In the realm of technological innovation, certain milestones stand out, shaping the landscape for years to come. Among these, the year 2003 heralded a significant moment for Apple fans worldwide with the release of the Apple PowerBook G4 12-inch Late 2003 (Aluminum).
The PowerBook G4 12-inch Late 2003 was more than just a laptop; it was a testament to Apple’s commitment to sleek design and cutting-edge performance. Weighing a mere 4.6 pounds, this compact marvel boasted a 12.1-inch TFT XGA active-matrix display, setting a new standard for portability without compromising on functionality.
At its core, the PowerBook G4 was a powerhouse. Sporting a lightning-fast 1 GHz PowerPC G4 processor, it effortlessly tackled demanding tasks with finesse. Enhanced graphics capabilities, courtesy of the NVIDIA GeForce FX Go 5200 graphics processor and 32 MB of DDR SDRAM, ensured a seamless multimedia experience. With support for up to 1.25 GB of DDR 266 MHz SDRAM, users had ample room to push the boundaries of productivity and creativity.
Delivering an unparalleled user experience, the PowerBook G4 came pre-installed with Mac OS X Jaguar 10.2.7. This sophisticated operating system introduced a myriad of features tailored to the mobile lifestyle. From the Instant On functionality, which awakened the PowerBook from sleep in a mere second, to Automatic Networking, simplifying network connections on the go, every detail was meticulously crafted to elevate user convenience. Additionally, advanced power management features extended battery life through Energy Saver Profiles, ensuring uninterrupted productivity.
Bundled with every PowerBook G4 were Apple’s renowned iLife applications. From managing digital music with iTunes to organizing and sharing memories through iPhoto, the suite empowered users to explore their creative potential. iMovie facilitated seamless digital movie-making, while iDVD offered a gateway to crafting Hollywood-style DVDs. Together, these integrated tools transformed the PowerBook G4 into a hub of creativity and entertainment.
September 16, 2003, marked the debut of the PowerBook G4, igniting a wave of anticipation among enthusiasts. Priced at $1,599, it positioned itself as a premium offering in the market, redefining standards with its feature-rich design. Powered by a 1 GHz PowerPC 7447 G4 processor, accompanied by 256 MB of RAM and a 40 GB hard drive, it was a symbol of technological prowess.
The allure of the PowerBook G4 extended far and wide, with availability through the Apple Store, retail outlets, and authorized resellers. Offering flexibility, users could opt for additional build-to-order options, including upgrades to 2 GB of DDR RAM, AirPort Extreme Base Station, AirPort Extreme Card, and the AppleCare Protection Plan.
As with all chapters, the journey of the PowerBook G4 eventually reached its conclusion. Discontinued on April 19, 2004, it paved the way for newer iterations, leaving behind a legacy etched in the annals of technology. Today, as it celebrates its 20-year anniversary, the PowerBook G4 12-inch Late 2003 stands as a cherished memory for those who experienced its magic firsthand.
In retrospect, the Apple PowerBook G4 12-inch Late 2003 transcended its status as a mere device, embodying a spirit of innovation that continues to resonate. From its sleek design to its formidable performance, it set the stage for future advancements in portable computing.
PowerBook G4 12-inch Late 2003 Details
| Introduced | September 16, 2003 |
| Discontinued | April 19, 2004 |
| Model Identifier | PowerBook6,2 |
| Model Number | A1010 |
| EMC | 1986 |
| Order Number | M9007LL/A M9008LL/A |
| Original Price | $1,599 $1,799 |
| Colors | Aluminum |
| Weight | 4.6 Ibs. 2.086 KG |
| Dimensions | 1.18” H x 10.9” W x 8.6” D 3 cm H x 27.68 cm W x 21.84 cm D |
PowerBook G4 12-inch Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PowerPC 7447 G4 |
| Processor Speed | 1 GHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 133 MHz |
| Cache | 64 KB L1 512 KB on-chip L2 |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 40 GB |
| Media | 1 – 8x DVD/CD-RW “Combo” or 8x DVD-R/CD-RW “SuperDrive” slot-loading drive |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 256 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 1.25 GB |
| Memory Slots | 1 – PC-2100 200-pin SO-DIMM |
| Interleaving Support | No |
Display
| Built-in Display | 12.1″ Color TFT Display |
| Resolutions | 640 x 480 800 x 600 1024 x 768 (native) |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | NVIDIA GeForce FX Go5200 |
| Graphics Memory | 32 MB |
| Display Connection | 1 – Mini-VGA (DVI, VGA, Composite, and S-Video with adapter) |
| Display Modes | Dual display extended and video mirroring |
| External Resolution | Up to 2048 by 1536 pixels |
Expansion
| Expansion Slots | None |
| Hard Drive Interface | Ultra ATA/100 (ATA-6) |
| Bays | None |
Connections
| Wi-Fi | AirPort Extreme Card 802.11b/g (Optional) |
| Ethernet | 10/100BASE-T (RJ-45) |
| Modem | 56k |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 1.1 |
| Infrared | None |
| ADB | None |
| FireWire | 1 – 400 Mbps |
| SCSI | None |
| USB | 2 – 480 Mbps |
| Audio In | 1 – 3.5-mm analog input jack 1 – Built-in microphone |
| Audio Out | 1 – 3.5-mm analog output jack 3 – Built-in speakers |
| Display | 1 – Mini-VGA (DVI, VGA, Composite, and S-Video with adapter) |
| Security Slot | 1 – Kensington cable lock |
Keyboard and trackpad
| Keyboard | Built-in Full-size 78-key (U.S.) or 79-key (ISO) incl. 12 function and 4 arrow keys |
| Trackpad | Built-in Solid-state trackpad (Tap, double-tap, and drag) |
Software
| Original OS | Mac OS X 10.2.7 |
| Later OS | Mac OS X 10.3 |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS X 10.5.8 |
| Firmware | Macintosh ROM |
| Bundled Software | Mac OS X 10.2 Jaguar iChat Safari Sherlock Address Book QuickTime, iLife (includes iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie, and iDVD) iSync iCal DVD Player Classic environment Acrobat Reader Art Directors Toolkit EarthLink TotalAccess 2003 (includes 30 days of free service) FAXstf FileMaker Pro 6 Trial GraphicConverter Microsoft Office OmniGraffle OmniOutliner QuickBooks for Mac New User Edition Developer Tools Apple Hardware Test |
Power
| System Battery | 47 Wh Lithium-Ion |
| Backup Battery | None |
| Battery Life | Up to 5 hours |
| Maximum Continuous Power | Unknown |
| Line Voltage | 100-240 V AC |
| Power Adapter | 45 W Apple Power Adapter |
Further Reading and References
- PowerBook G4 (12-inch DVI): Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple Introduces New 15-inch PowerBook – Apple Newsroom
- PowerBook G4 – Wikipedia
- 12″ PowerBook G4 (Late 2003) – Low End Mac
- PowerBook G4 (12.1″ DVI) – Apple History
- PowerBook G4 (12-inch) Service Source (PDF) – Apple Repair Manuals
- Ode to the 12-inch PowerBook G4, Apple’s first desktop-quality laptop – MacWorld
- 12-inch Powerbook & iBook – Sound on Sound
Disclaimer: The data presented in this article is under continuous development and has been manually collected from various sources based on their availability. The author of this article may revise this dataset as additional research is conducted and reviewed. Please note that the information is provided “as is” and “as available” without express or implied warranties. The author cannot be held responsible for any omissions, inaccuracies, or errors in the published information. Any warranties relating to this information are hereby disclaimed.
Last updated: February 19, 2024
