12" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz

• PowerBook/iBook battery recall, The 'Book Review, 2006.08.25.
• Got a PowerBook G4? Join the G4 'Books email list.
• Got a PowerBook G4? Join the Titanium G4 email list.
• Mac OS 9 List is for those using Mac OS 9, either natively or in Classic Mode.
• Panther List is for those using Mac OS X 10.3.
• Tiger List is for those using Mac OS X 10.4.

Overview

After nine months at 1.33 GHz, Apple bumped the little AlBook by 13%, from 1.33 GHz to 1.5 GHz. Standard memory has been increased to 512 MB, graphics now uses the nVidia GeForce FX Go5200 processor, and the SuperDrive can burn DVDs at up to 8x. All this at $100 less than the retail price of last year's model.

Bluetooth 2.0 (up to 3x faster than the old standard) and AirPort Extreme are now standard features on all PowerBooks, and the 2005 models add two new technologies: a scrolling trackpad and motion sensing. Scrolling with the trackpad requires the use of two fingers, and motion sensing is meant to protect the hard drive if the PowerBook is dropped.

The battery is rated at 5 hours.

Details

• Introduced 2005.01.31 at US$1,499 (Combo) and US$1,699 (SuperDrive). Combo model discontinued, SuperDrive model reduced to US$1,499 on 2005.10.19.
• requires Mac OS X 10.3 or later
• CPU: 1.5 GHz G4 (7457B)
• bus: 167 MHz
• ROM: 4 MB, NewWorld ROM in RAM architecture
• RAM: 512 MB, expandable to 1.25 using PC2700 DDR SDRAM memory (256 MB onboard plus one expansion slot)
• Level 2 cache: 512 KB at CPU speed
• Video: nVidia GeForce FX Go5200 AGP 4x
• VRAM: 64 MB
• Video out: mini-DVI (supports DVI and VGA with adapters)
• display: 12.1" 24-bit 1024 x 768 color active matrix. Supports resolution scaling for 800 x 600 and 640 x 480. Supports to 2048 x 1536 on external display.
• hard drive: 60/80 GB 5400 rpm ATA/100
• optical drive: Combo drive or 4x SuperDrive
  • Combo drive reads DVDs at up to 8x, writes CD-R at up to 24x, writes CD-RW at up to 16x, reads CDs at up to 24x
  • SuperDrive writes DVD-R and DVD+R at up to 8x, DVD-RW and DVD+RW at 4x, reads DVDs at 6x, writes CD-R at 24x, writes CD-RW at 10x, reads CDs at 24x
• floppy drive: external USB only
• expansions bays: none
• USB: 2
• FireWire: 1 FW400 port
• IR port: none
• ethernet: 10/100Base-T
• modem: v.92 56k
• WiFi: 802.11g AirPort Extreme built in
• Bluetooth: BT 2.0 built in
• PC Card slots: none
• size: 8.6" x 10.9" x 1.18" (219 x 277 x 30 mm)
• weight: 4.6 pounds (2.1 kg)
• Part no.: M9690LL/A (Combo), M9691LL/A (SuperDrive)

Online Resources

• Low End Mac's Best Aluminum PowerBook G4 Deals, updated biweekly.
• The 2005 PowerBook G4 value equation, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2005.02.01. As always, the new PowerBooks offer more for the dollar, but how do they compare to close-out prices on last year's models?
• Titanium G4 email list, The Macintosh Guy. Email list for PowerBook G4 users.
• Memory pricing at ramseeker.
• Apple profile: 12" PowerBook G4

Cautions

• 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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