Does the iBook support IrDA (Infrared) connections?

Unlike the PowerBook G3 models that preceded them, no iBook models have IrDA capabilities. Some models do support Bluetooth, however.

What is AirPort? What is AirPort Extreme?

According to Apple's own AirPort FAQ, "AirPort [802.11b] is a wireless local area network (LAN) technology that offers a simple, affordable way to bring the Internet to every room in your home or every desk in a classroom--without cables, additional phone lines, or complicated networking hardware."

AirPort includes a "hardware access point" which acts as a base station for connecting to a phone line, Ethernet network, or high-speed modem (xDSL, Cable, etc.) and a "software access point" which uses a second iBook as the base station and the second iBook's modem as the Internet connection.

The AirPort technology uses radio signals for transmission, which can pass through walls and other solid objects. AirPort works within 150 feet of a base station and transmits data at 11 megabits per second.

AirPort Extreme (802.11g) provides a maximum wireless data rate of 54 megabits per second, which is five times faster. AirPort Extreme is backwards-compatible with AirPort, and works in much the same way. However, it is worth noting that at 54 megabits per second, the "Base Station range" is only 50 feet.

Also see: Which iBook models support AirPort? Which support AirPort Extreme?

What is Bluetooth? How much faster is Bluetooth 2.0+EDR?

Apple reports that Bluetooth is:

A cutting-edge open specification that enables short-range wireless connections between desktop and notebook computers, personal digital assistants, mobile phones, camera phones, printers, digital cameras, keyboards and even a computer mouse. Bluetooth wireless technology uses a globally available frequency band (2.4GHz) for worldwide compatibility.

In a nutshell, Bluetooth technology unplugs your digital peripherals and makes cable clutter a thing of the past. . . You can link your Palm OS-based handheld device, mobile phone and other peripherals with Bluetooth technology -- and do it wirelessly, within a 30-foot range.

Bluetooth 2.0+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate), is three times faster than earlier versions.

Also see: Which iBook models support Bluetooth or Bluetooth 2.0+EDR?

What type of modem is standard with the iBook models?

All iBook models shipped with a standard 56k v.90 or 56k v.92 internal modem.

Which iBook models have an internal microphone? Which do not?

The "Clamshell" iBook models -- the iBook G3/300 (Original/Clamshell), G3/366 SE (Original/Clamshell), G3/366 (Firewire/Clamshell), and G3/466 SE (Firewire/Clamshell) -- do not have an internal microphone or an audio in jack, and as such, require one to use an external USB-based microphone.

All "white" iBook models have an internal omnidirectional microphone.