TITLE
    PowerBook G3 Series: Description
Article ID:
Created:
Modified:
24468
4/30/98
5/6/98

TOPIC

    This article provides a description of Macintosh PowerBook G3 Series computers.


DISCUSSION

    Note: Macintosh PowerBook G3 Series computers should not be confused with Macintosh PowerBook G3 computers. Though the names are similar, there are significant differences. To visually identify which type of computer you have, close the display and inspect the display case. A Macintosh PowerBook G3 has a small, six-color Apple logo on the display case. A Macintosh PowerBook G3 Series computer has a large Apple logo on the display case that is not six-colored.

    The Apple Macintosh PowerBook G3 Series sets new standards for portable design and performance. At first glance, you'll be struck by the extreme elegance of these computers. On closer examination, you'll find their advanced features and outstanding flexibility even more striking. Most impressive of all, though, is their performance. These innovative notebook systems outperform comparable Pentium and Pentium II processor-based notebook and desktop systems.*

    The Macintosh PowerBook G3 Series truly offers "something for everyone"-- from creative professionals to educators and students to business professionals. Built around the high-performance PowerPC G3 processor-- the same innovative chip that sparked the success of Apple's current line of desktop systems--these notebook systems provide the power to handle even the most demanding tasks.

    To complement their power, the PowerBook G3 computers incorporate the impressive multimedia capabilities that are a must for today's educators and professionals. And since Apple understands that individual needs are just that--individual--these systems offer flexible configuration options. Each system includes a high-speed CD-ROM drive and supports the latest storage technology--DVD-ROM. They also include built-in video output, and several configurations include S-video output for connecting to a TV.

    The innovative design of these computers is as functional as it is attractive, with features such as two hot-swappable expansion bays for multiple storage options and lithium-ion batteries, and a flip-up keyboard for fast, easy access to the RAM expansion slot and removable hard disk drive.

    The PowerBook G3 computers' communications offerings include built-in Ethernet--a requirement in most educational environments as well as in business. An optional K56flex modem lets you tap into your organizational network or the Internet.**

    The Macintosh PowerBook G3 Series: Truly customizable portable systems that give you unmatched performance and capabilities to meet your needs at a price you can afford.

    Features

    Astounding performance at affordable prices
    • Features the PowerPC G3 processor, for the fastest performance ever in a notebook computer
    • Incorporates performance-boosting backside level 2 cache**
    • Uses SDRAM and SGRAM for the fastest memory architecture available
    • Supports two lithium-ion batteries for up to 7 hours of normal use
    • Offers flexible configuration options to meet your needs and your budget

    Advanced multimedia capabilities
    • Features a high-quality display--up to 14.1 inches (diagonal)
    • Includes up to 4MB of video memory, for displaying millions of colors on an external monitor
    • Provides outstanding 2D/3D graphics acceleration through an integrated controller
    • Includes a high-speed CD-ROM drive and supports the latest performance breakthrough in storage--DVD-ROM
    • Allows you to connect an external monitor, video projector, or TV**

    Striking style and stellar efficiency
    • Combines aesthetics and ergonomics to create an elegantly efficient system
    • Includes two expansion bays for a variety of storage and battery options
    • Provides easy access to the memory expansion slot and removable hard disk drive through its flip-up keyboard
    • Accommodates CardBus cards and PC Cards for additional networking, storage, and modem capabilities

    Integrated communications
    • Includes built-in 10BASE-T Ethernet
    • Accommodates K56flex technology for the ultimate in modem connectivity**
    • Comes with built-in 4-Mbps IrDA technology for easy, wireless LAN access and file sharing


    Macintosh PowerBook Performance Comparisons



    Notes
    *Based on BYTEmark integer index.
    **Available in some configurations; see Configurations chart for product details.
    ***Based on Apple internal testing using MacBench 4.0 processor performance scores. Actual performance on applications will vary. MacBench is a subsystem-level benchmark that measures the relative performance of Mac OS-based systems.

    Ordering Information

    For detailed information about configurations, see the chart below. All models also include a built-in keyboard and trackpad; all necessary cables, such as an Ethernet cable, modem cable, composite to S-video adapter and VGA-to-Macintosh connector cable; Mac OS 8.1 (which includes Internet access software); third-party software titles (FAXstf, Now Contact & Up*to*Date, and WebWhacker); complete setup, learning, and reference documentation; and limited warranty.

    Build-to-order (BTO) options

    These systems can also be ordered through the online Apple Store, which allows you to custom-configure your computer in such areas as processor speed, display size, RAM, hard disk size, modem, and expansion bay modules such as a DVD-ROM drive and lithium-ion battery.

    Configurations
    With 12.1-inch display
    Order No.
    M6359LL/A
    M6477LL/A
    Processor speed
    233 MHz
    233 MHz
    Memory (SDRAM)
    32MB
    32MB
    Video Memory
    2MB
    2MB
    Backside level 2 cache
    -
    -
    Backside bus speed
    -
    -
    System bus speed
    66 MHz
    66 MHz
    Hard disk drive
    2GB IDE drive
    2GB IDE drive
    CD-ROM drive module
    20x-speed (maximum)
    20x-speed (maximum)
    Floppy disk drive module
    -
    Yes
    Ethernet
    Built-in 10BASE-T
    Built-in 10BASE-T
    Modem
    -
    K56flex
    S-video output
    -
    -
    With 13.3-inch display
    Order No.
    M6481LL/A
    M6357LL/A
    Processor speed
    233 MHz
    250 MHz
    Memory (SDRAM)
    32MB
    32MB
    Video Memory
    4MB
    4MB
    Backside level 2 cache
    -
    1MB
    Backside bus speed
    -
    125 MHz
    System bus speed
    66 MHz
    83 MHz
    Hard disk drive
    2GB IDE drive
    4GB IDE drive
    CD-ROM drive module
    20x-speed (maximum)
    20x-speed (maximum)
    Floppy disk drive module
    Yes
    Yes
    Ethernet
    Built-in 10BASE-T
    Built-in 10BASE-T
    Modem
    -
    K56flex
    S-video output
    Yes
    Yes
    With 14.1-inch display
    Order No.
    M6484LL/A
    M6541LL/A
    Processor speed
    233 MHz
    292 MHz
    Memory (SDRAM)
    32MB
    64MB
    Video Memory
    4MB
    4MB
    Backside level 2 cache
    -
    1MB
    Backside bus speed
    -
    146 MHz
    System bus speed
    66 MHz
    83 MHz
    Hard disk drive
    2GB IDE drive
    8GB IDE drive
    CD-ROM drive module
    20x-speed (maximum)
    20x-speed (maximum)
    Floppy disk drive module
    Yes
    Yes
    Ethernet
    Built-in 10BASE-T
    Built-in 10BASE-T
    Modem
    -
    K56flex
    S-video output
    Yes
    Yes


    Accessories
    PowerBook G3 Series Power Adapter
    M6384LL/A
    PowerBook G3 Series Power Adapter (for Europe and U.K.)
    M6548LL/A
    PowerBook G3 Series Lithium-ion Rechargeable Battery
    M6385LL/A
    PowerBook G3 Series DVD-ROM Expansion Bay Module
    M6387LL/A
    PowerBook G3 Series Floppy Disk Drive Expansion Bay Module
    M6396LL/A
    Apple HDI-30 SCSI Disk Adapter for SCSI disk mode
    M2539LL/A
    Apple SCSI Peripheral Interface Cable for SCSI-to-SCSI connection
    M0207
    Apple HDI-30 SCSI System Cable for PowerBook-to-SCSI connection
    M2538LL/A

Document Information
Product Area: Computers
Category: PowerBook
Sub Category: PowerBook G3 Series

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