Apple · iBook

iBook (Dual USB)

Released 2001

The first white iBook, with a smaller enclosure, 1024 × 768 display, two USB ports and 500 MHz PowerPC G3.

Model history · 4 models, 1999–2001

Size: 12.1″
Display: –
Processor: PowerPC G3 500 MHz (iBook Dual USB 2001)
Memory: 64 MB – 640 MB
Weight: 2.2 kg
Battery: 5 h

What reviewers say

Reviewers liked the compact design, clear display, useful connections and value for everyday work. Both criticised the speakers. Macworld also found the entry model’s memory and standard storage restrictive, while SFGate noted limitations in demanding applications and small text on the high-resolution screen.

From macworld.com and sfgate.com

Specifications

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Display

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 Exact panel technology, brightness and built-in refresh unpublished.

Performance

Processor: PowerPC G3 500 MHz (iBook Dual USB 2001)
CPU cores: 1
Graphics: ATI Rage Mobility 128 (8 MB SDRAM)
Memory: 64 MB, 128 MB, 576 MB or 640 MB
Storage: 10 GB to 20 GB
CPU: 500 MHz PowerPC G3 with 256 KB on-chip L2 cache at processor clock; 66 MHz system and memory buses. Exact silicon supplier and model omitted.
GPU: ATI Rage Mobility 128 with 8 MB SDRAM and AGP 2×.
Memory type: 64 MB onboard in the CD-ROM stock, 128 MB in the DVD-ROM and Combo stocks; one PC100 SO-DIMM slot supports up to 512 MB, giving respective maker maxima of 576 and 640 MB.
Storage type: 10 GB Ultra ATA throughout the maker stock table; optional 20 GB. CD-ROM stock has 64 MB; DVD-ROM and Combo stocks have 128 MB. Optional CD-RW drive also listed, without adding unsupported separate configurations.

Battery and size

Battery life (maker's claim): Up to 5 hours
Battery capacity: 42 Wh
Weight: 2.2 kg
Thickness: 34 mm
Width × depth: 285 × 230 mm
Battery life detail: 42 Wh lithium-ion battery; maker claim up to five hours. Maker reference weight 2.2 kg varies by configuration; published size 28.5 × 23.0 × 3.4 cm.
Materials: Impact-resistant white polycarbonate enclosure
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 AV/headphone minijack. Optional 11 Mbps AirPort card; VGA adapter included, composite requires optional Apple AV Cable.
External displays: VGA mirroring and composite video output; external display mirrors the internal screen.
Keyboard: 77 US or 78 ISO keys, including 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: Keyboard/trackpad, modem cable, RGB display adapter, power adapter/cord and lithium-ion battery. Mac OS 9.1 at launch; retained sheet also lists Mac OS X requiring 128 MB. Maker May 1 release specified mid-May availability; actual first-sale confirmation remains unavailable, so released has year precision.

Configurations

Processor	Memory	Storage	Graphics
PowerPC G3 500 MHz (iBook Dual USB 2001)	64 MB	10 GB	ATI Rage Mobility 128 (8 MB SDRAM)
PowerPC G3 500 MHz (iBook Dual USB 2001)	64 MB	20 GB	ATI Rage Mobility 128 (8 MB SDRAM)
PowerPC G3 500 MHz (iBook Dual USB 2001)	128 MB	10 GB	ATI Rage Mobility 128 (8 MB SDRAM)
PowerPC G3 500 MHz (iBook Dual USB 2001)	128 MB	20 GB	ATI Rage Mobility 128 (8 MB SDRAM)
PowerPC G3 500 MHz (iBook Dual USB 2001)	576 MB	10 GB	ATI Rage Mobility 128 (8 MB SDRAM)
PowerPC G3 500 MHz (iBook Dual USB 2001)	576 MB	20 GB	ATI Rage Mobility 128 (8 MB SDRAM)
PowerPC G3 500 MHz (iBook Dual USB 2001)	640 MB	10 GB	ATI Rage Mobility 128 (8 MB SDRAM)
PowerPC G3 500 MHz (iBook Dual USB 2001)	640 MB	20 GB	ATI Rage Mobility 128 (8 MB SDRAM)

Pros and cons

Pros

Two USB ports and FireWire
Built-in optical drive
VGA mirroring and composite video output

Cons

64 MB memory in the entry configuration
10 GB standard storage
Wireless card sold separately

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 12-inch (Mid 2002)	12.1″	–	PowerPC G3 600 MHz (iBook Mid 2002) or PowerPC G3 700 MHz (iBook Mid 2002)	128 MB – 640 MB	2.2 kg	5 h	May 2002

Previous model: iBook (FireWire). Newer model: iBook (Late 2001).

Sources

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

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