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Apple PowerBook Specifications Page - October, 2005 And January, 2005 PowerBook Models Compared

The Table below shows the major specifications and features for Apple PowerBooks. Different configurations for the PowerBooks are based on Apple's Online Store and PowerBook pages. Vendors' configurations may vary.

Configurations and prices reflect that of the machines when they were introduced

Additional Resources:
PowerBook InfoZone
PowerBook Performance
PowerBook Buyer's Guides
Closeout PowerBook Buyer's Guide
Apple's PowerBook Page

 

Reviews

MacBook Pro Jan 2006
Core Duo 2.16 GHz 17"
Macworld
Macworld
CNet Video
PCMagazine
CNet
MacsimumNews
PowerPage
Laptop Review
ComputerWorld
Computerworld
MacOpinion
vs Dell Inspiron E1705
The Ultimate Mac
Core Duo 2.16 GHz 15"
Macworld
PCMagazine
Inside Mac Games
Creative Mac
3D Performance
Adobe Apps in Rosetta
BareFeats
Benchmarks: Final Cut Studio
Core Duo 2.0 GHz 15"
vs PowerBook G4 867MHz 12"
vs PowerBook 15" G4/1 GHz
vsPowerbook G4 1.67 GHz
vs Power Mac G5/1.6 GHz
vs iBook G4/933 14"
vs PowerBook G4/1.0GHz
vs Power Mac Dual G5/1.8 GHzBareFeats
Gadget Candy
Tech Stuff
eXtensions
MyMac
BareFeats
Geek Patrol
Sydney Herald
CreativeBits
floridatoday
Core Duo 1.83 GHz 15"
vsiMac Intel Duo 1.83 17"
vs iBook G4/1.42GHz
vs iMac G5 1.9GHz 17"
vs Power Mac G5/1.6 GHz
Macworld
Ars Technica
ZDNet
CNET
MacsimumNews
AppleLust
Canada.com
Woodware
All
Macworld
Macworld
MacBook Pro vs. the PC
vs Acer
BusinessWeek
BIOS
ComputerWorld
NotebookReview
CSnews
FreePress
NorthJersey
MacNewsWorld
MacBook Pro Photos


Major technological changes from last generation of PowerBooks

12 Inch PowerBooks
1) Low-end model with Combo Drive dropped
2) Price drops $200

15 Inch PowerBooks
1) Low-end 1.5GHz model with Combo Drive dropped
2) Price drops $300
3) RAM Type moves from PC2700 (333MHz) DDR to PC2-4200 DDR2 (333MHz)
4) Graphics memory doubles from 64MB to 128MB
5) More advanced SuperDrive, is also slightly faster
6) 26% Higher screen resolution
7) Optical digital audio in/out
8) Support for external display moves from 2048 by 1536 pixels to 2560 by 1600 pixels
9) Estimated battery time increases one hour, from 4.5 hours to 5.5 hours
10) Very slightly lighter

17 Inch PowerBook
1) Price drops $200
2) RAM Type moves from PC2700 (333MHz) DDR to PC2-4200 DDR2 (333MHz)
3) 20GB larger hard drive ... Now 120GB
4) More advanced SuperDrive, is also slightly faster
5) 36% Higher screen resolution
6) Estimated battery time increases one hour, from 4.5 hours to 5.5 hours


October 2005 PowerBooks
PowerBook
Model/Mhz

12.1" Screen

G4/1.5GH
(M9691LL/A)

15.2" Screen

G4/1.67GHz
(M9969LL/A)

17" Screen

G4/1.67GHz
(M9970LL/A)

Cache

L2 cache - 512K SRAM

L3 cache - none

L2 cache - 512K SRAM

L3 cache - none

L2 cache - 512K SRAM

L3 cache - none

Price Information

MSRP: $1,499

Check PowerBook/
MacBook Prices

Apple Store
Education discount
Apple Canada
PowerMax
Small Dog
MacConnect
MacZone
ClubMac
MacMall

MSRP: $1,999

Check PowerBook/
MacBook Prices

Apple Store
Education discount
Apple Canada
PowerMax
Small Dog
MacConnect
MacZone
ClubMac
MacMall

MSRP: $2,499

Check PowerBook/
MacBook Prices

Apple Store
Education discount
Apple Canada
PowerMax
Small Dog
MacConnect
MacZone
ClubMac
MacMall

Bus Speed
(Mhz)

167MHz
167 MHz
167MHz

RAM
(MAX)

512MB
PC2700 (333MHz) DDR SDRAM
(1.25 GB max)

1 RAM Slot

512MB
PC2-4200 DDR2 SDRAM
(2 GB max)

2 RAM Slots

512MB
PC2-4200 DDR2 SDRAM
(2 GB max)

2 RAM Slots

Graphics Support

NVIDIA GeForce FX Go5200
64MB of DDR SDRAM
4x AGP
ATI Mobility Radeon 9700
128MB of DDR SDRAM
4x AGP
ATI Mobility Radeon 9700
128MB of DDR SDRAM
4x AGP

