Background and Identification

Apple’s iBook G4 replaced the previous [[Topic:iBook G3|iBook G3]] in October 2003 and was the last of Apple’s computers to transition to the PowerPC G4 processor. The new model retained the white plastic shell from the old design, but replaced the tray-loading optical drive with a slot-loading version. The iBook G4 was updated twice in 2004 to increase the processor speed but kept the same model number (see the specifications).

All models of the iBook G4 included two USB ports and a FireWire 400 port. Depending on the model, the laptop included Wi-Fi and Bluetooth as a standard configuration or an optional upgrade, and all versions came with a built-in 56k modem. The last update to the iBook G4 came in 2005 with another processor speed increase and a change in the model number. The iBook G4 was originally shipped with OS X 10.3 Panther and can be updated to 10.5 Leopard as long as the device has at least 512 MB of memory (otherwise 10.4 Tiger is the last supported version).

You can identify the iBook G4 by looking for the words “iBook G4“ written just below the display. For more detailed information, find the serial number printed underneath the keyboard. It’s a weird place for Apple to put the serial number, but you can follow step 3 of [guide|155|this guide|stepid=528] to easily lift up the keyboard. Then use Apple’s serial number lookup to find your exact model.

Specifications

Model numbers

• 2003 and 2004:

  • 12-inch: A1054

  • 14-inch: A1055

• 2005:

  • 12-inch: A1133

  • 14-inch: A1134

Processor

• PowerPC G4

• 800 MHz to 1.42 GHz depending on the model

Graphics

• 2003 and 2004: ATI Radeon 9200

• 2005: ATI Radeon 9500

Display

• 1024x768 pixels

Storage

• Capacity: 30 GB, 40 GB, 60 GB, 80 GB, or 100 GB

• Speed: 4200 rpm hard drive

• Size: 2.5-inch form factor

Ports

• Two USB 2.0 ports

• FireWire 400 port

• 3.5mm audio jack

• Ethernet (10/100 Mbit/s)

• 56k modem

• Mini-VGA video output

Connectivity

• 802.11b/g Wi-Fi

• Bluetooth 1.1 or 2.0

Additional Information

iBook G4 on Wikipedia

iBook G4 on Apple-History

iBook on Apple Wiki

iBook specifications on EveryMac