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Why Apple’s G3 iBook is Still Great
You can’t beat this design
By Sascha Brodsky Sascha Brodsky Senior Tech Reporter Macalester College Columbia University Sascha Brodsky is a freelance journalist based in New York City. His writing has appeared in The Atlantic, the Guardian, the Los Angeles Times and many other publications. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on May 24, 2021 04:11PM EDT Fact checked by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr University of Maryland Baltimore County Rich Scherr is a seasoned technology and financial journalist who spent nearly two decades as the editor of Potomac and Bay Area Tech Wire. lifewire's fact checking process Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Computers Mobile Phones Internet & Security Computers & Tablets Smart Life Home Theater & Entertainment Software & Apps Social Media Streaming Gaming Key Takeaways
I’m the proud owner of an Apple iBook that’s old enough to drink, and I still love it. I use the iBook regularly for writing, and even after all this time, it’s a practical but limited computer (as long as you don't want fast internet). There are no email or other notifications to distract you when you’re working on the iBook. Lifewire/Sascha Brodsky Apple has added a splash of color to its new iMac lineup, but the company’s dearly departed clamshell iBook G3 still wins as the most colorful and cheerful computer ever made. I own a clamshell iBook, as it’s known, and it still runs as smoothly as ever, more than two decades after it was released. I use it regularly for writing and even after all this time, it’s a practical, albeit limited, computer. The iBook was introduced in 1999, soon after the then newly released iMac. The iBook G3 has a PowerPC G3 CPU, USB, Ethernet, modem ports, and an optical drive. I love it. “The clamshell iBook looks like no other laptop that’s ever been designed.” Thinking Very Different
The clamshell iBook looks like no other laptop that’s ever been designed. I have the blueberry-colored model, and it resembles a giant cough drop that was squashed by a truck. Just looking at it puts me in a better mood. Examples of the iBook are on exhibition at the London Design Museum and the Yale University Art Gallery. MacBooks and most laptops made these days are all minimalist, sharp-edged sculptures of glass and aluminum. They are serious tools to get serious work done. On the other hand, the iBook looks like a device you might do something you enjoy with it. Lifewire/Sascha Brodsky My favorite part of the iBook is the giant translucent carrying handle that extends out of the back. When you tote this baby around, there’s no confusing you for another office drone. In fact, it sort of resembles a giant toy laptop. Of course, the carrying handle on the iBook was necessary because the thing is enormous by modern standards. It’s 1.8 × 13.5 × 11.6 inches and weighs 6.7 pounds. On the other hand, the extra weight, combined with the handle, makes it handy for doing bicep curls. But I get real work done on the iBook even decades later. It’s great for word processing and spreadsheets. If you need to take a break from all that number-crunching, every iBook of that era comes preloaded with Bugdom, a game that is just fun enough to keep you amused, while not something that’s going to turn into a giant time suck. Just Don t Try Using the Internet
Once I produce a document on the iBook, it’s easy enough to transfer it via a USB flash drive (remember those?) over to another computer. My iBook is equipped with Wi-Fi via the internal Apple AirPort card that was an option for big spenders at the time. However, sending emails or browsing the web on this dinosaur is an activity best reserved for masochists, because it's so slow. The keyboard and trackpad are surprisingly good on this model, and I can hit the same typing speed as on the latest MacBook Pro. The keys do feel a little flimsy, but they’ve held up for more than 20 years without breaking or fading. While most people would find the iBook ridiculously underpowered today, I think there’s a case to be made that less is more regarding laptops. It’s the ultimate distraction-free device for getting work done (as long as your work doesn’t involve the internet). There’s no email or notifications to distract you when you’re working on the iBook. You don’t have to worry about software upgrades because those are long toast. Nor do you have to obsess about pixel counts or keeping up with the latest processor. You’re getting a 300 MHz PowerPC G3 or nothing. And, you know what? That G3 is plenty fast enough for handling Microsoft Word documents and spreadsheets. Applications launch relatively quickly. Just don’t plan on settling in to watch Netflix on this thing. Why do I keep using the iBook when I have Apple’s latest and greatest hardware at hand? There’s a particular joy intrinsic in the bold design that I find inspiring. Also, I’ll never waste time doom scrolling on this machine as it can barely get online. It’s always 1999 with the iBook, and sometimes that’s a good thing. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire The Foldable iPhone: News and Expected Price, Release Date, Specs; and More Rumors The 7 Best Laptop Cases and Sleeves of 2022 Is an iPad Worth It? 5 Reasons Why You Should Buy One Asus Vivobook 11 Review: Small, Affordable, All-Around Laptop Should You Buy a Tablet? LG Gram 15 Review: Thin and Light With Great Battery Life How to Find and Save iPad Downloads Google Pixelbook Go Review: A Wonderfully Executed Chromebook at a Tough Price The 9 Best Laptops for College Students of 2022 The 6 Best 17-Inch and Larger Laptops of 2022 Nintendo 2DS FAQ - Everything You Need to Know What Is a Mobile Device? LG Gram 15.6-inch (2018) Review: A Big, Incredibly Light Laptop that Lasts and Lasts What Apps Come With the iPad? HP Chromebook 11 Review: A Well-Rounded Laptop Suited for Study, Work, and Play Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 Review: A Little Workhorse With a Beautiful Display Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies