In the late 1990s, Apple revolutionized the world of laptop computing with its PowerBook G3 series. Among the standout models was the PowerBook G3 14.1-inch, unveiled on September 1, 1998. Priced at a premium $2,799, this powerful and stylish notebook was tailored for creative professionals and power users, boasting advanced features that set it apart from the competition.
The PowerBook G3 14.1-inch was equipped with a robust 233 MHz / 266 MHz or 300 MHz PowerPC 750 G3 processor, offering a performance that was “Pretty Damn Quick” for its time. The 14.1-inch color LCD display, 32 MB or 64 MB of RAM, and a 2 GB / 4 GB or 8 GB hard drive further contributed to its cutting-edge specifications. The base model included a 1.44 MB floppy drive, a 20x CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive, and 2 MB ATI Rage Pro LT graphics, enhancing its versatility.
Often referred to as the “PDQ” (Pretty Damn Quick – Wallstreet II), the PowerBook G3 series followed the “Wallstreet” models and shared a similar case design. Noteworthy features included 2D/3D graphics acceleration, “zoomed video” support, and dual “hot-swappable” bays capable of holding batteries or expansion modules. The PowerBook G3 14.1-inch also boasted dual Card Bus compatible PC card slots and the “fn” key, creating a numerical keyboard for faster data entry.
However, what set the “PDQ” series apart was its simplification. Apple addressed inventory and supply issues by standardizing the motherboard design to use a 66 MHz bus and streamlining the display sizes to a single 14.1-inch option. This move, executed in a “Pretty Damn Quick” manner, showcased Apple’s commitment to resolving challenges swiftly.
Despite its hefty price tag, the PowerBook G3 14.1-inch gained widespread acclaim and became a preferred choice for creative professionals and power users. Its success, however, was short-lived, with Apple discontinuing the model on May 10, 1999, just nine months after its launch. Today, 25 years later, the PowerBook G3 14.1-inch Late 1998 serves as a nostalgic artifact from the early days of laptop computing.
While the PowerBook G3 14.1-inch may appear primitive by contemporary standards, it was undeniably a cutting-edge machine in its time. Its legacy is a testament to Apple’s dedication to innovation and design. As we reflect on this iconic piece of technology, it’s essential to acknowledge its role in shaping the landscape of portable computing.
The PowerBook G3 14.1-inch Late 1998 remains a symbol of Apple’s bold strides in the late 1990s. Its blend of power, style, and innovation left an indelible mark on the laptop industry. Today, as we navigate the advanced landscape of modern laptops, taking a nostalgic journey back to the “PDQ” era reminds us of the foundations that paved the way for the sleek and powerful devices we use today.
PowerBook G3 14.1-inch Late 1998 Details
Introduced | September 1, 1998 |
Discontinued | May 10, 1999 |
Model Identifier | 406 |
Model Number | M4753 |
Order Number | M7109LL/A M7110LL/A M7111LL/A M7310LL/A |
Original Price | $2,799 $3,499 $4,499 $4,999 |
Colors | Dark Grey |
Weight | 7.8 Ibs. 3.538 KG |
Dimensions | 2” H x 12.7” W x 10.4” D 5.08 cm H x 32.25 cm W x 26.41 cm D |
PowerBook G3 14.1-inch PDQ Tech Specs
Processor
Processor | PowerPC 750 G3 |
Processor Speed | 233 MHz 266 MHz 300 MHz |
Architecture | 32-bit |
Number of Cores | 1 |
System Bus | 66 MHz |
Cache | 64 KB L1 512 KB L2 (233 MHz) 1 MB backside L2 (266 MHz & 300 MHz) |
Coprocessor | Built-in FPU |
Storage & Media
Storage | 2 GB 4 GB 8 GB |
Media | 1 – 1.44 MB floppy 1 – 20x CD-ROM or DVD-ROM (Tray-loading) |
Memory
Built-in Memory | 32 MB 64 MB |
Maximum Memory | 192 MB (Apple) 512 MB (Actual) |
Memory Slots | 2 – PC-100 144-pin SO-DIMM |
Minimum Speed | 10 ns |
ROM | N/A |
Interleaving Support | No |
Display
Built-in Display | 14.1″ Color TFT Active Matrix Display |
Resolutions | 640 x 480 800 x 600 1024 x 768 |
Graphics
Graphics Card | ATI Rage Pro LT |
Graphics Memory | 2 MB 4 MB |
Display Connection | 1 – VGA 1 – S-Video |
Display Modes | Video mirroring only |
External Resolution | None |
Expansion
Expansion Slots | 2 – Type II or 1 – Type III PC Card |
Hard Drive Interface | ATA-2 |
Bays | 2 – PowerBook Media Bays (1998) |
Connections
Wi-Fi | None |
Ethernet | 10BASE-T |
Modem | 56k |
Bluetooth | None |
Infrared | 1 – 4 Mbps |
ADB | 1 – External 1 – Internal for Trackpad |
Serial | 1 |
SCSI | 1 – HDI-30 |
Floppy Port | None |
Audio In | 1 – 3.5-mm analog input jack 1 – Built-in microphone |
Audio Out | 1 – 3.5-mm analog output jack 2 – Built-in speakers |
Display | 1 – VGA 1 – S-Video |
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 8.1 |
Maximum OS | Mac OS X 10.2.8 |
Firmware | Macintosh ROM |
Bundled Software | None |
Power
System Battery | 49 Wh Lithium-Ion (M6385 & M4685) |
Backup Battery | PowerBook G3 Backup Battery (922-3380) |
Battery Life | 3.5 hours on one battery 7 hours on two batteries |
Maximum Continuous Power | 45 W |
Line Voltage | 100-240 V AC |
Power Adapter | 45 W AC (M4402) |
Further Reading and References
- PowerBook G3 Series: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- PowerBook G3 – Wikipedia
- PDQ PowerBook G3 Series II – Low End Mac
- Testing Apple’s PowerBook G3 Series – YouTube
- The most upgradable portable Mac ever – 512 Pixels
- PowerBook G3 Series Service Source (PDF) – Apple Repair Manuals
- Apple Macintosh Powerbook G3 Wallstreet (Photos) – OldCrap
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 12, 2024