PowerBook · The Beige Era · 2000
PowerBook G3 (Pismo)
Pismo is the cult favorite: FireWire, optional AirPort wireless and a genuinely easy-to-open design made it the most upgradeable, longest-loved G3 PowerBook of them all.
First PowerBook with FireWire and optional AirPort Wi-Fi.
PowerBook G4 (Titanium) (2001)
PowerBook G3 (Pismo): key facts
When was the PowerBook G3 (Pismo) released?
The PowerBook G3 (Pismo) arrived on February 16, 2000. Apple discontinued it in January 2001.
How much did the PowerBook G3 (Pismo) cost?
The PowerBook G3 (Pismo) launched at $2,499 in 2000, about $4,648 in today’s money (approximate, US CPI).
What specs stand out?
Key specs: PowerPC G3 (750) at 500 MHz, 64 MB RAM, 17.6 GB storage, 14.1" color, 1024×768 display.
Why does the PowerBook G3 (Pismo) matter?
First PowerBook with FireWire and optional AirPort Wi-Fi.
Full specifications
| CPU | PowerPC G3 (750) · 500 MHz |
|---|---|
| Cores | 1 |
| Memory (RAM) | 64 MB (up to 1 GB) |
| Storage | 17.6 GB |
| Display | 14.1" color, 1024×768 |
| GPU | Integrated / NuBus video |
| Ports | FireWire, USB, PCMCIA, expansion bay, AirPort option |
| Weight | Varies by configuration |
| Dimensions | Clamshell laptop |
| Operating system | Mac OS 9.0 |
| Released | February 16, 2000 |
| Discontinued | January 2001 |
| Launch price | $2,499 |
How the PowerBook G3 (Pismo) compares to today
A 16 GB Apple Silicon MacBook Pro has about 256× more memory than this device shipped with.
At 500 MHz, the clock is roughly 6.4× 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 4,500 modern phone photos, a respectable library even today.
Launched at $2,499 in 2000, about $4,648 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.
Related PowerBook models
Open the PowerBook G3 (Pismo) in the interactive archive →
Last updated: 2026-08-13