iBook G3
Snow - 12”
History
[specific to 12” model]
Introduced: May 1, 2001
Discontinued: October 22, 2003
Original Retail Price: $1,799 (Custom BTO)
Model #: M6457
Tech Specs
Display: 12.1'“ TFT LCD
Processor: 500 MHz PowerPC G3
RAM: 256 MB (upgraded)
Hard Drive: 64 GB SSD (upgraded)
Optical Drive: Combo (CD-RW / DVD-ROM)
OS: 9.1
Condition & Notes
This unit is in excellent condition, and is complete with all the original packaging, power adapter, software CDs, documentation, and Apple stickers.
This iBook was originally purchased as a custom BTO directly from Apple’s website, with both the optional AirPort card and a ‘combo’ CD-RW / DVD-ROM drive installed straight from the factory (BTO being the only way at the time to get a combo drive in an iBook). The original invoice, packing slip, and receipt are still with the machine: the original order date is listed as 08/23/2001, and the ship date is 08/24/2001.
In 2024 I replaced the original hard drive with a 64 GB SSD. HDD to SSD conversion is a common technique used in vintage computer preservation, as the original hard drives are prone to failure due to age. This upgrade also makes the computer quieter, faster, and more reliable. Scroll to the bottom of the page for more on this.
As is to be expected with a 20+ -year-old machine, the battery no longer holds a charge.
It is in fully working order and is currently running Mac OS 9.1.
Model Identifier
This particular model is the original 500 MHz ‘Snow’ iBook which directly succeeded the final clamshell iBook G3s.
Packaging
This is a custom-ordered system that originally came with an upgraded 20GB hard drive, a “combo” optical drive, and a factory-installed AirPort card.
For whatever reason the usual label with the system’s features and specs is not present atop the box. Possibly because this is a custom-ordered system.
The original anti-static foam shipping bag.
iBook
The iBook up and running. It looks gorgeous!
Accessories
Main documentation, main software CD packet, AirPort documentation and CD, charger, AC cable, and OEM A/V cables. The A/V cables shown here were purchased by the original owner several months after the machine itself so they are NOT original to the system as it shipped from the factory.
Inside the iBook “Getting Started” guide. Pretty simple! This is very similar to the guides that shipped with other machines like the iMac.
This machine also had this OS X 10.1 / OS 9.2.1 upgrade kit when I acquired it, which was also not original to the unit but still neat to have. It was likely acquired by the original owner at a slightly later date as OS X 10.1 didn’t come out until after this machine was shipped.
iBook Getting Started Guide, User’s Guide, OS X guide, dual-booting guide, software coupons, warranty and license info, AppleCare guide, Apple stickers, and software CDs: iBook Software Install, Software Restore (4), Applications, OS X install, iMovie 2 (OS 9 and OS X versions), and Apple Hardware Test.
The additional AirPort documentation & CD that came with this machine, since it had the optional AirPort card installed from the factory.
Original invoice and receipts from when the machine was purchased in August 2001, along with a printer and a USB cable. The machine’s specs are listed along with the optional “combo” drive and factory AirPort card. At right is the receipt for the A/V cables, which were purchased a few months later in December 2001.
System Specs
mSATA SSD Installation
This upgrade makes the computer quieter, faster, and more reliable. I chose to install a 64 GB mSATA SSD using an mSATA-to-IDE 2.5” adapter housing.
The SSD (right) slots directly in to where the existing HDD (left) was installed, using the OEM IDE cable harness and installation bracket.
The existing HDD was 60 GB in size - much larger than the one that would have originally shipped with this iBook - and was dated February 2006, so it had already been upgraded by a previous owner anyway.