12″ 800 MHz 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 the G4 iBooks use a G4 CPU, it’s not the same version used in the PowerBook G4 – this edition 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.

12" iBook G4

12" iBook G4The G4 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 on the 12″ model is now 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; replaced by 1.07 GHz model 2004.04.19
  • requires Mac OS X 10.3 Panther through 10.4 Tiger, 10.5 Leopard not officially supported but can be used
  • CPU: 800 MHz G4
  • Bus: 133 MHz
  • Performance:
    • Geekbench 2 (Leopard): 450
    • Geekbench 2 (Tiger): 433
  • 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″ 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: 12.1″ 24-bit 1024 x 768 106 ppi color active matrix, resolution scaling for 640 x 480 and 800 x 600 modes
  • Video out: VGA and composite video
  • Hard drive: 30 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: 11.2 x 9.1 x 1.35″ (28.5 x 23.0 x 3.4 cm)
  • Weight: 4.9 pounds (2.2 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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