iBook

Not to be confused with the iBooks book reader application.

iBook G3 "Clamshell"

another model: iBook G4 "Snow" (12 inch)

The iBook is a line of laptop computers sold by Apple Computer from 1999 to 2006. The line targeted the consumer and education markets, with lower specifications and prices than the PowerBook, 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 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 chip and a slot-loading drive.

Apple replaced the iBook line with the MacBook in May 2006 during Apple’s transition to Intel processors.

They were also a major name for education, with Henrico County Public Schools being the first of many school systems in the USA to distribute one to every student.

iBook G3 ("Clamshell")

iBook G3 ("Clamshell")

The original iBook in Blueberry color
Developer	Apple
Type	Consumer laptop
Release date	July 21, 1999
Discontinued	May 1, 2001
CPU	PowerPC G3, 300 – 466 MHz

In the late 1990s Apple was trimming its product line from the bewildering variety of intersecting Performa, Quadra, LC, Power Macintosh and PowerBook 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 was the consumer desktop, the Blue and White G3 filled the professional desktop box, and the PowerBook 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 unveiled the iBook G3 during the keynote presentation of Macworld Conference & Expo, New York City on June 21, 1999.

The design was clearly influenced by Apple's consumer desktop, the iMac. In fact, one of the marketing slogans for the iBook was "iMac to go". The clamshell design also echoed the eMate 300. Apple continued its trend of using transparent colored plastics for the shell, and released the iBook clamshell series in several colors, starting with Blueberry and Tangerine; (later in the series, Apple added Indigo, Graphite, and Key Lime). However, unlike the iMac, the iBook did not use pinstripes.

Like the iMac, the iBook G3 had a PowerPC G3 CPU, and no legacy Apple interfaces. USB, Ethernet, modem ports and an optical drive 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 Wireless Base Station at the same time.

There was heated debate over many things such as the aesthetics, 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.

Compared to follow-up iBook and PowerBook notebook computers, the Clamshell iBook proved to be the more reliable model. The original iBook is on exhibition at the London Design Museum and the Yale University Art Gallery. Vestiges of design ideas first adopted in the iBook G3 can 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

The five colors of the iBook Clamshell Series.
(Top row: "Tangerine" and "Blueberry"
Bottom row: "Graphite", "Indigo" and "Key Lime")

iBook G3 Clamshell
Model (known by Apple as)	iBook	iBook SE (special edition)	iBook (FireWire), iBook (FireWire) SE
Release date	June 21, 1999	February 16, 2000	September 13, 2000
Color(s)	Tangerine or Blueberry	Graphite	Indigo or Key Lime, special edition: Graphite or Key Lime
Order number	M7707LL/A*	M7716LL/A*	M7721LL/A*, M7720LL/A* (special edition)
Machine model	Powerbook 2,1		Powerbook 2,2
Model number	M2453	M2453	M6411
Processor	300 MHz or 366 MHz PowerPC G3 (750)	366 MHz PowerPC G3 (750)	366 MHz or 466 MHz (SE) PowerPC G3 (750cxe)
Cache	64kb L1, 512kb L2 backside cache (1:2)		64kb L1, 256kb L2 cache (1:1)
Front side bus	66 MHz
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)
Display	12 inch active-matrix TFT display, 800×600 pixel resolution
Graphics	ATI Rage (2× AGP) with 4 MB of SDRAM		ATI Rage 128 (2× AGP) with 8 MB of SDRAM
Hard drive	3.2 GB or 6 GB ATA HDD	6 GB ATA HDD	10 GB ATA HDD
Optical drive	24× tray-loading CD-ROM drive		24× tray-loading CD-ROM drive or 4× DVD-ROM drive
AirPort	optional Integrated 802.11b AirPort Card
Ports	USB 1.1, 3.5 mm headphone jack, 10/100 Ethernet		USB 1.1, FireWire 400, 3.5 mm headphone jack, composite video out, 10/100 Ethernet
Included Operating System	Mac OS 8.6	Mac OS 9.0.2	Mac OS 9.0.4
Maximum Operating System	Mac OS X 10.3.9 "Panther" and Mac OS 9.2.2 Unofficially, can run Mac OS X 10.4 “Tiger” using XPostFacto		Mac OS X 10.4.11 "Tiger" and Mac OS 9.2.2
Weight	6.7 lbs / 3.0 kg
Dimensions	1.8×13.5×11.6 inch / 4,6 x 34,3 x 29,5 cm

