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Apple iBook G3/500 (Dual USB - Tr) Specs

Identifiers: Dual USB - M7698LL/A* - PowerBook4,1 - M6497 - 1875

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Apple iBook WhiteThe iBook G3/500 (Dual USB - Translucent White), features a 500 MHz PowerPC 750cx (G3) processor with a 256k "on chip" level 2 cache, 64 MB or 128 MB of RAM, a 10.0 GB Ultra ATA hard drive, a tray-loading CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, CD-RW, or DVD-ROM/CD-RW "Combo" drive, 2X AGP ATI Rage Mobility 128 graphics with 8 MB of VRAM, and optional AirPort (802.11b) packed into a compact translucent white case with a 12.1" TFT XGA active matrix display (1024x768 native resolution).

The iBook G3/500 (Dual USB - Translucent White) is quite different compared to the iBook models that preceded it. The "Dual USB" model includes two USB ports -- as one would expect given its informal name -- but also is 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. It also uses a substantially smaller and more conservatively clad "translucent white" case compared to the more outlandishly colored cases previously offered.

There are at least four configurations of this model, varying by the amount of pre-installed RAM and optical drive. It was offered with 64 MB of RAM and a CD-ROM drive for US$1299 (M7698LL/A), 128 MB of RAM and a DVD-ROM drive for US$1499 (M7692LL/A), 128 MB of RAM and a CD-RW drive for US$1599 (M7699LL/A), and 128 MB of RAM and a DVD-ROM/CD-RW "Combo" drive -- only by build-to-order direct from Apple -- for US$1799 (M8520LL/A).

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

Despite the age of this system, site sponsor Other World Computing has RAM, hard drives, SSDs, and other upgrades available for this specific Mac while supplies last.


  • Tech Specs
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Click on the category for related details. The most commonly needed info is "open" by default, but all info is important.


May 1, 2001 October 16, 2001
Details: The "Introduction Date" refers to the date a model was introduced via press release. The "Discontinued Date" refers to the date a model either was replaced by a subsequent system or production otherwise ended.

Also see: All Macs introduced in 2001.
1 214
Details: This model only is compatible with the 32-bit Geekbench 2 benchmark. These numbers reflect an average of user provided 32-bit and 64-bit results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.

You also might be interested in reviewing all 32-bit Geekbench 2 user submissions for Macs with the PowerBook4,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.

To dynamically compare Geekbench results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison.
500 MHz PowerPC 750cx (G3)
Details: N/A
Soldered Integrated
Details: N/A
66 MHz 500 MHz (Built-in)
Details: N/A
Open Firmware 1 MB
Details: The Boot ROM is roughly 1 MB, other instructions are loaded into RAM.
64k 256k (on chip)
Details: Includes a 256k "on chip" level 2 cache that runs at processor speed.
PC100 SDRAM 10 ns
Details: Uses 144-pin PC100 SO-DIMM memory modules.

Also see: How do you upgrade the RAM in the iBook models? How much RAM of what type do these systems support?
64 MB, 128 MB 576, 640 MB*
Details: *Apple reports that the maximum memory capacity of this system is 576 MB for the model with 64 MB of onboard memory (M7698LL/A), and 640 MB for the models with 128 MB of onboard memory.

In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells memory -- as well as other upgrades -- for this iBook.

In Germany, site sponsor CompuRAM sells memory and other upgrades for this iBook.

Also see: Actual Max RAM of All G3 & Later Macs.
64, 128 MB* 1
Details: *64 MB onboard M7698LL/A, 128 MB onboard other configurations, single SO-DIMM slot.
Rage Mobility 128 SDRAM
Details: ATI Rage Mobility 128 (2X AGP) with 8 MB of SDRAM.

Also see: What kind of video processor is provided by the iBook models? Which models can support an external display? What is the maximum resolution supported?
8 MB 8 MB
Details: The video cannot be upgraded.
12.1" TFT XGA 1024x768
Details: 12.1" TFT XGA active-matrix display with a 1024 by 768 native resolution. Apple reports that it also supports 640 by 480 and 800 by 600 when scaled.
Mirroring Only 1024x768
Details: The iBook G3/500 (Dual USB) is capable of mirroring the contents of the internal display on an external display via VGA.
10.0 GB N/A
Details: Also see: How do you replace or upgrade the hard drive in the iBook models?

Site sponsor Other World Computing sells storage upgrades for this iBook.

