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.
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 Late 2002 Details
Introduced | November 6, 2002 |
Discontinued | April 22, 2003 |
Model Identifier | PowerBook4,3 |
Model Number | A1005 |
EMC | N/A |
Order Number | M8861LL/A |
Original Price | $1,299 |
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 750fx G3 |
Processor Speed | 800 MHz |
Architecture | 32-bit |
Number of Cores | 1 |
System Bus | 100 MHz |
Cache | 64 KB L1 512 KB on-chip L2 |
Storage & Media
Storage | 30 GB 40 GB |
Media | 1 – 24x DVD-ROM/CD-RW “Combo” tray-loading drive |
Memory
Built-in Memory | 128 MB |
Maximum Memory | 640 MB |
Memory Slots | 1 – PC-100 3.3V 144-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 7500 |
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 |
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 – 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 9.2.2 Mac OS X 10.2.1 |
Later OS | Mac OS X 10.2.3 |
Maximum OS | Mac OS X 10.4.11 |
Firmware | Macintosh ROM |
Bundled Software | Mac 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 Battery | 47 Wh Lithium-Ion (M8433G/A) |
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 (M8943LL/A) |
Further Reading and References
- iBook (32 VRAM): Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple Makes iBook Line More Powerful & Affordable than Ever – Apple Newsroom
- iBook – Wikipedia
- 12″ iBook G3 (Late 2002) – Low End Mac
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