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What are the differences between the original 12-Inch and 17-Inch PowerBook G4 models?
Please note that the original 12-Inch and 17-Inch PowerBook G4 models were introduced on January 7, 2003 and discontinued September 16, 2003.
Although these systems share common design elements -- both cases are made from aluminum, for example, rather than titanium, like previous PowerBook G4 models -- and there is some similarity between motherboards, as well, the PowerBook G4/867 12" (Al) and PowerBook G4/1.0 17" (Al) are completely different types of systems and were targeted towards different types of users. The 12-inch was designed for those looking for a small and fast system and the 17-inch for those interested in a large display and performance.
Compared to earlier PowerBook G4 models, both the 12-Inch and 17-Inch model use faster memory and faster graphics and also support internal Bluetooth 1.1 and AirPort Extreme (802.11g). The 17-Inch system additionally was the first notebook to ship with a 17-Inch display and a fiber optic based "ambient light sensor" that automatically "measures ambient light and works with integrated software to adjust keyboard illumination and screen brightness based on user preferences". The 17-Inch model also was the first Mac to include a Firewire "800" port.
The major differences are summarized below in this handy chart:
PowerBook G4 |
||
Processor: |
867 MHz |
1.0 GHz |
System Bus: |
133 MHz |
167 MHz |
Level 2/3 Cache: |
256k (on chip) |
256k (on chip), 1 MB |
Memory Type: |
PC2100 DDR |
PC2700 DDR |
Std. RAM: |
256 MB |
512 MB |
Max. RAM: |
640 MB* |
1.0 GB* |
Display: |
12.1" TFT XGA |
17.0" Widescreen |
Resolution: |
1024x768 |
1440x900 |
Video Card: |
GeForce4 420 Go |
GeForce4 440 Go |
Video RAM: |
32 MB |
64 MB |
Hard Drive: |
40 GB |
60 GB |
Optical Drive: |
8X "Combo" |
2X "SuperDrive" |
AirPort (802.11g): |
Optional |
Standard |
Bluetooth: |
1.1 |
1.1 |
Expansion: |
None |
Type I/II PC Card |
Battery Life: |
5 Hours |
4.5 Hours |
Dimensions (In.): |
1.18 x 10.9 x 8.6 |
1.0 x 15.4 x 10.2 |
Weight: |
4.6 lbs (2.1 kg) |
6.8 lbs (3.1 kg) |
Orig. Model No: |
M8760LL/A |
M8793LL/A |
Orig. Price: |
US$1799 |
US$3299 |
*Maximum RAM as officially supported by Apple. Third-parties have been able to upgrade these models to 1152 MB and 2.0 GB of RAM, respectively.
Site sponsor PowerMax sells a variety of used 12-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.
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