Also see: SSD Compatibility Guide for All G3 & Later Macs.
2.5" (9.5 mm) Ultra ATA
Details: This model supports a single internal Ultra ATA 2.5" hard drive or SSD that is up to 9.5 mm thick.
24X CD-ROM* None
Details: *24X tray-loading CD-ROM drive offered in M7698LL/A. Other configurations included an 8X DVD-ROM drive (M7692LL/A), 8X/4X/24X CD-RW drive (M7699LL/A) and DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive of unspecified speed (M8520LL/A).

Also see: What are the capabilities of the optical drive provided by the iBook models? Can one upgrade the optical drive?
56k v.90 10/100Base-T
Details: N/A
802.11b (Optional) None
Details: Also see: Which iBook models support AirPort? Which support AirPort Extreme? Which have internal support for Bluetooth or Bluetooth 2.0+EDR?
2 (1.1) 1 (400)
Details: Two USB 1.1 ports and one Firewire "400" port.
AirPort None
Details: This iBook has an internal "AirPort" (802.11b) wireless networking slot with an internal antenna in the case.
Full-size Trackpad
Details: Apple reports that the integrated keyboard has 77 (US) or 78 (ISO) keys, including 12 function keys, 4 arrow keys, and an embedded numeric keypad. The trackpad supports tap, double tap, and drag capabilities.
Notebook iBook (12-Inch)
Details: This iBook was offered in a 12-Inch "translucent white" case.

Also see: How can you visually differentiate between the various "white" iBook systems?
M7698LL/A* Dual USB
Details: *M7698LL/A refers to the configuration with 64 MB of RAM and a CD-ROM drive. M7692LL/A is for the configuration with 128 MB of RAM and a DVD-ROM drive, M7699LL/A is for the configuration with 128 MB of RAM and a CD-RW drive, and M8520LL/A refers to the build-to-order CD-RW/DVD "Combo" drive configuration.
M6497 (EMC 1875) PowerBook4,1
Details: Please note that these identifiers refer to more than one model.

Also see: All Macs with the M6497 Model Number, the 1875 EMC Number, and the PowerBook4,1 Model Identifier.

For more about these identifiers and how to locate them on each Mac, please refer to EveryMac.com's Mac Identification section.
42 W h LiIon 5 Hours
Details: 5 hours under "normal usage conditions" as estimated by Apple.

Also see: What is the battery life of the iBook models?
9.1* X 10.4.11
Details: *Later systems also had MacOS X 10.0.4 pre-installed, but MacOS 9.1 was selected as the default. This system cannot run versions of MacOS X more recent than 10.4.11.
Boot/Classic Mode Emulation Only
Details: This model is capable of booting in Mac OS 9 and using Mac OS 9 applications within the Mac OS X "Classic" environment.
1.35 x 11.2 x 9.1 4.9 lbs (2.2 kg)
Details: In inches while closed - height by width by depth, (3.4 cm, 28.4 cm, 23.1 cm).
US$1299-US$1799 N/A
Details: This model was offered with 64 MB of RAM and a CD-ROM drive for US$1299 (M7698LL/A), 128 MB of RAM and a DVD-ROM drive for US$1499 (M7692LL/A), 128 MB of RAM and a CD-RW drive for US$1599 (M7699LL/A), and 128 MB of RAM and a DVD-ROM/CD-RW "Combo" drive -- only by build-to-order direct from Apple -- for US$1799 (M8520LL/A).

Please note that on average the estimated current retail pricing of used systems is updated twice a year (please refer to the date on the bottom of the page for the date last updated).

Photo Credit: Apple Computer.


Click on a category for additional details. The most commonly needed info is "open" by default, but all info is important. The icons correspond with the icons for each port on the computer.


1* (VGA) None
Details: *VGA via A/V port.

Also see: Do the iBook models support VGA or DVI out? Do the iBook models support ADC (Apple Display Connector) displays?
None None
Details: N/A
None None
Details: N/A
2 (1.1) 1 (400)
Details: Two USB 1.1 ports and one Firewire "400" port.
1 (RJ-11) 1 (RJ-45)
Details: Internal 56k v.90 modem and 10/100Base-T Ethernet standard.
None 1*
Details: *The iBook (Dual USB) models lack S-Video out but include an A/V port for composite video out.
1 (Internal) None
Details: Internal microphone, no audio in port.

Also see: Which iBook models have an internal microphone? Which do not?
1* 1*
Details: *Single A/V port provides audio out capabilities.
1 None
Details: N/A
N/A 1
Details: 100V-240V AC, 45 W power adapter.

Ten of the most popular Q&As about the iBook models follow.



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