IBook
Encyclopedia
Apple Computer
Apple Inc. is an American multinational corporation that designs and markets consumer electronics, computer software, and personal computers. The company's best-known hardware products include the Macintosh line of computers, the iPod, the iPhone and the iPad...
from 1999 to 2006. The line targeted the consumer and education markets, with lower specifications and prices than the PowerBook
PowerBook
The PowerBook was a line of Macintosh laptop computers that was designed, manufactured and sold by Apple Computer, Inc. from 1991 to 2006. During its lifetime, the PowerBook went through several major revisions and redesigns, often being the first to incorporate features that would later become...
, Apple's higher-end line of laptop computers.
Three distinct designs of the iBook were introduced during its lifetime. The first, known as the "Clamshell", was influenced by the design of Apple's popular iMac
IMac
The iMac is a range of all-in-one Macintosh desktop computers built by Apple. It has been the primary part of Apple's consumer desktop offerings since its introduction in 1998, and has evolved through five distinct forms....
line at the time. It was a significant departure from previous portable computer designs due to its shape, bright colors, incorporation of a handle into the casing, lack of a hinged cover over the external ports, and built-in wireless networking. Two years later, the second generation abandoned the original form factor in favor of a more conventional rectangular design. In October 2003, a third iteration was released that added a PowerPC G4
PowerPC G4
PowerPC G4 is a designation used by Apple Computer to describe a fourth generation of 32-bit PowerPC microprocessors. Apple has applied this name to various processor models from Freescale, a former part of Motorola....
chip and a slot-loading drive.
Apple replaced the iBook line with the MacBook
MacBook
The MacBook was a brand of Macintosh notebook computers built by Apple Inc. First introduced in May 2006, it replaced the iBook and 12-inch PowerBook series of notebooks as a part of the Apple–Intel transition. Positioned as the low end of the MacBook family, the Apple MacBook was aimed at the...
in May 2006 during Apple’s transition to Intel processors.
iBook G3 ("Clamshell")
In the late 1990s Apple was trimming its product line from the bewildering variety of intersecting PerformaMacintosh Performa
The Macintosh Performa series was Apple Computer's consumer product family of Apple Macintosh personal computers sold through department stores and mass-market retailers from 1992 until 1997, when it was superseded by the Power Macintosh 5x00 series...
, Quadra
Macintosh Quadra
The Macintosh Quadra series was Apple Computer's product family of professional high-end Apple Macintosh personal computers built using the Motorola 68040 CPU. The first two models in the Quadra line were introduced in 1991, and the name was used until the Power Mac was introduced in 1994...
, LC
Macintosh LC
The Macintosh LC was Apple Computer's product family of low-end consumer Macintosh personal computers in the early 1990s. The original Macintosh LC was released in 1990 and was the first affordable color-capable Macintosh. Due to its affordability and Apple II compatibility the LC was adopted...
, Power Macintosh
Power Macintosh
Power Macintosh, later Power Mac, was a line of Apple Macintosh workstation-class personal computers based on various models of PowerPC microprocessors that were developed, marketed, and supported by Apple Inc. from March 1994 until August 2006. The first models were the Power Macintosh 6100,...
and PowerBook
PowerBook
The PowerBook was a line of Macintosh laptop computers that was designed, manufactured and sold by Apple Computer, Inc. from 1991 to 2006. During its lifetime, the PowerBook went through several major revisions and redesigns, often being the first to incorporate features that would later become...
models to a simplified "four box" strategy: desktop and portable computers, each in both consumer and professional models. Three boxes of this strategy were already in place: The newly introduced iMac
IMac
The iMac is a range of all-in-one Macintosh desktop computers built by Apple. It has been the primary part of Apple's consumer desktop offerings since its introduction in 1998, and has evolved through five distinct forms....
was the consumer desktop, the Blue and White G3 filled the professional desktop box, and the PowerBook
PowerBook
The PowerBook was a line of Macintosh laptop computers that was designed, manufactured and sold by Apple Computer, Inc. from 1991 to 2006. During its lifetime, the PowerBook went through several major revisions and redesigns, often being the first to incorporate features that would later become...
