Too often we focus on software that only runs on Windows based computers so for this review we thought that we would try to redress the balance and have a look at the latest offerings from Apple . To assist us Apple Australia lent us on of their beautiful 12" G4 iBooks loaded with iLife '04 .

With 256MD of DDR SDRAM and 30GB hard drive the little iBook is perfect for those teachers looking for the compromise between portability and power. Like all computers from Apple it comes loaded with an abundance of free software, including iChat, iSync, iCal, DVD Player, Appleworks, Sound Studio, World Book, Mac OS X Chess, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4, Deimos Rising and the very impressive iLife '04 package.

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iLife '04 comprises iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD and the newly released Garage Band . Garage Band turns the Mac into a complete recording studio, and according to Apple's press release "allowing both novice and seasoned musicians alike to play, record and create amazing music using a remarkably simple interface." Just how simple Garage Band is soon became obvious when Miss 17, Miss 7 and Master 10 took over the computer as soon as it was booted and before we had a chance to even look at the software.

With no instructions or guidance, they we soon laying down tracks and well on their way to recording their first composition.

Miss 7 added a few guitar and string tracks with little assistance. Master 10 was more into the instruments with a heavier beat such as drums and percussion, while Miss 17 added some wind instruments including a vocal track through the embedded microphone.

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After about 10 minutes they were ready to play back their first effort. It was at this time that hopes of us becoming managers of a new musical sensation and retiring from the teaching profession with a million dollar contract flew out the window.

Fun, YES serious music NO, however, in the hand of someone with some musical skill this is a very useful program. If you can use iMovie then you will have little problem coming to grips with Garage Band as it really is a simple program to use.

Garage Band comes with a number of software instruments including pianos, organs, guitars, strings, sax, drum kits and synthesisers as well as more than 1 000 loops that can be dragged and dropped to create music. You can even plug in a USB or MIDI keyboard and play and record more than 30 included instruments. Apple also has a number of resources on their web site for those who wish to extend their capabilities and learn some more in-depth information about the program.

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Music that you create is saved in iTunes so it can be used with any program from the iLife family. Now you can add your compositions to your slideshows, your DVD menus, burn it to CD-ROM or even as a score in your iMovie projects. The integration between the programs is outstanding and a credit to Apple's meticulous approach to product presentation.

Software and hardware provided for review by Apple Australia . Software and hardware reviewed by Rosemary McDowall and Bill Gillespie. Rosemary teaches at Mosman HS and Bill at Seaforth PS. Rosemary and Bill can be contacted at computer_corner2000@yahoo.com