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PowerBook G4 Q&A - Updated February 26, 2007
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What are the differences between the 12-Inch, "1.5/1.33" 15-Inch, and 17-Inch PowerBook G4 models introduced on April 19, 2004?
Please note that the 12-Inch, "1.5/1.33" 15-Inch, and 17-Inch PowerBook G4 models were introduced on April 19, 2004 and discontinued January 31, 2005.
The awkwardly dubbed "1.5/1.33" PowerBook G4 models formally refers to the PowerBook G4/1.33 15" (Al) and PowerBook G4/1.5 15" (Al) but the PowerBook G4/1.33 12" (Al) and PowerBook G4/1.5 17" (Al) were introduced at the same time.
The "1.5/1.33" PowerBook G4 models are similar to the "Firewire 800" models that the line replaced, but the "1.5/1.33" have faster logicboard designs -- complete with faster processors and improved graphics. The 12-Inch model is equipped with a faster system bus and faster RAM than its predecessor -- the PowerBook G4/1.0 12" (DVI - Al) -- which brought it into line with the rest of the series. Higher-end configurations received faster optical drives as well.
The major differences between the "1.5/1.33" PowerBook G4 models are summarized below:
PB G4 | ||||
Processor: | 1.33 GHz | 1.33 GHz | 1.5 GHz | 1.5 GHz |
System Bus: | 167 MHz | 167 MHz | 167 MHz | 167 MHz |
On-Chip L2: | 512k | 512k | 512k | 512k |
Memory: | PC2700 | PC2700 | PC2700 | PC2700 |
Std. RAM: | 256 MB | 256 MB | 512 MB | 512 MB |
Max. RAM: | 1.25 GB | 2.0 GB | 2.0 GB | 2.0 GB |
Display: | 12.1" | 15.0" | 15.0" | 17.0" |
Resolution: | 1024x768 | 1280x854 | 1280x854 | 1440x900 |
Video Card: | Go5200† | 9700† | 9700† | 9700† |
Video RAM: | 64 MB | 64 MB | 64 MB | 64 MB |
Hard Drive: | 60 GB | 60 GB | 80 GB | 80 GB |
Std. Optical††: | 8X Combo | 8X Combo | 4X Super | 4X Super |
802.11g: | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
Bluetooth: | 1.1 | 1.1 | 1.1 | 1.1 |
PC Card: | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Ambient Light: | No | Optional | Yes | Yes |
Battery Life: | 5 Hours | 4.5 Hours | 4.5 Hours | 4.5 Hours |
Width/Depth*: | 10.9x8.6 | 13.7x9.5 | 13.7x9.5 | 15.4x10.2 |
Height*: | 1.18 | 1.1 | 1.1 | 1.0 |
Weight: | 4.6 lbs. | 5.7 lbs. | 5.7 lbs. | 6.9 lbs. |
Model No: | M9183LL/A | M9421LL/A | M9422LL/A | M9462LL/A |
Orig. Price: | US$1599§ | US$1999 | US$2499 | US$2799 |
† 12-Inch model has a NVIDIA GeForce FX Go5200 video card, the 15-Inch and 17-Inch models have an ATI Mobility Radeon 9700 video card.
†† "Combo" drive is capable of reading DVD-ROM and writing CD-R(W). "SuperDrive" is capable of reading and writing DVD and CD media.
* 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.
§ This model also was available with a 4X "SuperDrive" for US$1799.
Please refer to the Ultimate Mac Comparison feature to dynamically compare any PowerBook G4 model to any other G3 or later Mac.
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