line served as the professional portable line. This left only the consumer portable space empty, leading to much rumor on the Internet of potential designs and features. Putting an end to this speculation, Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs
Steven Paul Jobs was an American businessman and inventor widely recognized as a charismatic pioneer of the personal computer revolution. He was co-founder, chairman, and chief executive officer of Apple Inc...
unveiled the iBook G3 during the keynote presentation of Macworld Conference & Expo
Macworld Conference & Expo
Produced by Boston-based IDG World Expo, Macworld | iWorld is a trade-show with conference tracks dedicated to the Apple Macintosh platform. It is held annually in the United States, usually during the second week of January...
, New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
on July 21, 1999.
The design was clearly influenced by Apple's consumer desktop, the iMac
IMac G3
The iMac G3 was the first model of the iMac line of personal computers made by Apple Inc. , and the originator of the Legacy-free PC market category. Like the first Macs, the iMac G3 is an all-in-one personal computer, encompassing both the monitor and the system unit in a single enclosure...
. In fact, the marketing slogan was "iMac to go". The clamshell design also echoed the eMate 300
EMate 300
The eMate 300 was a personal digital assistant designed, manufactured and sold by Apple to the education market as a low-cost laptop running the Newton operating system...
. Apple continued its trend of using transparent colored plastics for the shell, and releasing a product in multiple colors. Like the iMac, the iBook G3 had a PowerPC G3
PowerPC G3
The PowerPC 7xx is a family of third generation 32-bit PowerPC microprocessors designed and manufactured by IBM and Motorola . This family is called the PowerPC G3 by its well-known customer Apple Computer...
CPU
Central processing unit
The central processing unit is the portion of a computer system that carries out the instructions of a computer program, to perform the basic arithmetical, logical, and input/output operations of the system. The CPU plays a role somewhat analogous to the brain in the computer. The term has been in...
, and no legacy Apple interfaces. USB
Universal Serial Bus
USB is an industry standard developed in the mid-1990s that defines the cables, connectors and protocols used in a bus for connection, communication and power supply between computers and electronic devices....
, Ethernet
Ethernet
Ethernet is a family of computer networking technologies for local area networks commercially introduced in 1980. Standardized in IEEE 802.3, Ethernet has largely replaced competing wired LAN technologies....
, modem
Modem
A modem is a device that modulates an analog carrier signal to encode digital information, and also demodulates such a carrier signal to decode the transmitted information. The goal is to produce a signal that can be transmitted easily and decoded to reproduce the original digital data...
ports and an optical drive
Optical disc
In computing and optical disc recording technologies, an optical disc is a flat, usually circular disc which encodes binary data in the form of pits and lands on a special material on one of its flat surfaces...
were standard. The ports were left uncovered along the left side: a cover was thought to be fragile and unnecessary with the iBook's new interfaces, which lacked the exposed pins of earlier connectors. When the lid was closed, the hinge kept it firmly shut, so there was no need for a latch on the screen. The hinge included an integrated carrying handle. Additional power connectors on the bottom surface allowed multiple iBook G3s to be charged on a custom-made rack. The iBook G3 was the first Mac to use Apple's new "Unified Logic Board Architecture", which condensed all of the machine's core features into two chips, and added AGP and Ultra DMA support.
The iBook was the first mainstream computer designed and sold with integrated wireless networking. On the iBook's introduction, Phil Schiller, Apple's VP of Marketing, held an iBook while jumping off a height as data from the computer was transferred to another in order to demonstrate the wireless networking capability. The display bezel contained the wireless antenna, which attached to an optional internal wireless card. Lucent helped create this wireless capability which established the industry standard. Apple released the AirPort
AirPort
AirPort and AirPort Extreme are local area wireless networking products from Apple Inc. based on the IEEE 802.11 standard ....
Wireless Base Station at the same time.
