iBook G4 (Late 2003)

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. Although these G4 iBooks use a G4 CPU, it’s not the same version used in the PowerBook G4 – this version only has a 256 KB level 2 cache, which means it won’t provide the same performance as a PowerBook at the same clock speed.

G4 iBooksThe October 2003 iBooks came in three models: 12″ 800 MHz, 14″ 933 MHz, and 14″ 1 GHz (the CPU reports itself as 1.07 GHz, and benchmarks bear out that number).

All G4 iBooks support AirPort Extreme, which has 5x the bandwidth of the original AirPort. Also included are USB 2.0, room for an internal Bluetooth module, and the use of DDR (double data rate) RAM. This first generation iBook G4 uses Mobility Radeon 9200 graphics with 32 MB of memory.

Base memory on the 12″ model is 256 MB (128 MB onboard, 128 MB in a slot), and all iBooks now ship with a Combo (CD-RW/DVD) drive.

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

  • Nickname: iceBook
  • introduced 2003.10.22 at $1,099 (12″ 800 MHz), $1,299 (14″ 933 MHz), and $1,499 (14″ 1 GHz).
  • requires Mac OS X 10.3 Panther through 10.5 Leopard (10.5 not officially supported on 800 MHz model)
  • CPU: 800 MHz/933 MHz/1.07 GHz G4
  • Bus: 133 MHz
  • ROM: 4 MB, NewWorld ROM in RAM architecture
  • RAM: 256 MB (128 MB of SDRAM soldered in place and one removeable 128 MB SO-DIMM), expandable to 1.125 GB using one 1.25″ 3.3V PC133 compliant SO-DIMM (PC2700 compatible)
  • Level 2 cache: 256 KB on-chip cache
  • Video: ATI Mobility Radeon 9200 4x AGP
  • VRAM: 32 MB
  • display: 12.1″ or 14.1″ 24-bit SVGA (1024 x 768) color active matrix, resolution scaling for 640 x 480 and 800 x 600 modes
  • Video out: VGA and composite video
  • Hard drive: 30/40/60 GB UltraATA-100
  • optical drive: 16x8x8x24x Combo (CD-RW/DVD)
  • 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 5 hours
  • size 12″/14″: 11.2 x 9.1 x 1.35″ (285 x 230 x 34 mm)/12.7 x 10.2 x 1.35″ (323 x 259 x 34 mm)
  • weight 12″/14″: 4.9 pounds (2.2 kg)/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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