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.

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• 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

• Low End Mac’s Compleat Guide to Clamshell iBooks, Charles W Moore, ‘Book Value, 2008.04.17. Back in 2000, it was about time to replace the WallStreet PowerBook. Would a clamshell iBook be a better value than a newer PowerBook G3?
• PRAM and Battery Issues in iBooks and 12″ PowerBooks, Low End Mac Tech Journal, 2018.02.09
• iBook Talk List
• Guide to iBooks. A quick comparison of G3 iBook models.
• Boot a Clamshell iBook from USB, Simon Royal, Tech Spectrum, 2014.12.30. How to create a bootable USB flash drive and use it with your Clamshell iBook.
• Clamshell iBook Mod Lets You Easily Change the Hard Drive, Simon Royal, Tech Spectrum, 2014.12.30. How to modify a Clamshell iBook to make it easier to swap the hard drive.
• WiFi cards for PowerBooks with PC Card slots, Simon Royal, Tech Spectrum, 2008.08.12. Includes instructions for hacking an Orinoco Silver card to work in a G3 iBook.
• Low End Mac’s Compleat Guide to Mac OS 9, Charles W Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2008.05.12. Mac OS 9 remains fast and stable, but Classic software hasn’t kept up with the changing internet. Which Macs support OS 9, where to buy it, and how to update to 9.2.2.
• Installing Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger Without the Use of XPostFacto on an iBook G3 Clamshell without FireWire, luttztfz, 2014.03.09. Clever workaround does require replacing the CD-ROM drive with a DVD compatible optical drive.
• Non-Intel Mac rumors, G5 iMac power supply failure, Leopard on a 700 MHz eMac, and more, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2008.07.31. Also no 8 GB partition problem for clamshell iBooks, presentations in ClarisWorks, and watching DVDs on an upgraded Power Mac 7600.
• What’s the best Mac OS for your iBook, PowerBook, or MacBook?, Charles W Moore, ‘Book Value, 2008.08.19. Tips on choosing the best OS for your PowerBook 500 Series or newer Mac notebook.
• Replacing the hard drive in a Clamshell iBook, John Hatchett, Recycled Computing, 2009.11.19. Yes, it is one of the most difficult Apple notebooks to disassemble and reassemble, but a 10 GB hard drive just will not do.
• Blue clamshell iBook ready for action, John Hatchett, Recycled Computing, 2009.09.03. Introduced nine years ago, the first iBook with FireWire is sturdy, a decent performer, and looks like no other laptop.
• Optimized Software Builds Bring Out the Best in Your Mac, Dan Knight, Low End Mac’s Online Tech Journal, 2009.06.30. Applications compiled for your Mac’s CPU can load more quickly and run faster than ones compiled for universal use.
• Mac ‘Book Power Management Adventures, Charles W Moore, ‘Book Value, 2009.05.19. If your ‘Book won’t power up, shuts down while your working, or has other power issues, resetting its internal power manager may clear things up.
• Hacking a WiFi PC Card to work in Apple’s AirPort Card slot, Simon Royal, Tech Spectrum, 2009.04.21. Apple’s AirPort Card has become expensive since it was discontinued. Here’s how you may be able to adapt an 802.11b PC Card to replace it.
• How about an 802.11g card for the original AirPort Card slot?, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2009.04.16. There are a lot of old Macs with 802.11b AirPort Cards still in use and with poor security. Someone should make a plug-and-play 802.11g replacement card to provide better security, higher throughput, and improved range.
• Is It Worth Maxing the RAM in Old G3 and G4 Macs?, Simon Royal, Tech Spectrum, 2009.04.15. Increasing memory can make your old Mac faster and make you more productive, but it probably won’t improve resale value by the amount you spend.
• 2 compact portable USB 2.0 hubs, Charles W Moore, ‘Book Value, 2009.01.12. Compact hubs from Targus and Proporta make a great complement to your notebook computer. Each accepts a third-party AC adapter to provide bus power.
• 4 GB RAM problem persists after firmware update, TriBook concept MacBook, DIY Mac netbook, and more, The ‘Book Review, 2008.12.19. Also using third-party monitors with ‘Late 2008’ MacBooks, MacMagSaver protects MagSafe cord, $25 802.11g USB adapter, bargain ‘Books from $500 to $2,299, and more.
• The ‘Better Safe Than Sorry’ Guide to Installing Mac OS X Updates, Charles W Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2008.12.16. Most users encounter no problems using Software Update, but some preflight work and using the Combo updater means far less chance of trouble.
