In the realm of premium computing, few names command as much reverence as Apple. Renowned for their innovation and sleek design, Apple products have consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in the world of technology. One such groundbreaking device that etched itself into the annals of computing history is the Apple PowerBook G4 17-inch Late 2003 (Aluminum). Released in 2003, this powerhouse of a notebook computer redefined the standards for professional-grade computing experiences.
At its core, the PowerBook G4 17-inch Late 2003 epitomized the pinnacle of innovation. Boasting an industry-first 17-inch display, it stood as a testament to Apple’s commitment to pushing boundaries. This expansive screen was not only a visual marvel but also a practical asset for professionals in fields like graphic design, video editing, and music production. Despite its sizable display, the PowerBook G4 maintained a remarkably slender profile, measuring just 1-inch thin and weighing a mere 6.9 pounds. This amalgamation of power and portability made it a coveted companion for professionals on the go.
Underneath its sleek exterior, the PowerBook G4 17-inch Late 2003 housed a formidable array of components. At its heart is a blazingly fast 1.33 GHz PowerPC G4 processor, delivering uncompromising performance for even the most demanding tasks. Complementing this powerhouse CPU was the ATI Mobility Radeon 9600 graphics card with 64 MB DDR SDRAM, ensuring seamless visuals and smooth rendering. With support for up to 2 GB of DDR 333 MHz SDRAM, users could push the limits of multitasking without fear of slowdowns.
Storage was another area where the PowerBook G4 excelled. Sporting an 80 GB Ultra ATA/100 hard drive, it offered ample space for storing multimedia projects, documents, and more. Furthermore, its full complement of I/O ports, including built-in Gigabit Ethernet and high-speed FireWire 800, facilitated seamless connectivity with external devices, further enhancing its versatility.
A hallmark of Apple products is the seamless integration of hardware and software, and the PowerBook G4 was no exception. Pre-installed with Mac OS X Jaguar 10.2.7, it offered a host of unique features aimed at enhancing the mobile computing experience. From the lightning-fast “Instant On” functionality to the intelligent “Automatic Networking” capabilities, every aspect of the operating system was meticulously crafted to streamline productivity and efficiency.
Additionally, every PowerBook G4 came bundled with Apple’s iLife suite of applications, further enriching the user experience. Whether it was managing digital music with iTunes, organizing photos with iPhoto, creating movies with iMovie, or authoring DVDs with iDVD, users had a comprehensive toolkit at their fingertips, empowering them to unleash their creativity like never before.
Upon its release, the PowerBook G4 17-inch Late 2003 commanded a premium price tag starting at $2,999, positioning it as a luxury offering in the world of computing. Despite its hefty price, demand for this cutting-edge device was palpable, with consumers flocking to get their hands on the latest innovation from Apple. Available immediately, it set a new standard for premium computing experiences.
Although the PowerBook G4 17-inch Late 2003 has long been succeeded by newer iterations, its legacy endures as a testament to Apple’s unwavering commitment to innovation and design excellence. Even after 20 years, its groundbreaking features and timeless design continue to inspire the development of future notebook computers.
As we reflect on its impact, one thing remains clear: the PowerBook G4 17-inch Late 2003 will forever hold a special place in the hearts of technology enthusiasts and professionals alike, reminding us of the transformative power of visionary engineering.
PowerBook G4 17-inch Late 2003 Details
| Introduced | September 16, 2003 |
| Discontinued | April 19, 2004 |
| Model Identifier | PowerBook5,3 |
| Model Number | A1052 |
| EMC | 1983 |
| Order Number | M9110LL/A |
| Original Price | $2,999 |
| 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 7447 G4 |
| Processor Speed | 1.33 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 – 4200 rpm or 5400 rpm |
| Media | 1 – 2x DVD-R/CD-RW “SuperDrive” slot-loading drive |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 512 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 2 GB |
| 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 | 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 |
| 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 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 10.2.7 |
| 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 | 58 Wh Lithium-Ion Prismatic |
| Backup Battery | PowerBook G4 (17-inch) Backup Battery (922 – 6064) |
| 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 |
Further Reading and References
- PowerBook G4 (17-inch 1.33 GHz): Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple Introduces New 15-inch PowerBook – Apple Newsroom
- PowerBook G4 17-inch(2003): Getting Started (Manual PDF) – Apple Support
- PowerBook G4 – Wikipedia
- 17″ PowerBook G4 (Late 2003) – Low End Mac
- PowerBook G4 (17″ 1.33 GHz) – Apple History
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
