In the early 2000s, Apple’s iBook G4 series revolutionized the landscape of portable computing. Among them, the iBook G4 14.1-inch Late 2004 model stands out as a true classic, etching its place in the annals of tech history.
Released in 2004, the iBook G4 14.1-inch Late 2004 was a pinnacle of innovation, boasting cutting-edge features that set it apart from its peers. Apple astounded consumers and education sectors alike with the announcement of the fastest and most affordable iBook G4 ever. Priced starting at just $1,299, it featured built-in AirPort Extreme wireless networking, making connectivity seamless for users on the go.
Encased in a sleek, durable polycarbonate plastic enclosure, the iBook G4 14.1-inch Late 2004 exuded elegance and resilience. With PowerPC G4 processors running at 1.33 GHz, it offered improved performance, catering to the demands of modern digital life. The availability of up to six hours of battery life ensured uninterrupted usage, whether in classrooms or on the move.
Equipped with a full complement of I/O ports including FireWire 400, USB 2.0, and Ethernet, the iBook G4 facilitated seamless connectivity with a wide range of peripherals. Its ATI Mobility Radeon 9200 graphics card with 32 MB of dedicated DDR memory provided world-class graphics capabilities, enhancing gaming and multimedia experiences. The inclusion of a slot-load SuperDrive or combo drive empowered users to burn DVDs and CDs effortlessly.
At the heart of the iBook G4 experience lay Apple’s groundbreaking iLife ’04 suite, a collection of digital lifestyle applications that revolutionized content creation. From managing digital music with iTunes to creating professional-quality DVDs with iDVD, users were empowered to explore their creative potential. Additionally, productivity and entertainment titles such as AppleWorks and GarageBand enriched the user experience, making the iBook G4 a versatile companion for both work and play.
Pre-installed with Mac OS X 10.3 Panther, the iBook G4 offered a seamless computing experience, packed with over 150 breakthrough features. From iChat AV for personal video conferencing to Exposé for instant window access, Panther epitomized Apple’s commitment to innovation and user-centric design. Enhanced Windows compatibility further bridged the gap between Mac and PC ecosystems, ensuring effortless file sharing and networking.
Despite its discontinuation in 2005, the iBook G4 14.1-inch Late 2004 continues to evoke nostalgia and reverence among Mac fans and tech enthusiasts. Its enduring legacy is a testament to its impact on the evolution of portable computing. Today, as we reflect on its 19 years of existence, the iBook G4 remains a cherished relic, reminding us of a bygone era characterized by innovation and ingenuity.
iBook G4 14.1-inch Late 2004 Details
| Introduced | October 19, 2004 – 19 years ago |
| Discontinued | July 26, 2005 – 19 – years ago |
| Time on the Market | 280 days (9 months) |
| Model Identifier | PowerBook6,5 |
| Model Number | A1055 |
| EMC | Unknown |
| Order Number | M9627LL/A M9628LL/A |
| Original Price | $1,299 $1,499 |
| Colors | Opaque 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 G4 14.1-inch Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PowerPC 7457a G4 |
| Processor Speed | 1.33 GHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 133 MHz |
| Cache | 64 KB L1 512 KB on-chip L2 |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 60 GB 80 GB |
| Media | 1 – 8x DVD-ROM/CD-RW “Combo” slot-loading drive or 2x DVD-R/CD-RW “SuperDrive” |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 256 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 1.25 GB |
| Memory Slots | 1 – PC-2100 DDR266 200-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 9200 |
| Graphics Memory | 32 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/100 (ATA-6) |
| Bays | None |
Connections
| Wi-Fi | AirPort Extreme Card 802.11b/g |
| Ethernet | 10/100BASE-T (RJ-45) |
| Modem | 56k |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 1.1 (Optional) |
| Infrared | None |
| FireWire | 1 – 400 Mbps |
| SCSI | None |
| USB | 2 – 480 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 X 10.3.5 |
| Later OS | Mac OS X 10.3.7 Mac OS X 10.4 |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS X 10.5.8 |
| Firmware | Macintosh ROM |
| Bundled Software | Mac OS X 10.3 QuickTime iCal iChat iLife (includes iTunes, iPhoto, and iMovie) iSync DVD Player AppleWorks Mac OS X Mail Microsoft Internet Explorer EarthLink AOL Quicken 2003 Deluxe World Book 2003 Edition Mac OS X Chess Otto Matic Deimos Rising Microsoft Office Sound Studio FAXstf Acrobat Reader Apple Hardware Test CD |
Power
| System Battery | 61 Wh Lithium-Ion |
| 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 Portable Power Adapter (M8943LL/A) |
Further Reading and References
- iBook G4 (Late 2004): Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple Unveils Fastest, Most Affordable iBook G4 Ever – Apple Newsroom
- iBook – Wikipedia
- iBook G4 (Late 2004) – Apple History
- iBook G4 (14-inch Late 2004) Service Source (PDF) – Apple Repair Manuals
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.