There was heated debate over many things such as the aesthetics
Aesthetics
Aesthetics is a branch of philosophy dealing with the nature of beauty, art, and taste, and with the creation and appreciation of beauty. It is more scientifically defined as the study of sensory or sensori-emotional values, sometimes called judgments of sentiment and taste...
, features, weight, performance, and pricing. To provide good impact protection, the iBook was larger and heftier than the PowerBook of the time, and yet had lower specifications. Standard features like PC card slots were absent. Speculated features such as touch-screens and an ultra-long battery life were absent. The iBook gained the label "Barbie's toilet seat", due to the distinctive design. Nevertheless, this same design made the iBook G3 unmistakable in movies and television shows.
The iBook was a commercial success. The line continually received processor, memory, hard disk upgrades, and new colors. FireWire and video out were later added. The design was discontinued in May 2001, in favor of the new "Dual USB" iBooks.
Vestiges of design ideas first adopted in the iBook G3 can be still be seen today: moving interface ports from the back to the sides and leaving them uncovered, omitting a latch for the computer's lid and providing color options and an eye-catching design intended to be seen with the computer open.
Models
| Component | iBook G3 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Refresh Date | July 21, 1999 | February 16, 2000 | September 13, 2000 |
| Display | 12 in active-matrix TFT display, 800×600 pixel resolution | ||
| Colors | Tangerine and Blueberry | Graphite | Graphite, Indigo, and Key Lime |
| Front side bus Front side bus A front-side bus is a computer communication interface often used in computers during the 1990s and 2000s.It typically carries data between the central processing unit and a memory controller hub, known as the northbridge.... |
66 MHz | ||
| Processor | 300 MHz or 366 MHz PowerPC G3 (750) | 366 MHz PowerPC G3 (750) | 366 MHz or 466 MHz PowerPC G3 (750cxe) |
| Cache | 64kb L1, 512kb L2 backside cache (1:2) | 64kb L1, 256kb L2 cache (1:1) | |
| Memory | 32 MB or 64 MB (soldered to the logic board) Expandable to 544 MB or 576 MB (288 MB or 320 MB specified by Apple) |
64 MB (soldered to the logic board) Expandable to 576 MB (320 MB specified by Apple) |
|
| Graphics | ATI Rage Mobility (2× AGP) with 4 MB of SDRAM | ATI Rage Mobility 128 (2× AGP) with 8 MB of SDRAM | |
| Hard drive | 3.2 GB or 6 GB ATA ATA ATA or Ata may refer to:* Ata , people with the first name or family name-Education:* Ashcroft Technology Academy, Wandsworth, London, England* Advanced Technologies Academy, a high school in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA... HDD |
6 GB ATA HDD | 10 GB ATA HDD |
| AirPort | Optional Integrated 802.11b AirPort Card | ||
| Optical drive | 24× tray-loading CD-ROM drive | 24× tray-loading CD-ROM drive or 4× DVD-ROM drive | |
| Ports | USB 1.1, 3.5 mm headphone jack, 10/100 Ethernet Ethernet Ethernet is a family of computer networking technologies for local area networks commercially introduced in 1980. Standardized in IEEE 802.3, Ethernet has largely replaced competing wired LAN technologies.... |
USB 1.1, FireWire 400, 3.5 mm headphone jack with composite video out, 10/100 Ethernet | |
| Included Operating System Operating system An operating system is a set of programs that manage computer hardware resources and provide common services for application software. The operating system is the most important type of system software in a computer system... |
Mac OS 8.6 | Mac OS 9.0.2 Mac OS 9 Mac OS 9 is the final major release of Apple's Mac OS before the launch of Mac OS X. Introduced on October 23, 1999, Apple positioned it as "The Best Internet Operating System Ever," highlighting Sherlock 2's Internet search capabilities, integration with Apple's free online services known as... |
Mac OS 9.0.4 |
| Maximum Operating System | Mac OS X 10.3.9 "Panther" and Mac OS 9.2.2 Mac OS 9 Mac OS 9 is the final major release of Apple's Mac OS before the launch of Mac OS X. Introduced on October 23, 1999, Apple positioned it as "The Best Internet Operating System Ever," highlighting Sherlock 2's Internet search capabilities, integration with Apple's free online services known as... |
Mac OS X 10.4.11 "Tiger" and Mac OS 9.2.2 Mac OS 9 Mac OS 9 is the final major release of Apple's Mac OS before the launch of Mac OS X. Introduced on October 23, 1999, Apple positioned it as "The Best Internet Operating System Ever," highlighting Sherlock 2's Internet search capabilities, integration with Apple's free online services known as... |
|
| Weight | 6.7 lb (3 kg) | ||
| Dimensions | 1.8×13.5×11.6 in | ||
- All changes between models are marked by bold lettering.
