12" iBook G3/600 (Late 2001)

Overview

A little over five months after Apple released the 500 MHz iBook (a.k.a. iceBook), they replaced it with this 600 MHz model available in DVD, CD-RW, and ComboDrive versions. Changes include a faster CPU, a fastersystem bus (100 MHz vs. 66 MHz) and a larger hard drive (15-20 GB, with a 30 GB option).
MacInTouch has called the dual USB G3 iBooks Apple's most unreliable notebooks ever. According to their survey of iBook and PowerBook Reliability:
...by affected percentage of models, the G3 iBooks were the worst by far, with more than half requiring logic board replacements. Apple created a warranty extension program for some versions, but not all. (MacInTouch readers are still reporting newly failed iBook G3s, and the warranty extension program has ended.)
The white 12" iBook G3 series became much less reliable through its first five revisions, reaching a 73% failure percentage! The last revision dropped to a 49% failure percentage - much improved over the previous model, but still unconscionably high. The problems appear to have been solved, for the most part, in the newer iBook G4 series.
Keep in mind that Apple had an extended replacement program on many iceBook models, so most problematic motherboardshave already been replaced.
It can boot Mac OS 9.

Details

  • introduced 2001.10.16 at $1,499 (DVD), $1,599 (CD-RW), and $1,699 (Combo); CD-RW model discontinued 2002.01.07
  • requires Mac OS 9.2.1 or later, Mac OS X 10.1 through 10.4.x
  • CPU: 600 MHz PPC 750fx
  • bus: 100 MHz
  • performance:
    • Geekbench 2 (Tiger): 304
  • ROM: 4 MB, NewWorld ROM in RAM architecture
  • RAM: 128 MB of SDRAM soldered in place, expandable to 640 MB using one 1.25" 3.3V PC100 compliant SO-DIMM
  • Level 2 cache: 256 KB on-chip cache
  • Video: ATI Rage Mobility 128 with 2x AGP
  • VRAM: 8 MB
  • display: 12.1" 24-bit SVGA (1024 x 768) color active matrix, resolution scaling for 640 x 480 and 800 x 600 modes
  • video out: VGA and composite video
  • hard drive: 15 or 20 GB UltraATA-66
  • media drive: choice of CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or CD-RW/DVD-ROM
  • floppy drive: external USB only
  • expansions bays: none
  • USB: 2 USB 1.1 ports
  • FireWire: 1 FW400 port
  • ethernet: 10/100Base-T
  • modem: v.90 56k
  • WiFi: 802.11b AirPort optional
  • microphone: built in
  • PC Card slots: none
  • Battery: rated at 5 hours
  • size: 11.2 x 9.1 x 1.35" (28.5 x 23.0 x 3.4 cm)
  • weight: 4.9 pounds (2.2 kg) with battery

Upgrades

  • Dual-layer SuperDrive upgrade, MCE Technologies, $99. 6x4x8x DVD, 24x24x24x CD. 2 MB buffer. Must be installed by MCE or MCE authorized upgrade center.

Online Resources

Cautions

  • Updated iBook Logic Board Repair Extension Program Frequently Asked Questions, Apple.
      The Updated iBook Logic Board Repair Extension Program covers iBooks that have a particular component failure on the logic board, resulting in the computer starting up but the built-in and attached external displays exhibiting one or more of the following symptoms:
    • Scrambled or distorted video
    • Appearance of unexpected lines on the screen
    • Intermittent video image
    • Video freeze
    • Computer starts up to blank screen
  • There is an incompatibility between the Kensington Startup ADB extension and the Trackpad control on the iBook with Mac OS 9.0.4. Symptom: trackpad responds during boot, but not later. Solution: disable Kensington Startup ADB extension. This may also apply to other USB portables and versions of the Mac OS.
  • Portable Computers: Models Which Do Not Have a Backup Battery notes the iBook has no backup battery to retain time and other settings when the main battery is removed. A small capacitor holds enough energy to maintain PRAM contents for 20 seconds, so switch batteries quickly.
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