Revision changes

• iBook G3 (July 21, 1999) – First iBook (Tangerine, Blueberry)
  • 12.1-inch Active-matrix TFT Display (800x600 max resolution)
  • PowerPC G3 300 MHz
  • 64 MHz bus
  • 32 MB RAM (soldered to the logic board)
  • Expandable to 544 MB (288 MB specified by Apple)
  • 3.2 GB (3 billion byte) Hard Disk (ATA-33 Controller)
  • CD-ROM
  • USB, Ethernet
  • AirPort (802.11b, optional)
  • Mac OS 8.6
• iBook G3 SE (February 16, 2000) – Minor addition to existing line (Graphite)
  • 366 MHz
  • 64 MB RAM (soldered to the logic board)
  • Expandable to 576 MB (320 MB specified by Apple)
  • Mac OS 9.0.2
  • 6 GB (6 billion bytes) Hard disk
  • (Other Specifications Same as iBook)
• iBook G3 FireWire/SE (September 13, 2000) – Major revision (Graphite, Indigo, Key-lime)
  • 12.1-inch Active-matrix TFT Display (800x600 max resolution)
  • G3 366 or 466 MHz
  • 64 MB RAM (soldered to the logic board)
  • 8 MB ATI Rage 128 Mobility AGP 2x
  • 10 GB (10 billion bytes) Hard Disk (ATA-66 Controller)
  • CD-ROM/4x DVD-ROM
  • USB, FireWire, Component video out via combination A/V port, Ethernet
  • AirPort (802.11b, optional)
  • Mac OS 9.0.4
  • (Other Specifications same as iBook and iBook SE)

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 port 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, is also possible - however this port is found only on the late-model iBook G3 FireWire/SE (366/466 MHz). It is possible to use third-party software such as XPostFacto 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, Key Lime and Indigo models.

iBook G3 Dual USB("Snow")

iBook G3

The second-generation iBook G3 (12.1 in).
Developer	Apple
Type	Consumer laptop
Release date	May 1, 2001
Discontinued	October 22, 2003
CPU	PowerPC G3, 500–900 MHz

Apple debuted the next-generation iBook G3 at a press conference in Cupertino, California 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 (hence the name "Snow"), and incorporated transparent polycarbonate 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 casings in most of its consumer line, such as the iMac and the eMac. In contrast, most of its professional products used an anodized aluminum finish. (The older Mac mini used both.)

Models

(12 inch) iBook G3 Dual USB
Model by date	iBook (Mid 2001)	iBook (Late 2001)	iBook (12" Mid 2002)	iBook (Opaque Late 2002)	iBook (Translucent Late 2002),	iBook (800 MHz Spring 2003), (900 MHz Spring 2003)
Release date	May 1, 2001	October 16, 2001	May 20, 2002	November 6, 2002		April 22, 2003
Color	Translucent White			Opaque White	Translucent White	Opaque White
Order number	M7698LL/A (64 MB, CD-ROM), M7692LL/A (128 MB, DVD-ROM), M8520LL/A (128 MB, DVD-ROM/CD-RW: Combo Drive)	M8597LL/A (500 MHz), M8598LL/A* (600 MHz DVD-ROM), M8599LL/A* (600 MHz Combo Drive)	M8600LL/A (600 MHz), M8602LL/A (700 MHz)	M8860LL/A	M8861LL/A	M8758LL/A (800 MHz), M9018LL/A (900 MHz)
Machine model	Powerbook 4,1	Powerbook 4,1	Powerbook 4,3	Powerbook 4,3	Powerbook 4,3	Powerbook 4,3
Model number	M6497	M6497	A1005	A1005	A1007	A1007
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 PowerPC G3 (750fx)	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)
Front side bus	66 MHz	66 MHz (500 MHz) or 100 MHz (600 MHz)	100 MHz
Memory	64MB or 128MB (soldered to the logic board) expandable to 576MB or 640MB	128MB (soldered to the logic board) expandable to 640MB
Display	12.1" TFT XGA active matrix display, 1024×768 pixel resolution
Graphics	ATI Rage 128 (2X AGP) with 8 MB of SDRAM		ATI Radeon (2X AGP) with 16 MB of SDRAM	ATI Radeon 7500 (2X AGP) with 16MB SDRAM	ATI Radeon 7500 (2X AGP) with 32MB SDRAM
Hard drive (ATA)	10 GB	15 GB (500 MHz) 20 GB optional, 20 GB (600 MHz)	20 GB, 30 GB optional		30 GB	30 GB (800 MHz) 40 GB optional, 40 GB (900 MHz)
Optical drive (tray-loading)	CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, CD-RW or DVD-ROM/CD-RW Combo Drive	CD-ROM (500 MHz), DVD-ROM (600 MHz M8598LL/A*), CD-RW or DVD-ROM/CD-RW Combo Drive (600 MHz M8599LL/A*)	CD-ROM (600 MHz) or DVD-ROM/CD-RW Combo Drive (700 MHz)	CD-ROM or DVD-ROM/CD-RW Combo Drive	DVD-ROM/CD-RW Combo Drive	CD-ROM (800 MHz) or DVD-ROM/CD-RW Combo Drive (900 MHz)
AirPort	optional Integrated 802.11b AirPort Card
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	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
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

