iBook G3
Snow - 12”
History
[specific to 12” model]
Introduced: May 1, 2001
Discontinued: October 22, 2003
Original Retail Price: $1,799 (Custom BTO)
Model #: M6457
Tech Specs
Display: 12.1'“ TFT LCD
Processor: 500 MHz PowerPC G3
RAM: 256 MB (upgraded)
Hard Drive: 64 GB SSD (upgraded)
Optical Drive: Combo (CD-RW / DVD-ROM)
OS: 9.1
Condition & Notes
This unit is in excellent condition, and is complete with all the original packaging, power cable, software CDs, documentation, and Apple stickers.
This iBook was originally purchased as a custom BTO directly from Apple’s website, with both the optional AirPort card and a ‘combo’ CD-RW / DVD-ROM drive installed straight from the factory (BTO being the only way at the time to get a combo drive in an iBook). The original invoice, packing slip, and receipt are still with the machine: the original order date is listed as 08/23/2001, and the ship date is 08/24/2001.
In 2024 I replaced the original hard drive with a 64 GB SSD. HDD to SSD conversion is a common technique used in vintage computer preservation, as the original hard drives are prone to failure due to age. This upgrade also makes the computer quieter, faster, and more reliable. Scroll to the bottom of the page for more on this.
As is to be expected with a 20+ -year-old machine, the battery no longer holds a charge.
It is in fully working order and is currently running Mac OS 9.1.
Model Identifier
This particular model is the original 500 MHz ‘Snow’ iBook which directly succeeded the final clamshell iBook G3s.
Packaging
iBook
Accessories
iBook and Mac OS X documentation, CD packet, charger, AC cable, and OEM A/V cables.
Original invoice and receipts from when the machine was purchased in August 2001, along with a printer and the A/V cables.
Everything all spread out - quite a lot of stuff.
The additional AirPort documentation & CD that came with this machine, since it had the optional AirPort card installed from the factory.
System Specs
mSATA SSD Installation
This upgrade makes the computer quieter, faster, and more reliable. I chose to install a 64 GB mSATA SSD using an mSATA-to-IDE 2.5” adapter housing.
The SSD (right) slots directly in to where the existing HDD (left) was installed, using the OEM IDE cable harness and installation bracket.
The existing HDD was 60 GB in size - much larger than the one that would have originally shipped with this iBook - and was dated February 2006, so it had already been upgraded by a previous owner anyway.