Apple Unveils Faster PowerBooks

By Ian Bell Published January 31, 2005

All new PowerBooks come standard with 512MB memory, faster graphics, integrated AirPort 802.11g, Bluetooth 2.0 wireless networking and two new Apple patent-pending technologiesâ€”the scrolling TrackPad and the Sudden Motion Sensor.

The new PowerBooks deliver increased performance with both the 15- and 17-inch PowerBook models offering up to 1.67 GHz PowerPC G4 processors and industry-leading ATI Mobility Radeon 9700 graphics processors with 64MB or 128MB of graphics memory. All models now include 512MB of 333 MHz DDR SDRAM and faster 5400 rpm hard drives for demanding professional applications. The 17-inch PowerBook now features Dual Link support to drive Apple’s breakthrough 30-inch Cinema HD Display as an external monitor, and this feature is also available as a build-to-order option on the 1.67 GHz model of the 15-inch PowerBook.

PowerBook G4

The 1.67 GHz, 17-inch PowerBook, for a suggested retail price of $2,699 (US), includes:

512MB of 333 MHz DDR SDRAM, with one open slot, expandable up to 2GB;
a 100GB (5400 rpm) Ultra ATA/100 hard drive and Sudden Motion Sensor;
a slot-load 8X SuperDrive (DVDÂ±RW/CD-RW) optical drive;
ATI Mobility Radeon 9700 graphics with 128MB video memory;
DVI (Dual Link for 30-inch support), VGA, S-video and composite video support;
AirPort Extreme 54 Mbps 802.11g WiFi fast wireless networking and internal Bluetooth 2.0+EDR;
Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000BASE-T) and 56K V.92 modem;
two USB 2.0 ports, FireWire 400 and 800;
optical digital audio input and output;
a scrolling TrackPad; and
illuminated keyboard with ambient light sensor.

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The 1.67 GHz, 15-inch PowerBook, for a suggested retail price of $2,299 (US), includes:

512MB of 333 MHz DDR SDRAM, with one open slot, expandable up to 2GB;
an 80GB (5400 rpm) Ultra ATA/100 hard drive and Sudden Motion Sensor;
a slot-load 8X SuperDrive (DVDÂ±RW/CD-RW) optical drive;
ATI Mobility Radeon 9700 graphics with 64MB video memory with Dual Link DVI functionality;
DVI, VGA, S-video and composite video support;
AirPort Extreme 54 Mbps 802.11g WiFi fast wireless networking and internal Bluetooth 2.0+EDR;
Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000BASE-T) and 56K V.92 modem;
two USB 2.0 ports, FireWire 400 and 800;
a scrolling TrackPad; and
illuminated keyboard with ambient light sensor.

The 1.5 GHz, 15-inch PowerBook, for a suggested retail price of $1,999 (US), includes:

512MB of 333 MHz DDR SDRAM, with one open memory slot, expandable up to 2GB;
an 80GB (5400 rpm) Ultra ATA/100 hard drive with Sudden Motion Sensor;
a slot-load Combo (DVD-ROM/CD-RW) optical drive;
ATI Mobility Radeon 9700 graphics with 64MB video memory;
DVI, VGA, S-video and composite video support;
AirPort Extreme 54 Mbps 802.11g WiFi fast wireless networking and internal Bluetooth 2.0+EDR;
Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000BASE-T) and 56K V.92 modem;
two USB 2.0 ports, FireWire 400 and 800;
a scrolling TrackPad; and
illuminated keyboard with ambient light sensor.

The 1.5 GHz, 12-inch PowerBook, for a suggested retail price of $1,699 (US), includes:

512MB of 333 MHz DDR SDRAM, expandable up to 1.25GB;
an 80GB (5400 rpm) Ultra ATA/100 hard drive with Sudden Motion Sensor;
a slot-load 8X SuperDrive (DVDÂ±RW/CD-RW) optical drive;
NVIDIA GeForce FX Go5200 graphics with 64MB of video memory;
DVI, VGA, S-video and composite video support;
AirPort Extreme 54 Mbps 802.11g WiFi fast wireless networking and internal Bluetooth 2.0+EDR;
Ethernet 10/100BASE-T and 56K V.92 modem;
two USB 2.0 ports and Firewire 400; and
a scrolling TrackPad.

The 1.5 GHz, 12-inch PowerBook, for a suggested retail price of $1,499 (US), includes:

512MB of 333 MHz DDR SDRAM, expandable up to 1.25GB;
a 60GB (5400 rpm) Ultra ATA/100 hard drive with Sudden Motion Sensor;
a slot-load Combo (DVD-ROM/CD-RW) optical drive;
NVIDIA GeForce FX Go5200 graphics with 64MB of video memory;
DVI, VGA, S-video and composite video support;
AirPort Extreme 54 Mbps 802.11g WiFi fast wireless networking and internal Bluetooth 2.0+EDR;
Ethernet 10/100BASE-T and 56K V.92 modem;
two USB 2.0 ports and Firewire 400; and
a scrolling TrackPad.

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