PowerBook 17-Inch 1.33 GHz 2003

The PowerBook G4/1.33 17" (Al) was powered by a 1.33 GHz PowerPC 7447 (G4) processor with an AltiVec "Velocity Engine" and 512k on-chip L2 cache. It came with 512 MB of PC2700 DDR SDRAM, an 80 GB Ultra ATA/100 hard drive (4200 RPM), and a slot-loading 2X "SuperDrive." Connectivity included a Firewire "800" port, built-in Bluetooth 1.1, and AirPort Extreme (802.11g). It also featured an ambient light sensor keyboard. Graphics were managed by an ATI Mobility Radeon 9600 (4X AGP) with 64 MB of DDR SDRAM on its 17" widescreen TFT display (1440x900). Replacing the PowerBook G4/1.0 17", this model was quite similar but offered a faster processor with double the on-chip L2 cache, improved graphics, a larger default hard drive, and an upgrade to USB 2.0 ports.

This update to the 17-inch flagship was praised for its significant performance enhancements. The move to a 1.33 GHz processor and the superior ATI Mobility Radeon 9600 graphics made the already impressive desktop replacement even more capable for demanding tasks like video rendering and design work. [4, 9] The upgrade to USB 2.0 was a long-awaited and necessary improvement that brought it in line with modern peripherals. The large, high-quality display continued to be its most celebrated feature, offering a stunning canvas for any work. [4] While still a hefty machine, it was considered by many to be the ultimate portable workstation of its era, blending power with Apple's signature elegant design. [4, 34]