In the realm of computing history, certain products stand out as pivotal moments that shaped the industry. Among these, the iBook 14.1-inch Mid 2002 holds a special place. Released on May 20, 2002, by tech giant Apple, this sleek and powerful notebook computer swiftly captured the hearts of consumers and educators alike.
Apple’s commitment to innovation was evident in the iBook 14.1-inch Mid 2002. Equipped with faster PowerPC G3 processors running at up to 700 MHz, double the cache, and a robust ATI Mobility Radeon graphics processor, it delivered unparalleled performance. Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior director of Hardware Product Marketing, hailed it as a game-changer for digital content creation and sharing.
The iBook boasted an array of enhanced features designed to enrich the user experience. Its larger hard drives, improved graphics capabilities, and expanded memory options empowered users to seamlessly handle multimedia tasks. With a new video-out port supporting VGA, S-video, and composite video, the iBook facilitated versatile connectivity for presentations and entertainment.
Apple’s commitment to empowering creativity shone through with the inclusion of its renowned suite of digital lifestyle applications. From organizing and burning digital music with iTunes 2, to creating movies with iMovie 2, and managing photographs with iPhoto, the iBook provided users with the tools to explore their creative potential.
Available in 12.1-inch and 14.1-inch variants, the iBook offered flexibility to suit diverse user preferences. With options for up to 256 MB SDRAM, expandable to 640 MB, and a choice between DVD-ROM/CD-RW Combo or CD-ROM drives, users could tailor their iBook to meet their specific needs.
At a price point of $1,799, the iBook 14.1-inch Mid 2002 represented exceptional value for its performance and features. Available through various channels including the Apple Store, retail outlets, and authorized resellers, it offered accessibility to a wide audience of eager consumers.
Despite its relatively short lifespan, the iBook 14.1-inch Mid 2002 left an indelible mark on Apple’s history. Its discontinuation in November 2002 marked the end of an era, yet its legacy endures. Even 22 years later, it remains a cherished relic for enthusiasts and collectors, symbolizing Apple’s unwavering commitment to innovation and design excellence.
In retrospect, the iBook 14.1-inch Mid 2002 stands as a testament to Apple’s prowess in redefining the boundaries of personal computing. With its groundbreaking features, sleek design, and enduring legacy, it holds a special place in the hearts of Apple aficionados worldwide. As we reflect on its impact, we celebrate not just a product, but a symbol of innovation that continues to inspire generations of technology enthusiasts.
iBook 14.1-inch Mid 2002 Details
| Introduced | May 20, 2002 |
| Discontinued | November 6, 2002 |
| Model Identifier | PowerBook4,3 |
| Model Number | A1003 |
| EMC | 1924 |
| Order Number | M8603LL/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 G3 14.1-inch Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PowerPC 750fx G3 |
| Processor Speed | 700 MHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 100 MHz |
| Cache | 64 KB L1 512 KB on-chip L2 |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 30 GB 40 GB |
| Media | 1 – 8x 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 |
| 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 Mobility Radeon |
| Graphics Memory | 16 MB |
| Display Connection | 1 – Mini-VGA (Composite and S-Video with adapter) |
| 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 – 3.5-mm analog output jack 2 – Built-in speakers |
| Display | 1 – Mini-VGA (Composite and S-Video with adapter) |
| 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 9.2.2 Mac OS X 10.1.4 |
| Later OS | Mac OS X 10.2 |
| 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 iPhoto AppleWorks Mac OS X Mail Microsoft Internet Explorer EarthLink AOL World Book Mac OS X Edition Otto Matic Deimos Rising 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 (M8743LL/A) |
Further Reading and References
- iBook (16 VRAM): Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple Updates Popular iBook Line – Apple Newsroom
- iBook – Wikipedia
- 14″ 700 MHz iBook G3 (Mid 2002) – Low End Mac
- Power Macintosh iBook 700 – Mel’s Tech Blog
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 9, 2024
