Some products appeal to logic. Others, such as the Apple iBook, appeal to the senses. Sure, the iBook is a hefty notebook with a price tag to match. But it looks pretty darn cool, and that fact -- along with a few nice features -- helps explain why the iBook is one the most popular laptops sold in retail, especially among students.

The iBook has a distinctive rounded clamshell case that measures 4.57 x 34.2 x 29.9 cms (HWD) with a sturdy handle. Apple says the iBook was designed specifically to stand up to life in a student's backpack. The lid snaps open and closed -- no latches required -- and the attractive, translucent case is coated with a tough layer of rubber. The system weighs 2.99 kgs on its own, and adds 3.17 kgs to a backpack with the AC adaptor thrown in.

If you're looking to sport an iBook around campus, you have two possible configuration choices. Both include 64MB of system memory (expandable to 128MB), a 6GB hard drive, and a CD-ROM drive. The standard iBook (AU$2,981) has a 300MHz PowerPC G3 processor and comes in blueberry or tangerine. The iBook Special Edition (AU$3,261) that we tested has a faster chip (366MHz) and comes in the more subdued and stylish graphite. So what's the image you want to convey on campus: fun or stylish?

If you're used to Windows-based notebooks, the first thing you'll notice when you open the lid is the plastic. Comparatively, it seems like there are acres of the stuff surrounding the 12.1-inch active matrix TFT display and the integrated touchpad. This leaves lots of space on which to rest your palms. There's an integrated speaker above the keyboard. On the right, there's the 24X CD-ROM drive, and on the top left is a single USB port and RJ-11 and RJ-45 jacks for the integrated 56K modem and 10/100 Ethernet networking.

Apple knows how to create a great out-of-box experience. The first time you boot up the iBook, you'll encounter a highly polished presentation that walks you through the steps involved in registering your new system and establishing Internet access. In addition to Mac OS 9, the iBook comes with a whole raft of software including AppleWorks.

The iBook is loaded with intelligent features -- and that should appeal to any university student. The most impressive of these is the integrated wireless networking. You can actually see the ends of the antenna through the clear plastic case. To add your iBook to a wireless network, just insert a AU$182 AirPort Card in the slot hidden beneath the keyboard. Another nice touch: The blinking lights on both the inside and outside of the case that tell you when the system is asleep.

Despite its good looks and ease of use, the iBook is not without its weaknesses. Most of these have to do with its lack of flexibility when compared to Windows-based notebooks. For example, the CD-ROM drive can't be removed or upgraded to a DVD-ROM drive. And the system doesn't have any PC Card slots. Finally, the keyboard, though comfortable to use, feels squishy and tends to flex up and down to a disconcerting degree.

You'll get a longer list of features (and probably a little better performance) for the money by opting for a Windows-based notebook PC. But the Apple iBook Special Edition has an appealing design, and offers just about all the features most students will need. Plus, it just plain looks great.

Apple iBook Special Edition
Company: Apple
Ph: 133 622; Fax: 02 9641 8160
Price: AU$3,261.
Rating: 3 Star