Apple · iBook

iBook 12-inch (Mid 2002)

Released May 2002

The 12.1-inch iBook with 600 or 700 MHz PowerPC G3, 512 KB processor cache and ATI Mobility Radeon graphics.

Model history · 6 models, 1999–2002

Size: 12.1″
Display: –
Processor: PowerPC G3 600 MHz (iBook Mid 2002) or PowerPC G3 700 MHz (iBook Mid 2002)
Memory: 128 MB – 640 MB
Weight: 2.2 kg
Battery: 5 h

What reviewers say

Reviews valued the compact size, price and practical performance. Macworld found demanding media work slower than on G4 systems. CFO praised the screen, keyboard and battery life, but criticised expansion, the slow boot time and warmth underneath. Both favoured the smaller model’s portability.

From macworld.com and cfo.com

Specifications

Report a wrong or missing spec

Display

Screen size: 12.1″
Resolution: 1024 × 768
Touchscreen: No
Display type: 12.1-inch TFT XGA active-matrix display at 1024 × 768. Exact panel technology, brightness and refresh unpublished.

Performance

Processor: PowerPC G3 600 MHz (iBook Mid 2002) or PowerPC G3 700 MHz (iBook Mid 2002)
CPU cores: 1
Graphics: ATI Mobility Radeon (16 MB VRAM)
Memory: 128 MB or 640 MB
Storage: 20 GB
CPU: 600 or 700 MHz PowerPC G3, each with 512 KB on-chip L2 cache running at full processor speed and 100 MHz system bus. Exact silicon supplier/model omitted.
GPU: ATI Mobility Radeon with 16 MB dedicated graphics memory and AGP 2×; this generation is not the later Radeon 7500 model.
Memory type: 128 MB onboard SDRAM, one SO-DIMM slot supporting up to 512 MB, for a maker maximum of 640 MB total. SO-DIMM requires 3.3 V and 1.25-inch format.
Storage type: Factory ties: 600 MHz / 20 GB / CD-ROM or 700 MHz / 20 GB / Combo drive. The maker lists a new 40 GB option at line level; retained in detail rather than expanding unconfirmed CPU/storage pairings. Combo writes CD-R/CD-RW at 8×, reads DVD at 8× and CD at 24× maximum.

Battery and size

Battery life (maker's claim): Up to 5 hours
Battery capacity: 47 Wh
Weight: 2.2 kg
Thickness: 34 mm
Width × depth: 285 × 230 mm
Battery life detail: 47 Wh lithium-ion battery; maker claim up to five hours. Integrated charge LEDs. Published maker reference weight 2.2 kg varies by configuration; published size 28.5 × 23.0 × 3.4 cm.
Materials: White polycarbonate enclosure (CFO exact-model review)
Colours: White

Connections

Ports: 2 × USB-A, Ethernet, headphone jack
Wi-Fi: Optional AirPort 802.11b
Operating system: macOS
Port detail: Two 12 Mbps USB ports, one 400 Mbps FireWire, 10/100BASE-T Ethernet, internal 56K V.90 modem and stereo headphone output. Optional 11 Mbps 802.11b AirPort card. Video output uses included VGA adapter or optional Apple Video Adapter.
External displays: VGA mirroring at 24-bit colour; S-video/composite to TV/projector through optional Apple Video Adapter.
Keyboard: 77 US or 78 ISO keys, 12 function keys, four arrows and embedded keypad.
Trackpad: Tap, double tap and drag support
Speakers: Built-in stereo speakers
Microphones: Built-in microphone
In the box: Included Apple VGA Display Adapter and small power adapter; launch Mac OS X 10.1.4 and Classic Mac OS 9.2.2, iTunes 2/iMovie 2/iPhoto. Maker says now available 20 May 2002.

Configurations

Processor	Memory	Storage	Graphics
PowerPC G3 600 MHz (iBook Mid 2002)	128 MB	20 GB	ATI Mobility Radeon (16 MB VRAM)
PowerPC G3 600 MHz (iBook Mid 2002)	640 MB	20 GB	ATI Mobility Radeon (16 MB VRAM)
PowerPC G3 700 MHz (iBook Mid 2002)	128 MB	20 GB	ATI Mobility Radeon (16 MB VRAM)
PowerPC G3 700 MHz (iBook Mid 2002)	640 MB	20 GB	ATI Mobility Radeon (16 MB VRAM)

Pros and cons

Pros

FireWire and two USB ports
VGA mirroring with included adapter
S-video and composite video with optional adapter

Cons

128 MB standard memory
Wireless card sold separately
No PC Card slot

Closest rivals

Model	Size	Display	Processor	Memory	Weight	Battery	Released
AppleiBook 12-inch (Early 2003)	12.1″	–	PowerPC G3 800 MHz (iBook Early 2003) or PowerPC G3 900 MHz (iBook Early 2003)	128 MB – 640 MB	2.2 kg	5 h	Apr 2003
AppleiBook 12-inch (Late 2002)	12.1″	–	PowerPC G3 700 MHz (iBook Late 2002) or PowerPC G3 800 MHz (iBook Late 2002)	128 MB – 640 MB	2.2 kg	5 h	Nov 2002
AppleiBook (1999)	12.1″	–	PowerPC G3 300 MHz (iBook 1999)	32 MB – 288 MB	–	6 h	Sept 1999

Previous model: iBook (Late 2001). Newer model: iBook 12-inch (Late 2002).

Sources

Photo: Apple support image assigned to this model; low-resolution white iBook family front view with later software artwork.

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