In the realm of technology, certain devices stand out as iconic landmarks, shaping the landscape of innovation for years to come. The Apple iBook Mid 2002, part of the esteemed iBook G3 series, is one such gem. Released on May 20th, 2002, this laptop captured the imagination of consumers and educators alike with its sleek design and impressive capabilities. Join us as we delve into the features, impact, and legacy of this groundbreaking device.
Apple’s commitment to pushing boundaries and enhancing user experience was evident in the iBook Mid 2002. Priced at $1,199, it debuted with notable upgrades, including faster PowerPC G3 processors, improved graphics processing capabilities, and expanded storage options. Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior director of Hardware Product Marketing, expressed excitement about the enhanced functionality for digital content creation and consumption on the go.
The iBook Mid 2002 boasted significant performance enhancements, running up to 35 percent faster than its predecessors. This boost was particularly evident in CPU-intensive tasks such as encoding audio files, thanks to the upgraded PowerPC G3 processors and larger on-chip cache. Moreover, the inclusion of a new video-out port expanded connectivity options, supporting VGA, S-video, and composite video with an optional adapter.
At the heart of the iBook Mid 2002 experience lay Apple’s award-winning suite of digital lifestyle applications. From organizing music with iTunes 2 to creating movies with iMovie 2 and managing photographs with iPhoto, users had access to a comprehensive toolkit for unleashing their creativity. This bundled software complemented the device’s capabilities, empowering users to explore new realms of digital expression.
Recognizing the diverse needs of consumers, Apple offered the iBook Mid 2002 in three standard configurations, catering to varying preferences and budgets. Whether opting for the 14.1-inch or 12.1-inch display, users could customize their iBook experience with different levels of RAM, storage capacity, and optical drive options. This flexibility ensured that individuals could find a configuration tailored to their specific requirements.
The iBook Mid 2002 was made accessible through multiple channels, including the Apple Store, retail outlets, and authorized resellers. With prices ranging from $1,199 to $1,799, consumers could choose the configuration that best suited their needs and budget. Each variant offered a compelling combination of performance, display size, and storage capacity, ensuring a tailored computing experience for every user.
Despite its acclaim, the iBook Mid 2002 was discontinued just six months after its release, making way for subsequent iterations in Apple’s lineup. However, its impact endured, serving as a testament to the company’s commitment to innovation and user-centric design. Today, 22 years since its debut, the iBook Mid 2002 remains a cherished relic in the annals of technology history, symbolizing the evolution of Apple’s laptop offerings over the years.
In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, certain devices leave an indelible mark, shaping the course of innovation and inspiring future generations of creators and innovators. The Apple iBook Mid 2002 stands as a testament to this legacy, embodying the spirit of innovation, creativity, and user empowerment that defines the Apple ethos. As we reflect on its impact and significance, we celebrate not just a piece of hardware, but a symbol of progress and possibility in the digital age.
iBook Mid 2002 Details
| Introduced | May 20, 2002 |
| Discontinued | November 6, 2002 |
| Model Identifier | PowerBook4,3 |
| Model Number | A1005 |
| EMC | 1916 |
| Order Number | M8600LL/A (600 MHz) M8602LL/A (700 MHz) |
| Original Price | $1,199 $1,499 |
| Colors | Translucent White |
| Weight | 4.9 Ibs. 2.222 KG |
| Dimensions | 11.2” H x 9.1” W x 1.35” D 28.44 cm H x 23.11 cm W x 3.42 cm D |
iBook G3 Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PowerPC 750fx G3 |
| Processor Speed | 600 MHz 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 | 20 GB 30 GB 40 GB |
| Media | 1 – 24x CD-ROM or DVD-ROM/CD-RW “Combo” tray-loading drive |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 128 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 640 MB |
| Memory Slots | 1 – PC-100 3.3V 144-pin SO-DIMM |
| Interleaving Support | No |
Display
| Built-in Display | 12.1″ 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 – Output through A/V port 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 |
| 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 iPhoto iTunes 2 AppleWorks Mac OS X Mail Microsoft Internet Explorer EarthLink AOL World Book Mac OS X Edition Otto Matic Deimos Rising PCalc Acrobat Reader FAXstf |
Power
| System Battery | 47 Wh Lithium-Ion |
| Backup Battery | None |
| Battery Life | Up to 5 hours |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 42 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
- 12″ 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
