What are the differences between the "Dual USB" iBook (500) models?

Please note that the "Dual USB" iBook series was introduced on May 1, 2001 and discontinued October 16, 2001.

The differences between the iBook G3/500 (Dual USB) configurations are extremely minor -- varying only by amount of pre-installed RAM and optical drive.

The "Dual USB" systems include two USB ports -- as one would expect given the informal name -- but compared to the preceeding systems -- also are equipped with a faster processor, faster memory, superior graphics, VGA out, an internal microphone, a higher resolution display, stereo speakers, and the option of more capable optical drives. The "Dual USB" line also uses a substantially smaller and more conservatively clad "translucent white" case compared to the more outlandishly colored cases previously offered.

The major differences between the iBook "Dual USB" configurations are summarized below in this handy chart:

Dual USB	G3/500	G3/500	G3/500	G3/500
Processor:	500 MHz	500 MHz	500 MHz	500 MHz
System Bus:	66 MHz	66 MHz	66 MHz	66 MHz
On-Chip L2:	256k	256k	256k	256k
Memory:	PC100	PC100	PC100	PC100
Std. RAM:	64 MB	128 MB	128 MB	128 MB
Max. RAM:	576 MB	640 MB	640 MB	640 MB
Display:	12.1"	12.1"	12.1"	12.1"
Resolution:	1024x768	1024x768	1024x768	1024x768
Video Card:	Mobility†	Mobility†	Mobility†	Mobility†
Video RAM:	8 MB	8 MB	8 MB	8 MB
Hard Drive:	10 GB	10 GB	10 GB	10 GB
Std. Optical:	CD-ROM	DVD-ROM	CD-RW	Combo††
AirPort:	Optional	Optional	Optional	Optional
Bluetooth:	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Expansion:	AirPort	AirPort	AirPort	AirPort
Battery Life:	5 Hours	5 Hours	5 Hours	5 Hours
Width/Depth*:	11.2x9.1	11.2x9.1	11.2x9.1	11.2x9.1
Height*:	1.35	1.35	1.35	1.35
Weight:	4.9 lbs.	4.9 lbs.	4.9 lbs.	4.9 lbs.
Model No:	M7698LL/A	M7692LL/A	M7699LL/A	M8520LL/A
Orig. Price:	US$1299	US$1499	US$1599	US$1799

† ATI Rage Mobility 128 (2X AGP) graphics with 8 MB of SDRAM.

†† "Combo" drive is capable of reading DVD-ROM and writing CD-R(W).

* Width x Depth x Height (while closed) is provided in inches. For dimensions in centimeters, please refer to the specs page for the model of interest.

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