PowerBook G3 Configurations Revealed

Several of our readers have sent us email about the various PowerBook G3 Series configurations and how they were confused when buying used or refurbished models at various vendors. Most of the confusion revolves around the 12.1" models and the 233MHz 14.1" models.

For a start, please peruse our PowerBook Specifications to see factory standard specs for all the G3 models. Some of the PowerBook G3 Series I models, introduced in May 1998 and referred to as Wall Street, had available 12.1" passive-matrix screens with either 233MHz or 250MHz CPUs. The 233MHz variety had no L2 cache, and some didn't ship with modems. PowerBook Central recommends that you avoid the 12.1" passive-matrix (DSTN) screens like the plague, no matter how cheap they are. A 14.1" active-matrix (TFT) model was also produced with the 233MHz CPU, and this model also had no L2 cache.

With the introduction of the PowerBook G3 Series II in September 1998, Apple gave the 233MHz CPU 512K of L2 cache and upgraded the 12.1" screens to active-matrix. This corrected the biggest problems we had with the Series I models. The Series II models also included a choice of 266 and 300MHz processors.

So how do you tell the difference? For 12.1" screens, make sure you know if it's the passive-matrix (DSTN) version or active-matrix (TFT) model. This is usually given in the description of the PowerBook. For 233MHz models with 14.1" screens, those which have a model number beginning with "6" are cacheless Series I models, while those whose numbers begin with "7" are Series II models with L2 cache. These are the specs for Series I can Series II Wall Street PowerBook G3's:

Model RAM/MAX (MB) Hard Drive CPU Cache Display Media

G3/12.1 32/192 2.0 GB G3 PPC 233 MHz none 12.1" DSTN PM 1000s colors 20x CD
no modem

G3/12.1 32/192 2.0 GB G3 PPC 233 MHz none 12.1" DSTN PM 1000s colors 20x CD

G3/12.1 32/192 2.0 GB G3 PPC 250 MHz 1 MB backside L2 12.1" DSTN PM 1000s colors 20x CD

G3/13.3 32/192 2.0 GB G3 PPC 233 MHz none 13.3" TFT AM millions colors 20x CD

G3/13.3 32/192 2.0 GB G3 PPC 250 MHz 1 MB backside L2 13.3" TFT AM millions colors 20x CD

G3/13.3 64/192 4.0 GB G3 PPC 292 MHz 1 MB backside L2 13.3" TFT AM millions colors 20x CD

G3/14.1 32/192 2.0 GB G3 PPC 233 MHz none 14.1" TFT AM millions colors 20x CD

G3/14.1 32/192 4.0 GB G3 PPC 250 MHz 1 MB backside L2 14.1" TFT AM millions colors 20x CD

G3/14.1 64/192 8.0 GB G3 PPC 292 MHz 1 MB backside L2 14.1" TFT AM millions colors 20x CD

G3 II
233 32/192 2.0 GB G3 PPC 233 MHz 512K backside L2 12.1" TFT AM millions colors 20x CD

G3 II
233 32/192 2.0 GB G3 PPC 233 MHz 512K backside L2 14.1" TFT AM millions colors 20x CD

G3 II
266 64/192 4.0 GB G3 PPC 266 MHz 1 MB backside L2 14.1" TFT AM millions colors 20x CD

G3 II
300 64/192 8.0 GB G3 PPC 300 MHz 1 MB backside L2 14.1" TFT AM millions colors DVD-ROM, 20x, or 24x CD

In 1999, Apple introduced Lombard model PowerBook G3's, also referred to as Bronze Keyboard. These machines were a little thinner & lighter with translucent bronze keyboards and the words 'Macintosh PowerBook G3' on the casing below the screen. The white Apple logo on the lid glowed when the machine was on. This also marked the introduction of USB on PowerBooks. Lombard PowerBook G3's were available with 333 and 400MHz processors and a 66MHz system bus. Here are the specs for Lombard PowerBook G3's:

Model RAM/MAX (MB) Hard Drive CPU Cache Display Media

G3/333 64/384 4.0 GB G3 PPC 333 MHz 512K backside L2 14.1" TFT AM millions colors 24x CD

G3/400 64/384 6.0 GB G3 PPC 400 MHz 1 MB backside L2 14.1" TFT AM millions colors DVD

Finally, in February 2000, Apple introduced the Firwire PowerBook G3's, also referred to as Pismo. Outwardly similar to Lombard models, the Firwire PowerBooks were quite different internally. For one, two Firewire ports became available for the first time. These were also the first models to support Apple's wireless AirPort technology with the addition of a $99 AirPort card. Maximum memory was extended to 512MB, officially, and 1GB, unofficially. Firwire PowerBook G3's were available with 400MHz and 500MHz processors and a 100MHz system bus. On the casing below the display, these models simply say 'PowerBook,' and nothing else. Here are the specs for Firewire PowerBook G3's:

Model RAM/MAX (MB) Hard Drive CPU Cache Display Media

G3/400 64/512 6.0 or 10 GB G3 PPC 400 MHz 1 MB backside L2 14.1" TFT AM millions colors DVD/AirPort

G3/500 128/512 12.0 or 20 GB G3 PPC 500 MHz 1 MB backside L2 14.1" TFT AM millions colors DVD/AirPort

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Stephen Hildreth has been the Editor-in-Chief of PowerBook Central since its inception in 1996. When not working on his Mac, he shares his love of the outdoors with his family and can be found biking, snow skiing, or educating students on the internal & external processes of our planet.