In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, certain devices stand out not just for their functionality but also for the mark they leave on the industry. One such groundbreaking innovation was Apple’s PowerBook G4 15-inch Late 2003, a notebook computer that redefined the standards of power and portability upon its release.
In September 2003, Apple revolutionized the landscape of portable computing with the introduction of the PowerBook G4 15-inch Late 2003. Crafted with precision and finesse, this notebook boasted an aluminum design, weighing a mere 5.6 pounds, making it exceptionally lightweight for its time.
At the heart of the PowerBook G4 15-inch Late 2003 lay a formidable PowerPC G4 processor, with variants running at either 1 GHz or 1.25 GHz, delivering unparalleled speed and efficiency. Coupled with a spacious 15.2-inch widescreen display and the ATI Mobility Radeon 9600 graphics processor with 64 MB DDR RAM, this powerhouse ensured seamless multimedia experiences and enhanced productivity for users.
Apple’s commitment to innovation extended beyond performance to connectivity and convenience features. The inclusion of AirPort Extreme, Bluetooth, FireWire 800, USB 2.0, and Gigabit Ethernet redefined the possibilities for seamless wireless and wired connections, catering to the diverse needs of mobile professionals.
One of the most notable features of the PowerBook G4 15-inch Late 2003 was its revolutionary backlit keyboard with ambient light sensors, facilitating effortless usage even in low-light environments such as airplanes or design studios. This thoughtful addition underscored Apple’s dedication to user experience and ergonomic design.
Pre-installed with Mac OS X Jaguar 10.2.7, the PowerBook G4 15-inch Late 2003 seamlessly integrated with Apple’s ecosystem, offering users a host of unique features including Instant On and Automatic Networking, enhancing the mobile computing experience. Additionally, bundled with Apple’s iLife suite, users could effortlessly manage digital content, from music with iTunes to movie-making with iMovie.
Upon its release, the PowerBook G4 15-inch Late 2003 was priced at a competitive starting point of $1,999, making it an attractive choice for both professionals and enthusiasts alike. Available through various channels including the Apple Store, retail outlets, and authorized resellers, it quickly garnered attention and acclaim for its blend of performance and value.
Despite its meteoric rise and popularity, the journey of the PowerBook G4 15-inch Late 2003 came to an end in April 2004 when it was discontinued, making way for newer iterations in Apple’s lineup. However, its legacy endured, etching its name in the annals of technological history as a symbol of innovation and excellence.
Even after 21 years since its release, the PowerBook G4 15-inch Late 2003 continues to captivate the hearts of Apple enthusiasts and collectors. Its enduring charm, coupled with its groundbreaking features, makes it a sought-after piece for those fascinated by vintage technology and Apple’s rich heritage.
In retrospect, the PowerBook G4 15-inch Late 2003 emerges not just as a product but as a testament to Apple’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation. Its blend of performance, design, and functionality paved the way for future generations of portable computing devices, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. As we reminisce about this iconic notebook, we’re reminded of the transformative power of technology and the enduring legacy of those who dare to dream beyond the confines of convention.
PowerBook G4 15-inch Late 2003 Details
| Introduced | September 16, 2003 |
| Discontinued | April 19, 2004 |
| Model Identifier | PowerBook5,2 |
| Model Number | A1046 |
| EMC | 1960 |
| Order Number | M8980LL/A M8981LL/A |
| Original Price | $1,999 $2,599 |
| Colors | Aluminum |
| Weight | 5.6 Ibs. 2.540 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 7447 G4 |
| Processor Speed | 1 GHz 1.25 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 – 4200 rpm 80 GB – 4200 rpm or 5400 rpm |
| 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 | 2 GB |
| Memory Slots | 1 – PC-2700 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 9600 |
| Graphics Memory | 64 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 (Built-in 1.25 GHz / Optional in 1 GHz) |
| Ethernet | 10/100/1000BASE-T (RJ-45) |
| Modem | 56k |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 1.1 |
| 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 10.2.7 |
| Later OS | Mac OS X 10.3 |
| 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, and iDVD) iSync iCal DVD Player Classic environment Acrobat Reader Art Directors Toolkit EarthLink TotalAccess 2003 (includes 30 days of free service) FAXstf FileMaker Pro 6 Trial GraphicConverter Microsoft Office OmniGraffle OmniOutliner QuickBooks for Mac New User Edition Developer Tools Apple Hardware Test |
Power
| System Battery | 46 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 (15-inch FW800): Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple Introduces New 15-inch PowerBook – Apple Newsroom
- PowerBook G4 – Wikipedia
- 15″ PowerBook G4 (Late 2003) – Low End Mac
- PowerBook G4 (15-inch FW800) Service Source (PDF) – Apple Repair Manuals
- PowerBook G4 (15″ FireWire 800) – Apple History
- 15-inch Aluminum PowerBook G4 – Ars Technica
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: February 19, 2024