The iBook has been upgraded to 576 MB of RAM including the 64 MB onboard.
Expandability and upgrades
The original iBook's only customer-serviceable parts were the memory (RAM) and AirPort card, accessed via two slots under the easily removable keyboard. No other modifications were possible in-warranty. There was no PCMCIA portPC Card
In computing, PC Card is the form factor of a peripheral interface designed for laptop computers. The PC Card standard was defined and developed by the Personal Computer Memory Card International Association which itself was created by a number of computer industry companies in the United States...
for additional expansion capabilities. 40 screws needed to be removed to access the hard disk. The optical drive, however, can be accessed much more easily, requiring only 11 screws and one standoff to be removed.
Later on, some users have even transplanted a 1024×768 LCD from the more recent white iBook onto a clamshell iBook.
All clamshell iBooks shipped with Mac OS 8.6 or 9.0. However, all iBooks supported upgrading to Mac OS X v10.0–v10.3.9. Mac OS X v10.4 "Tiger", which requires a Firewire port. This port is found only on the late-model iBook G3 FireWire/SE (366/466 MHz). However, it is possible to use third-party software such as XPostFacto
XPostFacto
XPostFacto is an open source utility that enables the installation of PowerPC versions of Mac OS X up to Mac OS 10.4 , and Darwin on some PowerPC-based Apple Macintosh systems that are not officially supported for them by Apple....
, to install version 10.4 on earlier clamshell iBooks (all before the final upgrade in 2000). The models which do not require XPostFacto are the Firewire Graphite and Indigo models.
iBook G3 Dual USB (12.1" and 14.1")
Apple debuted the next-generation iBook G3 at a press conference in Cupertino, CaliforniaCalifornia
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
on May 1, 2001. The previous bold colors and bulky form-factor were abandoned, as was the handle, the latchless design and the additional power connectors on the bottom surface.
The resulting iBook was available in white only, and incorporated transparent polycarbonate
Polycarbonate
PolycarbonatePhysical PropertiesDensity 1.20–1.22 g/cm3Abbe number 34.0Refractive index 1.584–1.586FlammabilityV0-V2Limiting oxygen index25–27%Water absorption – Equilibrium0.16–0.35%Water absorption – over 24 hours0.1%...
in its casing. It was 30% lighter, and occupied less than 50% of the volume of the model it replaced, being smaller in all 3 dimensions. Despite that, it added an extra USB port and a higher resolution screen. Apple claimed the compact design did not sacrifice durability, saying it was “twice as durable” as the previous model.
With this revision, Apple began transitioning to translucent and white polycarbonate
Polycarbonate
PolycarbonatePhysical PropertiesDensity 1.20–1.22 g/cm3Abbe number 34.0Refractive index 1.584–1.586FlammabilityV0-V2Limiting oxygen index25–27%Water absorption – Equilibrium0.16–0.35%Water absorption – over 24 hours0.1%...
casings in most of its consumer line, such as the iMac
IMac
The iMac is a range of all-in-one Macintosh desktop computers built by Apple. It has been the primary part of Apple's consumer desktop offerings since its introduction in 1998, and has evolved through five distinct forms....
and the eMac
EMac
The eMac, short for education Mac, was a Macintosh desktop computer made by Apple Inc. It was originally aimed at the education market, but was later made available as a cheaper mass market alternative to Apple's second-generation LCD display iMac....
