The PowerBook G3 "Pismo" is a notable model in Apple's lineup of portable computers, released in February 2000. It is recognized for its role in the evolution of Apple's laptop designs and its notable features for the time. Here are some key aspects of the PowerBook G3 "Pismo":
=== Design and Build: ===
* ***Form Factor***: The Pismo was part of the PowerBook G3 series and was designed with a durable, professional look.
* ***Material***: It featured a polycarbonate body, which was robust and provided a sleek, black finish.
* ***Portability***: The laptop weighed approximately 5.9 pounds (2.7 kg), making it relatively portable for its time.
=== Specifications: ===
* ***Processor***: The Pismo was powered by a PowerPC G3 processor, with speeds of 400 MHz or 500 MHz.
* ***Memory***: It came with 64 MB or 128 MB of RAM, expandable up to 1 GB.
* ***Storage***: Standard storage options included 6 GB or 12 GB hard drives, with the capability to upgrade to larger drives.
* ***Display***: It featured a 14.1-inch TFT active-matrix display with a resolution of 1024x768 pixels.
* ***Graphics***: The laptop was equipped with an ATI Rage Mobility 128 graphics card with 8 MB of VRAM.
=== Features: ===
* ***Modularity***: One of the standout features was its modular bay system, allowing users to swap out the optical drive for other devices like a second battery or a Zip drive.
* ***Connectivity***: The Pismo included two USB 1.1 ports, a FireWire 400 port, VGA out, S-video out, and PCMCIA card slots.
* ***Battery Life***: It offered impressive battery life for its time, especially when using two batteries simultaneously.
=== Operating System: ===
* ***Mac OS***: The Pismo originally shipped with Mac OS 9.0.2 and was capable of running Mac OS X, up to version 10.4.11 (Tiger).
=== Legacy: ===
* ***Reputation***: The Pismo is fondly remembered by Apple enthusiasts for its robustness, upgradeability, and the significant improvements it made over previous models.
* ***Collectibility***: Due to its historical importance and solid design, the Pismo is a sought-after model among collectors and vintage tech enthusiasts.
=== Evolution: ===
* ***Successors***: It was succeeded by the PowerBook G4 series, which introduced the titanium and later aluminum designs, marking a new era in Apple's portable computer lineup.
Overall, the PowerBook G3 "Pismo" represents a key moment in the development of Apple laptops, balancing performance, expandability, and design in a way that made it a favorite for many users during its time.