PowerBook G3 Series: Description

This article provides a description of Macintosh PowerBook G3 Series computers.
Note: Macintosh PowerBook G3 Series computers should not be confused with Macintosh PowerBook G3 computers. Though the names are similar, there are significant differences. To visually identify which type of computer you have, close the display and inspect the display case. A Macintosh PowerBook G3 has a small, six-color Apple logo on the display case. A Macintosh PowerBook G3 Series computer has a large Apple logo on the display case that is not six-colored.

The Apple Macintosh PowerBook G3 Series sets new standards for portable design and performance. At first glance, you'll be struck by the extreme elegance of these computers. On closer examination, you'll find their advanced features and outstanding flexibility even more striking. Most impressive of all, though, is their performance. These innovative notebook systems outperform comparable Pentium and Pentium II processor-based notebook and desktop systems.*

The Macintosh PowerBook G3 Series truly offers "something for everyone"-- from creative professionals to educators and students to business professionals. Built around the high-performance PowerPC G3 processor-- the same innovative chip that sparked the success of Apple's current line of desktop systems--these notebook systems provide the power to handle even the most demanding tasks.

To complement their power, the PowerBook G3 computers incorporate the impressive multimedia capabilities that are a must for today's educators and professionals. And since Apple understands that individual needs are just that--individual--these systems offer flexible configuration options. Each system includes a high-speed CD-ROM drive and supports the latest storage technology--DVD-ROM. They also include built-in video output, and several configurations include S-video output for connecting to a TV.

The innovative design of these computers is as functional as it is attractive, with features such as two hot-swappable expansion bays for multiple storage options and lithium-ion batteries, and a flip-up keyboard for fast, easy access to the RAM expansion slot and removable hard disk drive.

The PowerBook G3 computers' communications offerings include built-in Ethernet--a requirement in most educational environments as well as in business. An optional K56flex modem lets you tap into your organizational network or the Internet.**

The Macintosh PowerBook G3 Series: Truly customizable portable systems that give you unmatched performance and capabilities to meet your needs at a price you can afford.

Features

Astounding performance at affordable prices

Advanced multimedia capabilities

Striking style and stellar efficiency

Integrated communications
 

Macintosh PowerBook Performance Comparisons



Figure 1 Graph



Notes
*Based on BYTEmark integer index.
**Available in some configurations; see Configurations chart for product details.
***Based on Apple internal testing using MacBench 4.0 processor performance scores. Actual performance on applications will vary. MacBench is a subsystem-level benchmark that measures the relative performance of Mac OS-based systems.

Ordering Information

For detailed information about configurations, see the chart below. All models also include a built-in keyboard and trackpad; all necessary cables, such as an Ethernet cable, modem cable, composite to S-video adapter and VGA-to-Macintosh connector cable; Mac OS 8.1 (which includes Internet access software); third-party software titles (FAXstf, Now Contact & Up*to*Date, and WebWhacker); complete setup, learning, and reference documentation; and limited warranty.

Build-to-order (BTO) options

These systems can also be ordered through the online Apple Store, which allows you to custom-configure your computer in such areas as processor speed, display size, RAM, hard disk size, modem, and expansion bay modules such as a DVD-ROM drive and lithium-ion battery.

Configurations
With 12.1-inch display
Order No.
M6359LL/A
M6477LL/A
Processor speed
233 MHz
233 MHz
Memory (SDRAM)
32MB
32MB
Video Memory
2MB
2MB
Backside level 2 cache
-
-
Backside bus speed
-
-
System bus speed
66 MHz
66 MHz
Hard disk drive
2GB IDE drive
2GB IDE drive
CD-ROM drive module
20x-speed (maximum)
20x-speed (maximum)
Floppy disk drive module
-
Yes
Ethernet
Built-in 10BASE-T
Built-in 10BASE-T
Modem
-
K56flex
S-video output
-
-
With 13.3-inch display
Order No.
M6481LL/A
M6357LL/A
Processor speed
233 MHz
250 MHz
Memory (SDRAM)
32MB
32MB
Video Memory
4MB
4MB
Backside level 2 cache
-
1MB
Backside bus speed
-
125 MHz
System bus speed
66 MHz
83 MHz
Hard disk drive
2GB IDE drive
4GB IDE drive
CD-ROM drive module
20x-speed (maximum)
20x-speed (maximum)
Floppy disk drive module
Yes
Yes
Ethernet
Built-in 10BASE-T
Built-in 10BASE-T
Modem
-
K56flex
S-video output
Yes
Yes
With 14.1-inch display
Order No.
M6484LL/A
M6541LL/A
Processor speed
233 MHz
292 MHz
Memory (SDRAM)
32MB
64MB
Video Memory
4MB
4MB
Backside level 2 cache
-
1MB
Backside bus speed
-
146 MHz
System bus speed
66 MHz
83 MHz
Hard disk drive
2GB IDE drive
8GB IDE drive
CD-ROM drive module
20x-speed (maximum)
20x-speed (maximum)
Floppy disk drive module
Yes
Yes
Ethernet
Built-in 10BASE-T
Built-in 10BASE-T
Modem
-
K56flex
S-video output
Yes
Yes


Accessories
PowerBook G3 Series Power Adapter
M6384LL/A
PowerBook G3 Series Power Adapter (for Europe and U.K.)
M6548LL/A
PowerBook G3 Series Lithium-ion Rechargeable Battery
M6385LL/A
PowerBook G3 Series DVD-ROM Expansion Bay Module
M6387LL/A
PowerBook G3 Series Floppy Disk Drive Expansion Bay Module
M6396LL/A
Apple HDI-30 SCSI Disk Adapter for SCSI disk mode
M2539LL/A
Apple SCSI Peripheral Interface Cable for SCSI-to-SCSI connection
M0207
Apple HDI-30 SCSI System Cable for PowerBook-to-SCSI connection
M2538LL/A
Published Date: Feb 20, 2012