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Tech Specs

14″ iBook G4 (Late 2003)

LEM Staff - 2003.10.22

With the introduction of the G4 iBooks in October 2003, Apple phased out the last Macs with G3 processors, which had been in use since November 1997 – and brought the iBook past the 1 GHz mark. Although the G4 iBooks use a G4 CPU, it’s not the same version used in the PowerBook G4 – this version has only a 256 KB level 2 cache, which means it won’t provide the same performance as a PowerBook at the same clock speed.

14" iBook G4The “1.0 GHz iBook G4” is often sold on the used market as a 1.07 GHz iBook. Apple marketed machine as a 1.0 GHz model for the sake of simplicity, despite the fact that a 14% speed difference (1.07 GHz vs. 933 MHz) would have made the top-end iBook a much more attractive option. Benchmarks bear this out.

The new iBooks support AirPort Extreme, which has 5x the bandwidth of the original AirPort. Also new are USB 2.0, Mobility Radeon 9200 graphics, room for an internal Bluetooth module, and the use of DDR (double data rate) RAM.

Base memory is 256 MB (128 MB onboard, 128 MB in a slot). This is the oldest G4 iBook to officially support OS X 10.5 Leopard.

Apple has admitted to a manufacturing defect in first generation G4 iBooks that may cause the power system to fail due to failed solder joints.

Details

  • introduced 2003.10.22 at US$1,299 (933 MHz) and $1,499 (nominally 1 GHz); replaced by 1.07 and 1.2 GHz models 2004.04.19
  • requires Mac OS X 10.3 Panther through 10.5 Leopard
  • CPU: 933 MHz/1.07 GHz G4
  • Bus: 133 MHz
  • Performance:
    • Geekbench 2 (Leopard): 555 (1.07 GHz)
    • Geekbench 2 (Tiger): 486 (933 MHz)
  • ROM: 4 MB, NewWorld ROM in RAM architecture
  • RAM: 256 MB of SDRAM (128 MB soldered in place), expandable to 1.125 GB using one 1.25″ PC2100 compliant SO-DIMM (PC2700 compatible)
  • Level 2 cache: 256 KB on-chip cache
  • Video: ATI Mobility Radeon 9200 4x AGP
  • VRAM: 32 MB
  • display: 14.1″ 24-bit 1024 x 768 91 ppi color active matrix, resolution scaling for 640 x 480 and 800 x 600 modes
  • Video out: VGA and composite video
  • Hard drive: 40/60 GB UltraATA-100
  • optical drive: 16x8x24x CD-RW/DVD-ROM Combo drive
  • floppy drive: external USB only
  • expansions bays: none
  • USB: 2 USB 2.0 ports
  • FireWire: 1 FW400 port
  • Ethernet: 10/100Base-T
  • Modem: v.92 56k
  • WiFi: 802.11g AirPort Extreme optional
  • Microphone: built in
  • PC Card slots: none
  • Battery: rated at 6 hours
  • size: 12.7 x 10.2 x 1.35″ (32.3 x 25.9 x 3.4 cm)
  • Weight: 5.9 pounds (2.7 kg) with battery

Online Resources

Cautions

  • There is an incompatibility between the Kensington Startup ADB extension and the Trackpad control with Mac OS 9.0.4. Symptom: trackpad responds during boot, but not later. Solution: disable Kensington Startup ADB extension. This may also apply to other USB portables and versions of the Mac OS.
  • Portable Computers: Models Which Do Not Have a Backup Battery notes the iBook has no backup battery to retain time and other settings when the main battery is removed. A small capacitor holds enough energy to maintain PRAM contents for 20 seconds, so switch batteries quickly.

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