iBook Late 2002 iBook Late 2002

iBook Late 2002 Explained

In the annals of tech history, 2002 was a pivotal year for Apple. It marked the unveiling of the iBook Late 2002, a groundbreaking addition to the iBook G3 series that set new standards for portable computing. With its sleek design, powerful performance, and innovative features, the iBook Late 2002 quickly captured the imagination of consumers and educators alike.

Apple’s iBook Late 2002 wasn’t just a notebook computer; it was a game-changer. Boasting faster PowerPC G3 processors clocked at 800 MHz and the advanced ATI Mobility Radeon 7500 graphics, it offered unparalleled 3D gaming performance and computing power. Greg Joswiak, then vice president of Hardware Product Marketing at Apple, hailed it as a groundbreaking blend of cutting-edge technology and stunning design, all packaged in an affordable offering.

One of the standout features of the iBook Late 2002 was its exceptional graphics performance, thanks to the ATI Mobility Radeon 7500 graphics processor with up to 32 MB of dedicated memory. Combined with Quartz Extreme technology, this notebook delivered not just stunning visuals but also improved overall system performance, making it a powerhouse for graphics-intensive tasks and gaming.

Apple didn’t skimp on connectivity either. Equipped with built-in antennas and an AirPort Card slot for wireless communications, the iBook Late 2002 ensured seamless connectivity at up to 11 megabits per second. Additionally, it featured a 56K internal fax/modem with support for the latest v.92 standard, fast Ethernet for network connections, and support for cable and DSL modems, making it a versatile companion for both work and play.

iBook G3 Snow
Source: 512pixels.net – iBook G3 Snow

True to Apple’s ethos of simplifying digital life, the iBook Late 2002 came bundled with an array of digital lifestyle applications, including iPhoto for organizing photos, iMovie 2 for creating movies, and iTunes 3 for building music libraries. Coupled with the revolutionary Mac OS X 10.2 “Jaguar,” which introduced over 150 new features including enhanced power management and integrated Bluetooth and 802.11 software, this notebook redefined the user experience.

Despite its cutting-edge features, the iBook Late 2002 remained accessible with a starting price of $1,299, making it an attractive option for students, educators, and everyday users. Its sleek, translucent white design set it apart from competitors, symbolizing Apple’s commitment to both form and function.

Powered by an 800 MHz PowerPC 750fx G3 processor, the iBook Late 2002 boasted a 12.1″ TFT display, 128 MB of RAM, and a 30 GB hard drive. The inclusion of a tray-loading 24x DVD-ROM/CD-RW “Combo” drive and a 32 MB ATI Mobility Radeon 7500 graphics card further solidified its position as a leader in its class.

Although the iBook Late 2002 was discontinued just six months after its release, its impact on the personal computer industry endures to this day. It laid the groundwork for future generations of Apple laptops, embodying the company’s ethos of innovation and design excellence. 21 years later, it remains a symbol of Apple’s enduring legacy and its ability to shape the technological landscape.

The iBook Late 2002 stands as a testament to Apple’s vision and ingenuity. Its groundbreaking features, sleek design, and affordability made it a trailblazer in the world of portable computing. As we reflect on its legacy two decades later, it’s clear that the iBook Late 2002 not only revolutionized the personal computer industry but also left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of consumers worldwide.

iBook G3 Translucent White
Source: sakura.ne.jp – iBook G3 Translucent White

iBook Late 2002 Details

IntroducedNovember 6, 2002
DiscontinuedApril 22, 2003
Model IdentifierPowerBook4,3
Model NumberA1005
EMCN/A
Order NumberM8861LL/A
Original Price$1,299
ColorsTranslucent White
Weight4.9 Ibs.
2.222 KG
Dimensions11.2” 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

ProcessorPowerPC 750fx G3
Processor Speed800 MHz
Architecture32-bit
Number of Cores1
System Bus100 MHz
Cache64 KB L1
512 KB on-chip L2

Storage & Media

Storage30 GB
40 GB
Media1 – 24x DVD-ROM/CD-RW “Combo” tray-loading drive

Memory

Built-in Memory128 MB
Maximum Memory640 MB
Memory Slots1 – PC-100 3.3V 144-pin SO-DIMM
Interleaving SupportNo

Display

Built-in Display12.1″ Color TFT XGA Display
Resolutions640 x 480
800 x 600
1024 x 768 (native)

Graphics

Graphics CardATI Mobility Radeon 7500
Graphics Memory32 MB
Display Connection1 – Mini-VGA (Composite and S-Video with adapter)
Display ModesVideo mirroring only
External ResolutionNone

Expansion

Expansion SlotsNone
Hard Drive InterfaceUltra ATA
BaysNone

Connections

Wi-FiAirPort Card 802.11b (Optional)
Ethernet10/100BASE-T (RJ-45)
Modem56k
BluetoothNone
InfraredNone
FireWire1 – 400 Mbps (7W)
SCSINone
USB2 – 12 Mbps
Audio In1 – Built-in microphone
Audio Out1 – 3.5-mm analog output jack
2 – Built-in speakers
Display1 – Mini-VGA (Composite and S-Video with adapter)
Security Slot1 – Kensington cable lock

Keyboard and trackpad

KeyboardBuilt-in Full-size 77-key (U.S.) or 78-key (ISO) incl. 12 function and 4 arrow keys
TrackpadBuilt-in Solid-state trackpad (Tap, double-tap, and drag)

Software

Original OSMac OS 9.2.2
Mac OS X 10.2.1
Later OSMac OS X 10.2.3
Maximum OSMac OS X 10.4.11
FirmwareMacintosh ROM
Bundled SoftwareMac OS 9.2 or Mac OS X 10.2 Jaguar
QuickTime
iCal
iChat
iMovie
iPhoto
iTunes
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
FAXstf
PixelNhance
Acrobat Reader
Apple Hardware Test CD

Power

System Battery47 Wh Lithium-Ion (M8433G/A)
Backup BatteryNone
Battery LifeUp to 5 hours
Maximum Continuous Power42 W
Line Voltage100-240 V AC
Power Adapter45 W Apple Power Adapter (M8943LL/A)

Further Reading and References

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 11, 2024