In the fast-paced world of technology, it’s essential to reflect on the milestones that shaped our digital landscape. In 1998, Apple left an indelible mark on the computing world with the introduction of the PowerBook G3 12.1-inch Mid 1998 – a groundbreaking notebook that redefined portable computing.
On May 6, 1998, Apple unleashed a new era of notebook computing with the PowerBook G3 12.1-inch Mid 1998. At the heart of this revolutionary device was a 233 MHz PowerPC 740 G3 processor, setting new standards for performance in the late ’90s. With a 12.1-inch color LCD display, 32 MB of RAM, a 2 GB hard drive, and 2 MB ATI Rage LT graphics, the PowerBook G3 12.1-inch Mid 1998 boasted a state-of-the-art setup that outshone its contemporaries.
The PowerBook G3 12.1-inch Mid 1998 was part of the second generation, known as the PowerBook G3 Series, introduced in May 1998. Redesigned with a lighter and more rounded case, codenamed Wallstreet, this series marked a significant leap in Apple’s notebook evolution. Available in three screen sizes – 12-inch, 13.3-inch, and 14.1-inch – the PowerBook G3 Series offered a range of options to cater to diverse user preferences.
The 12.1-inch model, with 2MB VRAM onboard, showcased Apple’s commitment to vibrant visuals. Meanwhile, the 13.3-inch and 14.1-inch models, equipped with 4MB VRAM, promised ‘millions of colors’ at a maximum resolution of 1024×768. However, the 13.3-inch display faced early challenges due to a quick-to-fail ribbon cable, leading to warranty repairs and its eventual removal from the lineup after the initial production run.
The Wallstreet series marked a significant shift by incorporating industry-standard ATA optical drives. This change allowed users to seamlessly integrate CD and DVD recorders designed for Wintel machines, often at a more affordable price than Apple-manufactured alternatives. With three CPU speeds – 233 MHz, 250 MHz, and 292 MHz – users could choose the power that suited their needs.
The Wallstreet models, known for their large cache and swifter system bus, faced heat-related challenges. However, many of these issues were addressed in the subsequent revision, the Wallstreet II. The WallStreet I, notably, was the last PowerBook assembled by Apple in Cork, Ireland, adding historical significance to this powerhouse of a notebook.
The PowerBook G3 12.1-inch Mid 1998 came packed with innovative features that set it apart from the competition. The case housed two docking bays, offering versatility for users. The left-hand bay accommodated a range of options, including a battery, a floppy drive, a third-party Iomega Zip drive, an adapter for a second hard drive, or a weight-saver module. The right-hand bay, larger in size, could host all the options from the left side plus a CD-ROM drive, a DVD-ROM drive, or a third-party SuperDrive.
A small internal nickel-cadmium battery facilitated the swapping of main batteries while the computer was in sleep mode. DVDs could be displayed with the help of a hardware decoder built into a CardBus (PCMCIA) card. The PowerBook G3 12.1-inch Mid 1998 was also the last to feature the iconic six-color Apple logo, transitioning to the new white logo in subsequent models.
With a starting price of $2,299, the PowerBook G3 12.1-inch Mid 1998 represented a significant investment at the time. However, Apple enthusiasts eagerly embraced this cutting-edge notebook, making it one of the most popular models in the PowerBook G3 series.
Despite its short lifespan, the PowerBook G3 12.1-inch Mid 1998 left an enduring legacy in the hearts of Apple enthusiasts. Discontinued on September 1, 1998, this notebook is now 26 years old and remains a beloved classic. Its impact on the computing world reverberates even today, reminding us of Apple’s commitment to innovation and design excellence.
The PowerBook G3 12.1-inch Mid 1998 stands as a testament to Apple’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of technology. As we celebrate its legacy, we recognize the pivotal role it played in shaping the trajectory of portable computing. This iconic device continues to be a symbol of innovation, setting the stage for the future of Apple’s notebook evolution.
PowerBook G3 12.1-inch Mid 1998 Details
| Introduced | May 6, 1998 |
| Discontinued | September 1, 1998 |
| Model Identifier | 314 |
| Model Number | M4753 |
| Order Number | M6477LL/A M6359LL/A |
| Original Price | $2,299 |
| Colors | Dark Grey |
| Weight | 7.2 Ibs. 3.265 KG |
| Dimensions | 2” H x 12.7” W x 10.4” D 5.08 cm H x 32.25 cm W x 26.41 cm D |
PowerBook G3 12.1-inch Wallstreet Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PowerPC 740 G3 |
| Processor Speed | 233 MHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 66 MHz |
| Cache | 64 KB L1 |
| Coprocessor | Built-in FPU |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 2 GB |
| Media | 1 – 1.44 MB floppy 1 – 20x CD-ROM or DVD-ROM |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 32 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 192 MB (Apple) 512 MB (Actual) |
| Memory Slots | 2 – PC-100 144-pin SO-DIMM |
| Minimum Speed | 10 ns |
| ROM | N/A |
| Interleaving Support | No |
Display
| Built-in Display | 12.1″ Color STN Passive Matrix Display |
| Resolutions | 800 x 600 |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | ATI Rage LT |
| Graphics Memory | 2 MB 4 MB |
| Display Connection | 1 – VGA |
| Display Modes | Video mirroring only |
| External Resolution | None |
Expansion
| Expansion Slots | 2 – Type II or 1 – Type III PC Card |
| Hard Drive Interface | ATA-2 |
| Bays | 2 – PowerBook Media Bays (1998) |
Connections
| Wi-Fi | None |
| Ethernet | 10BASE-T |
| Modem | 56k (Optional) |
| Bluetooth | None |
| Infrared | 1 – 4 Mbps |
| ADB | 1 – External 1 – Internal for Trackpad |
| Serial | 1 |
| SCSI | 1 – HDI-30 |
| Floppy Port | None |
| Audio In | 1 – 3.5-mm analog input jack 1 – Built-in microphone |
| Audio Out | 1 – 3.5-mm analog output jack 2 – Built-in speakers |
| Display | 1 – VGA |
| 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 8 |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS X 10.2.8 |
| Firmware | Macintosh ROM |
| Bundled Software | None |
Power
| System Battery | 49 Wh Lithium-Ion (M6385 & M4685) |
| Backup Battery | PowerBook G3 Backup Battery (922-3380) |
| Battery Life | 3.5 hours on one battery 7 hours on two batteries |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 45 W |
| Line Voltage | 100-240 V AC |
| Power Adapter | 45 W AC (M4402) |
Further Reading and References
- PowerBook G3 Series: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- PowerBook G3 – Wikipedia
- WallStreet PowerBook G3 Series – Low End Mac
- Testing Apple’s PowerBook G3 Series (Wallstreet) – YouTube
- The most upgradable portable Mac ever – 512 Pixels
- PowerBook G3 Wallstreet – Apple Rescue of Denver
- Apple Macintosh Powerbook G3 Wallstreet (Photos) – OldCrap
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 7, 2024
