Mac›iBook
iBook (Dual USB)
Laptop · 2001

iBook (Dual USB)

The white iBook dropped the clamshell look for a smaller, tidier shape.

Vintage PowerPC G3 (750cxe), 500 MHz 12.1" Released May 1, 2001
White

Overview

In May 2001 the iBook shed the rounded clamshell body for a compact white shell with a translucent-feeling finish. At 4.9 pounds it was smaller and nearly two pounds lighter than its predecessor, and it kept the 12.1-inch display but raised the resolution to 1024 by 768.

A 500 MHz G3 processor, 64 MB of RAM and a 10 GB drive were the base setup. The case had no external latch, an uncluttered design and a larger trackpad for the era.

Its clean look set the visual language of the iBook and, later, the white MacBook, and it sold well to students and families as the most affordable Apple laptop.

Why it mattered

Redesigned the iBook as the slim white laptop that became the visual basis for a decade of Apple notebooks.

At a glance

Announced
May 1, 2001
Released
May 1, 2001
Discontinued
October 16, 2001
Launch price
Not available
Chip / processor
PowerPC G3 (750cxe), 500 MHz
Display
12.1"
Storage
10 GB, 20 GB
Status
Vintage

Highlights

  • White polycarbonate body
  • 500 MHz G3
  • 1024 x 768 12.1-inch display
  • About 2.2 kg
  • Dual USB ports

Tech specs

Specifications as published at launch. Some values (like battery life) are manufacturer estimates.

Display

Size
12.1-inch
Type
Active-matrix color TFT
Resolution
1024 x 768

Chip

Chip
PowerPC G3 (750cxe), 500 MHz

Memory

RAM
64 MB, expandable to 576 MB
Storage options
10 GB, optional 20 GB

Design

Weight
2.2 kg (4.9 lb)

Software

Launch OS
Mac OS 9.1