In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, certain milestones stand out as game-changers. One such milestone occurred back in the year 2000 when Apple introduced the PowerBook G3 14.1-inch Early 2000. Priced at a premium of $2,499, this notebook emerged as a symbol of innovation and excellence in the world of Macintosh computers.
The PowerBook G3 14.1-inch Early 2000 belonged to the PowerBook G3 series, a line of Macintosh computers that redefined the standards of performance and design. This fourth-generation PowerBook, codenamed “Pismo,” was unveiled on February 16, 2000, and marked a departure from the conventional naming convention by dropping the “G3” from its title.
Rumors swirled around the original PowerBook G3 Pismo, suggesting a matchless design reminiscent of the iBook. Ultimately, Apple decided to incorporate the Pismo board into the form factor of its predecessor, the Lombard G3 PowerBook, while introducing several noteworthy improvements.
The PowerBook “Pismo” was available in CPU speeds of 400 MHz or 500 MHz, boasting a front-side bus speed of 100 MHz – a one-third increase from the Lombard’s front-side bus. Notable enhancements included a unified motherboard architecture, the adoption of the FireWire interface (IEEE-1394) in place of SCSI, and an upgraded AGP-connected ATi Rage Mobility 128 graphics system. The introduction of a 6× DVD-ROM drive as a standard feature showcased Apple’s commitment to staying ahead of the technological curve.
The PowerBook G3 Early 2000 earned its stripes as the first PowerBook to officially support AirPort networking, although earlier models could be retrofitted with third-party CardBus cards. This notebook, a beacon of upgradability, could accommodate additional RAM (up to 1 gigabyte) and larger hard drives (up to 128 GB). Brighter screens, replacement batteries, and various expansion bay devices were also available, ensuring users could tailor their PowerBook experience to meet their unique needs.
Distinguishing itself from its predecessors, the “Pismo” systems featured a faster logic board design with a 100 MHz bus, a faster hard drive standard (Ultra ATA/66), improved graphics (Rage Mobility 128), and dual Firewire ports, effectively bidding farewell to SCSI.
The left expansion bay continued the legacy of the PowerBook G3 Lombard, accommodating only a battery. However, the right bay emerged as a versatile space capable of housing a tray-loading or slot-loading Combo Drive or SuperDrive, a Zip 100 drive, a Zip 250 drive, an LS-120 SuperDisk drive, a VST floppy disk drive, a second hard drive (with adapter, though not without its challenges to find), or a second battery. The compatibility with Lombard’s expansion bay devices added a layer of convenience for users transitioning from older models.
The PowerBook G3 14.1″ Early 2000 boasted official support for Mac OS versions ranging from 9.0.2 through 10.4.11, showcasing Apple’s commitment to software compatibility. In its heyday, the PowerBook Pismo was even open to hardware upgrades, with G3 (750FX) CPU upgrades up to 900 MHz and G4 (7410LE) upgrades up to 550 MHz. Though these upgrades are no longer in production, enthusiasts can still seek them out in the secondhand market.
The PowerBook Pismo model marked the culmination of the G3 line, making way for the PowerBook G4 Titanium models that followed. Designed with a 400 MHz or 500 MHz PowerPC 750 G3 processor, a 14.1-inch color LCD display, 64 MB or 128 MB of RAM, and various hard drive options (6 GB, 10 GB, 12 GB, or 20 GB), the PowerBook G3 14.1-inch Early 2000 was a powerhouse in its time. The inclusion of a tray-loading 6x DVD-ROM drive and an 8 MB ATI Rage Mobility 128 graphics card further solidified its position as a technological marvel.
On September 13, 2000, Apple delighted users by upgrading the PowerBook G3 14.1-inch Early 2000s storage options. The original 6 GB and 12 GB storage configurations were replaced with more spacious 10 GB and 20 GB alternatives, providing users with enhanced capabilities without altering the price tag. This upgrade, although subtle, underscored Apple’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of its user base.
Regrettably, the sun set on the PowerBook G3 14.1-inch Early 2000 on January 9, 2001, as it was officially discontinued. However, even after 24 years, the fond memories of this iconic device linger in the hearts of Apple enthusiasts. Its innovative design, formidable specifications, and sleek aesthetic continue to resonate, leaving an indelible mark on the annals of Apple’s history.
The PowerBook G3 14.1-inch Early 2000 stands as a testament to Apple’s relentless pursuit of excellence. Its impact reverberates through the corridors of technological history, reminding us of an era when each Apple release was not just a product but a proclamation of progress. The Pismo PowerBook may have bid adieu, but its legacy lives on, an eternal flame illuminating the path to the future.
PowerBook G3 14.1-inch Early 2000 Details
| Introduced | February 16, 2000 |
| Discontinued | January 9, 2001 |
| Model Identifier | PowerBook3,1 |
| Model Number | M7572 |
| EMC | 1840-1 |
| Order Number | M7630LL/A (400 MHz) M7711LL/A (400 MHz) M7633LL/A (500 MHz) M7712LL/A (500 MHz) |
| Original Price | $2,499 $3,499 |
| Colors | Dark Grey |
| Weight | 6.1 Ibs. 2.766 KG |
| Dimensions | 1.7” H x 12.7” W x 10.4” D 4.31 cm H x 32.25 cm W x 26.41 cm D |
PowerBook G3 Pismo Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PowerPC 750 G3 |
| Processor Speed | 400 MHz 500 MHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 100 MHz |
| Cache | 64 KB L1 1 MB backside L2 |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 6 GB 10 GB 12 GB 20 GB |
| Media | 1 – 6x DVD-ROM (Tray-loading) |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 64 MB 128 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 1 GB |
| Memory Slots | 2 – PC-100 3.3V 144-pin SO-DIMM |
| Minimum Speed | 8 ns |
| Interleaving Support | No |
Display
| Built-in Display | 14.1″ Color TFT Active Matrix Display |
| Resolutions | 640 x 480 800 x 600 1024 x 768 |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | ATI Rage Mobility 128 |
| Graphics Memory | 8 MB |
| Display Connection | 1 – VGA 1 – S-Video |
| Display Modes | Dual display extended and video mirroring |
| External Resolution | None |
Expansion
| Expansion Slots | 1 – Type I or II |
| Hard Drive Interface | Ultra ATA/66 (ATA-5) |
| Bays | 1 – PowerBook Media Bays (1999/2000) |
Connections
| Wi-Fi | AirPort Card 802.11b (Optional) |
| Ethernet | 10/100BASE-T (RJ-45) |
| Modem | 56k |
| Bluetooth | None |
| Infrared | 1 – 4 Mbps |
| ADB | 1 – Internal for Trackpad |
| Serial | None |
| SCSI | None |
| USB | 2 – 12 Mbps |
| FireWire | 2 – 400 Mbps (6W total power) |
| 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 9.0.2 |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS X 10.4.11 |
| Firmware | Mac OS ROM 3.5 |
| Bundled Software | None |
Power
| System Battery | 50 Wh Lithium-Ion (M7318) |
| Backup Battery | PowerBook G3 Backup Battery (922-3829) |
| Battery Life | 5 hours on one battery 10 hours on two batteries |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 45 W |
| Line Voltage | 100-240 V AC |
| Power Adapter | 45 W AC (M7332) |
Further Reading and References
- PowerBook (FireWire): Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- PowerBook G3 – Wikipedia
- The Pismo at 20: An Enduring Legacy – Low End Mac
- Low End Mac’s Compleat* Guide to the Pismo PowerBook – Low End Mac
- Today in Apple history: Pismo PowerBook is a multimedia powerhouse – Cult of Mac
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 18, 2024