. In contrast, most of its professional products used an anodized aluminum finish. (The older Mac mini
Mac Mini
The Mac Mini is a small form factor desktop computer manufactured by Apple Inc. Like earlier mini-ITX PC designs, it is uncommonly small for a desktop computer: 7.7 inches square and 1.4 inches tall. It weighs 2.7 pounds...
used both.)
Models
| Component | iBook G3 Dual USB 12" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Refresh Date | May 1, 2001 | October 16, 2001 | May 20, 2002 | November 6, 2002 | April 22, 2003 |
| Machine Model | PowerBook4,1 | ||||
| Display | 12.1" TFT XGA active matrix display, 1024×768 pixel resolution | ||||
| Front side bus Front side bus A front-side bus is a computer communication interface often used in computers during the 1990s and 2000s.It typically carries data between the central processing unit and a memory controller hub, known as the northbridge.... |
66 MHz | 66 MHz or 100 MHz | 100 MHz | ||
| Processor | 500 MHz PowerPC G3 (750cxe) | 500 MHz or 600 MHz PowerPC G3 (750cxe or 745/755) | 600 MHz or 700 MHz PowerPC G3 (750fx) | 700 MHz or 800 MHz PowerPC G3 (750fx) | 800 MHz or 900 MHz PowerPC G3 (750fx) |
| Cache | 64kb L1, 256kb L2 cache (1:1) | 64kb L1, 512kb L2 cache (1:1) | |||
| Memory | 64MB or 128MB (soldered to the logic board) Expandable to 576MB or 640MB) |
128MB (soldered to the logic board) Expandable to 640MB |
|||
| Graphics | ATI Rage Mobility 128 (2X AGP) with 8 MB of SDRAM | ATI Mobility Radeon (2X AGP) with 16 MB of SDRAM | ATI Mobility Radeon 7500 (2X AGP) with 16MB (700 MHz) or 32MB (800 MHz) SDRAM | ATI Mobility Radeon 7500 (2X AGP) with 32 MB of SDRAM | |
| Hard drive | 10GB ATA HDD | 15GB or 20GB (Optional on 600 MHz Model Only) ATA HDD | 20GB or 30GB ATA HDD | 20GB (700 MHz) or 30GB (800 MHz) ATA HDD | 30GB (800 MHz) or 40GB (900 MHz) ATA HDD |
| AirPort | Optional Integrated 802.11b AirPort Card | ||||
| Optical drive | Tray-loading CD-ROM or DVD-ROM or CD-RW or DVD-ROM/CD-RW | Tray-loading CD-ROM (500Mhz) or DVD-ROM or DVD-ROM/CD-RW (600 MHz) | Tray-loading CD-ROM (600Mhz) or DVD-ROM/CD-RW (700 MHz) | Tray-loading CD-ROM (700Mhz) or DVD-ROM/CD-RW (800 MHz) | Tray-loading CD-ROM (800Mhz) or DVD-ROM/CD-RW (900 MHz) |
| Ports | A/V Port supporting VGA, Composite Video and Sound via adaptors. 2x USB 1.1. 1x FireWire 400. 10/100 Ethernet. 56k v.90 modem. Internal Microphone and Kensington Security Lock. | Mini VGA supporting VGA, Composite and S-Video via adaptor. 3.5mm Sound out. 2x USB 1.1. 1x FireWire 400. 10/100 Ethernet. 56k v.90 modem. Internal Microphone and Kensington Security Lock. | |||
| Original Operating System Operating system An operating system is a set of programs that manage computer hardware resources and provide common services for application software. The operating system is the most important type of system software in a computer system... |
Mac OS 9.1 | Mac OS 9.2.1 / OS X 10.1 | Mac OS 9.2.2 / OS X 10.1.4 | Mac OS 9.2.2 / OS X 10.2.1 | Mac OS 9.2.2 / OS X 10.2.4 |
| Maximum Operating System | Mac OS X 10.4.11 "Tiger" and Mac OS 9.2.2 Mac OS 9 Mac OS 9 is the final major release of Apple's Mac OS before the launch of Mac OS X. Introduced on October 23, 1999, Apple positioned it as "The Best Internet Operating System Ever," highlighting Sherlock 2's Internet search capabilities, integration with Apple's free online services known as... |