(14 inch) iBook G3 Dual USB
Model by date	iBook (Early 2002)	iBook (14" Mid 2002)	iBook (14" Late 2002)	iBook (14" 900 MHz Spring 2003)
Release date	January 7, 2002	May 20, 2002	November 6, 2002	April 22, 2003
Color	Translucent White			Opaque White
Order number	M7701LL/A	M8603LL/A	M8862LL/A	M9009LL/A
Machine model	Powerbook 4,2	Powerbook 4,3
Model number	M8413	A1007
Processor	600 MHz PowerPC G3 (745/755)	700 MHz PowerPC G3 (750fx)	800 MHz PowerPC G3 (750fx)	900 MHz PowerPC G3 (750fx)
Cache	64 kb L1, 256 kb L2 cache (1:1)	64 kb L1, 512 kb L2 cache (1:1)
Front side bus	100 MHz
Memory	256 MB (128 MB soldered to the logic board) expandable to 640 MB
Display	14.1" TFT XGA active matrix display, 1024×768 pixel resolution
Graphics	ATI Rage 128 (2X AGP) with 8 MB of SDRAM	ATI Radeon (2X AGP) with 16  MB of SDRAM	ATI Radeon 7500 (2X AGP) with 32 MB of SDRAM
Hard drive	20 GB ATA	30 GB ATA		40 GB ATA
Optical drive	tray-loading DVD-ROM/CD-RW (16x Combo Drive)
AirPort	optional Integrated 802.11b AirPort Card
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	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
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

Revision changes

• iBook G3 Mid 2001 (May 1, 2001) – Second Generation iBook G3
  • 12.1-inch Active-matrix TFT Display (1024x768 max resolution)
  • PowerPC G3 500 MHz
  • 256 KB L2 cache
  • 64 or 128 MB RAM
  • ATI Rage Mobility 8 MB VRAM
  • 10 GB Hard Disk
  • CD/CDRW/DVD/Combo
  • USB 1.1, FireWire, Video Out, Ethernet
  • AirPort (802.11b, optional)
  • Mac OS 9.1
  • 2.2 kg or 4.9 lb
• iBook G3 Late 2001 (October 16, 2001) - Minor revision
  • 600 MHz
  • 15 GB Hard Disk (most models)
  • Mac OS X 10.1
  • (Other specifications same as Dual USB)
• iBook G3 14-inch (October 2001) – New model, larger 14-inch display (as of January 7, 2002)
  • 14-inch Active-matrix TFT Display (1024x768 max resolution)
  • 512 KB L2 cache
  • (Other specifications same as Dual USB Late 2001)
• iBook G3 Mid 2002 (May 20, 2002) – Minor revision
  • 600/700 MHz
  • ATI Mobility Radeon 16 MB VRAM
  • Mac OS X 10.1
  • (Other specifications same as 14-inch)
• iBook G3 Late 2002 (November 2002) – Minor revision
  • 800 MHz
  • Casing now opaque and white instead of translucent and magnesium (on 700 MHz 12-inch)
  • ATI Mobility Radeon, 32 MB VRAM
  • Mac OS X 10.2 and 9.2.2
  • (Other specifications same as 14-inch)
• iBook G3 Early 2003 (April 22, 2003) – Minor revision
  • 800/900 MHz
  • Opaque case in all models
  • ATI Mobility Radeon 7500 32 MB VRAM
  • 30 or 40 GB Hard disk

iBook G4 ("Snow")

iBook G4

iBook G4 (12 inch)
Developer	Apple Computer
Type	Consumer laptop
Release date	October 22, 2003
Discontinued	May 16, 2006
CPU	PowerPC G4, 800 MHz–1.42 GHz

Apple added a PowerPC G4 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.

