PowerBook G4 Titanium
History
Introduced: January 9, 2001
Discontinued: September 16, 2003
Original Retail Price: $3,199
Model #: A1001
Tech Specs
Display: 15.2” LCD
Processor: 800 MHz PowerPC G4
RAM: 512 MB
Hard Drive: 64 GB SSD (upgraded)
Optical Drive: Combo (CD-RW / DVD-ROM)
OS: 10.1.4
Condition & Notes
This unit is in excellent condition, with even the infamously brittle paint around the hinges in perfect condition. There is one slight wear spot near the trackpad. It is complete with all the original packaging, plastic bag, power adapter, VGA-to-DVI adapter, S-video-to-composite adapter, software CDs, and documentation. The battery holds a very slight charge but any extended use requires operation while plugged in.
In 2024 I replaced the existing 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 X 10.1.4.
Model Identifier
This particular machine is the high-end 800 MHz model from 2002. This is one of the later Titanium PowerBook models that features a DVI port, higher-resolution display, and other enhancements.
Packaging
PowerBook
Accessories
Charger and AC cable, DVI-to-VGA adapter, S-video-to-composite adapter, software CDs, and documentation packet.
Getting Started guide, warranty info, software license agreement, AppleCare guide, OS X documentation, software coupons, software CDs, and even the original Apple stickers from 2001!
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 (top) slots directly in to where the existing HDD (bottom) was installed, using the OEM IDE cable harness and installation bracket.
The existing HDD was 80 GB in size - much larger than the 40 GB drive that originally shipped with this PowerBook - and was dated September 2003, so it had already been upgraded by a previous owner anyway.