||||
| Weight | 4.9 lbs (2.2 kg) | ||||
| Dimensions | 1.35 x 11.2 x 9.6 inches (3.4 x 28.5 x 23.0 cm) | ||||
| Component | iBook G3 Dual USB 14" | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Refresh Date | January 7, 2002 | May 20, 2002 | November 6, 2002 | April 22, 2003 |
| Display | 14.1" TFT XGA active matrix display, 1024×768 pixel resolution | |||
| Front side bus Front side bus A front-side bus is a computer communication interface often used in computers during the 1990s and 2000s.It typically carries data between the central processing unit and a memory controller hub, known as the northbridge.... |
100 MHz | |||
| Processor | 600 MHz PowerPC G3 (745/755) | 700 MHz PowerPC G3 (750fx) | 800 MHz PowerPC G3 (750fx) | 900 MHz PowerPC G3 (750fx) |
| Cache | 64kb L1, 256kb L2 cache (1:1) | 64kb L1, 512kb L2 cache (1:1) | ||
| Memory | 256MB (128MB soldered to the logic board) Expandable to 640MB |
|||
| Graphics | ATI Rage Mobility 128 (2X AGP) with 8 MB of SDRAM | ATI Mobility Radeon (2X AGP) with 16 MB of SDRAM | ATI Mobility Radeon 7500 (2X AGP) with 32 MB of SDRAM | |
| Hard drive | 20GB ATA HDD | 30GB ATA HDD | 40GB ATA HDD | |
| AirPort | Optional Integrated 802.11b AirPort Card | |||
| Optical drive | Tray-loading DVD-ROM/CD-RW | |||
| Ports | A/V Port supporting VGA, Composite Video and Sound via adaptors. 2x USB 1.1. 1x FireWire 400. 10/100 Ethernet. 56k v.90 modem. Internal Microphone and Kensington Security Lock. | Mini VGA supporting VGA, Composite and S-Video via adaptor. 3.5mm Sound out. 2x USB 1.1. 1x FireWire 400. 10/100 Ethernet. 56k v.90 modem. Internal Microphone and Kensington Security Lock. | ||
| Original Operating System Operating system An operating system is a set of programs that manage computer hardware resources and provide common services for application software. The operating system is the most important type of system software in a computer system... |
Mac OS 9.2.1 / OS X 10.1.2 | Mac OS 9.2.2 / OS X 10.1.4 | Mac OS 9.2.2 / OS X 10.2.1 | Mac OS 9.2.2 / OS X 10.2.4 |
| Maximum Operating system | Mac OS X 10.4.11 "Tiger" and Mac OS 9.2.2 Mac OS 9 Mac OS 9 is the final major release of Apple's Mac OS before the launch of Mac OS X. Introduced on October 23, 1999, Apple positioned it as "The Best Internet Operating System Ever," highlighting Sherlock 2's Internet search capabilities, integration with Apple's free online services known as... |
|||
| Weight | 5.9 lbs (2.7 kg) | |||
| Dimensions | 1.35 x 12.7 x 10.2 inches (3.4 x 32.3 x 25.9 cm) | |||
iBook G4
Apple added a PowerPC G4PowerPC G4
PowerPC G4 is a designation used by Apple Computer to describe a fourth generation of 32-bit PowerPC microprocessors. Apple has applied this name to various processor models from Freescale, a former part of Motorola....
chip to the iBook line on October 23, 2003—finally ending Apple’s use of the PowerPC G3 chip. A slot-loading optical drive replaced the disc tray. The iBook G4 also features an opaque white case finish and keyboard, and a plastic display hinge.
