Before I continue listing what’s in my current collection of Apple portables I want to detail what I’m still looking for. As I mentioned in my introduction to this series, I am not seeking one of every portable computer Apple has ever made, just one that personifies each developmental step along the way. The landmark editions, if you will.
So here’s a list of what I’m seeking along with a short description and why I deem them important:
PowerBook G3 "Kanga"
Macintosh PowerBook G3 aka “Kanga” – Apple’s first PowerBook to use the G3 processor. Physically it looks almost identical to the PowerBook 3400, but the new CPU made it the fastest notebook computer in the world when it was released in November of 1997. It was only on the market for 6 months before it was replaced by the PowerBook G3 Series (aka Wallstreet) that arrived in a completely new enclosure. Kanga has the unenviable distinction of being the only G3 computer that is not supported under Mac OS X.
PowerBook G3 "Pismo"
PowerBook (Firewire) aka “Pismo” – the last of the sleek black G3 powered portables before the Titanium G4 debuted, the Pismo was introduced in February of 2000. The upgrades compared to its predecessor, the “Lombard” G3, were significant: two firewire ports and built in AirPort wireless network option, AGP instead of PCI graphics card, speedier system bus, and much more. Pismo is easily the most sought after model of Apple’s G3 PowerBooks.
PowerBook G4 (12 inch)
PowerBook G4 (12-inch) – introduced at MacWorld in January 2003, the 12″ PowerBook was Apple’s pro-level sub-notebook. Unlike most of its competitors at the time, the G4 12″ includes a built-in optical drive. The PB G4 12″ was also one of Apple’s first aluminum-clad portables (a 17″ PowerBook was released at the same time), departing from the prior G4 PowerBooks that were clad in Titanium.
Coming next – Apple Portables Collection – What I’m Looking For (G4 models)
