[mdnky]

Actually they used the G3 in the iBooks until late 2003 (G4 models were introduced Oct 23, 2003). I have the 14" version of the last model to use the G3 processor and it's more than capable for most tasks. One of it's advantages is it's low battery usage. The G4 draws more power than the G3 did, which is the reason the G4 iBooks saw an increase in battery capability on their G4 release (which just helped...didn't make them equal). The 14" G3 models shipped with 55W/Hr batteries, the 14" G4 shipped with 61W/Hr batteries. 12" models shared a similar difference.

I'll be keeping it and buying a 71W/Hr battery from MacSales/OWC here in the near future. Right now I'm still seeing 4 to 5 hours of light usage on a battery that's only 66% of it's original capacity when fully charged. Probably have to do that soon, since last week it said it was 72% of original capacity. (Guess when they go, they really decide to go and do so quickly.)

The other thing to remember is that the G4 doesn't "blow" the G3 out of the water by a huge margin unless it's doing something that's alti-vec optimized. So that 1250MHz Mini isn't necessarily that much more powerful at all times than my 900MHz iBook. The higher clock speed Mini has an advantage not matter what, yes...but not as much as you'd expect on certain common tasks for which it's just marginally quicker.