In the early 2000s, Apple made a significant impact on the portable computing market with its iconic iBook G3 laptops. Among them, the iBook Late 2001, introduced on October 16, 2001, stands out as a remarkable member of this series.
Apple’s commitment to innovation is evident in the enhancements made to the iBook Late 2001 known as “Translucent White”. Equipped with faster PowerPC G3 processors reaching up to 600 MHz, a new system bus running at 100 MHz, larger hard drives up to 20 GB, and a standard 128 MB of RAM across the line, the iBook Late 2001 promised users a seamless computing experience. With prices starting at $1,299, Apple aimed to offer an incredible value proposition to its customers.
The iBook Translucent White was powered by a fast and efficient 500 MHz or 600 MHz PowerPC 750cxe G3 processor. The 12.1-inch TFT Display provided a perfect on-the-go solution for both work and play. Users had the flexibility to customize their devices with memory options of 64 MB or 128 MB and hard drive capacities ranging from 15 GB to 30 GB. The inclusion of a tray-loading 24x CD-ROM / 8x DVD-ROM or DVD-ROM/CD-RW “Combo” drive added versatility to the iBook Late 2001, allowing users to burn CDs and watch movies on DVDs.
The iBook line boasted a range of impressive features in every model, including an impact-resistant polycarbonate enclosure, a crisp 12.1-inch active-matrix display with 1024-by-768 resolution, new PowerPC G3 processors, ATI Rage Mobility 128 graphics controller, AirPort-ready wireless Internet access, USB and FireWire ports, built-in modem and Ethernet, multimedia capabilities with iTunes and iMovie 2, and the latest Mac operating systems pre-installed. These features collectively positioned the iBook Late 2001 as a versatile and user-friendly computing solution.
The inclusion of an 8 MB ATI Rage Mobility 128 graphics card made the iBook Late 2001 an excellent choice for graphic designers, video editors, and gamers. The combination of processing speed, display quality, and graphics capabilities made it a top pick for users with demanding multimedia needs.
The iBook Late 2001 was made available in three standard configurations, catering to different user preferences. The pricing ranged from $1,299 for the base model with a 500 MHz processor and a CD-ROM drive, to $1,699 for the top-of-the-line model featuring a 600 MHz processor, a 20 GB hard drive, and a DVD-ROM/CD-RW “Combo” drive. Customers could purchase the new iBook from the Apple Store, Apple’s retail stores, and authorized resellers.
Regrettably, all good things must come to an end, and the iBook Late 2001 was discontinued on May 20, 2002. Despite the passage of 22 years since its introduction, the iBook Late 2001 remains a beloved piece of Apple history. The distinctive translucent white design and innovative features make it a must-have for any true Apple fan, showcasing the brand’s commitment to design excellence and technological innovation.
The iBook G3 Translucent White holds a special place in the hearts of Apple enthusiasts, symbolizing a pivotal era in the evolution of portable computing. Its unique design, powerful performance, and multimedia capabilities continue to be celebrated, highlighting the enduring legacy of Apple’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation. As we look back on this iconic device, it serves as a testament to Apple’s enduring influence on the world of technology.
iBook Late 2001 Details
| Introduced | October 16, 2001 |
| Discontinued | May 20, 2002 |
| Model Identifier | PowerBook4,1 |
| Model Number | M6497 |
| EMC | 1875 |
| Order Number | M8597LL/A (500 MHz) M8598LL/A (600 MHz) M8599LL/A (600 MHz) |
| Original Price | $1,299 $1,199 (500 MHz from January 7, 2002) $1,499 $1,499 $1,699 |
| Colors | Translucent 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 G3 Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PowerPC 750cxe G3 |
| Processor Speed | 500 MHz 600 MHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 66 MHz 100 MHz |
| Cache | 64 KB L1 256 KB on-chip L2 |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 15 GB 20 GB 30 GB |
| Media | 1 – 24x CD-ROM or 24x CD-RW or 8x DVD-ROM or DVD-ROM/CD-RW “Combo” tray-loading drive |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 64 MB 128 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 640 MB |
| Memory Slots | 1 – PC-100 3.3V 144-pin SO-DIMM |
| Minimum Speed | 10 ns |
| 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 Rage Mobility 128 |
| Graphics Memory | 8 MB |
| Display Connection | 1 – VGA or Composite via A/V port |
| Display Modes | Video mirroring only |
| External Resolution | None |
Expansion
| Expansion Slots | None |
| Hard Drive Interface | Ultra ATA |
| Bays | None |
Connections
| Wi-Fi | AirPort Card 802.11b (Optional) |
| Ethernet | 10/100BASE-T (RJ-45) |
| Modem | 56k |
| Bluetooth | None |
| Infrared | None |
| FireWire | 1 – 400 Mbps (7W) |
| SCSI | None |
| USB | 2 – 12 Mbps |
| Audio In | 1 – Built-in microphone |
| Audio Out | 1 – Output through the A/V port 2 – Built-in speakers |
| Display | 1 – VGA or Composite via A/V port |
| 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 | Mac OS 9.2 or Mac OS X 10.1 Puma QuickTime iMovie 2 iTunes AppleWorks Mac OS X Mail Microsoft Internet Explorer EarthLink AOL World Book Mac OS X Edition Otto Matic PCalc Acrobat Reader FAXstf 10.0 Preview Apple Hardware Test CD |
Power
| System Battery | 42 Wh Lithium-Ion (M8433G/B) |
| Backup Battery | None |
| Battery Life | Up to 5 hours |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 42 W |
| Line Voltage | 100-240 V AC |
| Power Adapter | 45 W Apple Power Adapter (M8576LL/A) |
Further Reading and References
- iBook (Late 2001): Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple Enhances Popular iBook Line – Apple Newsroom
- iBook – Wikipedia
- 12″ 600 MHz iBook G3 (Late 2001) – Low End Mac
- iBook (Late 2001) 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: January 28, 2024