Expansion
Slots

AirPort Extreme slot
AirPort Extreme slot

One PC Card/CardBus slot supporting one Type I or Type II card
AirPort Extreme slot

One PC Card/CardBus slot supporting one Type I or Type II card

Hard Drive

80GB Ultra ATA/100
5400 rpm
Sudden Motion Sensor

80GB Ultra ATA/100; 5400 rpm
Sudden Motion Sensor
120GB Ultra ATA/100; 5400 rpm with
Sudden Motion Sensor

Optical Drive

"SuperDrive"
(DVD±RW/CD-RW)

Maximum write
8x DVD-R and DVD+R 4x DVD-RW and DVD+RW
24x CD-R
10x CD-RW

Maximum read
8x DVD-ROM (single-layered);
6x DVD-ROM (double-layered) DVD-R, DVD+R and DVD+RW
24x CD

Optional Combination drive

Slot-loading SuperDrive (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)

Maximum write
8x DVD-R and DVD+R
4x DVD-RW and DVD+RW
2.4 DVD+R (double-layer)
24x CD-R
16x CD-RW

Maximum read
8x DVD (single-layer)
6x DVD (double-layer)
24x CD-R

Optional Combination drive

Slot-loading SuperDrive (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)

Maximum write
8x DVD-R and DVD+R
4x DVD-RW and DVD+RW
2.4 DVD+R (double-layer)
24x CD-R
16x CD-RW

Maximum read
8x DVD (single-layer)
6x DVD (double-layer)
24x CD-R

Optional Combination drive

Communication

56k V.92 modem
10/100 BT Ethernet
Built-in 54-Mbps AirPort Extreme wireless networking
Built-in Bluetooth 2.0+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate)
56k V.92 modem
10/100/1000 BT Ethernet
Built-in 54-Mbps AirPort Extreme wireless networking
Built-in Bluetooth 2.0+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate)
56k V.92 modem
10/100/1000 BT Ethernet
Built-in 54-Mbps AirPort Extreme wireless networking
Built-in Bluetooth 2.0+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate)

Connectivity

2 USB 2.0 Ports (480 Mbps)
1 FireWire 400 Port
Audio in & out
Mini-DVI port
DVI output using included mini-DVI to DVI adapter
S-video and composite video output using mini-DVI to video adapter (sold separately)
VGA output using included mini-DVI to VGA adapter

Dual display and video mirroring: Simultaneously supports up to 1024 by 768 pixels on the built-in display and up to 2048 by 1536 pixels on an external display, both at millions of color

2 USB 2.0 Ports (480 Mbps)
1 FireWire 400 Port
1 FireWire 800 Port
Audio in & out
DVI output port
Dual-link DVI functionality
S-video output port
Composite video output using included S-video to composite adapter
VGA output using included DVI to VGA adapter

Combined optical digital input/audio line in

Combined optical digital output/headphone out

Dual display and video mirroring: Simultaneously supports up to 1440 by 960 pixels on the built-in display and up to 2560 by 1600 pixels on an external display, both at millions of colors

2 USB 2.0 Ports (480 Mbps)
1 FireWire 400 Port
1 FireWire 800 Port
Audio in & out
Optical In/Out
DVI output port
Dual-link DVI functionality
S-video output port
Composite video output using included S-video to composite adapter
VGA output using included DVI to VGA adapter

Combined optical digital input/audio line in

Combined optical digital output/headphone out

Dual display and video mirroring: Simultaneously supports up to 1680 by 1050 pixels on the built-in display and up to 2560 by 1600 pixels on an external display, both at millions of colors

 Screen

12.1" TFT

1024 x 768

2048 x 1536 support on external display

15.2" TFT

1440 x 960

2560 x 1600 support on external display

17" TFT

1680 x 1050

2560 x 1600 support on external display

Battery
50-watt-hour lithium-ion battery (with integrated charge indicator LEDs) providing up to 5 hours of battery life
50 -watt-hour lithium-ion battery (with integrated charge indicator LEDs) providing up to 5.5 hours of battery life
58-watt-hour lithium-ion battery (with integrated charge indicator LEDs) providing up to 5.5 hours of battery life
OS
10.4 Tiger
10.4 Tiger
10.4 Tiger
Weight
4.6 lbs (2.1 kg)
5.6 lbs (2.5 kg)
6.9 lbs (3.1 kg)
Notes

Has third speaker for midrange.

