From Mac Portable to the new Macbook: A history of Apple laptops in photos
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Original Powerbook Series
Original Powerbook Series
The Powerbook series began with the Powerbook 100, released on October 21, 1991. It was the first series of Apple’s popular Powerbook franchise, with both low-end and high-end models. The Powerbook Duo offered a slightly smaller version of the popular machine.
Powerbook G3
Powerbook G3
The Powerbook series remained relatively unchanged until the introduction of the Powerbook G3 in late 1997. It had a thinner, more streamlined, design and was the first Apple laptop to utilize the PowerPC G3 microprocessor series. At the time of its release, it was claimed to be the fastest notebook available. It was discontinued in 2001.
iBook G3
iBook G3
One of the most memorable Apple designs ever, the original iBook G3 launched in 1999 as a companion design to the first iMac. This model was also referred to as the clamshell model.
iBook G3 (Snow)
iBook G3 (Snow)
The second generation iBook G3 left the bright colors of the original iBook G3 behind for the sleek polycarbonate casing that would eventually become the design base for the original MacBook.
iBook G4
iBook G4
Now with the PowerPC G4 chip, the iBook G4 came to market in late 2003. The design included a slot-loading optical drive to replace the disc tray.
MacBook 2006
MacBook 2006
The original MacBook was a 13.3-inch notebook available in either black or white. The MacBook took the place of the PowerBook and iBook series.
MacBook Pro 2006
MacBook Pro 2006
The original 15-inch and 17-inch MacBook Pros were the top of the line in the MacBook series. It was updated to include a Core 2 Duo processor a few months after its initial release.
Aluminum Unibody Macbook - 2008
Aluminum Unibody Macbook - 2008
In late 2008, Apple updated the design on the entry-level MacBook, giving it a sleek aluminum, one-piece unibody construction. The unibody Macbook featured a 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor and a redesigned touchpad as well. A Polycarbonate Unibody Macbook was released in 2009.
Aluminum Unibody Macbook Pro - 2008
Aluminum Unibody Macbook Pro - 2008
The MacBook Pro line also took on the Unibody design in 2008, a design which would be the standard for the series for the next few years. The ports were moved to the left side of the machine, and the DVI port was replaced with a Mini Display port. The 17-inch MacBook Pro was eventually discontinued.
MacBook Pro Retina Display
MacBook Pro Retina Display
Originally released only with the 15-inch MacBook Pro, the retina display was eventually rolled out to the 13-inch model as well. Its unibody design was thinner than other MacBook Pros, but not quite as thin as a MacBook Air.
MacBook - 2015
MacBook - 2015
The thinnest Mac that Apple has ever produced, the reintroduced MacBook, will be shipping in April 2015. The machine comes with a 12-inch Retina Display, 2304×1440 resolution, and only has a single USB-C port.
