PowerBook · The Beige Era · 1998
PowerBook G3 Series (Wallstreet)
Wallstreet turned the G3 PowerBook into an icon: a curvy black wedge with a big bright screen and two bays you could fill with batteries, drives or both.
Curvy black G3 with two hot-swap expansion bays.
PowerBook G3 (Lombard) (1999)
PowerBook G3 Series (Wallstreet): key facts
When was the PowerBook G3 Series (Wallstreet) released?
The PowerBook G3 Series (Wallstreet) arrived in May 1998. Apple discontinued it in 1999.
How much did the PowerBook G3 Series (Wallstreet) cost?
The PowerBook G3 Series (Wallstreet) launched at $2,299 in 1998 — about $4,506 in today’s money (approximate, US CPI).
What specs stand out?
Key specs: PowerPC G3 (750) at 300 MHz, 32 MB RAM, 7.8 GB storage, 12.1"–14.1" color, up to 1024×768 display.
Why does the PowerBook G3 Series (Wallstreet) matter?
Curvy black G3 with two hot-swap expansion bays.
Full specifications
| CPU | PowerPC G3 (750) · 300 MHz |
|---|---|
| Cores | 1 |
| Memory (RAM) | 32 MB (up to 192 MB) |
| Storage | 7.8 GB |
| Display | 12.1"–14.1" color, up to 1024×768 |
| GPU | Integrated / NuBus video |
| Ports | SCSI, ADB, PCMCIA, two expansion bays |
| Weight | Varies by configuration |
| Dimensions | Clamshell laptop |
| Operating system | Mac OS 8.1 |
| Released | May 1998 |
| Discontinued | 1999 |
| Launch price | $2,299 |
How the PowerBook G3 Series (Wallstreet) compares to today
A 16 GB Apple Silicon MacBook Pro has about 512× more memory than this device shipped with.
At 300 MHz, the clock is roughly 11× 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 2,000 modern phone photos — a respectable library even today.
Launched at $2,299 in 1998 — about $4,506 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 Series (Wallstreet) in the interactive archive →
Last updated: 2026-06-29