The iBook started life as a schoolBook with a very K thru 12 look. The large durable color toilet seat enclosure and small screen made this machine unappealing even for higher education, let alone business users. The second rectangular form factor for iBooks had a much more universal appeal. The size of the 12 inch model seemed just right and there was not nearly as much of a weight and size penalty vs. a PowerBook. The upgrade to G4 boosted performance without changing the packaging very much. The new MacBook broadens the appeal considerably in terms of performance and features.

I have a strong preference for wide aspect ratio displays. Wide screens help with clearances on airplane tray tables too. For most of the things I do, wider is better, so adding pixels to the sides when compared to the iBook is great. The new screen size also allows Apple to make a single enclosure without the need to engineer a second larger screen model.

Processor power is hugely increased with core duos across the board, possibly at the expense of real world battery life, but the G4 was clearly at a dead end. The poly carbonate case still speaks well for durability while trading away the ultimate thinness of aluminum. If you need powerful graphics, then you qualify as a Pro and the basic MacBook with an Intel shared memory video solution is not for you.

Apple misses the boat for business and higher education users in the dongle department. All of their laptops lack a built in modem and VGA port. Go to a cheap motel without your dongle modem and you may be out of luck. Better have your VGA dongle with you if you need to make an impromptu presentation. Yet another dongle is required for full size DVI hook up. And, do not forget your Apple remote either.

Bluetooth and wireless are both standard along with an iSight camera. The included remote is great for presentations. I can not decide if I prefer black or white, so the $150 premium for a black enclosure is hard for me to swallow. The latchless magnet closure and MagSafe power adapter are very slick. I think these machines are going to sell in huge numbers because of the added features and performance when compared to the old iBook. Apple plastic laptops have evolved to meet a wide range of needs from school kids to basic business users. The MacBook, iMac and mini are a formidable combination for the home, school or office. All that remains is for Apple to provide a Pro desktop and server to keep the MacBook Pro company.