In the late 1990s Apple was trimming its product line from the bewildering variety of intersecting Performa, Quadra, LC, Power Macintosh and PowerBook models to a simplified "four box" strategy: desktop and portable computers, each in both consumer and professional models. Three boxes of this strategy were already in place: The newly-introduced iMac was the consumer desktop, the Blue and White G3 filled the professional desktop box, and the PowerBook line served as the professional portable line. This left only the consumer portable space empty, leading to much rumor on the Internet of potential designs and features. Putting an end to this speculation, Steve Jobs unveiled the iBook G3 during the keynote presentation of Macworld Conference & Expo, New York City on July 21, 1999.
The design was clearly influenced by Apple's consumer desktop, the iMac. In fact, the marketing slogan was "iMac to go". The clamshell design also echoed the eMate 300. Apple continued its trend of using transparent colored plastics for the shell, and releasing a product in multiple colours. Like the iMac, the iBook G3 had a PowerPC G3 CPU, and no legacy Apple interfaces. USB, Ethernet, modem ports and an optical drive were standard. The ports were left uncovered along the left side: a cover was thought to be fragile. When the lid was closed, the hinge kept it firmly shut, so there was no need for a latch on the screen. The hinge included an integrated carrying handle. Additional power connectors on the bottom surface allowed multiple iBook G3s to be charged on a custom-made rack. The iBook G3 was the first Mac to use Apple's new "Unified Motherboard Architecture", which condensed all of the machine's core features into two chips, and added AGP and Ultra DMA support.
The iBook was the first mainstream computer ever designed and sold with integrated wireless networking. On the iBook's introduction, Phil Schiller, Apple's VP of Marketing, held an iBook while jumping off a height as data from the computer was transferred to another in order to demonstrate the wireless networking capability. The display bezel contained the wireless antenna, which attached to an optional internal wireless card. Lucent helped create this wireless capability which established the industry standard. Apple released the AirPort Wireless Base Station at the same time.
There was heated debate over many things such as the aesthetics, features, weight, performance, and pricing. To provide good impact protection, the iBook was larger and heftier than the PowerBook of the time, and yet had lower specifications. Standard features like PC card slots were absent. Speculated features such as touch-screens and an ultra-long battery life were absent. The iBook gained the label "toilet seat", due to the distinctive design. Nevertheless, this same design made the iBook G3 unmistakable in movies and television shows.
The iBook was a commercial success. The line continually received processor, memory, hard disk upgrades, and new colors. FireWire and video out were later added. The design was discontinued in May 2001, in favor of the new "Dual USB" iBooks.
Vestiges of design ideas first adopted in the iBook G3 can be still be seen today: moving interface ports from the back to the side and leaving them uncovered, and integrated wireless networking.
Expandable to 544MB (288MB or 320MB specified by Apple)
64MB (soldered to the logic board)
Expandable to 576MB (320MB specified by Apple)
Graphics
ATI Rage Mobility (2 AGP) with 4MB of SDRAM
ATI Rage Mobility (2 AGP) with 8MB of SDRAM
Hard drive
3.2GB or 6GB ATA HDD
6GB ATA HDD
10GB ATA HDD
AirPort
Optional Integrated 802.11b AirPort Card
Optical drive
24 tray-loading CD-ROM drive
24 tray-loading CD-ROM drive or 4 DVD-ROM drive
Ports
USB 1.1, 3.5mm headphone jack, 10/100 Ethernet
USB 1.1, FireWire 400, 3.5mm headphone jack, 10/100 Ethernet
Included Operating system
Mac OS 8.6
Mac OS 9.0.2
Mac OS 9.0.4
Weight
6.7lb/3.0kg
Dimensions
1.813.511.6in
All changes between models are marked by bold lettering.
The iBook has been upgraded to 576 MB of RAM including the 64 MB onboard.
Expandability and upgrades
The original iBook's only customer-serviceable parts were the memory (RAM) and AirPort card, accessed via two slots under the easily-removable keyboard. No other modifications were possible in-warranty. There was no PCMCIA port for additional expansion capabilities. 40 screws needed to be removed to access the hard disk or optical drive.
Later on, some users have even transplanted a 1024768 LCD from the more recent white iBook onto a clamshell iBook.
