In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, certain milestones stand out as iconic moments that shaped the way we interact with our devices. On September 13th, 2000, Apple unveiled a groundbreaking addition to its iBook series – the Apple iBook Late 2000 also known as “iBook with FireWire”. This portable powerhouse not only marked a significant advancement in computing technology but also left an indelible mark on the hearts of Apple enthusiasts worldwide.
The turn of the millennium saw Apple pushing the boundaries of innovation, and the iBook Late 2000 was a testament to the company’s commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions for users seeking portable computing excellence. From 2000 to 2001, this sleek notebook computer took the world by storm, captivating consumers, students, and educators alike.
The iBook with FireWire introduced a range of features that set it apart from its predecessors. Apple not only incorporated FireWire ports but also bundled the revolutionary iMovie 2 – the world’s most popular and user-friendly digital video editing software. The addition of vibrant new colors, including Indigo and Graphite for the iBook Special Edition, showcased Apple’s dedication to aesthetics and individuality.
In a bold move, Apple also introduced the season’s hottest new color, Key Lime, available exclusively from Apple’s Online Store. This strategic marketing move not only made the iBook a computing marvel but also a fashion statement.
Apple’s CEO, Steve Jobs, expressed his excitement about the new iBook models, stating, “iBook has been a big hit with consumers, students, and educators, and the addition of portable digital video editing with FireWire and iMovie 2 makes it even better.” Jobs emphasized the democratization of digital content creation, declaring, “Anyone can now own a portable movie studio for just $1,499.”
The iBook boasted impressive specifications for its time, including a 366 MHz PowerPC G3 processor, a 10 GB IDE hard drive, and a 400 Mbps FireWire port for seamless connections to high-speed peripherals like digital camcorders and hard disk drives. The inclusion of a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive, along with an AV port for audio and composite video output, elevated the iBook’s multimedia capabilities.
Gamers and graphics enthusiasts found joy in the blazing ATI RAGE Mobility 128 controller with 8MB of SDRAM, delivering an immersive experience with great games and graphics. The 12.1-inch (diagonal) active-matrix TFT display continued to offer brilliance, complemented by the “all-day” battery life of up to six hours – a feature that defined the iBook series.
Despite its groundbreaking features and initial success, the iBook Late 2000 faced an untimely end. On May 1, 2001, Apple discontinued this remarkable piece of technology, leaving enthusiasts with a bittersweet nostalgia for a device that showcased the epitome of early 21st-century computing.
Fast forward to today, and the iBook with FireWire remains a treasured artifact in the annals of Apple’s computing history. Now 23 years old, this notebook computer symbolizes an era when Apple was on the cusp of a digital revolution. The iBook may have had a brief lifespan, but its impact on portable computing and digital content creation is still felt among those who experienced its magic.
The Apple iBook Late 2000 was more than just a notebook computer – it was a beacon of innovation, a testament to Apple’s commitment to pushing boundaries, and a nostalgic reminder of a bygone era. As we marvel at the technological wonders of today, let’s not forget the trailblazers that paved the way for our digital journey – the Apple iBook with FireWire, a true icon in the world of computing.
iBook Late 2000 Details
| Introduced | September 13, 2000 |
| Discontinued | May 1, 2001 |
| Model Identifier | PowerBook2,2 |
| Model Number | M6411 |
| Order Number | M7721LL/A M7722LL/A |
| Original Price | $1,499 |
| Colors | Indigo Key Lime |
| 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 with FireWire Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PowerPC 750cx G3 |
| Processor Speed | 366 MHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 66 MHz |
| Cache | 64 KB L1 256 KB on-chip L2 |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 10 GB |
| Media | 1 – 24x CD-ROM (Tray-loading) |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 64 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 576 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 128 |
| Graphics Memory | 8 MB |
| Display Connection | Composite video output to TV through AV port |
| Display Modes | Video mirroring only |
| External Resolution | Unknown |
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 |
| Bluetooth | None |
| Infrared | None |
| Serial | None |
| FireWire | 1 – 400 Mbps |
| USB | 1 – 12 Mbps |
| Audio In | None |
| Audio Out | 1 – A/V 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 9.0.4 |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS X 10.4.11 |
| Firmware | Macintosh ROM |
| Bundled Software | Mac OS 9 QuickTime AppleWorks iMovie 2 Microsoft Internet Explorer Microsoft Outlook Express Netscape Communicator Palm Desktop FAXstf Bugdom Nanosaur Acrobat Reader software |
Power
| System Battery | 50 Wh Lithium-Ion (M6392) |
| 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) |
Further Reading and References
- iBook (FireWire): Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple Unveils New iBook Line – Apple Newsroom
- iBook – Wikipedia
- iBook (FireWire) – Low End Mac
- Tangerine Fusion’s Fun Facts: FireWire iBooks – Low End Mac
- iBook G3 – Relatively Ambitious
- 20 Macs for 2020: #7 – iBook – Six Colors
- iBook 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.
Last updated: January 21, 2024
