PowerBook · The Beige Era · 1997
PowerBook G3
The professional PowerBook gained the G3, becoming a genuine desktop-replacement laptop. Its later "Wallstreet/Lombard/Pismo" revisions were beloved by power users.
First G3 laptop: a portable that could outrun many desktops.
PowerBook G3 Series (Wallstreet) (1998)
PowerBook G3: key facts
When was the PowerBook G3 released?
The PowerBook G3 arrived on November 10, 1997. Apple discontinued it in 1998.
How much did the PowerBook G3 cost?
The PowerBook G3 launched at $5,700 in 1997, about $11,343 in today’s money (approximate, US CPI).
What specs stand out?
Key specs: PowerPC G3 (750) at 250 MHz, 32 MB RAM, 4.9 GB storage, 12.1"–14.1" colour, up to 1024×768 display.
Why does the PowerBook G3 matter?
First G3 laptop: a portable that could outrun many desktops.
Full specifications
| CPU | PowerPC G3 (750) · 250 MHz |
|---|---|
| Cores | 1 |
| Memory (RAM) | 32 MB (up to 160 MB) |
| Storage | 4.9 GB |
| Display | 12.1"–14.1" colour, up to 1024×768 |
| GPU | built-in video |
| Ports | SCSI, ADB, PCMCIA, IrDA |
| Weight | 3.4 kg |
| Dimensions | Clamshell laptop |
| Operating system | Mac OS 8.0 |
| Released | November 10, 1997 |
| Discontinued | 1998 |
| Launch price | $5,700 |
How the PowerBook G3 compares to today
A 16 GB Apple Silicon MacBook Pro has about 512× more memory than this device shipped with.
At 250 MHz, the clock is roughly 13× 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 1,250 modern phone photos, a respectable library even today.
Launched at $5,700 in 1997, about $11,343 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.
Did you know?
The black, curvy G3 PowerBooks were a styling bridge to the iBook era.
Related PowerBook models
Open the PowerBook G3 in the interactive archive →
Last updated: 2026-08-11