In the fast-paced world of technology, where innovations come and go, some gems stand the test of time. One such timeless classic is the Apple iBook 14.1-inch Early 2002, also known as “Translucent White.” Introduced in January 2002 as part of the iBook G3 series, this notebook computer left an indelible mark on the consumer electronics landscape.
Apple’s announcement of the new 14-inch iBook marked a milestone in the company’s popular iBook line of consumer notebooks. Priced at $1,799, this top-tier model boasted a brilliant 14-inch active-matrix display, a Combo drive, and an impressive battery life of up to 6 hours. According to Philip Schiller, the vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing, the iBook was hailed as the best consumer and education notebook on the market, solidifying its position as Apple’s most popular portable device at the time.
What set the iBook apart from its competitors was not just its sleek design but also the innovative features and pre-installed digital lifestyle software. Each iBook came equipped with Apple’s award-winning digital lifestyle software, including the groundbreaking iPhoto. This revolution in digital photography allowed users to manage their photo collections, import images from digital cameras, organize them, and even create and publish internet photo albums. The introduction of iTunes 2 MP3 music software and the Combo drive option for burning custom music CDs further enhanced the iBook’s appeal.
The iBook’s multimedia capabilities extended to digital video editing with the inclusion of a built-in FireWire port and preinstalled iMovie 2 software. This combination allowed users to effortlessly create and edit digital movies on the go, showcasing Apple’s commitment to providing a comprehensive digital experience.
Under the hood, the iBook featured a 600 MHz PowerPC G3 processor, a 14.1-inch TFT display, 256 MB of RAM, and a 20 GB or 30 GB hard drive, making it a reliable and efficient choice for users. The inclusion of the ATI Rage Mobility 128 graphics controller with 8 MB RAM and AGP 2X ensured smooth graphics performance.
One of the standout features of the iBook was its operating system – Apple’s next-generation Mac OS X. This UNIX-based operating system combined power with elegance, allowing users to seamlessly manage their digital photos, movies, and music. The iBook became the center of Apple’s Digital Hub strategy, providing users with a unified platform for their multimedia needs.
The iBook line offered a range of configurations, including a choice between a 12.1-inch or 14.1-inch active-matrix display, 600 MHz PowerPC G3 processors, and varying amounts of RAM up to 640 MB. Customers could opt for a DVD-ROM/CD-RW Combo drive or a CD-ROM, depending on their preferences. Other notable features included AirPort readiness for wireless Internet access, USB and FireWire ports, and a built-in 56K modem and 10/100BASE-T Ethernet for connectivity.
Despite its impressive features, the 14.1-inch iBook had a relatively short lifespan. It was succeeded by the iBook 14.1-inch Mid 2002 just a few months later in May 2002, showcasing Apple’s commitment to continuous innovation.
Even though the iBook 14.1-inch had a brief run, it remains a sought-after collector’s item today, now celebrating its 22-year since its introduction. The distinct design, powerful specifications, and the legacy of being part of Apple’s iconic iBook G3 series contribute to its enduring popularity among enthusiasts.
The iBook G3 14-Inch was available in three standard configurations. The 600 MHz iBook, priced at $1,799, included a 14.1-inch active-matrix TFT display, 256 MB SDRAM, a 20 GB Ultra ATA hard drive, a 6-hour battery life, and a DVD-ROM/CD-RW Combo optical drive. This configuration, weighing just 5.9 pounds, offered a perfect balance of portability and performance.
The Apple iBook 14.1-inch Early 2002 remains a testament to Apple’s commitment to innovation and design. Its introduction marked a significant chapter in the history of consumer notebooks, offering users a blend of style, functionality, and powerful capabilities. While technology has evolved over the years, the legacy of the iBook G3 series lives on, and the 14.1-inch model continues to capture the hearts of collectors and Apple enthusiasts alike.
iBook 14.1-inch Early 2002 Details
| Introduced | January 7, 2002 |
| Discontinued | May 20, 2002 |
| Model Identifier | PowerBook4,2 |
| Model Number | M8413 |
| Order Number | M7701LL/A |
| Original Price | $1,799 |
| Colors | Translucent White |
| Weight | 5.99 Ibs. 2.717 KG |
| Dimensions | 12.7” H x 10.2” W x 1.35” D 32.25 cm H x 25.9 cm W x 3.42 cm D |
iBook 14.1-inch Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PowerPC 750cx G3 |
| Processor Speed | 600 MHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 100 MHz |
| Cache | 64 KB L1 256 KB on-chip L2 |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 20 GB 30 GB |
| Media | 1 – DVD-ROM/CD-RW “Combo” tray-loading drive |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 256 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 640 MB |
| Memory Slots | 1 – PC-100 3.3V 144-pin SO-DIMM |
| Minimum Speed | 10 ns |
| Interleaving Support | No |
Display
| Built-in Display | 14.1″ Color TFT XGA Display |
| Resolutions | 640 x 480 800 x 600 1024 x 768 (native) |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | ATI Rage Mobility 128 |
| Graphics Memory | 8 MB |
| Display Connection | 1 – VGA or Composite via A/V port |
| Display Modes | Video mirroring only |
| External Resolution | None |
Expansion
| Expansion Slots | None |
| Hard Drive Interface | Ultra ATA |
| Bays | None |
Connections
| Wi-Fi | AirPort Card 802.11b (Optional) |
| Ethernet | 10/100BASE-T (RJ-45) |
| Modem | 56k |
| Bluetooth | None |
| Infrared | None |
| FireWire | 1 – 400 Mbps (7W) |
| SCSI | None |
| USB | 2 – 12 Mbps |
| Audio In | 1 – Built-in microphone |
| Audio Out | 1 – Output through A/V port 2 – Built-in speakers |
| Display | 1 – VGA or Composite via A/V port |
| Security Slot | 1 – Kensington cable lock |
Keyboard and trackpad
| Keyboard | Built-in Full-size 77-key (U.S.) or 78-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 9.2.1 Mac OS X 10.1.2 |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS X 10.4.11 |
| Firmware | Macintosh ROM |
| Bundled Software | Mac OS 9.2 or Mac OS X 10.1 Puma QuickTime iMovie 2 iTunes 2 AppleWorks Mac OS X Mail Microsoft Internet Explorer EarthLink AOL World Book Mac OS X Edition Otto Matic PCalc Acrobat Reader FAXstf 10.0 Preview Apple Hardware Test CD |
Power
| System Battery | 55 Wh Lithium-Ion (M8665G/A) |
| Backup Battery | None |
| Battery Life | Up to 6 hours |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 45 W |
| Line Voltage | 100-240 V AC |
| Power Adapter | 45 W Apple Power Adapter (M8576LL/A) |
Further Reading and References
- iBook (14.1 LCD): Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple Announces 14-inch iBook – Apple Newsroom
- iBook – Wikipedia
- 14″ 600 MHz iBook G3 (Early 2002) – Low End Mac
- iBook G3 (600MHz, PowerPC 750cx, 14-inch, Early 2002) – MattFuller
- Jobs: 14-inch iBook introduced – MacWorld
- Apple iBook G3 (PowerPC G3 600 MHz) review – CNET
- Fresh Apple Notebooks – Forbes
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: January 30, 2024