• Why You Should Partition Your Mac’s Hard Drive, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2008.12.11. “At the very least, it makes sense to have a second partition with a bootable version of the Mac OS, so if you have problems with your work partition, you can boot from the ’emergency’ partition to run Disk Utility and other diagnostics.”
• Every working computer is useful to someone, Allison Payne, The Budget Mac, 2008.11.19. Whether it’s a PowerBook 1400, G3 iMac, or Power Mac G4, it could be all the computer someone needs.
• $19,800 Bentley Ego laptop remarkably similar to 1999 clamshell iBook, Charles W Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2008.10.06. Granted, Apple’s iBook didn’t have white gold trim, a padded leather exterior, or come in colors to match your Bentley automobile.
• Getting the most from your G3 Mac, Simon Royal, Tech Spectrum, 2008.10.03. Most G3 Macs can be upgraded so they can run Mac OS X 10.4 ‘Tiger’ quite nicely. Here’s how.
• Tiger great on old G3 ‘Books, maximum RAM for 867 MHz PowerBook G4, and more, Charles W Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2008.10.01. Also why 4 GB of RAM in a 32-bit Vista PC wastes most of the last gigabyte and system profile software for Windows PCs.
• Are G3 Macs still viable work machines?, Simon Royal, Tech Spectrum, 2008.09.08. For basic tasks – writing, email, and using the Web – a G3 Mac with Mac OS X 10.4 and sufficient memory provides plenty of power.
• Overclocking a Mac mini got me hooked on souping up Macs, Adam Geller, My First Mac, 2008.09.04. Stories of hot rodding iBooks, G3 iMacs, and PCI Power Macs on the cheap.
• TruePower AC adapter for iBooks and PowerBooks is rugged, reliable, and affordable, Charles W Moore, ‘Book Value, 2008.08.14. Apple’s track record with AC adapters is spotty, but the TruePower adapter is tough enough to survive being run over by a truck.
• Environmentally Responsible Retirement for Old Macs, Rick Lawson, Pioneers in Mac Development, 2008.06.13. After you’ve scavenged what useful parts you can from your old Mac, what’s the most environmentally friendly way to dispose of the rest?
• Bumps in the road for G3 Macs, John Hatchett, Recycled Computing, 2008.07.28. MobileMe wouldn’t sync with the Pismo, and Skype’s software refused to install, but both problems were solved.
• The Compressed Air Keyboard Repair, Charles W Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2008.07.24. If your keyboard isn’t working as well as it once did, blasting under the keys with compressed air may be the cure.
• Can Linux replace OS X on older Macs?, Carl Nygren, Classic Macs in the Intel Age, 2008.06.30. Looking at Ubuntu 8.04 on a 1 GHz PowerBook and Kubuntu 5.04 on a clamshell iBook.
• Mac OS X 10.2 ‘Jaguar’ can unleash the power of G3 iBooks, Carl Nygren, Classic Macs in the Intel Age, 2008.06.17. After pulling a bad stick of RAM, the Dual USB iBook didn’t have enough memory for Tiger or Linux. But even with just 128 MB of RAM, Jaguar did the job.
• In praise of the refreshingly different Clamshell iBook, Tamara Keel, Digital Fossils, 2008.04.29. After seven years of faithful duty, the rugged notebook with a handle remains a favorite field computer.
• Picking the right ‘Book, clamshell iBook memories, and alternatives to SCSI-to-USB, Charles W Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2008.04.23. Choosing a good used ‘Book for Classic, remembering the clamshell iBooks, and alternate options to avoid spending $99 on a SCSI-to-USB adapter.
• EmpowerBook, Tamara Keel, Digital Fossils, 2008.04.22. The goal: distraction-free writing on the go. But which PowerBook or iBook is best for the job?
• Power your recycled laptop with a rebuilt battery, John Hatchett, Recycled Computing, 2008.02.20. Old notebook computers usually mean old batteries that may be dead or on their last legs. You can buy a replacement battery, or you can have your old battery rebuilt.
• G3 and G4 Power Macs and Clamshell iBooks still useful, Ben Zalutsky, No Windows for Me, 2008.01.29. Intel CPUs may be blazingly fast, but the old G3 and G4 Macs have plenty of usable life left in them.
• Cracking open the iBook G3, Mark Kaelin, CNET News, 2008.01.24. Taking apart the 1999 clamshell iBook.
• Bringing G3 iMacs and other G3 Macs into the Tiger Age, Dan Knight, Mac Daniel, 2007.12.07. Tips on hard drives, memory, WiFi, and getting Mac OS X 10.4 installed on G3 iMacs and other older G3 Macs.
• 8 GB partition issue impacts OS 9, RAM for G3 iMacs, success with Open Firmware hack, and more, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2007.12.10. Partitions over 8 GB can cause problems in the classic Mac OS, more unsupported Leopard reports, another vote against the iPhone, and millions vs. thousands of colors.
