Photo: Tokumeigakarinoaoshima / CC0 / Wikimedia Commons · source
iBook (Clamshell)
The playful consumer laptop with a handle and built-in wireless support.
Overview
The first iBook was a translucent, rounded clamshell laptop aimed at consumers and students, running a 300 MHz G3 chip with 32 MB of memory. The case had soft rubber edges, a latch-free lid and a built-in handle, and its colors followed the mood of the iMac line.
The launch also gave the world AirPort, a low-cost wireless base station and card; the iBook had its antenna built in and an internal slot ready for the card. A 12.1-inch display, 10/100 Ethernet and a 56k modem completed the package.
A later iBook SE and FireWire version improved the specs and added more colors, but the original defined the look: a chunky laptop that made computing feel friendly.
Why it mattered
Made the laptop a colorful consumer product and helped popularize Wi-Fi in homes and schools.
At a glance
- Announced
- July 21, 1999
- Released
- September 22, 1999
- Discontinued
- September 13, 2000
- Launch price
- $1,599
- Chip / processor
- PowerPC 750 (G3), 300 MHz
- Display
- 12.1"
- Storage
- 3.2 GB
- Status
- Vintage
Highlights
- 300 MHz G3
- Built-in handle and rubber trim
- AirPort wireless ready
- Tangerine and Blueberry cases
- 12.1-inch display
Tech specs
Specifications as published at launch. Some values (like battery life) are manufacturer estimates.
Display
- Size
- 12.1-inch
- Type
- Active-matrix color TFT
- Resolution
- 800 x 600
Chip
- Chip
- PowerPC 750 (G3), 300 MHz
Memory
- RAM
- 32 MB, expandable to 544 MB
- Storage options
- 3.2 GB hard drive
Battery
- Battery life
- Up to 6 hours
Ports
- Ports
- USB, Ethernet, modem
Connectivity
- Wi-Fi
- Optional AirPort card (802.11b)
Design
- Weight
- 3.0 kg (6.7 lb)
Software
- Launch OS
- Mac OS 8.6
