In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, some moments stand out as milestones, marking the beginning of new eras in innovation and design. One such moment arrived in 2005 when Apple, the trailblazer in tech, introduced the world to the PowerBook G4 15-inch Early 2005 (Aluminum).
With the PowerBook G4 15-inch Early 2005, Apple set a new standard for performance, portability, and style. This sleek notebook, encased in the iconic aluminum shell, boasted cutting-edge features that redefined the possibilities of mobile computing. Launched on January 31, 2005, at a starting price of $1,999, it quickly became the go-to choice for discerning users seeking power and sophistication in a portable package.
At the heart of the PowerBook G4 15-inch Early 2005 lay the formidable PowerPC G4 processor, running at speeds of up to 1.67 GHz. This powerhouse, coupled with faster hard drives and an 8X SuperDrive, delivered unparalleled performance, making light work of demanding tasks. Whether editing high-resolution images, creating cinematic masterpieces, or crunching numbers, this powerhouse was up to the challenge.
What truly set the PowerBook G4 15-inch Early 2005 apart were its innovative features designed to enhance the user experience. Apple’s patent-pending scrolling TrackPad revolutionized navigation, allowing users to effortlessly scroll through web pages and documents with a simple touch. Additionally, the inclusion of the Sudden Motion Sensor technology provided peace of mind by safeguarding the hard drive in the event of accidental drops.
The PowerBook’s 15-inch TFT display offered a stunning canvas for content creation and consumption. Paired with the ATI Mobility Radeon 9700 graphics processor with up to 128 MB of graphics memory, it delivered vibrant colors, sharp detail, and smooth performance, elevating the viewing experience to new heights.
In keeping with Apple’s commitment to connectivity, the PowerBook G4 15-inch Early 2005 was equipped with integrated AirPort 802.11g and Bluetooth 2.0 wireless networking. This seamless integration allowed users to stay connected wherever they went, whether accessing wireless networks or connecting to a myriad of peripherals with ease.
Included with every PowerBook was iLife ’05, Apple’s groundbreaking suite of digital lifestyle applications. From organizing and editing photos with iPhoto to creating cinematic masterpieces with iMovie HD, it empowered users to unleash their creativity like never before. Additionally, with iTunes at their fingertips, users could enjoy their favorite music and seamlessly sync with their iPods, including the latest iPod shuffle.
As with all good things, the reign of the PowerBook G4 15-inch Early 2005 eventually came to an end. Discontinued on October 19, 2005, it paved the way for newer innovations, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire.
Today, 19 years have passed since the debut of the PowerBook G4 15-inch Early 2005, yet its impact reverberates through the annals of tech history. For many Apple enthusiasts, it remains a symbol of innovation, craftsmanship, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
PowerBook G4 15-inch Early 2005 Details
| Introduced | January 31, 2005 – 19 years ago |
| Discontinued | October 19, 2005 – 18 years ago |
| Time on the Market | 261 days (8 months) |
| Model Identifier | PowerBook5,6 |
| Model Number | A1106 |
| EMC | 2029 |
| Order Number | M9676LL/A (1.5 GHz) M9677LL/A (1.67 GHz) |
| Original Price | $1,999 $2,299 |
| Colors | Aluminum |
| Weight | 5.7 Ibs. 2.585 KG |
| Dimensions | 1.1” H x 13.7” W x 9.5” D 2.79 cm H x 34.79 cm W x 24.13 cm D |
PowerBook G4 15-inch Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PowerPC 7447a G4 |
| Processor Speed | 1.5 GHz 1.67 GHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 167 MHz |
| Cache | 64 KB L1 512 KB on-chip L2 |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 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 | 512 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 2 GB |
| Memory Slots | 2 – PC-2700 DDR333 200-pin SO-DIMM |
| Interleaving Support | No |
Display
| Built-in Display | 15.2″ Color TFT Display |
| Resolutions | 640 x 480 720 x 480 800 x 600 896 x 600 1024 x 768 1152 x 768 1280 x 854 (native) |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | ATI Mobility Radeon 9700 |
| Graphics Memory | 64 MB 128 MB |
| Display Connection | 1 – DVI 1 – S-Video |
| Display Modes | Dual display extended and video mirroring |
| External Resolution | Up to 2048 by 1536 pixels |
Expansion
| Expansion Slots | 1 – Single Type I or II |
| Hard Drive Interface | Ultra ATA/100 (ATA-6) |
| Bays | None |
Connections
| Wi-Fi | AirPort Extreme Card 802.11b/g |
| Ethernet | 10/100/1000BASE-T (RJ-45) |
| Modem | 56k |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR |
| Infrared | None |
| ADB | 1 – Internal for Trackpad |
| FireWire | 1 – 400 Mbps 1 – 800 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 – DVI 1 – S-Video |
| 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 |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS X 10.5.8 |
| Firmware | Macintosh ROM |
| Bundled Software | Mac OS X 10.2 Jaguar 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 | PowerBook G4 (15-inch) Backup Battery (922-6007) |
| Battery Life | Up to 4.5 hours |
| Maximum Continuous Power | Unknown |
| Line Voltage | 100-240 V AC |
| Power Adapter | 65 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
- 15″ PowerBook G4 (Early 2005) – Low End Mac
- PowerBook G4 (1.5 – 1.67 GHz) – Apple History
- Apple PowerBook G4 15-Inch – Review 2005 – PCMag UK
- Apple 15-inch PowerBook G4 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.