All clamshell iBooks shipped with Mac OS 8.6 or 9.0 however all iBooks supported upgrading to Mac OS X v10.010.3.9. Mac OS X v10.4 "Tiger", requires a Firewire port found only on the late-model iBook G3 FireWire/SE (366/466MHz). it is possible however to use a third-party software such as XPostFacto, to install version 10.4 on the clamshell iBook.
In popular culture
The iBook Clamshell appears in many early 2000s TV shows, such as George Lopez and Malcolm in the Middle; Rory in Gilmore Girls also uses one. The Clamshell appears in the EA game The Sims thanks to the unofficial add-on That's Life, as well as in the movies Legally Blonde, Coyote Ugly, Max Keeble's Big Move, and Zack and Miri Make a Porno (Miri's dysfunctional laptop).
iBook G3 Dual USB (12.1" and 14.1")
iBook G3 ("Dual USB")
The second-generation iBook G3 (12.1in).
Developer
Apple Computer
Type
Laptop
Release date
May 1, 2001
Discontinued
October 22, 2003
CPU
PowerPC G3, 500900MHz
Apple debuted the next-generation iBook G3 at a press conference in Cupertino, California on May 1, 2001. The previous bold colors and bulky form-factor were abandoned, as was the handle, the latchless design and the additional power connectors on the bottom surface.
The resulting iBook was available in white only, and incorporated transparent polycarbonate in its casing. It was 30% lighter, and occupied less than 50% of the volume of the model it replaced, being smaller in all 3 dimensions. Despite that, it added an extra USB port and a higher resolution screen. Apple claimed the compact design did not sacrifice durability, saying it was wice as durable as the previous model.
With this revision, Apple began transitioning to translucent and white polycarbonate casings in most of its consumer line, such as the iMac and the eMac. In contrast, most of its professional products used an anodized aluminum finish. (The Mac mini uses both.)
Models
iBook G3 Dual USB (May 1, 2001) Second generation iBook G3
Casing now opaque and white instead of translucent and magnesium
ATI Mobility Radeon, 32MB VRAM
Mac OS X 10.2 and 9.2.2
(Other specifications same as 14in)
iBook G3 Early 2003 (April 22, 2003) Minor revision
800/900MHz
ATI Mobility Radeon 7500 32MB VRAM
30/40GB Hard disk
The headphone jack on the iBook G3 with dual USB functions as an audio/video output when connected via the Apple AV Cable for iBook.
iBook G4
iBook G4
iBook G4 (12inch)
Developer
Apple Computer
Type
Laptop
Release date
October 22, 2003
Discontinued
May 16, 2006
CPU
PowerPC G4, 800MHz1.42GHz
Apple added a PowerPC G4 chip to the iBook line on October 23, 2003inally ending Apple use of the PowerPC G3 chip. A slot-loading optical drive replaced the disc tray. The iBook G4 also features an opaque white case finish and keyboard, and a plastic display hinge.
Models
iBook G4 (October 22, 2003) Major revision, processor switch
12in or 14in active-matrix TFT display (1024768 resolution)
G4 800/933MHz/1GHz
256MB RAM
30/40/60GB hard disk
Slot-load combo drive (CD-RW/DVD-ROM)
USB 2.0, FireWire 400, video out, Ethernet 10/100
AirPort Extreme (802.11g, optional)
Mac OS X v10.3 "Panther"
iBook G4 Early 2004 (April 19, 2004) - Minor revision
G4 1.0/1.07/1.2GHz
Slot-load SuperDrive (DVD-R) "Built to Order" option
(Other Specifications Same as iBook G4)
iBook G4 Late 2004 (October 19, 2004) Minor revision
(Other Specifications Same as iBook G4 Early 2004)
The three models are: M9623LL/A (12in, 1.2GHz, combo drive), M9627LL/A (14in, 1.33GHz, combo drive), M9628LL/A (14in, 1.33GHz, SuperDrive)
Originally shipped with Mac OS X v10.3 "Panther" but with the release of Mac OS X v10.4 "Tiger" on 29 April 2005, all iBooks were shipped with the more up-to-date operating system.
iBooks offered several ports on their left side, including a Kensington Security Slot, modem, Ethernet, Firewire, 2 USB, video out and headphone.
iBook G4 Mid 2005 (July 26, 2005 to May 16, 2006) Minor revision and the last PowerPC iBooks
While the 14in display is bigger it is the same resolution as the 12in.