• iPods, notebooks, and other modern electronics more readily replaced than repaired, Adam Robert Guha, Apple Archive, 2007.12.07. Whether it’s an intermittent failure or a broken display cable, more often than not it’s cheaper to replace a broken electronics device than repair it.
• An indigo iBook: My first modern notebook Mac, Tommy Thomas, Welcome to Macintosh, 2007.12.04. The clamshell iBook majors in ruggedness, has a handle to increase portability, and can even run OS X (slowly) with just 128 MB of RAM.
• Beyond Google, 10 years on the G3, the Cube is not a Road Apple, and more, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2007.11.13. Also the 64-bit advantage of Core 2, OS 9 on a USB flash drive, sound problems since switching to Leopard, and 7200 rpm in an eMac.
• Reasons for sticking with the Classic Mac OS, Tommy Thomas, Welcome to Macintosh, 2007.10.30. Whether it’s the simplicity, elegance, speed, or desire not to replace lots of expensive hardware, there are lots of good reasons for sticking with Mac OS 9.
• CF in a clamshell iBook, Leopard on a 400 MHz AGP Power Mac, VGA ports on Macs, and more, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2007.10.30. Also graphics card options for AGP Power Macs, KompoZer and Claris Home Page, installing Mac OS 8.6, and Zune price drop.
• Road Apple nominations, OS X 10.5 on MDD Power Macs, UMPCs and Apple, and a broken power button, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2007.10.12. Whether some additional Macs merit the ‘Road Apple’ label, Leopard on Mirrored Drive Doors Power Macs, the usefulness of ultrasmall computers, and dealing with an iMac with a broken power button.
• The future of G3 iBooks in the Age of Leopard, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2007.09.14. All of the G3 iBooks can run Mac OS X, but which ones run it well? And which version should you use?
• Compact Flash faster than a hard drive, CF in a clamshell iBook, eSATA for PowerBooks, and more, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2007.06.12. Faster boot times with a flash drive, replacing the hard drive in an iBook with Compact Flash, eBay feedback tips, eSATA CardBus options for PowerBooks, and the importance of G3 support in Mac OS X 10.5.
• Silence is golden: Running your existing notebook using flash memory, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Reviews, 2007.05.23. With a new adapter from Addonics, you can replace your laptop’s IDE hard drive inexpensively and boot silently from a Compact Flash card.
• Most durable ‘Book, prepping a blue & white G3 for OS X, 7200 rpm drive too hot for Pismo?, and more, Charles W Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2007.05.21. Also how the need to run “Tiger” is a problem, an iBook G4 with serious shutdown issues, and burning CDs at a lower speed may make them easier to read in older Macs.
• Apple on mini CDs, 74 minute CD-Rs more compatible, iBook G4 reliability, and more, Charles W Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2007.05.14. Also installing OS X using Target Disk Mode, partitioning your hard drive, Google’s tool to simplify web pages, Canada and copyright law, and more.
• Why Apple must continue G3 support in Mac OS X 10.5 ‘Leopard’, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2007.05.08. “We’re worried about what happens if Apple unchecks that box in Xcode to include the instructions necessary to run OS X on G3 processors at all.”
• Format Any Drive for Older Macs with Patched Apple Tools, Tyler Sable, Classic Restorations, 2007.04.25. Apple HD SC Setup and Drive Setup only work with Apple branded hard drives – until you apply the patches linked to this article.
• First Blu-ray drive for Apple’s ‘Books, replace notebook hard drive with Compact Flash, and more, The ‘Book Review, 2007.04.13. Also 160 GB 7200 rpm hard drives, upgrading from a MacBook Pro to a MacBook, Waterfield’s flexible new Sling bag, bargain ‘Books from $170 to $1,699, and more.
• Clamshell iBook upgrades, choppy iTunes video, Netscape 7 for Mac OS 9, and more, Charles W Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2007.04.09. Also fixing flash drive problems with Disk Utility, problems booting a secondhand iMac, PowerBook ramblings, and more.
• How much PowerBook or iBook do you need to run Mac OS X?, Ted Hodges, Vintage Mac Living, 2007.01.15. You don’t need the latest and greatest Mac to be productive in OS X. Here are six iBook and PowerBook suggestions built between 2000 and 2003.
• Using FireWire Target Disk Mode to install OS X on Macs without DVD drives, Charles W Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2006.09.14. Two methods for using FireWire Target Disk mode to install OS X on a Mac that can’t read DVDs.
