In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, certain innovations stand out, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. One such milestone was the introduction of the Apple PowerBook G4 12-inch Early 2005 (Aluminum) on January 31, 2005. Pioneering a new era of performance and portability, this notebook computer revolutionized the PowerBook G4 series and cemented its place in the annals of computing history.
Apple’s commitment to innovation was palpable in the PowerBook G4 12-inch Early 2005, offering a plethora of groundbreaking features. Priced at $1,499, it boasted a PowerPC G4 processor clocked at 1.5 GHz, setting a new standard for speed and efficiency. The inclusion of faster hard drives and an 8X SuperDrive elevated user experience, making tasks seamless and enjoyable.
Central to its appeal were two patent-pending technologies—the scrolling TrackPad and the Sudden Motion Sensor. The scrolling TrackPad revolutionized navigation, allowing users to effortlessly traverse web pages and documents with a simple touch. Meanwhile, the Sudden Motion Sensor showcased Apple’s commitment to durability, safeguarding the hard drive against accidental drops—a testament to the brand’s emphasis on reliability.
Tailored to cater to the needs of creative and business professionals, the PowerBook G4 12-inch Early 2005 was a versatile powerhouse. Its integrated AirPort 802.11g and Bluetooth 2.0 wireless networking capabilities provided seamless connectivity, facilitating collaboration and productivity on the go.
Every PowerBook came equipped with iLife ’05, an award-winning suite of digital lifestyle applications. From organizing photos with iPhoto to creating stunning movies with iMovie HD, this software ensemble empowered users to unleash their creativity. Additionally, Mac OS X 10.3 Panther offered a host of breakthrough features, further enhancing the overall user experience.
Under the hood, the PowerBook G4 12-inch Early 2005 boasted a 1.5 GHz PowerPC 7447a G4 processor, complemented by a vibrant 12.1-inch TFT Display. Users had the flexibility to choose between 256 MB or 512 MB of RAM and select from various storage options, including 60 GB or 80 GB hard drives. Moreover, customization options allowed for upgrades such as increased RAM and a larger hard drive, catering to diverse user preferences.
While the PowerBook G4 12-inch Early 2005 was discontinued in 2006, its legacy continues to resonate with Apple enthusiasts worldwide. Revered for its sleek aluminum design, robust performance, and innovative features, it remains a classic in the realm of Macintosh computers. Even 19 years later, its impact is palpable, serving as a reminder of Apple’s relentless pursuit of excellence.
PowerBook G4 12-inch Early 2005 Details
| Introduced | January 31, 2005 – 19 years ago |
| Discontinued | October 19, 2005 (Combo drive + 60 GB) – 18 years ago May 16, 2006 (SuperDrive + 80 GB) – 18 years ago |
| Time on the Market | 15 months (1 year) |
| Model Identifier | PowerBook6,8 |
| Model Number | A1104 |
| EMC | 2030 |
| Order Number | M9690LL/A (Combo drive + 60 GB) M9691LL/A (SuperDrive + 80 GB) |
| Original Price | $1,499 $1,699 |
| Colors | Aluminum |
| Weight | 4.6 Ibs. 2.086 KG |
| Dimensions | 1.18” H x 10.9” W x 8.6” D 3 cm H x 27.68 cm W x 21.84 cm D |
PowerBook G4 12-inch Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PowerPC 7447a G4 |
| Processor Speed | 1.5 GHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 167 MHz |
| Cache | 64 KB L1 512 KB on-chip L2 |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 60 GB 80 GB 100 GB |
| Media | 1 – 8x DVD/CD-RW “Combo” or 8x DVD-R/CD-RW “SuperDrive” slot-loading drive |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 256 MB 512 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 1.25 GB |
| Memory Slots | 1 – PC-2700 DDR333 200-pin SO-DIMM |
| Interleaving Support | No |
Display
| Built-in Display | 12.1″ Color TFT Display |
| Resolutions | 640 x 480 800 x 600 1024 x 768 (native) |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | NVIDIA GeForce FX Go5200 |
| Graphics Memory | 64 MB |
| Display Connection | 1 – Mini-VGA (DVI, VGA, Composite, and S-Video with adapter) |
| Display Modes | Dual display extended and video mirroring |
| External Resolution | Up to 2048 by 1536 pixels |
Expansion
| Expansion Slots | None |
| Hard Drive Interface | Ultra ATA/100 (ATA-6) |
| Bays | None |
Connections
| Wi-Fi | AirPort Extreme Card 802.11b/g |
| Ethernet | 10/100BASE-T (RJ-45) |
| Modem | 56k |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 1.1 |
| Infrared | None |
| ADB | None |
| FireWire | 1 – 400 Mbps |
| SCSI | None |
| USB | 2 – 480 Mbps |
| Audio In | 1 – 3.5-mm analog input jack 1 – Built-in microphone |
| Audio Out | 1 – 3.5-mm analog output jack 3 – Built-in speakers |
| Display | 1 – Mini-VGA (DVI, VGA, Composite, and S-Video with adapter) |
| Security Slot | 1 – Kensington cable lock |
Keyboard and trackpad
| Keyboard | Built-in Full-size 78-key (U.S.) or 79-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 X 10.3.7 |
| Later OS | Mac OS X 10.4.2 |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS X 10.5.8 |
| Firmware | Macintosh ROM |
| Bundled Software | Mac OS X 10.3 Panther iChat Safari Sherlock Address Book QuickTime iLife (includes iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie HD, GarageBand, and iDVD) iSync iCal DVD Player Classic environment Art Directors Toolkit EarthLink TotalAccess (includes 30 days of free dial-up service with Earthlink activation) FileMaker Pro Trial GraphicConverter OmniGraffle OmniOutliner QuickBooks for Mac New User Edition Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac Test Drive Zinio Reader Xcode Developer Tools Apple Hardware Test |
Power
| System Battery | 50 Wh Lithium-Ion |
| Backup Battery | None |
| Battery Life | Up to 5 hours |
| Maximum Continuous Power | Unknown |
| Line Voltage | 100-240 V AC |
| Power Adapter | 45 W Apple Power Adapter |
Further Reading and References
- PowerBook G4 (Early 2005): Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple Unveils Faster, More Affordable PowerBooks – Apple Newsroom
- PowerBook G4 – Wikipedia
- 12″ PowerBook G4 (Early 2005) – Low End Mac
- Apple PowerBook G4 (12-inch review) – CNET
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.
