PowerBook · The Beige Era · 1999
PowerBook G3 (Lombard)
The bronze-keyboard Lombard slimmed the G3 down dramatically, added USB and lit up the Apple on the lid — the first glowing logo, and the start of a long Apple habit.
First Apple laptop with USB and a glowing Apple logo.
PowerBook G3 (Pismo) (2000)
PowerBook G3 (Lombard): key facts
When was the PowerBook G3 (Lombard) released?
The PowerBook G3 (Lombard) arrived in May 1999. Apple discontinued it in February 2000.
How much did the PowerBook G3 (Lombard) cost?
The PowerBook G3 (Lombard) launched at $2,499 in 1999 — about $4,798 in today’s money (approximate, US CPI).
What specs stand out?
Key specs: PowerPC G3 (750) at 400 MHz, 64 MB RAM, 9.8 GB storage, 14.1" color, 1024×768 display.
Why does the PowerBook G3 (Lombard) matter?
First Apple laptop with USB and a glowing Apple logo.
Full specifications
| CPU | PowerPC G3 (750) · 400 MHz |
|---|---|
| Cores | 1 |
| Memory (RAM) | 64 MB (up to 384 MB) |
| Storage | 9.8 GB |
| Display | 14.1" color, 1024×768 |
| GPU | Integrated / NuBus video |
| Ports | USB, SCSI, PCMCIA, expansion bay |
| Weight | Varies by configuration |
| Dimensions | Clamshell laptop |
| Operating system | Mac OS 8.6 |
| Released | May 1999 |
| Discontinued | February 2000 |
| Launch price | $2,499 |
How the PowerBook G3 (Lombard) compares to today
A 16 GB Apple Silicon MacBook Pro has about 256× more memory than this device shipped with.
At 400 MHz, the clock is roughly 8.0× 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 2,500 modern phone photos — a respectable library even today.
Launched at $2,499 in 1999 — about $4,798 in today’s money (approx., US CPI).
Method note: clock comparisons use frequency only; price conversions use US CPI.
Related PowerBook models
Open the PowerBook G3 (Lombard) in the interactive archive →
Last updated: 2026-06-29