17-inch PowerBook G4 - 2003

The 17” PowerBook has the largest display ever made for a portable computer while being the thinnest notebook that Apple has ever produced. Designing a product to be light, thin and structural was extremely difficult given the display size. After exploring a range of different materials and construction schemes we finally developed a design that combines thin aluminum outer skins which are laser-welded to internal structural members, including a die cast aluminum frame.

The display bezel is machined from forged aluminium. When fastened to the hinge and clutch it forms a remarkably rigid, but light assembly. The other major case parts are drawn and punched from 0.8mm aluminum sheet. These outer skins are bead blasted and clear anodised.

12-inch PowerBook G4 - 2003

The 12-inch PowerBook G4 shares a construction scheme with the 17-inch product. The primary design approach for both products was to maintain all the features within the overall product silhouette. The hinge details, buttons and catches are therefore co-planar with the primary surface.

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