Posted on July 14, 2021
Apple iBook SE
What began in 1998 with the iMac and it’s ground-breaking translucent design, saw the continuation in 1999 with the introduction of the playful “clamshell” iBook.
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Historic Overview
Not longer after the release of the first iMac generation, that brought us the translucent case design, Apple landet the next big thing: The colorful clamshell iBook G3, which saw several iterations over the course of the next years.
With it’s playful design and built-in internet and connectivity options, the iBook was set to success.
Intially coming with PowerPC G3, clocked in at 300 MHz, later revisions saw clock speeds up to 466 MHz, providing more than enough processing power for the time. Initially coming with a meager of 32 MiB RAM, the SE models received a stock 64 MiB, and where user-upgradable to 320 MiB officially, and inoffically even to 576 MiB.
All models came with Classic Mac OS 9 and a stock of software bundled along, including AppleWorks, Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator and many more.
As far as the OS is concerned, the earlier models would support Mac OS X up to Panther (10.3), while the 2000s SE models also supported Mac OS X Tiger (10.4).
The iBook in my collection runs Classic OS 9, to depict the contemporary experience how it would have been out-of-the-box at the time.
Specs
The PHINTAGE Collection currently holds a iBook Firewire/SE.
| Vendor | Apple Computer, Inc |
| Model | iBook Firewire/SE (Powerbook 2,2) |
| Released | September 2000 |
| Original Streetprice | CHF 2749 for base model CHF 3049 for SE Model |
| Weight | 3 KG |
| Dimensions | 4,6 x 34,3 x 29,5 cm |
| Builtin Display | 12,1″ TFT, 800 x 600 |
| Builtin Battery | Yes, 45 Wh (worn down) |
| CPU | PowerPC G3 @ 366 MHz |
| RAM | 320 MiB (upgraded from stock 64 MiB) |
| Storage | 10 GiB IDE HDD 24x IDE CD-ROM |
| Network Support | Built-in 100 Mbit/s FastEthernet Built-in AirPort Wifi Built-in Modem |
| USB | 1 x USB 1.1 |
| Video Output | ATI Rage 128, 8 MB of SDRAM |
| Other | 1x FireWire 400, 1 Audio-Out 3.5mm Built-in mono speaker |
| Operating System | Classic Mac OS 9.0.4 |
| Overall Condition | – minor scuffs on case – the “leaf” of the Apple logo is missing on the clamshell cover – Originally of Indigo color, the coloring has deteriorated a bit over time |
| Restoration Parts needed | Replacement Battery |
Gallery
Coming soon.
Downloads
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