Photo: Hannes Grobe (talk) / CC BY 3.0 / Wikimedia Commons · source
iBook G4
The final iBook upgraded to a G4 and added a sleek white shell.
Overview
The iBook finally gained a G4 processor in October 2003, running at 800 MHz or 933 MHz on a 12.1-inch or 14.1-inch model. Graphics came from an ATI Radeon 9200, and it used Mac OS X 10.3 Panther, bringing a faster feel than previous generations.
Four revisions followed through July 2005, when the chips reached 1.42 GHz and memory capacity rose. Buyers could choose optional AirPort Extreme wireless and Bluetooth, and the lightweight 12-inch model was a popular student laptop.
When the MacBook arrived in 2006, the iBook name ended, closing the story of the consumer laptop that had begun with a Tangerine clamshell.
Why it mattered
The last iBook, it kept the lowest-priced Apple portable current through the PowerPC era.
At a glance
- Announced
- October 22, 2003
- Released
- October 22, 2003
- Discontinued
- May 16, 2006
- Launch price
- Not available
- Chip / processor
- PowerPC G4 (7457), 800 MHz to 1.42 GHz
- Display
- 12.1" or 14.1"
- Storage
- 30 GB to 60 GB
- Status
- Vintage
Highlights
- G4 processor up to 1.42 GHz
- 12.1-inch and 14.1-inch models
- ATI Radeon 9200 graphics
- USB 2.0 and FireWire 400
- Optional AirPort Extreme
Tech specs
Specifications as published at launch. Some values (like battery life) are manufacturer estimates.
Display
- Size
- 12.1-inch or 14.1-inch
- Type
- Active-matrix color TFT
- Resolution
- 1024 x 768
Chip
- Chip
- PowerPC G4 (7457), 800 MHz at launch
Memory
- RAM
- 256 MB, expandable to 1.25 GB
Design
- Weight
- 2.2 kg (12-inch) or 2.7 kg (14-inch)
Software
- Launch OS
- Mac OS X 10.3 Panther
How it compares
More in the iBook family
iBook (Clamshell)
The playful consumer laptop with a handle and built-in wireless support.
iBook (Dual USB)
The white iBook dropped the clamshell look for a smaller, tidier shape.
iBook G3 (14-inch)
A bigger iBook with a 14.1-inch screen and Mac OS X as an option.