In April 2002, Apple unveiled a groundbreaking addition to its PowerBook series—the PowerBook G4 Early 2002, affectionately known as the “Power Book G4 with DVI port” or simply “Titanium.” This remarkable notebook computer not only reshaped the landscape of Apple’s product line but also left an indelible mark on the entire computer industry.
The PowerBook G4 Early 2002 was a pinnacle of innovation, boasting a suite of cutting-edge features. It introduced an all-new, high-resolution display with a 15.2-inch mega-wide screen, offering a remarkable resolution of 1280-by-854 pixels. This enhancement, coupled with increased brightness and superior color saturation, delivered an unparalleled visual experience for users.
Under the hood, the New PowerBook G4 packed a punch with faster PowerPC G4 processors, reaching speeds of up to 800 MHz, along with a substantial 1 MB level 3 cache. These enhancements significantly boosted performance, making tasks like video editing with Final Cut Pro and graphic design with Photoshop a breeze.
One of the standout features of the PowerBook G4 was its integration of the Digital Visual Interface (DVI) port, a first in the industry. This port facilitated both analog and digital video output, enabling users to connect seamlessly to Apple’s flat-panel displays and DVI-equipped digital projectors. Additionally, the inclusion of integrated Gigabit Ethernet paved the way for lightning-fast networking capabilities, setting a new standard for connectivity in notebooks.
Steve Jobs, Apple’s visionary CEO, hailed the PowerBook G4 as the epitome of excellence in the realm of professional notebooks. He lauded its high-resolution display, seamless DVI connectivity, and blazing-fast Gigabit Ethernet, emphasizing its superiority over rival products. With these accolades, the PowerBook G4 solidified its reputation as a game-changer in the world of computing.
Apple complemented the PowerBook G4 with innovative accessories, such as the DVI to ADC Adapter. This adapter facilitated easy connectivity to Apple’s lineup of digital flat-panel displays, including the impressive 23-inch Cinema HD Display. By carrying pure digital video signals, USB data, and power over a single cable, this adapter simplified setup and minimized clutter, enhancing the overall user experience.
The PowerBook G4’s performance was unrivaled in its time, thanks to its robust hardware configuration. Equipped with PowerPC G4 processors, high-speed L3 cache, and ATI Mobility Radeon 7500 graphics processor, it delivered exceptional computing power and graphics performance. Its prowess surpassed even that of Pentium 4-based systems, reaffirming Apple’s commitment to pushing technological boundaries.
In addition to its stellar performance, the PowerBook G4 prioritized connectivity and convenience. With a built-in Gigabit Ethernet, a 56K modem, and an AirPort Card slot for wireless communications, it offered versatile networking options to users. The inclusion of FireWire and USB ports further enhanced its connectivity, facilitating seamless integration with a myriad of peripherals.
The Titanium PowerBook G4 was available in two standard configurations, catering to different user needs and budgets. The 667 MHz model retailed for $2,499, while the 800 MHz variant was priced at $3,199. Both configurations offered a range of customization options, including RAM upgrades, larger hard drives, and the AppleCare Protection Plan, providing users with flexibility and peace of mind.
Despite being discontinued in 2002, the PowerBook G4 with DVI port continues to hold a special place in the hearts of Mac enthusiasts. Its titanium design, advanced features, and remarkable performance cemented its legacy as a trailblazer in the realm of notebook computing. Even 22 years after its release, it serves as a testament to Apple’s unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence.
The PowerBook G4 Early 2002 stands as a testament to Apple’s ingenuity and vision. Its groundbreaking design, innovative features, and unparalleled performance set a new benchmark for notebook computers, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. As we reflect on its legacy, we’re reminded of a time when Apple dared to defy expectations and redefine what was possible. Truly, the PowerBook G4 with DVI port remains a timeless icon in the annals of computing history.
PowerBook G4 Early 2002 Details
| Introduced | April 29, 2002 |
| Discontinued | November 6, 2002 |
| Model Identifier | PowerBook3,4 |
| Model Number | A1001 |
| EMC | 1913 |
| Order Number | M8591LL/A (667 MHz) M8592LL/A (800 MHz) |
| Original Price | $2,499 $3,199 |
| Colors | Titanium |
| Weight | 5.4 Ibs. 2.449 KG |
| Dimensions | 1” H x 13.4” W x 9.5” D 2.54 cm H x 34.03 cm W x 24.13 cm D |
PowerBook G4 with DVI port Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PowerPC 7451 G4 |
| Processor Speed | 667 MHz 800 MHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 133 MHz |
| Cache | 64 KB L1 256 KB on-chip L2 1 MB L3 |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 30 GB 40 GB 60 GB |
| Media | 1 – 8x DVD/CD-RW “Combo” slot-loading drive |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 256 MB 512 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 1 GB |
| Memory Slots | 2 – PC-133 3.3V 144-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 7500 |
| Graphics Memory | 32 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/66 (ATA-5) |
| Bays | None |
Connections
| Wi-Fi | AirPort Card 802.11b (Optional in 667 MHz / Built-in in 800 MHz) |
| Ethernet | 10/100/1000BASE-T (RJ-45) |
| Modem | 56k |
| Bluetooth | None |
| Infrared | 1 – 4 Mbps |
| ADB | 1 – Internal for Trackpad |
| FireWire | 1 – 400 Mbps (6W total power) |
| 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 20mm speakers |
| Display | 1 – DVI 1 – S-Video |
| Security Slot | 1 – Kensington cable lock |
Keyboard and trackpad
| Keyboard | Built-in Full-size 77-key (U.S.) or 78-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 9.2.2 Mac OS X 10.1.4 |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS X 10.4.11 |
| Firmware | Macintosh ROM |
| Bundled Software | Mac OS 9 or Mac OS X QuickTime 5 iMovie 2 iTunes 2 iPhoto Mac OS X Mail Acrobat Reader Art Directors Toolkit EarthLink, FAXstf Graphic Converter Microsoft Internet Explorer OmniGraffle OmniOutliner PCalc PixelNhance Snapz Pro X software Apple Hardware Test CD |
Power
| System Battery | 55.3 Wh Lithium-Ion |
| Backup Battery | PowerBook G4 Backup Battery (922-5205) |
| Battery Life | Up to 5 hours |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 45 W |
| Line Voltage | 100-240 V AC |
| Power Adapter | 45 W Apple Power Adapter (M8743LL/A) |
Further Reading and References
- PowerBook G4 (DVI): Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple Unveils New Titanium PowerBook G4 – Apple Newsroom
- PowerBook G4 – Wikipedia
- 15″ PowerBook G4 (DVI) – Low End Mac
- PowerBook G4 (DVI) Service Source (PDF) – Apple Repair Manuals
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 7, 2024
