In the ever-evolving landscape of Mac notebooks, the Apple PowerBook G4 15-inch Mid 2004 (Aluminum) stands tall as a pivotal milestone. Released on April 19, 2004, this powerhouse was engineered to redefine portable computing for Mac lovers. Part of the esteemed PowerBook G4 series, it represented the apex of innovation in its era.
Apple’s announcement heralded a new era, boasting faster PowerPC G4 processors scaling up to 1.5 GHz, enhanced graphics capabilities, and a cutting-edge 4x SuperDrive for professional-grade DVD creation. Encased in the iconic aluminum shell, the PowerBook G4 exemplified the pinnacle of industrial design, setting a standard that reverberated across the industry.
Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing, succinctly captured the essence of the PowerBook G4, emphasizing its unparalleled fusion of performance and portability. With expansive widescreen displays, swift wireless networking, versatile connectivity options, and top-tier graphics, it was a testament to Apple’s commitment to pushing boundaries.
Both the 15-inch and 17-inch iterations of the PowerBook G4 boasted up to 1.5 GHz PowerPC G4 processors and stellar graphics prowess, courtesy of the ATI Mobility Radeon 9700 GPU. Custom configurations offered enthusiasts the option to elevate their experience with up to 128 MB of graphics memory, ensuring unparalleled visual fidelity.
Wireless connectivity was at the forefront, with built-in AirPort Extreme networking and Bluetooth modules seamlessly integrating with various peripherals, from cell phones to printers. The inclusion of iLife ’04 further augmented the user experience, offering a suite of digital lifestyle applications tailored for creative endeavors.
Each PowerBook G4 arrived pre-loaded with Apple’s Mac OS X 10.3 Panther, embodying the epitome of reliability and innovation. Features like FileVault ensured robust data security, while Exposé revolutionized multitasking with its intuitive window management system. Instant On technology and Automatic Networking further streamlined user interaction, exemplifying Apple’s commitment to user-centric design.
The PowerBook G4 15-inch was a tour de force, sporting a 1.33 GHz or 1.5 GHz PowerPC 7447a G4 processor, complemented by a vibrant 15.2″ TFT display. Generous RAM options of 256 MB or 512 MB, coupled with spacious 60 GB or 80 GB hard drives, ensured seamless multitasking and ample storage capacity for multimedia projects.
Connectivity options were comprehensive, with Bluetooth 1.1, FireWire “400” and “800” ports facilitating seamless integration with external devices. The inclusion of a slot-loading 8x DVD/CD-RW “Combo” drive empowered users to create and consume content on the fly, while the ATI Mobility Radeon 9700 graphics delivered an immersive visual experience.
The 12- and 15-inch models of the PowerBook G4 were available immediately upon launch, with the 17-inch variant slated for an early May release. Customers could personalize their devices with build-to-order options, ranging from expanded RAM to upgraded optical drives and enhanced storage solutions.
Despite being succeeded by newer models, the PowerBook G4 15-inch Mid 2004 continues to hold sway over enthusiasts and vintage tech collectors. Its legacy lives on as a testament to Apple’s ingenuity and design acumen. Even after 20 years, it remains a cherished relic, embodying an era of innovation and craftsmanship that defined a generation of Mac notebooks.
PowerBook G4 15-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 | PowerBook5,4 |
| Model Number | A1095 |
| EMC | Unknown |
| Order Number | M9421LL/A (1.33 GHz) M9422LL/A (1.5 GHz) |
| Original Price | $1,999 $2,499 |
| 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 | 1.33 GHz 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 – 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 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 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 10.3.3 |
| Later OS | Mac OS X 10.3.4 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, 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 | 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): Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple Introduces New PowerBook G4 Line – Apple Newsroom
- PowerBook G4 – Wikipedia
- 15″ 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.
