In the ever-evolving landscape of personal computing, one device stands out as a beacon of innovation and design – the Apple PowerBook G3 13.3-inch Mid 1998. Join us on a nostalgic journey as we explore the features, history, and enduring legacy of this iconic notebook computer.
In the late 90s, Apple set the stage for a new era in portable computing with the introduction of the PowerBook G3 13.3-inch Mid 1998. Released on May 6, 1998, this notebook computer quickly captured the attention of tech enthusiasts with its groundbreaking technology and sleek design, albeit at a premium starting price of $3,899.
The PowerBook G3 13.3-inch Mid 1998 was part of the second generation of PowerBook G3s, known as the PowerBook G3 Series. Redesigned with a lighter and more rounded case, code-named Wallstreet, this series featured three screen sizes: 12″, 13.3″, and 14.1″. The 13.3″ model, although praised for its display quality, faced early challenges due to a quick-to-fail ribbon cable, leading to warranty repairs and eventual removal from the lineup after the initial production run.
At its core, the PowerBook G3 13.3-inch Mid 1998 boasted a 250 MHz PowerPC 750 G3 processor, delivering exceptional performance for demanding tasks like video editing and graphic design. The three available CPU speeds – 233 MHz, 250 MHz, and 292 MHz – cater to varying user needs. However, the 233 MHz model, nicknamed Mainstreet, lacked an L2 cache, making it noticeably slower than its counterparts.
The 13.3-inch color LCD display marked a significant upgrade from the monochrome displays prevalent in its time. Equipped with 32 MB of RAM, a 2 GB hard drive, and 2 MB ATI Rage LT graphics, the PowerBook G3 provided users with a complete package for power computing. The inclusion of a 1.44 MB floppy drive, a 20x CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive added versatility to its capabilities.
The PowerBook G3’s case featured two docking bays, allowing users to customize their experience. The left-hand bay accommodated a battery, floppy drive, Zip drive, second hard drive, or a weight-saver module. On the right-hand side, users could opt for a CD-ROM drive, DVD-ROM drive, or a SuperDrive. The design also incorporated a small internal nickel-cadmium battery, enabling battery swaps while the computer slept.
Regrettably, the PowerBook G3 13.3-inch Mid 1998 met its end on September 1, 1998, marking it as a 26-year-old relic. Nonetheless, its legacy resonates with vintage computer enthusiasts and collectors alike. This notebook remains a testament to Apple’s commitment to pushing technological boundaries.
Despite the passage of time, the PowerBook G3 13.3-inch Mid 1998 maintains its allure among vintage tech aficionados. Its innovative design and robust technology continue to captivate, making it a revered icon within the Apple brand.
The PowerBook G3’s design, marked by the six-color Apple logo, serves as a nostalgic reminder of Apple’s design language of the late 90s. Subsequent models transitioned to the new white Apple logo, making the PowerBook G3 13.3-inch Mid 1998 the last of its kind, adding to its allure among collectors.
The 250 MHz PowerPC 750 G3 processor, coupled with a vibrant 13.3-inch color LCD display, represented the pinnacle of computing technology in its time. Even by today’s standards, the PowerBook G3 holds its own, showcasing Apple’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology to its users.
For vintage computer enthusiasts, owning a PowerBook G3 13.3-inch Mid 1998 is akin to possessing a piece of history. The challenges faced by the early models, such as the ribbon cable issue, only add to the allure, making well-preserved units even more valuable within the collector’s community.
The click of the keys, the hum of the processor, and the distinct whirr of the optical drive – every aspect of the PowerBook G3 13.3-inch Mid 1998 triggers a wave of nostalgia for those who experienced the dawn of portable computing. Its enduring appeal lies in its specifications and the memories it invokes.
As we reflect on the journey of the Apple PowerBook G3 13.3-inch Mid 1998, it becomes clear that this notebook computer transcends the boundaries of time. Its place in Apple’s history and the hearts of tech enthusiasts is secure, reminding us of a pivotal moment in the evolution of personal computing technology. Whether displayed on a collector’s shelf or preserved in working condition, the PowerBook G3 13.3-inch Mid 1998 remains an everlasting symbol of innovation and design excellence.
PowerBook G3 13.3-inch Mid 1998 Details
| Introduced | May 6, 1998 |
| Discontinued | September 1, 1998 |
| Model Identifier | 312 |
| Model Number | M4753 |
| Order Number | M6357LL/A |
| Original Price | $3,899 |
| Colors | Dark Grey |
| Weight | 7.6 Ibs. 3.447 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 13.3-inch Wallstreet Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PowerPC 750 G3 |
| Processor Speed | 250 MHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 83 MHz |
| Cache | 64 KB L1 1 MB backside L2 |
| 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 | 13.3″ Color TFT Active Matrix Display |
| Resolutions | 1024 x 768 |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | ATI Rage LT |
| Graphics Memory | 2 MB 4 MB |
| Display Connection | 1 – VGA 1 – S-Video |
| 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 1 – S-Video |
| 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 8, 2024
