iBook · The Digital Hub · 2003
iBook G4
The white iBook matured with a G4 chip, quietly becoming the affordable Mac notebook students actually carried.
Brought the G4 processor to Apple’s consumer notebook.
iBook G4: key facts
When was the iBook G4 released?
The iBook G4 arrived on October 22, 2003. Apple discontinued it in May 2006.
How much did the iBook G4 cost?
The iBook G4 launched at $1,099 in 2003, about $1,912 in today’s money (approximate, US CPI).
What specs stand out?
Key specs: PowerPC G4 at 800 MHz, 128 MB RAM, 29.3 GB storage, 12" or 14" LCD display.
Why does the iBook G4 matter?
Brought the G4 processor to Apple’s consumer notebook.
Full specifications
| CPU | PowerPC G4 · 800 MHz |
|---|---|
| Cores | 1 |
| Memory (RAM) | 128 MB (up to 1.5 GB) |
| Storage | 29.3 GB |
| Display | 12" or 14" LCD |
| GPU | Integrated / NuBus video |
| Ports | USB 2.0, FireWire, Ethernet, AirPort Extreme |
| Weight | Varies by configuration |
| Dimensions | Desktop computer |
| Operating system | Mac OS X 10.3 Panther |
| Released | October 22, 2003 |
| Discontinued | May 2006 |
| Launch price | $1,099 |
How the iBook G4 compares to today
A 16 GB Apple Silicon MacBook Pro has about 128× more memory than this device shipped with.
At 800 MHz, the clock is roughly 4.0× slower than a single performance core of a 16 GB Apple Silicon MacBook Pro, and that is before counting cores, width and IPC.
This held about 7,500 modern phone photos, a respectable library even today.
Launched at $1,099 in 2003, about $1,912 in today’s money (approx., US CPI).
Method note: clock comparisons use frequency only; price conversions use US CPI.
Sources
Specs checked against Apple technical specifications archive, EveryMac, Mactracker, Wikimedia Commons image credits.
Open the iBook G4 in the interactive archive →
Last updated: 2026-08-11