iBook G3
Snow - 14”
History
[specific to 14” model]
Introduced: November 6, 2002
Discontinued: October 22, 2003
Original Retail Price: $1,599
Model #: A1007
Tech Specs
Display: 14.1“ TFT LCD
Processor: 800 MHz PowerPC G3
RAM: 640 MB (upgraded)
Hard Drive: 32 GB SSD (upgraded)
Optical Drive: Combo (CD-RW / DVD-ROM)
OS: 10.2.1
Condition & Notes
This unit is in excellent condition, and is complete with all the original packaging, foam bag, power adapter, modem cable, mini-VGA-to-VGA adapter, software CDs, documentation, and Apple stickers.
In 2025 I replaced the original 30 GB hard drive with a 32 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 X 10.2.1.
Model Identifier
This particular model is the 800 MHz 14” model introduced in late 2002.
Packaging
The original foam insert sheet, which prevents the keyboard from scuffing the screen.
iBook
Accessories
iBook documentation, modem cable, mini-VGA-to-VGA adapter, software CDs, AirPort documentation & CD, and AC cable.
Documentation & CDs all spread out.
System Specs
mSATA SSD Installation
This upgrade makes the computer quieter, faster, and more reliable. I chose to install a with a compact flash (CF)-to-IDE adapter with a 32 GB SanDisk CF card.
Prior to this I also tried using an mSATA drive and adapter housing, but found that this did not work in this particular machine for unknown reasons (the install would succeed but the machine would always freeze while booting). The CF-based solution seems to work reliably.
The CF SSD slots directly in to where the original HDD was installed, using the OEM IDE cable harness.