• Clamshell iBook viability, problem reading CD-R, OS X unstable with video compression, iCab 3.0.3, and more, Charles W Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2006.08.21. Also possible solution for booting into OS 9, WallStreet upgrade value, Power Mac no longer jinxed, MacTV value, AIM for ancient Macs, and more.
• Getting the most out of the clamshell iBook, Charles W Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2006.08.14. “‘Unique’ is an overworked adjective, but in the case of the clamshell iBook, it’s justified. There’s never been anything quite like it before or since.”
• Clamshell iBook still a fun and practical notebook, Charles Webb, PowerBook Beat, 2006.08.11. “Granted, this iBook isn’t a speed demon in any way, but its amazing what a 7-year-old Apple notebook can do.”
• Is the G3 still a practical choice?, Matthew Jay, Macs to the Max, 2006.08.10. Although the G3 is several generations old, it has enough horsepower for most of the things we do on our computers.
• Customizing Mac OS 9, Nathan Thompson, Embracing Obsolescence, 2006.08.01. Fiddling with themes, picking a browser, and making the Classic Mac OS work just the way you want it to.
• 7 tools for keeping your laptop (uh, notebook) cool, Charles W Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2006.07.24. A quick look at the Podium CoolPad, ChillMat, ChillHubs, Laptop Desk, Xpad, iLap, and iBreeze – seven stands designed to keep you ‘Books running cooler.
• Installing OS X 10.4 ‘Tiger’ on DVD-challenged Macs using FireWire Target Disk Mode, Charles W Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2006.07.10. Mac OS X ships on a single install DVD, which Apple will exchange for CDs at $10. But if you have access to a DVD-equipped Mac and a FireWire cable, you’re good to go.
• Apple’s secret battery reset utility for WallStreet and Clamshell iBooks, Joe Rivera, Mac Fallout Shelter, 2006.07.05. If your old ‘Books battery isn’t taking a charge like it used to, Battery Reset 2.0 could help recover its useful life.
• Making the move from Jaguar (OS X 10.2) to Panther (10.3), Ted Hodges, Vintage Mac Living, 2006.04.11. One advantage of Apple’s “no upgrades” policy for OS X – someone can give you their old copy after upgrading without worrying about violating their license.
• Many G3 Macs now considered vintage, Mac News Review, 2006.03.31.
• Dvorak adoption notice, tips for Apple’s Yo-yo power supply, old iMac a good value?, and more, Charles W Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2006.02.27. Also a ‘Pismo up in smoke’ update, Lombard up in smoke, iBook G3 logic board problems, Wangwriter appreciation, and more.
• Web browser tips for the classic Mac OS, Nathan Thompson, Embracing Obsolescence, 2006.01.03. Tips on getting the most out of WaMCom, Mozilla, Internet Explorer, iCab, Opera, and WannaBe using the classic Mac OS.
• The best browsers for PowerPC Macs and the classic Mac OS, Nathan Thompson, Embracing Obsolescence, 2005.12.16. Two browsers stand out from the pack: iCab 3 is modern and remains under development, and WaMCom brings Mozilla to older Macs.
• It was the best of ‘Books; the worst of ‘Books, Charles W. Moore, Road Warrior, Mac Opinion, 2004.08.10. “In my estimation, the iBook became a legitimate front-line Road Warrior with the September, 2000, speed bumps to 366 MHz and 466 MHz….”
• Hotrodding the clamshell iBook?, Charles W Moore, Road Warrior, Mac Opinion, 2002.10.22. Add up to 512 MB RAM, drop in a big fast hard drive, but still limited to 800 x 600 screen.
• iBook Backlight Replacement Journal, Friesen, 2002.02.23. How to replace the backlight on a clamshell iBook for $12.
• Rage at being left behind, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2001.12.24. It’s official – Apple doesn’t plan to support graphics acceleration for any Mac with ATI Rage video.
• Internal CD-RW Drive For 1st Generation iBooks, The ‘Book Review, 2001.11.02. Replace the CD-ROM with a 4x burner for $145 plus shipping.
• Shot in the foot again: Firmware update disables RAM, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2001.03.25. “…we should not be at risk of losing some or all of the memory in our Macs because of a firmware update.”
• Keeper of the iBook: Does size matter?, Mark Newhouse, 5/15. “I use the iBook every day, and have found it to be the perfect companion on my commute.”
• Accelerate Your Mac! has downloadable color profiles for the iBook and recent PowerBooks that really improve on-screen color.
• Recovering a stolen PowerBook, The ‘Book Page. One user’s experience.
• Hands On: The iBook, Dan Knight, The iBook Page, 10/21/99
• Enter the iBook, the iMac channel
• PowerBooks email list
• iBook Technical Specifications, Apple

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.

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