In the realm of iconic tech innovations, Apple’s PowerBook G4 series stands tall, and among them, the PowerBook G4 12-inch Mid 2004 (Aluminum) shines as a beacon of innovation and design prowess.
In April 2004, Apple ushered in a new era of computing with the launch of the PowerBook G4 12-inch. With a starting price of $1,599, this 12-inch marvel swiftly captured the hearts of tech aficionados, designers, and loyal Mac enthusiasts alike.
Apple’s commitment to pushing boundaries was evident in the PowerBook G4 12-inch Mid 2004’s specifications. Boasting faster PowerPC G4 processors clocked at up to 1.33 GHz, enhanced graphics performance, and an 8x SuperDrive for professional-grade DVD burning, it was a force to be reckoned with. Moreover, the inclusion of AirPort Extreme for seamless wireless networking underscored Apple’s foresight in embracing cutting-edge technology.
Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing, aptly summarized the essence of the PowerBook G4 series, highlighting its unparalleled blend of performance and portability. Indeed, with features like widescreen displays, high-speed wireless connectivity, and top-tier graphics, these laptops epitomized innovation in a sleek, lightweight design.
The legacy of the PowerBook G4 series didn’t stop with the 12-inch model. Both the 15-inch and 17-inch variants upped the ante with blazing-fast processors and groundbreaking graphics capabilities, courtesy of the ATI Mobility Radeon 9700 graphics processor. Customization options allowed users to tailor their machines to their specific needs, ensuring maximum performance and efficiency.
Beyond raw power, the PowerBook G4 lineup embraced the future of connectivity. Equipped with AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth modules, these laptops seamlessly integrated with a myriad of peripherals, from cell phones to printers, amplifying their utility and versatility.
Apple’s commitment to empowering users extended beyond hardware. With every PowerBook G4 came iLife ’04, a suite of digital lifestyle applications that revolutionized music, photography, and filmmaking. From iTunes to GarageBand, users were equipped with tools to unleash their creative potential like never before.
At its core, the PowerBook G4 12-inch Mid 2004 was a marvel of engineering. Powered by a 1.33 GHz PowerPC processor and featuring a vibrant 12.1″ TFT display, it offered a perfect blend of performance and portability. With built-in Bluetooth and NVIDIA GeForce graphics, it was truly ahead of its time.
Sadly, all good things must come to an end. The PowerBook G4 12-inch was discontinued in January 2005, making way for newer iterations. However, its legacy endures as a symbol of Apple’s innovative spirit and commitment to excellence.
As we reflect on the journey of the PowerBook G4 12-inch Mid 2004, we’re reminded of its enduring impact on the world of technology. Today, 20 years since its debut, it remains a beloved classic, cherished by enthusiasts and collectors alike. Its design, performance, and legacy continue to inspire future generations of MacBooks, cementing its status as an icon in the annals of computing history.
PowerBook G4 12-inch Mid 2004 Details
| Introduced | April 19, 2004 – 20 years ago |
| Discontinued | January 31, 2005 – 19 years ago |
| Time on the Market | 287 days (9 months) |
| Model Identifier | PowerBook6,4 |
| Model Number | A1010 |
| EMC | 1986 |
| Order Number | M9183LL/A M9184LL/A |
| Original Price | $1,599 $1,799 |
| 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 Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PowerPC 7447a G4 |
| Processor Speed | 1.33 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 |
| Media | 1 – 8x DVD/CD-RW “Combo” or 8x DVD-R/CD-RW “SuperDrive” slot-loading drive |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 256 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 10.3.3 |
| Later OS | Mac OS X 10.3.4 |
| 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, Garageband, and iDVD) iSync iCal DVD Player Classic environment Acrobat Reader 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 Zinio Reader 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 (12-inch 1.33 GHz): Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple Introduces New PowerBook G4 Line – Apple Newsroom
- PowerBook G4 – Wikipedia
- 12″ PowerBook G4 (Mid 2004) – Low End 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.
