PowerBook Gigabit Ethernet 2001

The PowerBook G4/550 (Gigabit) was equipped with a 550 MHz PowerPC 7440 (G4) processor, which included the AltiVec "Velocity Engine" and 256k of on-chip L2 cache. It shipped with either 128 MB or 256 MB of PC133 SDRAM, a 20 GB Ultra ATA/66 hard drive, and a slot-loading 6X DVD-ROM drive (later upgraded to a "Combo" drive). Graphics were provided by an ATI Mobility Radeon (4X AGP) with 16 MB of DDR SDRAM, displayed on a 15.2" TFT screen (1152x768). Housed in the 1-inch thick Titanium case, this model introduced a faster processor, on-chip L2 cache, improved graphics, and a new lightweight power adapter compared to its predecessor. Custom configurations were also available.

This revision was noted for several key internal upgrades that improved upon the original TiBook. The inclusion of Gigabit Ethernet was a significant step forward for network connectivity, and the ATI Mobility Radeon graphics with 16 MB of VRAM offered a much-needed boost in graphics performance. [3, 16] The move to an on-chip L2 cache also contributed to a snappier feel. While it retained the same iconic but fragile exterior design, these internal enhancements made it a more capable and well-rounded machine. It was seen as a solid evolutionary step that addressed some of the performance limitations of the first generation, making it a more practical tool for professionals. [14]