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iBook Q&A - Updated June 16, 2007
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What are the differences between the original "Clamshell" iBook models?
Please note that the original "Clamshell" iBook series was introduced on July 21, 1999 and discontinued September 13, 2000.
The differences between the iBook G3/300 (Original) and iBook G3/366 SE (Original) are relatively minor. Both share the same handle-equipped "clamshell" case design with the same display, motherboard design, and 2X AGP graphics -- and both lack Firewire ports, video out, and even a microphone.
The iBook heralded the introduction of AGP-based graphics on the Mac as well as the innovative new optional "AirPort" wireless networking card. Later to become commonplace, "AirPort" made it possible to connect multiple iBook systems wirelessly to the Internet when paired with an AirPort base station (or other wireless system).
The major differences are summarized below in this handy chart:
iBook (Clamshell) |
||
Processor: |
300 MHz |
366 MHz |
System Bus: |
66 MHz |
66 MHz |
Level 2 Cache: |
512k (backside) |
512k (backside) |
Memory Type: |
PC66 SDRAM |
PC66 SDRAM |
Std. RAM: |
32, 64 MB* |
64 MB |
Max. RAM: |
288, 320 MB† |
320 MB† |
Display: |
12.1" TFT |
12.1" TFT |
Resolution: |
800x600 |
800x600 |
Video Card: |
Rage Mobility |
Rage Mobility |
Video RAM: |
4 MB |
4 MB |
Hard Drive: |
3.2 GB, 6.0 GB* |
6.0 GB |
Optical Drive: |
24X CD-ROM |
24X CD-ROM |
AirPort (802.11b): |
Optional |
Optional |
Bluetooth: |
N/A |
N/A |
Expansion: |
AirPort |
AirPort |
Battery Life: |
6 Hours |
6 Hours |
Case Color: |
Blueberry/Tangerine |
Graphite |
Dimensions (Inches): |
1.8 x 13.5 x 11.6 |
1.8 x 13.5 x 11.6 |
Weight: |
6.7 lbs (3.04 kg) |
6.7 lbs (3.04 kg) |
Model No: |
M7707LL/A** |
M7716LL/A |
Orig. Price: |
US$1599 |
US$1799 |
*The original system introduced on July 21, 1999 shipped with 32 MB of RAM and 3.2 GB hard drives, and on February 21, 2000 -- to correspond with the introduction of the iBook G3/366 SE (Original) -- this system began shipping with 64 MB of RAM and 6.0 GB hard drives.
**M7707LL/A was assigned to the original iBook in "blueberry" (32 MB of RAM and 3.2 GB hard drive). Please refer to the specs page for more information regarding additional model numbers.
†This is the maximum RAM capacity as reported by Apple. Third-parties have been able to upgrade the RAM further using greater capacity memory modules. Please refer to the applicable specs pages for details.
Please refer to the Ultimate Mac Comparison feature to dynamically compare any iBook model to any other G3 or later Mac.
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