In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, certain devices stand out as pioneers, setting the stage for innovation and redefining the way we interact with our digital world. One such device was the iBook G4 12-inch Early 2004, introduced by Apple on April 19th, 2004.
In 2004, Apple was at the forefront of computer innovation, and the iBook G4 12-inch Early 2004 was a testament to that. Priced at $1,099, it boasted cutting-edge features that catered to both consumers and education customers. Powered by PowerPC G4 processors running at up to 1.2 GHz, this sleek notebook offered performance and portability like never before.
The device featured an optional DVD-burning SuperDrive, advanced wireless connectivity with AirPort Extreme 54 Mbps 802.11g wireless networking, and Bluetooth support. With a slot-load Combo drive for burning CDs and watching DVDs, the iBook G4 12-inch Early 2004 was designed to meet the demands of users living their digital lives on the go.
Equipped with a 1 GHz PowerPC 7447a G4 processor, 256 MB of RAM, and a 30 GB hard drive, the iBook G4 12-inch Early 2004 was a powerhouse capable of handling a variety of tasks with ease. Its 12.1″ TFT Display and 32 MB ATI Mobility Radeon 9200 graphics provided stunning visuals, making it ideal for both work and entertainment.
The iBook G4 lineup offered advanced connectivity options, including FireWire 400, USB 2.0, and a built-in 56K v.92 modem and Ethernet (10/100BASE-T). Users could also opt for additional upgrades such as up to 1.25 GB of DDR SDRAM and a 4x SuperDrive (DVD-R/CD-RW) optical drive on the 14-inch models.
Every iBook G4 came pre-installed with Mac OS X 10.3 Panther, Apple’s latest operating system at the time. It also included iLife ’04, an award-winning suite of digital lifestyle applications, that allows users to manage digital photos, music, and movies with ease.
Despite its initial success, the iBook G4 12-inch Early 2004 was discontinued just six months after its release, being replaced by the iBook G4 12-inch Late 2004. However, its impact on the tech industry and the hearts of Apple enthusiasts remains undeniable.
Today, as we reflect on the iBook G4 12-inch Early 2004, we’re reminded of a time when innovation was at its peak and Apple was leading the charge. While the device may no longer be in use, its legacy lives on, serving as a symbol of progress and a reminder of the exciting advancements in technology over the years.
As we celebrate 20 years since the introduction of the iBook G4 12-inch Early 2004, let’s pay tribute to its role in shaping the future of computing and inspiring generations of tech enthusiasts around the world. Though technology has evolved since then, the spirit of innovation and excellence that defined the iBook G4 continues to inspire us today.
iBook G4 12-inch Early 2004 Details
| Introduced | April 19, 2004 – 20 years ago |
| Discontinued | October 19, 2004 – 19 years ago |
| Time on the Market | 183 days (6 months) |
| Model Identifier | PowerBook6,3 |
| Model Number | A1054 |
| EMC | Unknown |
| Order Number | M9426LL/A |
| Original Price | $1,099 |
| Colors | Opaque White |
| Weight | 4.9 Ibs. 2.222 KG |
| Dimensions | 11.2” H x 9.1” W x 1.35” D 28.44 cm H x 23.11 cm W x 3.42 cm D |
iBook G4 Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PowerPC 7447a G4 |
| Processor Speed | 1 GHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 133 MHz |
| Cache | 64 KB L1 512 KB on-chip L2 |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 30 GB |
| Media | 1 – 8x DVD-ROM/CD-RW “Combo” slot-loading drive |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 256 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 1.25 GB |
| Memory Slots | 1 – PC-2100 DDR266 200-pin SO-DIMM* |
| Interleaving Support | No |
Display
| Built-in Display | 12.1″ Color TFT XGA Display |
| Resolutions | 640 x 480 800 x 600 1024 x 768 (native) |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | ATI Mobility Radeon 9200 |
| Graphics Memory | 32 MB |
| Display Connection | 1 – Mini-VGA (Composite and S-Video with adapter) |
| Display Modes | Video mirroring only |
| External Resolution | None |
Expansion
| Expansion Slots | None |
| Hard Drive Interface | Ultra ATA/100 (ATA-6) |
| Bays | None |
Connections
| Wi-Fi | AirPort Extreme Card 802.11b/g (Optional) |
| Ethernet | 10/100BASE-T (RJ-45) |
| Modem | 56k |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 1.1 (Optional) |
| Infrared | None |
| FireWire | 1 – 400 Mbps |
| SCSI | None |
| USB | 2 – 480 Mbps |
| Audio In | 1 – Built-in microphone |
| Audio Out | 1 – 3.5-mm analog output jack 2 – Built-in speakers |
| Display | 1 – Mini-VGA (Composite and S-Video with adapter) |
| 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 X 10.3.3 |
| Later OS | Mac OS X 10.3.4 |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS X 10.5.8 |
| Firmware | Macintosh ROM |
| Bundled Software | Mac OS X 10.3 QuickTime iCal iChat iLife (includes iTunes, iPhoto, and iMovie) iSync DVD Player AppleWorks Mac OS X Mail Microsoft Internet Explorer EarthLink AOL Quicken 2003 Deluxe World Book 2003 Edition Mac OS X Chess Otto Matic Deimos Rising Microsoft Office Sound Studio FAXstf Acrobat Reader Apple Hardware Test CD |
Power
| System Battery | 50 Wh Lithium-Ion |
| Backup Battery | None |
| Battery Life | Up to 6 hours |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 45 W |
| Line Voltage | 100-240 V AC |
| Power Adapter | 45 W Apple Power Adapter |
Further Reading and References
- iBook G4 (Early 2004): Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple Updates Popular iBook G4 Line – Apple Newsroom
- iBook – Wikipedia
- 12″ 1 GHz iBook G4 (Early 2004) – Low End Mac
- iBook G4 (Early 2004) – 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.
