In the realm of computing history, certain devices stand out not just for their technological prowess but also for the impact they’ve had on shaping the industry. One such device is the Apple PowerBook G4 15-inch Late 2005. Despite its brief stint in the limelight, this laptop left an indelible mark on the landscape of portable computing.
Released in 2005, the Apple PowerBook G4 15-inch Late 2005 dazzled consumers with its cutting-edge features. Powered by a robust 1.67 GHz PowerPC 7447a G4 processor, it boasted a spacious 15.2-inch TFT display, 512 MB of RAM, and an 80 GB hard drive. Additionally, its slot-loading 8x DVD-R/CD-RW dual-layer “SuperDrive” was a novelty at the time, enhancing its appeal to multimedia enthusiasts.
One of the standout features of the PowerBook G4 15-inch Late 2005 was its enhanced display resolution, catering to the needs of both business and creative professionals. With a 1440-by-960 pixel resolution, the display offered 26 percent more screen real estate than its predecessor, making tasks such as reading text and viewing images a delight. Moreover, the brighter displays, especially on the 17-inch model, provided up to 46 percent more brightness, ensuring optimal viewing even in diverse lighting conditions.
Under the hood, the PowerBook G4 15-inch Late 2005 was a powerhouse. Equipped with ATI Mobility Radeon 9700 graphics with 128 MB DDR dedicated video memory, it delivered exceptional graphics performance, catering to the needs of multimedia professionals and gamers alike. The inclusion of built-in Dual Link support further extended its versatility, allowing users to connect to Apple’s groundbreaking 30-inch Cinema HD Display for an expansive workspace.
Apple left no stone unturned in ensuring seamless connectivity and user convenience with the PowerBook G4 15-inch Late 2005. Built-in Bluetooth 2.0+EDR and integrated AirPort Extreme 54 Mbps 802.11g WiFi wireless networking facilitated effortless wireless communication and internet connectivity. The scrolling TrackPad and Apple’s Sudden Motion Sensor technology added to the overall user experience, making navigation and data protection hassle-free.
The PowerBook G4 15-inch Late 2005 came bundled with Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger, offering users the latest innovations in Apple’s advanced operating system. Additionally, it included iLife ‘05, a suite of digital lifestyle applications, further enriching the user experience and unleashing creativity.
Despite its short lifespan, the PowerBook G4 15-inch Late 2005 made a lasting impression on the computing landscape. Its innovative features, sleek design, and robust performance garnered praise from users and critics alike. However, its discontinuation just three months after release left many wondering about its untapped potential.
Today, 18 years have passed since the introduction of the PowerBook G4 15-inch Late 2005, yet its legacy endures. While it may not match the computing power of modern laptops, it symbolizes a golden era of innovation and design excellence at Apple. For those who reminisce about its sleek aluminum body and formidable performance, it holds a special place in the annals of computing history.
PowerBook G4 15-inch Late 2005 Details
| Introduced | October 19, 2005 – 18 years ago |
| Discontinued | January 10, 2006 – 18 years ago |
| Time on the Market | 83 days (2 months) |
| Model Identifier | PowerBook5,8 |
| Model Number | A1138 |
| EMC | Unknown |
| Order Number | M9969LL/A |
| Original Price | $1,999 |
| 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 Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PowerPC 7447a G4 |
| Processor Speed | 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 120 GB |
| Media | 1 – 8x DVD-R/CD-RW dual-layer “SuperDrive” slot-loading drive |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 512 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 2 GB |
| Memory Slots | 2 – PC2-4200 DDR2 200-pin SO-DIMM |
| Interleaving Support | No |
Display
| Built-in Display | 15.2″ Color TFT Display |
| Pixel Density | 117 dpi |
| Resolutions | 640 x 480 720 x 480 800 x 500 800 x 600 1024 x 640 1024 x 768 1152 x 720 1280 x 800 1440 x 960 (native) |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | ATI Mobility Radeon 9700 |
| Graphics Memory | 128 MB |
| Display Connection | 1 – dual-link DVI 1 – S-Video VGA and Composite with adapter) |
| Display Modes | Dual display extended and video mirroring |
| External Resolution | Up to 2560 by 1600 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 – dual-link DVI 1 – S-Video VGA and Composite 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 10.4.2 |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS X 10.5.8 |
| Firmware | Macintosh ROM |
| Bundled Software | Mac OS X 10.4 Spotlight Dashboard iChat AV Safari Address Book QuickTime iCal DVD Player Classic environment Xcode Developer Tools iLife ’05 (includes iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie HD, iDVD, GarageBand) Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac Test Drive Zinio Reader Art Directors Toolkit FileMaker Pro Trial GraphicConverter OmniGraffle OmniOutliner QuickBooks For Mac New User Edition Apple Hardware Test |
Power
| System Battery | 50 Wh Lithium-Ion (M9756G/A) |
| Backup Battery | PowerBook G4 (15-inch) Backup Battery (922-7173) |
| Battery Life | Up to 5.5 hours |
| Maximum Continuous Power | Unknown |
| Line Voltage | 100-240 V AC |
| Power Adapter | 65 W Apple Power Adapter |
Further Reading and References
- PowerBook G4 (Late 2005): Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple Enhances PowerBooks with Higher-Resolution Displays, Longer Battery Life – Apple Newsroom
- PowerBook G4 – Wikipedia
- 15″ PowerBook G4 (Late 2005) – Low End Mac
- PowerBook G4 (Dual Layer SD) – Apple History
- Apple PowerBook G4 15-Inch – Review 2005 – PCMag UK
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.
