internet wirelessly (for a fee of course), either way you can always be connected to the internet anywhere you go. In the near future internet service will be offered on airline flights and a reasonable price.

My home desktop computer is a Dell P4-2.2 running windows XP, with the new Mac operating system called "Jaguar", I have not had any problems with the two computers exchanging files. In fact when the Mac is at home I have it networked to the Dell desktop (you can read my review on the Dell see: "Dell Outlet Online").

I purchased Microsoft Office version X for Mac for $ 199.00. It is normally priced around $ 475.00, but was discounted when purchased with the laptop. This gave me more compatibility since I already had MS office on the Dell. But most office products are easily translated with the Mac included software called "Apple Works". I have read that Mac will be releasing more office related software that has all of the same program features offered by the MS Office Professional Suite.

iBook 800MHz 12.1" with following options:
256MB SDRAM (128MB built-in & 128MB SO-DIMM)
30GB Ultra ATA drive
DVD-ROM/CD-RW Combo
AirPort Card
Keyboard/Mac OS - U.S. English
Microsoft Office v.X Promotional Pack ($ 199.00)
$ 50.00 Discount

Total Price: $1,577.00 (purchased in mid- January 2003)

The iBook is worth a first and second look when you are looking for a new laptop.