| Component | iBook G4 | iBook G4 (Early 2004) | iBook G4 (Late 2004) | iBook G4 (Mid 2005) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 12.1" or 14.1" TFT XGA active matrix display, 1024×768 pixel resolution | |||
| Processor | 800, 933 MHz, or 1.0 GHz PowerPC G4 (7455) | 1.07 or 1.2 GHz PowerPC G4 (7447A) | 1.2 or 1.33 GHz PowerPC G4 (7447A) | 1.33 or 1.42 GHz PowerPC G4 (7447A) |
| Cache Cache In computer engineering, a cache is a component that transparently stores data so that future requests for that data can be served faster. The data that is stored within a cache might be values that have been computed earlier or duplicates of original values that are stored elsewhere... |
64KB L1, 256KB L2 Cache (1:1) | 64KB L1, 512KB L2 Cache (1:1) | ||
| Front side bus Front side bus A front-side bus is a computer communication interface often used in computers during the 1990s and 2000s.It typically carries data between the central processing unit and a memory controller hub, known as the northbridge.... |
133 MHz | 133 MHz or 142 MHz (14.1") | ||
| Memory | 256 MB (128 soldered to logic board) Expandable to 1.12 GB |
256 MB (soldered to logic board) Expandable to 1.25 GB |
512 MB (soldered to logic board) Expandable to 1.5 GB |
|
| Graphics | ATI Mobility Radeon 9200 (4X AGP) with 32 MB of SDRAM | ATI Mobility Radeon 9550 (4X AGP) with 32 MB of SDRAM | ||
| Hard drive | 30, 40, or 60 GB | 30, 60, or 80 GB 4200-rpm | 40, 60, 80, or 100 GB 4200-rpm | |
| AirPort AirPort AirPort and AirPort Extreme are local area wireless networking products from Apple Inc. based on the IEEE 802.11 standard .... |
Optional AirPort Extreme 802.11b/g card | Optional or built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11b/g card | Built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11b/g card | |
| Bluetooth Bluetooth Bluetooth is a proprietary open wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances from fixed and mobile devices, creating personal area networks with high levels of security... |
Optional Bluetooth 1.1 | Built-in Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR | ||
| Optical drive | Slot-loading DVD/CD-RW Combo | Slot-loading DVD/CD-RW Combo or DVD-R/CD-RW SuperDrive | Slot-loading DVD/CD-RW Combo or DVD±RW/CD-RW SuperDrive | |
| Ports | 2 - USB 2.0, 1 - FireWire 400, 10/100BASE-T Ethernet, 56k v.92 modem, Built-in Microphone, 1 - 3.5mm audio out, Mini VGA supporting VGA, Composite and S-Video via adaptor. | |||
| Maximum Operating System Operating system An operating system is a set of programs that manage computer hardware resources and provide common services for application software. The operating system is the most important type of system software in a computer system... |
Mac OS X 10.4.11 "Tiger" on 800Mhz model. Mac OS X 10.5.8 "Leopard" on 933Mhz and 1.0Ghz models. Unofficially, 800 MHz Model can run Mac OS X 10.5 “Leopard” |
Mac OS X 10.5.8 "Leopard" | ||
| Weight | 4.9 lbs (2.2 kg) 12.1"/5.9 lbs (2.7 kg) 14.1" | |||
| Dimensions | 1.35 x 11.2 x 9.1 inches (3.4 x 28.4 x 23.1 cm) 12.1"/1.35 x 12.7 x 10.2 inches (3.4 x 32.3 x 25.9 cm) 14.1" | |||
Models
- iBook G4 (October 22, 2003) – Major revision, processor switch
- 12 in or 14 in active-matrix TFT display (1024×768 resolution)
- G4 800/933 MHz/1 GHz
- 256 MB RAM
- 30/40/60 GB hard disk
- Slot-load combo drive (CD-RW/DVD-ROM)
- USB 2.0, FireWire 400, video out, Ethernet 10/100
- AirPort Extreme (802.11g, optional)
- iBook G4 Early 2004 (April 19, 2004) - Minor revision
- G4 1.07/1.2 GHz
- Slot-load SuperDrive (DVD-R) "Built to Order" option
- (Other Specifications Same as iBook G4)
- iBook G4 Late 2004 (October 19, 2004) – Minor revision
- G4 1.2/1.33 GHz
- 30/40/60 GB hard disk
- Slot-load combo drive (DVD/CD-RW)/SuperDrive (DVD-R/CD-RW)
- AirPort Extreme Standard
- (Other Specifications Same as iBook G4 Early 2004)
- The three models are: M9623LL/A (12 in, 1.2 GHz, combo drive), M9627LL/A (14 in, 1.33 GHz, combo drive), M9628LL/A (14 in, 1.33 GHz, SuperDrive)
- Originally shipped with Mac OS X v10.3 "Panther" but with the release of Mac OS X v10.4 "Tiger" on 29 April 2005, all iBooks were shipped with the more up-to-date operating system.
