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PowerBook G4 Q&A - Updated February 26, 2007
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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.
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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