In the ever-evolving landscape of notebook computers, few have left as enduring a mark as the Apple PowerBook G4 Late 2001. Launched in October 2001, this powerhouse was a pivotal member of Apple’s esteemed PowerBook G4 series. Packed with cutting-edge features, a sleek design, and a commitment to performance, it quickly became a favorite among power users.
Apple introduced the Titanium PowerBook G4 line with a promise of faster processors, high-speed graphics, and larger hard drives. The incorporation of new PowerPC G4 processors up to 667MHz, a 133 MHz system bus, ATI Mobility Radeon AGP 4X graphics, and built-in Gigabit Ethernet networking marked a significant leap forward in portable computing.
The PowerBook G4 Late 2001 also known as “Gigabit Ethernet” or “Titanium” set itself apart with its svelte 1-inch thick Titanium metal body, weighing just 5.3 pounds. The 15.2-inch TFT wide-screen active-matrix display provided a stunning visual experience. Boasting processors with Velocity Engine, 256K of on-chip level 2 cache, and up to 1 GB of SDRAM, the PowerBook G4 was engineered for unparalleled performance.
For creative professionals, the new PowerBook G4 offered larger hard drives, reaching up to 48GB, and the option for a CD-RW slot-loading optical drive. Running on the latest Mac OS X version 10.1 and Mac OS 9.2.1, it provided a seamless and powerful user experience.
The 550 MHz and 667 MHz PowerBook G4 models boasted a 100 MHz and 133 MHz system bus, respectively. Harnessing this power, they outperformed Pentium III-based 1.13 GHz notebook systems by an impressive 48 percent on average. The ATI Mobility Radeon graphics processor with AGP 4X support and 16 MB of DDR video memory ensured advanced graphics and fast 3D rendering.
The Titanium PowerBook G4 was a pioneer in mobile communications, featuring built-in Gigabit Ethernet and 802.11-based AirPort technology for wireless communications at 11 megabits per second. The 667 MHz model even came standard with both Gigabit Ethernet and AirPort wireless networking pre-installed.
Recognizing the growing importance of multimedia, Apple provided the option to configure the PowerBook G4 Late 2001 with a CD-RW drive. This allowed users to manage their digital music collection on the go using iTunes software and engage in video editing with iMovie 2 or Final Cut Pro.
Despite its success, the PowerBook G4 with Gigabit Ethernet had a relatively short lifespan. On April 29, 2002, Apple discontinued this model, replacing it with the PowerBook G4 featuring a DVI port. This transition marked the end of an era for the Gigabit Ethernet variant.
Even 22 years after its launch, the PowerBook G4 with Gigabit Ethernet is fondly remembered by tech enthusiasts and Apple fans. Its impact on the computing industry continues to reverberate, as it remains a symbol of innovation and a testament to Apple’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology.
The Apple PowerBook G4 with Gigabit Ethernet (Titanium) stands as a classic in the realm of notebook computers. Its sleek design, groundbreaking features, and powerful performance left an indelible mark on the industry. While it may no longer be in production, its legacy lives on, inspiring the next generation of tech enthusiasts and serving as a reminder of a time when innovation in portable computing reached new heights.
PowerBook G4 Late 2001 Details
| Introduced | October 16, 2001 |
| Discontinued | April 29, 2002 |
| Model Identifier | PowerBook3,3 |
| Model Number | M8407 |
| EMC | 1895 |
| Order Number | M8362LL/A (550 MHz) M8622LL/A (550 MHz) M8363LL/A (667 MHz) M8623LL/A (667 MHz) |
| Original Price | $2,199 $2,999 |
| Colors | Titanium |
| Weight | 5.3 Ibs. 2.404 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 |
Titanium PowerBook G4 Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PowerPC 7440 G4 |
| Processor Speed | 550 MHz 667 MHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 100 MHz (550 MHz) 133 MHz (667 MHz) |
| Cache | 64 KB L1 256 KB on-chip L2 |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 20 GB 30 GB 48 GB |
| Media | 1 – 6x DVD-ROM (Slot-loading) or DVD/CD-RW “Combo” drive |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 128 MB 256 MB 512 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 1 GB |
| Memory Slots | 2 – PC-100 3.3V 144-pin SO-DIMM |
| Minimum Speed | 10 ns |
| 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 (native) |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | ATI Mobility Radeon |
| Graphics Memory | 16 MB |
| Display Connection | 1 – VGA 1 – S-Video |
| Display Modes | Dual display extended and video mirroring |
| External Resolution | Up to 1600 by 1200 pixels (built-in display and external display) Up to 1920 by 1440 pixels (external display only) |
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 550 MHz / Built-in in 667 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 – Built-in microphone |
| Audio Out | 1 – 3.5-mm analog output jack 2 – Built-in 20mm speakers |
| Display | 1 – VGA 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 9.2.1 Mac OS X 10.1 |
| Later OS | Mac OS X 10.1.2 |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS X 10.4.11 |
| Firmware | Macintosh ROM |
| Bundled Software | None |
Power
| System Battery | 55.3 Wh Lithium-Ion |
| Backup Battery | PowerBook G4 Backup Battery (922-4631) |
| Battery Life | Up to 5 hours |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 45 W |
| Line Voltage | 100-240 V AC |
| Power Adapter | 45 W Apple Power Adapter (M8576LL/A) |
Further Reading and References
- PowerBook G4 (Gigabit Ethernet): Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple Powers Up Titanium PowerBook G4 with New G4 Processors – Apple Newsroom
- PowerBook G4 – Wikipedia
- 550 MHz 15″ PowerBook G4 (Late 2001) – Low End Mac
- Low End Mac’s Compleat* Guide to Titanium PowerBooks – Low End Mac
- 20 Macs for 2020: #5 – Titanium PowerBook G4 – Six Colors
- Inside the Titanium Powerbook G4 – MacWorld
- The PowerBook G4 Titanium still looks great next to today’s MacBook Air – MacWorld
- Titanium PowerBook G4: The Power and The Sex – More
- Apple Titanium PowerBook G4 – Mass Made Soul
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: January 29, 2024
