15" PowerBook G4

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PowerBook

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PowerBook G4

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Tech Specs

550 MHz 15″ PowerBook G4 (Late 2001)

LEM Staff - 2001.10.16

Just nine months after releasing the first titanium PowerBook, Apple replaced it with two faster models; this is the slower one. Both models share the same logic board, but they run the bus and CPU at different speeds.

15" Titanium PowerBook G4

The 550 MHz CPU runs on the same 100 MHz system bus as the original TiBook. Standard features include a 20 GB hard drive, and ATI Mobility Radeon graphics with 16 MB of video memory. CD-RW is available as a build-to-order option for those willing to give up DVD.

The big new features on the Late 2001 models are ATI Mobility Radeon graphics with 16 MB of video memory and gigabit ethernet, a step up from 10/100 ethernet on the Early 2001 PowerBooks.

Titanium PowerBook G4

Closed Lid Mode: TiBooks support “lid closed” (or clamshell) mode, which leaves the built-in display off and dedicates all video RAM to an external display. To used closed lid mode, your ‘Book must be plugged into the AC adapter and connected to an external display and a USB mouse and keyboard (you might also want to consider external speakers). Power up your ‘Book until the desktop appears on the external display and then close the lid. Your ‘Book will go to sleep, but you can wake it by moving the mouse or using the keyboard. The built-in display will remain off, and the external monitor will become your only display. Since all video RAM is now dedicated to the external monitor, you may have more colors available at higher resolutions. The TiBook is designed to run safely in closed lid mode, but if yours runs hot (perhaps due to overclocking or high ambient temperatures), you may want to open the lid when in closed lid mode: The screen will remain off and the computer will more readily vent heat from the CPU.

To resume use of the internal display, you need to disconnect the external display, put the computer to sleep, and then open the lid. This will wake up your ‘Book and restore use of the built-in display.

This TiBook was replaced by a faster, larger screen model on April 29, 2002.

Details

  • code names: Onyx, TiBook
  • introduced 2001.10.16 at US$2,199; discontinued 2002.04.29
    DVD-ROM replaced with CD-RW/DVD-ROM combo drive 2001.12.17
  • product code: M8362 (DVD), M8622 (Combo)
  • Requires Mac OS 9.1 or later, Mac OS X 10.1 through 10.4.x, 10.5 not officially supported
  • CPU: 550 MHz G4 (7451)
  • Bus: 100 MHz
  • Performance: unknown
  • ROM: 4 MB, NewWorld ROM in RAM architecture
  • RAM: 128 MB, expandable to 1 GB using two PC100 3.3 volt unbuffered low-power 144-pin 100 MHz SO-DIMMs
  • Level 2 cache: 256 KB at 550 MHz
  • Video: ATI AGP 4x Mobility Radeon
  • VRAM: 16 MB
  • Video out: VGA and S-video connectors
  • display: 15.2″ (38 cm) 24-bit 1152 x 768 91 ppi color active matrix
    supports 896 x 600 and 720 x 480 pixels at 3:2 aspect ratio; 1024 x 768, 800 x 600, and 640 x 480 pixels at 4:3 aspect ratio
    allows mirroring to external display or extended desktop mode
  • Hard drive: 20 GB IDE, 30 and 48 GB optional, 128 GB maximum
  • DVD-ROM: 2x (8/8/24x CD-RW optional), CD-RW/DVD-ROM standard from 2001.12.17
  • floppy drive: external USB only
  • expansions bays: none
  • USB: 2 USB 1.1 ports
  • FireWire: 1 FW400 port
  • infrared: 4 Mbps IrDA 1.1
  • Ethernet: 10/100/gigabit
  • Modem: v.90 56k
  • WiFi: 802.11b AirPort optional
  • PC Card slots: 1
  • battery: 50 watt-hours, rated at up to 5 hours
  • PRAM battery: Apple part 922-4361, US$70-95
  • size: 9.5 x 13.5 x 1.0″ (241 x 341 x 26 mm)
  • Weight: 5.3 pounds (2.4 kg)

CPU Upgrades

Online Resources

Cautions

  • Do not under any circumstances use the Password Security control panel with any PowerBook running Mac OS 9 – see PowerBook (FireWire): Late Breaking News – it will render your PowerBook inoperable. The only fix is to put the drive in an older PowerBook, open Password Security, go to Setup, and click the Reset button, and then put the drive back in your ‘Book.
  • 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.

Keywords: #tibook #titaniumpowerbook #tibook550

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