Both models now feature: 512MB memory (expandable to 1.5GB) at 333MHz; ATI Mobility Radeon 9550 graphics processor with 32MB video RAM; Sudden Motion Sensor (parks the hard drive head if the iBook is dropped); scrolling trackpad; Bluetooth 2.0+EDR
Both have a bus at a 10:1 ratio (133MHz or 142MHz)
(Other Specifications Same as iBook G4 Late 2004)
Expandability and upgrades
The iBook keyboard lifts up, therefore allowing installation of the AirPort (wireless) card and additional memory. This gives the keyboard a "spongy" effect, especially in PowerPC G3 models with the translucent keyboard. The "sponginess" was corrected in the PowerPC G4 models.
Accessing the hard disk drive is complex and time-consuming, involving partial disassembly of the unit and the removal of over 20 different-sized screws.
The memory in the iBook G4 is covered by a removable Airport card, and accessible by removing the RAM shield with a Phillips 00 screwdriver. While some of the earlier models (e.g., 800MHz and 933MHz) have a specified 640MB RAM limit, it may be possible to have a total of 1.5GB of RAM installed (512MB built-in, plus a 1GB SO-DIMM ) or 1.25GB in the earlier models with 256MB of ram soldered to the logic board.
Quality issues
In late November 2003, a number of iBook G4 users reported display problems with their laptops. In December 2003, a group of users headed by Michael Johnson and Bill Owen sought to file a class action suit against Apple. In response, Apple initiated the "iBook Logic Board Repair Extension Program" in January 2004, which covered the expense of repairing affected iBooks for three years.
The iBook G4 seemed to suffer from similar display problems as the iBook G3, but was not covered by the repair extension program. Owners of iBooks that required expensive repairs for these problems submitted new class action lawsuits in December 2006.
On May 2, 2007, the Danish Consumer Board published an extensive report made by an external party concerning the Apple iBook G4 logic board issue. A press release referred to the global consequences this could have for possible guarantee claims.
Timeline of portable Macintoshes
See also: Timeline of Apple Macintosh models
References
^ The iBook Modification Project. Accessed on March 25, 2009
^ OSnews iBook Issues? You're Not Alone,[2004-01-03
^ Apple.com Expanded iBook Logic Board Repair Extension Program FAQ
^ "Law Suits report in Boston Globe"
^ "iBook G4 Logic Board issue report made under the authority of the Danish Consumer Board"
^ "Danes prove Apple iBook G4 has a defect - The INQUIRER"
^ "Press release about the iBook G4 logic board issue made by the Danish Consumer Board"
External links
Wikimedia Commons has media related to: iBook
Apple iBooks in Education
Apple Support Specifications iBook
Apple How to identify your iBook
Comprehensive technical details
Video of Jobs launching the iBook G3 at Macworld 1999
Apple "MacBook" filing suggests iBook re-branding
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Apple Model Navigation
Current Model
Successor
iBook
MacBook
July 21, 1999
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Apple hardware since 1998
Consumer computers
eMac iMac (G3: Tray, Slot; G4; G5; Core; Core 2: Polycarbonate, Aluminum) Mac mini (G4; Core; Core 2: Server)
Professional computers
Mac Pro Power Mac (G3: Outrigger, Minitower, AIO, B&W, Server; G4: Graphite, Quicksilver, MDD, Server, Cube; G5) Xserve (G4, CN; G5, CN; Intel)
AirPort (Card: B, G, N; Base Station: Graphite, Snow, Extreme G, N, Express G, N) iPod (Click Wheel, Dock Connector, Camera Connector, iPod Hi-Fi, Nike+iPod) iSight Keyboard (Pro, Wireless) Mouse (USB, Pro, Wireless, Mighty, Magic) Remote SuperDrive Time Capsule USB Modem Xserve RAID
Italics indicate discontinued products, bold italics indicate announced but not yet released products. See also: Apple hardware before 1998.
Categories: PowerPC Macintosh computers | Macintosh laptops | Macintosh computers by product line | 1999 introductionsHidden categories: Articles needing additional references from December 2008 | All articles needing additional references
