Review: Apple PowerBook G4 12-inch

Important Note: this product is now obsolete and this review is retained for historical reference only. Apple's MacBook Pro 13-inch widescreen occupies the equivalent place in their current product line.  [July 7, 2010]

February 10th, 2003

On January 7, 2003, Apple introduced a smaller, 12-inch, PowerBook G4. While only 4.6 pounds (almost a full pound lighter than the current 15-inch form factor) the new PowerBook boasts features such as integrated Bluetooth capability, support for 802.11g wireless networking via an optional AirPort Extreme card, optional SuperDrive (ability to burn DVD-Rs), versatile built-in video support (VGA, S-Video, composite), all in a strong, compact aluminum alloy enclosure.

What it has

• PowerPC G4 processor (867 MHz) with 256K level 2 cache
• One DIMM slot, supports up to 640 MB RAM (comes with 256 MB)
• 40 GB Ultra ATA/100 hard drive
• DVD-ROM/CD-RW 'Combo' drive (optional 'SuperDrive' DVD-R/CD-RW)
• 10/100BASE-T Ethernet
• 56K V.92 modem
• Integrated Bluetooth 1.1
• Two 12-Mbps USB 1.1 ports
• One 400 Mbps FireWire 400 port
• 12.1-inch active-matrix screen with 1024 x 768 native resolution
• NVIDIA GeForce4 420 Go graphics processor with 32 MB of SDRAM
• Built-in stereo speakers with midrange-enhancing third speaker
• Audio line-in (minijack)
• Headphone out (minijack)
• VGA, S-video, and composite outputs through included adapter
• Internal omnidirectional microphone
• Mac OS X version 10.2.3

What it doesn't have (compared to current PowerBook G4 15-inch)

• Internal AirPort [IEEE 802.11b] slot (comes with an expansion slot for optional AirPort Extreme [IEEE 802.11g] card [which supports 802.11b])
• A second DIMM slot
• Gigabit Ethernet
• Ability to boot into Mac OS 9.x

Standard configuration

The PowerBook G4 12-inch is offered in one standard configuration at the Computer Connection:

• 867 MHz G4/256 MB RAM/40 GB hard drive/DVD-ROM/CD-RW 'Combo' drive

The SuperDrive and additional Airport Extreme Card are build-to-order options.

Technical issues & analysis

Information Systems & Computing (ISC) does not expect there to be significant hardware-related compatibility problems with the PowerBook G4 12-inch. However, the PowerBook will have the same software-related conflicts that any Mac OS10.2.x-based workstation would have.

ISC has tested the PowerBook G4 12-inch for compatibility with University-supported hardware and software. The PowerBook G4 12-inch is compatible with the Network Applications Installer for Mac OS X version 10.2.x and Penn's supported network applications. Like other Power Macintoshes released in 2003, the PowerBook G4 12-inch does not have the ability to boot into Mac OS 9.x. However, support exists for running Mac OS 9.x-based ("Classic") applications from within Mac OS X. Support providers should be aware of this limitation if they have any Mac OS 9.x-based applications that must run natively.

One drawback to the PowerBook G4 12-inch is that the existing, 802.11b-based Airport Card is not compatible with the PowerBook. The newer, 802.11g-based Airport Extreme Card must be used. This newer card is backward-compatible with 802.11b wireless networks (Wi-Fi), and does support the greater throughput capability of the 802.11g protocol of up to 54 Mbps. ISC has not yet completed testing of Airport Extreme, or 802.11g-based wireless networks, though the technology looks promising and initial testing has been successful.

The PowerBook's right- and left-channel speakers are located in the back right and left corners of the base, respectively, while the midrange-enhancing third speaker occupies the back-middle area of the base under the display hinge. The sound output from the PowerBook's built-in speakers is above average, but not exceptional. However, a headphone-out minijack exists which can connect to headphones or external speakers for better sound output.

At well under $2,000 ($1,850 in a University-approved configuration), the PowerBook G4 12-inch is an excellent choice for departments or individuals who must be budget-conscious, yet need a portable with enough processing power and capability to suit their needs. With its built-in video support, the 12-inch PowerBook is a highly capable presentation laptop. The included iLife suite (iTunes, iMovie, iPhoto) makes the PowerBook an attractive portable for on-the-go individuals who need to take their computing with them to accomplish moderately complex tasks.

Properly configured, the PowerBook G4 12-inch meets ISC's Recommended Configurations for Lightweight Laptop Workstations. As always, support providers should be aware of the technical issues associated with any new workstation design.

--Kristen Zborowski & Vern Yoneyama, ISC Technology Support Services (February 10, 2003)