PowerBook 15-Inch 1.5/1.33 2004

The PowerBook G4/1.33 15" housed a 1.33 GHz PowerPC 7447a (G4) processor with an AltiVec "Velocity Engine" and 512k on-chip L2 cache. Standard configuration included 256 MB of PC2700 DDR SDRAM, a 60 GB Ultra ATA/100 hard drive (4200 RPM), and a slot-loading 8X "Combo" drive. It provided both Firewire "400" and "800" ports, along with built-in Bluetooth 1.1 and AirPort Extreme (802.11g). Graphics were driven by an ATI Mobility Radeon 9700 with 64 MB of DDR SDRAM on a 15" widescreen TFT display (1280x854). It should be noted that the ambient light sensor for the keyboard was an optional upgrade for this model, unlike on the similar PowerBook G4/1.5 15". This model succeeded the PowerBook G4/1.0 15" (FW800), offering a faster processor, superior graphics, a quicker optical drive, and standard AirPort Extreme.

This model was seen as a solid, albeit incremental, update in the 15-inch PowerBook line. The new logic board and the powerful ATI Mobility Radeon 9700 graphics chip delivered a welcome boost in overall system responsiveness and graphics performance. Users who opted for this model received a machine that handled professional applications with greater ease than its predecessors. [24] A point of contention for some buyers was that the ambient light sensor and backlit keyboard were not standard, requiring an additional expense for a feature that many considered essential to the premium PowerBook experience. Still, its blend of performance and design was highly regarded.