In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, certain milestones stand out as pioneers, shaping the course of innovation. One such luminary in the late 1990s was the Apple iBook G3, a groundbreaking addition to the Macintosh series.
In the late 1990s, Apple was streamlining its product line, transitioning from a convoluted array of models to a simplified “four box” strategy. The iBook G3, unveiled by Steve Jobs on July 21, 1999, filled a crucial gap in the consumer portable space, solidifying Apple’s strategic vision.
The iBook G3 was designed with a clamshell structure, featuring a PowerPC G3 CPU, USB, Ethernet, modem ports, and an optical drive. The absence of a latch on the screen was compensated by a robust hinge, which also served as an integrated carrying handle. The introduction of the iBook marked the advent of Apple’s “Unified Logic Board Architecture,” condensing core features into two chips while incorporating AGP and Ultra DMA support.
One of the most revolutionary aspects of the iBook was its integration of wireless networking, a first for mainstream computers. Demonstrating this capability, Phil Schiller, Apple’s VP of Marketing, leaped from a height while data transferred seamlessly between two iBooks. The wireless antenna, housed in the display bezel, was attached to an optional internal wireless card, setting an industry standard. Simultaneously, Apple released the AirPort Wireless Base Station, showcasing its commitment to wireless connectivity.
The iBook stirred heated debates over aesthetics, features, weight, performance, and pricing. Despite being larger and heftier than contemporaneous PowerBooks, the iBook’s unique design garnered both acclaim and criticism. Affectionately labeled “Barbie’s toilet seat,” its distinctive appearance made it instantly recognizable in movies and TV shows. However, the iBook proved to be a commercial success, establishing itself as a trendsetter in the laptop market.
Equipped with a 300 MHz PowerPC 750 G3 processor, a 12.1-inch color LCD display, and 32 MB or 64 MB of RAM, the iBook was a technological marvel. Its 3.2 GB or 6 GB hard drive, along with a tray-loading 24x CD-ROM drive and 4 MB ATI Rage Mobility graphics, made it a formidable player in the market. The iBook’s design drew inspiration from the iMac, with the marketing slogan “iMac to go” emphasizing its portable counterpart status.
The Clamshell iBook, compared to its successors, proved to be a paragon of reliability. Its design innovations, such as uncovered side ports and the omission of a lid latch, continue to influence contemporary devices. The iBook’s colorful shell, starting with Blueberry and Tangerine, paved the way for the vibrant MacBook lineup we see today.
Despite its impressive specs and innovative design, the original iBook faced discontinuation on September 13, 2000. Today, as the iBook turns 25, its impact on the industry is palpable. It was a pivotal moment in Apple’s computer line evolution, laying the groundwork for subsequent iconic releases like the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air. The iBook G3 stands not just as a relic of the past but as a testament to Apple’s relentless pursuit of innovation.
In retrospect, the iBook G3 wasn’t just a laptop; it was a statement—a symbol of Apple’s commitment to pushing boundaries and shaping the future of computing. As we celebrate its 25-year anniversary, let’s tip our hats to the iBook, a timeless piece of technology that continues to echo in the corridors of innovation.
Original iBook Details
| Introduced | July 21, 1999 |
| Discontinued | September 13, 2000 |
| Model Identifier | PowerBook2,1 |
| Model Number | M2452 |
| Order Number | M7707LL/A (Blueberry 3.2 GB) M7619LL/A (Tangerine 3.2 GB) M7717LL/A (Blueberry 6 GB) M7718LL/A (Tangerine 6 GB) |
| Original Price | $1,599 |
| Colors | Blueberry Tangerine |
| Weight | 6.7 Ibs. 3.039 KG |
| Dimensions | 11.6” H x 13.5” W x 1.8” D 29.46 cm H x 34.29 cm W x 4.57 cm D |
iBook G3 1999 Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PowerPC 750 G3 |
| Processor Speed | 300 MHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 66 MHz |
| Cache | 64 KB L1 512 KB backside L2 |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 3.2 GB 6 GB |
| Media | 1 – 24x CD-ROM (Tray-loading) |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 32 MB 64 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 544 MB (32 + 512 MB) 576 MB (64 + 512 MB) |
| Memory Slots | 1 – PC66 3.3V 144-pin SO-DIMM |
| Minimum Speed | 10 ns |
| Interleaving Support | No |
Display
| Built-in Display | 12.1″ Color TFT Active Matrix Display |
| Resolutions | 640 x 480 800 x 600 |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | ATI Rage Mobility |
| Graphics Memory | 4 MB |
| Display Connection | None |
| Display Modes | None |
| External Resolution | None |
Expansion
| Expansion Slots | None |
| Hard Drive Interface | ATA-2 |
| Bays | None |
Connections
| Wi-Fi | AirPort Card 802.11b (Optional) |
| Ethernet | 10/100BASE-T (RJ-45) |
| Modem | 56k v.90 |
| Bluetooth | None |
| Infrared | None |
| Serial | None |
| SCSI | None |
| USB | 1 – 12 Mbps |
| Audio In | None |
| Audio Out | 1 – 3.5-mm analog output jack 1 – Built-in speakers |
| Display | None |
| Security Slot | None |
Keyboard and trackpad
| Keyboard | Built-in Full-size 76-key (U.S.) or 77-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 8.6 |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS X 10.3.9 |
| Firmware | Macintosh ROM 2.3.1 |
| Bundled Software | Mac OS 8.6 AppleWorks Palm Desktop Organizer Internet Explorer Microsoft Outlook Express Netscape Communicator AOL 4.0 EarthLink TotalAccess EdView Internet Safety Kit Family Edition The World Book Encyclopedia Adobe Acrobat Reader FAXstf Nanosaur Bugdom QuickTime 4 |
Power
| System Battery | 45 Wh Lithium-Ion (M7426) |
| Backup Battery | None |
| Battery Life | Up to 6 hours |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 45 W |
| Line Voltage | 100-240 V AC |
| Power Adapter | Apple 45 Watt Power Adapter (M7332) |
Original iBook Introduction Video
Further Reading and References
- iBook: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- iBook – Wikipedia
- Original iBook – Low End Mac
- iBook review – MacWorld
- Apple unveils portable iMac – July 21, 1999 – CNN
- Today in Apple history: iBook ushers in a Wi-Fi revolution – Cult of Mac
- Why Apple’s G3 iBook is Still Great – Lifewire
- Unboxing a SEALED iBook G3 with MKBHD! – YouTube
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 14, 2024