- iBook G4 Mid 2005 (July 26, 2005 to May 16, 2006) – Minor revision and the last PowerPC iBooks
- G4 1.33/1.42 GHz
- M9846LL/A: (Retail $999) 1.33 GHz; 12 in display; 40 GB hard disk; slot-load combo drive (DVD-ROM/CD-RW)
- M9848LL/A: (Retail $1299) 1.42 GHz; 14 in display; 60 GB hard disk; slot-load SuperDrive (DVD±RW/CD-RW)
- While the 14 in display is bigger it is the same resolution as the 12 in.
- Both models featured: 512 MB memory (expandable to 1.5 GB) at 333 MHz; ATI Mobility Radeon 9550 graphics processor with 32 MB video RAM; Sudden Motion SensorSudden Motion SensorThe Sudden Motion Sensor is Apple's patent-pending motion-based hardware and data-protection system used in their notebook computer systems. Apple introduced the system January 1, 2005 in its refreshed PowerBook line, and included it in the iBook line July 26, 2005...
(parks the hard drive head if the iBook is dropped); scrolling trackpad; Bluetooth 2.0+EDR - Both had a bus at a 10:1 ratio (133 MHz or 142 MHz)
- (Other Specifications Same as iBook G4 Late 2004)
Expandability and upgrades
The iBook keyboard lifts up, allowing installation of the AirPort (wireless) card and additional memory. This gives the keyboard a "spongy" effect, especially in PowerPC G3 models with the translucent keyboard. The "sponginess" was corrected in the PowerPC G4 models.Accessing the hard disk drive is complex and time-consuming, involving partial disassembly of the unit and the removal of over 20 different-sized screws.
The memory in the iBook G4 is covered by a removable Airport card, and accessible by removing the RAM shield with a Phillips 00 screwdriver
Henry F. Phillips
Henry F. Phillips was a U.S. businessman from Portland, Oregon. The Phillips-head screw and screwdriver are named after him....
. While some of the earlier models (e.g., 800 MHz and 933 MHz) have a specified 640 MB RAM limit, it is possible to have a total of 1.12 GB of RAM installed (128 MB built-in, plus a 1 GB SO-DIMM ), or 1.25 or 1.5 GB in the later models with 256 or 512 MB of ram soldered to the logic board.
Quality issues
In late November 2003, a number of iBook G3 users reported display problems with their laptops. In December 2003, a group of users headed by Michael Johnson and Bill Owen sought to file a class actionClass action
In law, a class action, a class suit, or a representative action is a form of lawsuit in which a large group of people collectively bring a claim to court and/or in which a class of defendants is being sued...
suit against Apple. In response, Apple initiated the "iBook Logic Board Repair Extension Program" in January 2004, which covered the expense of repairing affected iBooks for three years. In June 2004, the Repair Extension Program was expanded to cover "all White G3 iBooks".
The iBook G4 seemed to suffer from display problems similar to those of the iBook G3, but was not covered by the repair extension program. Owners of iBooks that required expensive repairs for these problems submitted new class action lawsuits in December 2006.
On May 2, 2007, the Danish Consumer Board published an extensive report made by an external party concerning the Apple iBook G4 logic board issue. A press release referred to the global consequences this could have for possible guarantee claims.