Models

(12 inch) iBook G4
Model (by date)	iBook G4 (Late 2003)	iBook G4 (Spring 2004)	iBook G4 (Late 2004)	iBook G4 (Summer 2005)
Release date	October 22, 2003	April 19, 2004	October 19, 2004	July 26, 2005
Color	Opaque White
Order number	M9164LL/A	M9426LL/A	M9623LL/A	M9846LL/A
Machine model	Powerbook 6,3	Powerbook 6,5	Powerbook 6,5	Powerbook 6,7
Model number	A1054	A1054	A1054	A1133
Processor	800 MHz PowerPC G4 (7455)	1.07 GHz PowerPC G4 (7447A)	1.2 GHz PowerPC G4 (7447A)	1.33 GHz PowerPC G4 (7447A)
Cache	64 KB L1, 256 KB L2 Cache (1:1)	64 KB L1, 512 KB L2 Cache (1:1)
Front side bus	133 MHz
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
Display	12.1" TFT XGA active matrix display, 1024×768 pixel resolution
Graphics	ATI Radeon 9200 (4X AGP) with 32 MB of SDRAM			ATI Radeon 9550 (4X AGP) with 32 MB of SDRAM
Hard drive	30, 40, or 60 GB ATA/100 4200-rpm		30, 60, or 80 GB ATA/100 4200-rpm	40, 60, 80, or 100 GB ATA/100 4200-rpm
Optical drive (slot-loading)	DVD-ROM/CD-RW Combo Drive	DVD-ROM/CD-RW Combo Drive or optional DVD±RW/CD-RW SuperDrive
AirPort	optional AirPort Extreme 802.11b/g card		built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11b/g card
Bluetooth	optional Bluetooth 1.1			built-in Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR
Ports	2 x USB 2.0, 1 x FireWire 400, 10/100BASE-T Ethernet, 56k v.92 modem, built-in microphone, 1 x 3.5mm audio out, Mini VGA supporting VGA, composite and S-Video via adapter.
Original Operating System	Mac OS X 10.3 “Panther”			Mac OS X 10.4 “Tiger”
Maximum Operating System	Mac OS X 10.4.11 "Tiger" Unofficially, can run Mac OS X 10.5 “Leopard”	Mac OS X 10.5.8 "Leopard"
Weight	4.9 lbs / 2.2 kg
Dimensions	1.35 x 11.2 x 9.1 inches / 3.4 x 28.4 x 23.1 cm

Apple iBook G4 14"

(14 inch) iBook G4
Model (known by Apple as)	iBook G4	iBook G4 (Early 2004)	iBook G4 (Late 2004)	iBook G4 (Mid 2005)
Release date	October 22, 2003	April 19, 2004	October 19, 2004	July 26, 2005
Color	Opaque White
Order number	M9388LL/A (933 MHz), M9165LL/A (1 GHz)	M9418LL/A (1 GHz), M9419LL/A (1.2 GHz)	M9627LL/A* (Combo Drive), M9628LL/A (SuperDrive)	M9848LL/A
Machine model	Powerbook 6,3	Powerbook 6,5	Powerbook 6,5	Powerbook 6,7
Model number	A1055	A1055	A1055	A1134
Processor	933 MHz, or 1.0 GHz PowerPC G4 (7455)	1.07 or 1.2 GHz PowerPC G4 (7447A)	1.33 GHz PowerPC G4 (7447A)	1.42 GHz PowerPC G4 (7447A)
Cache	64 KB L1, 256 KB L2 Cache (1:1)	64 KB L1, 512 KB L2 Cache (1:1)
Front side bus	133 MHz			142 MHz
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
Display	14.1" TFT XGA active matrix display, 1024×768 pixel resolution
Graphics	ATI Radeon 9200 (4X AGP) with 32 MB of SDRAM			ATI Radeon 9550 (4X AGP) with 32 MB of SDRAM
Hard drive	40 GB or 60 GB (933 MHz) 60 GB (1 GHz) ATA/100 4200-rpm	40 GB or 60 GB ATA/100 4200-rpm	60 GB or 80 GB ATA/100 4200-rpm	60 GB, 80 GB or 100 GB ATA/100 4200-rpm
Optical drive (slot-loading)	DVD-ROM/CD-RW Combo Drive	DVD-ROM/CD-RW Combo Drive or optional DVD±RW/CD-RW SuperDrive	DVD-ROM/CD-RW Combo Drive or DVD±RW/CD-RW SuperDrive (see Order Number)	DVD±RW/CD-RW SuperDrive
AirPort	optional AirPort Extreme 802.11b/g card	optional (1 GHz) or built-in (1.2 GHz) AirPort Extreme 802.11b/g card	built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11b/g card
Bluetooth	optional Bluetooth 1.1			built-in Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR
Ports	2 x USB 2.0, 1 x FireWire 400, 10/100BASE-T Ethernet, 56k v.92 modem, built-in microphone, 1 x 3.5mm audio out, Mini VGA supporting VGA, composite and S-Video via adapter.
Original Operating System	Mac OS X 10.3 “Panther”			Mac OS X 10.4 “Tiger”
Maximum Operating System	Mac OS X 10.5.8 "Leopard"
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

Revision changes

• 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.

iBooks offered several ports on their left side, including a Kensington Security Slot, modem, Ethernet, Firewire, 2 USB, video out and headphone.

• 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 Sensor (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. 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 action 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 suffers 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.

Timeline of portable Macintoshes

See also: Timeline of Apple Macintosh models

External links

• Apple iBooks in Education
• Apple – Support – Specifications – iBook
• Apple – How to identify your iBook
• Comprehensive technical details
• Apple "MacBook" filing suggests iBook re-branding