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	1.33 12"	1.33 15"	1.5 15"	1.5 17"
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.

Site sponsor PowerMax sells a variety of used 12-Inch, 15-Inch, and 17-Inch PowerBook G4 systems free of sales tax.

Please refer to the Ultimate Mac Comparison feature to dynamically compare any PowerBook G4 model to any other G3 or later Mac.