In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, certain products stand out as timeless classics, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. One such gem is the Apple iBook Special Edition, a groundbreaking addition to the Macintosh family that captured the hearts of consumers back in 2000.
In the early months of 2000, Apple made waves with the release of the iBook Special Edition, a remarkable upgrade to the already-popular iBook series. Launched on February 16th, this sleek and powerful notebook became an instant favorite among consumers seeking both performance and style. Apple’s CEO, Steve Jobs, emphasized the company’s commitment to enhancing the user experience, stating, “The new iBook Special Edition is the most elegant iBook ever.”
To make the best-selling consumer portable in the US even better, Apple introduced an enhanced iBook lineup. The iBook Special Edition featured double the memory and hard drive size of its predecessors, boasting 64 MB of memory and a 6 GB hard drive. A faster 366 MHz PowerPC G3 processor elevated its performance, while the stunning Graphite-color enclosure added a touch of sophistication.
The iBook and iBook Special Edition Early 2000 retained the iconic design elements that made them instantly recognizable. A rubber-coated translucent enclosure, a pullout handle for safe carrying, and a latch-free closing mechanism showcased Apple’s commitment to both aesthetics and functionality. The 12.1-inch active-matrix TFT SVGA display with millions of colors at 800×600 resolution further highlighted Apple’s dedication to delivering a visually stunning user experience.
At the time of its release, the iBook SE boasted impressive hardware specifications. With a 366 MHz PowerPC 750 G3 processor, a 12.1-inch color LCD display, 64 MB of RAM, a 6 GB hard drive, a 24x CD-ROM drive, and 4 MB ATI Rage Mobility graphics, the iBook SE offered users a powerful computing experience in a compact form factor.
Following in the footsteps of the iMac models, the iBook introduced AGP-based graphics to the Mac lineup. Despite lacking Firewire ports and video out, the iBook made history with the introduction of the optional “AirPort” wireless networking card. This innovation allowed multiple iBook systems to connect wirelessly to the Internet, setting the stage for the wireless connectivity we take for granted today.
Unfortunately, the brilliance of the iBook SE Early 2000 was short-lived. Just seven months after its introduction, Apple discontinued the product on September 13th, 2000. Despite its brief time in the spotlight, the iBook SE has become a nostalgic piece of technology for many Apple fans and a collector’s item for vintage computer enthusiasts.
The iBook Special Edition internal architecture was a testament to Apple’s design choices of the time. While only the RAM and AirPort card were customer-serviceable, the design required the removal of 40 screws to access the hard drive. The absence of a PCMCIA port limited additional expansion capabilities, reflecting the era’s constraints. Nevertheless, the iBook SE’s innovative power adapter with a YoYo-like cord winding mechanism and a built-in stereo headphone jack showcased Apple’s commitment to both functionality and style.
As we reflect on the iBook SE’s 24-year anniversary, it’s clear that this notebook holds a special place in Apple’s history. While no longer in production, the iBook SE remains a symbol of Apple’s dedication to innovation and quality. Whether you’re a fan of vintage technology or simply appreciate Apple’s design ethos, the iBook SE is a notebook worth remembering.
In the fast-paced world of technology, the Apple iBook Special Edition stands as a testament to the company’s ability to create products that transcend time. Its brief yet impactful presence in the market left an enduring legacy, and its unique blend of design and functionality continues to capture the imagination of tech enthusiasts worldwide. As we celebrate 24 years of the iBook SE, we recognize it not just as a notebook but as a timeless gem in Apple’s illustrious crown.
iBook Special Edition Details
| Introduced | February 16, 2000 |
| Discontinued | September 13, 2000 |
| Model Identifier | PowerBook2,1 |
| Model Number | M2453 |
| Order Number | M7716LL/A |
| Original Price | $1,799 |
| Colors | Graphite |
| Weight | 6.7 Ibs. 3.039 KG |
| Dimensions | 11.6” H x 13.5” W x 1.8” D 29.46 cm H x 34.29 cm W x 4.57 cm D |
iBook SE Early 2000 Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PowerPC 750 G3 |
| Processor Speed | 366 MHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 66 MHz |
| Cache | 64 KB L1 512 KB backside L2 |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 6 GB |
| Media | 1 – 24x CD-ROM (Tray-loading) |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 64 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 576 MB (64 + 512 MB) |
| Memory Slots | 1 – PC66 3.3V 144-pin SO-DIMM |
| Minimum Speed | 10 ns |
| Interleaving Support | No |
Display
| Built-in Display | 12.1″ Color TFT Active Matrix Display |
| Resolutions | 640 x 480 800 x 600 |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | ATI Rage Mobility |
| Graphics Memory | 4 MB |
| Display Connection | None |
| Display Modes | None |
| External Resolution | None |
Expansion
| Expansion Slots | None |
| Hard Drive Interface | ATA-2 |
| Bays | None |
Connections
| Wi-Fi | AirPort Card 802.11b (Optional) |
| Ethernet | 10/100BASE-T (RJ-45) |
| Modem | 56k v.90 |
| Bluetooth | None |
| Infrared | None |
| Serial | None |
| SCSI | None |
| USB | 1 – 12 Mbps |
| Audio In | None |
| Audio Out | 1 – 3.5-mm analog output jack 1 – Built-in speakers |
| Display | None |
| Security Slot | None |
Keyboard and trackpad
| Keyboard | Built-in Full-size 76-key (U.S.) or 77-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 8.6 |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS X 10.3.9 |
| Firmware | Macintosh ROM 2.3.1 |
| Bundled Software | Mac OS 8.6 AppleWorks Palm Desktop Organizer Internet Explorer Microsoft Outlook Express Netscape Communicator AOL 4.0 EarthLink TotalAccess EdView Internet Safety Kit Family Edition The World Book Encyclopedia Adobe Acrobat Reader FAXstf Nanosaur Bugdom QuickTime 4 |
Power
| System Battery | 45 Wh Lithium-Ion (M7426) |
| Backup Battery | None |
| Battery Life | Up to 6 hours |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 45 W |
| Line Voltage | 100-240 V AC |
| Power Adapter | Apple 45 Watt Power Adapter (M7332) |
Further Reading and References
- iBook: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple Enhances iBook Line – Apple Newsroom
- iBook – Wikipedia
- iBook SE (366 MHz) – Low End Mac
- iBook G3 – Relatively Ambitious
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 18, 2024
