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	867 12" (Al)	1.0 17" (Al)
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.