PowerBook G3
‘Pismo’
History
Introduced: February 16, 2000
Discontinued: January 9, 2001
Original Retail Price: $2,499
Model #: M7572
Tech Specs
Display: 14.1” TFT LCD
Processor: 500 MHz PowerPC G3
RAM: 128 MB
Hard Drive: 64 GB SSD (upgraded)
Optical Drive: DVD-ROM
OS: 9.0.2
Condition & Notes
This unit is in excellent condition, and was purchased from the original owner who used it for design work, coding, and audio/music. It is complete with all the original packaging, power cable, S-video-to-composite adapter, Mac-to-VGA adapter, four hot-swappable modules (2 battery, 1 DVD-ROM, 1 weight-saving device), software CDs, documentation, and Apple stickers.
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.
It is in fully working order, and is currently running Mac OS 9.0.2.
Model Identifier
This particular machine is the top-of-the-line 500 MHz Pismo model, making it the fastest PowerBook G3 that Apple ever manufactured.
Packaging
PowerBook
Accessory Kit
Setup guide, software coupons, AppleCare/warranty/license info, charger, AC cable, S-video-to-composite & Mac-to-VGA adapters, four expansion bay modules (2 battery, 1 DVD-ROM, 1 weight-saving device), software CDs, and even the original Apple stickers from 2000!
System Specs
Bonus ZIP Drive Module
The ZIP drive was a popular third-party product in the late ‘90s and early ‘00s, which used 100MB ZIP disks to store and transfer data.
This drive unit can be hot-swapped in and out of the PowerBook’s drive bays, just like the battery and optical drive.
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 (left) slots directly in to where the original HDD (right) was installed, using the OEM IDE cable harness and installation bracket.
The existing HDD was 80 GB in size - much larger than the 12 GB drive that originally shipped with this PowerBook - and was dated June 2005, so it had already been upgraded by a previous owner anyway.