Tech specs on older Apple Hardware?

August 7, 2005 12:37 PM

OldAppleHardwareFilter: I've decided to cannibalize my first-gen clamshell iBook after a number of years of service and I'd like to use some of the parts for other projects. My problem is that I can't find any heavily technical information on the components.

The part I'd most like to keep is the keyboard which has two ribbons of 15 traces each running to a 20x2 pin connector (made by ACER: 48.N0103.001, about 1mm spacing) which was connected on the mainboard of the iBook. I googled around and was only able to find a mention that older ibook keyboards were on ADB rather than USB. Searches on apple and acer's sites have turned up nothing.

Is there some tech spec repository that I'm missing?

posted by authenticgeek to computers & internet (5 answers total)

One of Apple's Developer Notes might be able to help you out.
posted by jjg at 12:53 PM on August 7, 2005

I've decided to cannibalize my first-gen clamshell iBook

*cries* it's still good!

Man, run NetBSD, Yellod Dog Linux or heck even Mac OS X Panther on that little darling! If it's an issue of broken parts eBay has replacements CHEAP. I have rebuilt several iBooks sometimes with nothing more than a chasis and working motherboard.
posted by Livewire Confusion at 1:04 PM on August 7, 2005

Well, there's tech specs, and then there's tech specs, and you seem to be looking for the latter.

For the former there are sites like EveryMac and (which contrary to its name is not just low-end machines). I don't think they have the sorts of info you're looking for, but they might, and they might also have more links that you'd find useful.

For the latter, there are copies of an archive of all Apple's service manuals for their machines circa 2003/2004, floating around on the Net. I don't recall if they have more info than jjg's link (which is detailed) or if they're identical.

I thought I had a copy of said service manuals, but can't find it anymore. Still, peer-to-peer or torrent sites will likely have it.
posted by cyrusdogstar at 1:17 PM on August 7, 2005

Yikes! Must have removed part of my link tag by accident. Try to pretend there's a "LowEndMac" in front of the "(which" and that the link stops there.
posted by cyrusdogstar at 1:20 PM on August 7, 2005

I wouldn't usually consider a comment that didn't answer my question as the "best answer" but in this case Apple tech specs are not readily availible which makes part-salvaging pointless until I have the time and skill to figure out the pinouts for myself.

I'll be getting a new CD drive and larger hard drive and trying out Yellow Dog Linux.
posted by authenticgeek at 12:10 AM on August 11, 2005