In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, Apple has often been at the forefront of innovation, introducing groundbreaking devices that redefine our expectations. Among these, the PowerBook G4 17-inch Early 2003 stands tall, symbolizing a convergence of power, elegance, and functionality.
In January 2003, Apple took the world by storm with the unveiling of the PowerBook G4 17-inch Early 2003. This sleek and powerful notebook computer represented a paradigm shift, offering users an unparalleled blend of performance and style. Encased in a durable aluminum alloy enclosure, the PowerBook G4 redefined portability, measuring a mere 1-inch thin and weighing just 6.8 pounds.
Upon its launch on January 7th, 2003, the PowerBook G4 17-inch Early 2003 commanded a premium price starting at $3,299. Despite its hefty price tag, demand for the device soared among Apple aficionados who recognized its unparalleled capabilities.
For those seeking additional enhancements, build-to-order options were available, allowing users to upgrade to up to 1 GB of DDR RAM. Furthermore, accessories such as the AirPort Extreme Base Station and the AppleCare Protection Plan were offered to further augment the user experience.
What set the PowerBook G4 apart from its competitors was its impressive array of features. Boasting the world’s first 17-inch display in a notebook, users were treated to an expansive canvas for their digital endeavors. The 1440-by-900 super-crisp pixels in a widescreen 16:10 aspect ratio provided a stunning visual experience that rivaled even desktop systems.
But it wasn’t just about the display size. The PowerBook G4 introduced several groundbreaking technologies, including built-in AirPort Extreme for blazing-fast wireless networking, FireWire 800 for high-speed data transfer, and Bluetooth connectivity for seamless integration with peripherals. Additionally, the inclusion of a backlit keyboard with ambient light sensors showcased Apple’s commitment to user comfort and convenience.
At the heart of the PowerBook G4 lay a formidable 1 GHz PowerPC G4 processor, complemented by NVIDIA graphics and fast DDR memory. This powerhouse of a machine delivered a desktop-level performance in a portable form factor, making it the go-to choice for professionals and power users alike. Whether it was graphic design, video editing, or multimedia creation, the PowerBook G4 handled every task with ease.
In an era where connectivity was paramount, the PowerBook G4 emerged as the most wirelessly connected notebook of its time. With AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth built-in, users could stay connected wherever they went. Whether it was syncing data with Bluetooth-enabled devices or enjoying high-speed internet access, the PowerBook G4 offered unparalleled freedom and flexibility.
Despite being discontinued just eight months after its release, the PowerBook G4 17-inch Early 2003 left an indelible mark on the world of technology. Its innovative design, unmatched performance, and forward-thinking features cemented its status as an icon in Apple’s storied history. Even today, 21 years later, the PowerBook G4 remains a cherished relic, evoking nostalgia among Apple enthusiasts and serving as a testament to the company’s relentless pursuit of excellence.
In retrospect, the PowerBook G4 17-inch Early 2003 stands as a testament to Apple’s legacy of innovation and design excellence. Its groundbreaking features, unmatched performance, and enduring appeal have secured its place in the annals of technology history.
PowerBook G4 17-inch Early 2003 Details
| Introduced | January 7, 2003 |
| Released | March 2003 |
| Discontinued | September 16, 2003 |
| Model Identifier | PowerBook5,1 |
| Model Number | A1013 |
| EMC | N/A |
| Order Number | M8793LL/A |
| Original Price | $3,299 |
| Colors | Aluminum |
| Weight | 6.8 Ibs. 3.084 KG |
| Dimensions | 1” H x 15.4” W x 10.2” D 2.54 cm H x 39.11 cm W x 25.9 cm D |
PowerBook G4 17-inch Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PowerPC 7455 G4 |
| Processor Speed | 1 GHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 167 MHz |
| Cache | 64 KB L1 256 KB on-chip L2 1 MB L3 |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 60 GB |
| Media | 1 – 2x DVD-R/CD-RW “SuperDrive” slot-loading drive |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 512 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 1 GB (Apple) 2 GB (Actual) |
| Memory Slots | 1 – PC-2700 200-pin SO-DIMM |
| Interleaving Support | No |
Display
| Built-in Display | 17″ Color TFT Display |
| Resolutions | 640 x 480 800 x 600 1024 x 768 1152 x 720 1440 x 900 (native) |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | NVIDIA GeForce 440 Go |
| 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 |
| 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 – 12 Mbps |
| Audio In | 1 – 3.5-mm analog input jack 1 – Built-in microphone |
| Audio Out | 1 – 3.5-mm analog output jack 2 – 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 10.2.4 |
| Later OS | Mac OS X 10.2.7 Mac OS X 10.3 |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS X 10.5.8 |
| Firmware | Macintosh ROM |
| Bundled Software | Mac OS X 10.2 Jaguar QuickTime iCal iChat iLife (includes iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie, and iDVD) DVD Player Mac OS X Mail Microsoft Internet Explorer EarthLink (includes 30 days of free service) Acrobat Reader Art Directors Toolkit FAXstf FileMaker Pro Trial GraphicConverter Microsoft Office OmniGraffle OmniOutliner QuickBooks for Mac New User Edition Developer Tools Apple Hardware Test |
Power
| System Battery | 55 Wh Lithium-Ion Prismatic |
| Backup Battery | PowerBook G4 Backup Battery (922 – 5767) |
| Battery Life | Up to 4.5 hours |
| Maximum Continuous Power | Unknown |
| Line Voltage | 100-240 V AC |
| Power Adapter | 65 W Apple Portable Power Adapter |
PowerBook G4 Aluminum Introduction
Further Reading and References
- PowerBook G4 (17-inch): Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple Unveils World’s First 17-inch Notebook – Apple Newsroom
- PowerBook G4 17-inch Specs (PDF) – Apple Store
- PowerBook G4 – Wikipedia
- 17″ PowerBook G4 (Early 2003) – Low End Mac
- PowerBook G4 (17-inch) Service Source (PDF) – Apple Repair Manuals
- Apple 17-inch PowerBook G4 review – CNET
- 17-Inch PowerBook G4/1GHz Review – MacWorld
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 12, 2024
