iBook SE (366 MHz)

The iBook has been the best selling portable computer since it began shipping in late September 1999. It’s also been picked on for having too little memory, too small a hard drive, and garish (some say “girlie”) colors.

The iBook Special Edition (SE) solves those problems: It ships with 64 MB of memory, a 6 GB hard drive, and a 366 MHz G3 processor, all enclosed in an attractive graphite-and-ice case.

If the extra speed doesn’t entice buyers to spend an extra $200, the graphite may. Too bad it still has just a single USB port.

The iBook SE was replaced with a faster, DVD-capable version with FireWire in September 2000.

Got an iBook? Join our G-Books Group or PowerBooks and iBooks Forum.
Got an iBook? Join the iBook Talk List.
Our Mac OS 9 Group is for those using Mac OS 9, either natively or in Classic Mode.
Our Puma Group is for those using Mac OS X 10.1.
Our Jaguar Group is for those using Mac OS X 10.2.
Our Panther Group is for those using Mac OS X 10.3.
Our Tiger Group is for those using Mac OS X 10.4.

Details

introduced 2000.02.16 at US$1,799; discontinued 2000.09.13.
requires System 9.0 through OS X 10.3 Panther.
CPU: 366 MHz PPC 750 (a.k.a. G3)
Bus: 66 MHz
CPU performance: 1015, MacBench 5.0 (beige G3/300 scores 1000)
FPU performance: unknown, MacBench 5.0 (beige G3/300 scores 1000)
ROM: 4 MB, NewWorld ROM in RAM architecture
RAM: 64 MB of SDRAM, expandable to 576 MB via one 1.25″ 3.3V PC66 compliant SO-DIMM
Level 2 cache: 512 KB backside cache running at 183 MHz
Video: ATI Rage Mobility with 2x AGP
VRAM: 4 MB
display: 12.1″ 24-bit 800 x 600 SVGA 83 ppi color active matrix, resolution scaling supports 640 x 480
Video out: no
Hard drive: 6 GB 9.5mm IDE
CD-ROM: 24x
floppy drive: external USB only
expansions bays: none
USB: 1 USB 1.1 port
Ethernet: 10/100Base-T
Modem: v.90 56k
WiFi: 802.11b AirPort optional
PC Card slots: none
size: 11.6 x 13.5 x 2.1″ (29.4 x 34.4 x 5.2 cm)
Weight: 6.6 pounds (3.0 kg) with battery
Model identifier: PowerBook2,1
family number: M2453

Online Resources

See: Online resources and links for the iBook SE (366 MHz)

Cautions

Apple’s iLife ’05 software requires a 1024 x 768 or higher screen resolution and cannot be installed on clamshell iBooks.
There is an incompatibility between the Kensington Startup ADB extension (part of Kensington MouseWorks) and the Trackpad control with Mac OS 9.0.4. The trackpad will respond during boot, but not after the extension loads. The solution is to disable the extension. This may apply to other versions of Mac OS 9 on ‘Books with USB ports.
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.