Hard drive with Sudden Motion Sensor

Solid-state trackpad provides scrolling capabilities

Illuminated fiber-optic, backlit keyboard with ambient light sensor

Solid-state trackpad provides scrolling capabilities

Illuminated fiber-optic, backlit keyboard with ambient light sensor

Solid-state trackpad provides scrolling capabilities

 

 

January 2005 PowerBooks
PowerBook
Model/Mhz

12.1" Screen

G4/1.5GHz
(#M9690LL/A - Combo)

and


(#M9691LL/A - Super)

15.2" Screen

G4/1.5GHz
(#M9676LL/A - Combo)

and

G4/1.67GHz
(#M9677LL/A - Super)

17" Screen

G4/1.67GHz
(#M9689LL/A)

Cache

L2 cache - 512K SRAM

L3 cache - none

L2 cache - 512K SRAM

L3 cache - none

L2 cache - 512K SRAM

L3 cache - none

Price Information

MSRP: $1,499 or $1,699

PowerMax
Small Dog

DealZone

MSRP: $1,999 or $2,299

PowerMax
Small Dog

DealZone

MSRP: $2,699

PowerMax
Small Dog

DealZone

Bus Speed
(Mhz)

167MHz
167 MHz
167MHz

RAM
(MAX)

512MB
PC2700 (333MHz) DDR SDRAM
(1.25 GB max)

1 RAM Slot

512MB
PC2700 (333MHz) DDR SDRAM
(2 GB max)

2 RAM Slots

512MB
PC2700 (333MHz) DDR SDRAM
(2GB max)

2 RAM Slots

Graphics Support

NVIDIA GeForce FX Go5200
64MB of DDR SDRAM
4x AGP
ATI Mobility Radeon 9700
64MB of DDR SDRAM
4x AGP
ATI Mobility Radeon 9700
128MB of DDR SDRAM
4x AGP

Expansion
Slots

AirPort Extreme slot
AirPort Extreme slot

One PC Card/CardBus slot supporting one Type I or Type II card
AirPort Extreme slot

One PC Card/CardBus slot supporting one Type I or Type II card

Hard Drive

60GB or 80GB Ultra ATA/100; 5400 rpm with
Sudden Motion Sensor

80GB Ultra ATA/100; 5400 rpm with
Sudden Motion Sensor
100GB Ultra ATA/100; 5400 rpm with
Sudden Motion Sensor

Optical Drive

Combination drive
(DVD-ROM/CD-RW):
CD read - 24x
DVD read - 8x
CD R write - 24x
CD-RW write - 16x

or

"SuperDrive"
(DVD±RW/CD-RW)
CD read - 24x
DVD read - 8x
DVD-R/RW read - 6x
DVD write 8x
DVD-RW write - 4x
CD-R write - 24x
CD-RW write - 10x

Combination drive
(DVD-ROM/CD-RW):
CD read - 24x
DVD read - 8x
CD R write - 24x
CD-RW write - 16x

or

"SuperDrive"
(DVD±RW/CD-RW)
CD read - 24x
DVD read - 8x
DVD-R/RW read - 6x
DVD write 8x
DVD-RW write - 4x
CD-R write - 24x
CD-RW write - 10x

"SuperDrive"
(DVD±RW/CD-RW)
CD read - 24x
DVD read - 8x
DVD-R/RW read - 6x
DVD write 8x
DVD-RW write - 4x
CD-R write - 24x
CD-RW write - 10x

Communication

56k V.92 modem
10/100 BT Ethernet
Built-in 54-Mbps AirPort Extreme wireless networking
Built-in Bluetooth 2.0+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate)
56k V.92 modem
10/100/1000 BT Ethernet
Built-in 54-Mbps AirPort Extreme wireless networking
Built-in Bluetooth 2.0+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate)
56k V.92 modem
10/100/1000 BT Ethernet
Built-in 54-Mbps AirPort Extreme wireless networking
Built-in Bluetooth 2.0+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate)

Connectivity

2 USB 2.0 Ports (480 Mbps)
1 FireWire 400 Port
Audio in & out
Mini-DVI port
DVI output using included mini-DVI to DVI adapter
S-video and composite video output using mini-DVI to video adapter (sold separately)
VGA output using included mini-DVI to VGA adapter

Dual display and video mirroring: Simultaneously supports up to 1024 by 768 pixels on the built-in display and up to 2048 by 1536 pixels on an external display, both at millions of color

2 USB 2.0 Ports (480 Mbps)
1 FireWire 400 Port
1 FireWire 800 Port
Audio in & out
DVI output port
S-video output port
Composite video output using included S-video to composite adapter
VGA output using included DVI to VGA adapter

Dual display and video mirroring: Simultaneously supports up to 1280 by 854 pixels on the built-in display and up to 2048 by 1536 pixels on an external display, both at millions of colors

2 USB 2.0 Ports (480 Mbps)
1 FireWire 400 Port
1 FireWire 800 Port
Audio in & out
Optical In/Out
DVI output port
S-video output port
Composite video output using included S-video to composite adapter
VGA output using included DVI to VGA adapter

 

Dual display and video mirroring: Simultaneously supports up to 1440 by 900 pixels on the built-in display and up to 2560 by 1600 pixels on an external display, both at millions of colors


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