PowerBook G3 Series: DVD, CD-ROM, and Hard Drive FAQ

Questions answered in this article:

1. Can I play a DVD movie on the PowerBook G3 computers?
2. How fast is the DVD-ROM drive on the PowerBook G3 computers?
3. Can I use the PowerBook G3 computer's DVD drive in my older PowerBook?
4. Will a CD play in the DVD-ROM module of the PowerBook G3 computer?
5. How fast is the CD-ROM drive on the PowerBook G3 computers?
6. Can I use the CD-ROM drive from the PowerBook G3 computer with any other PowerBook?
7. Who makes the hard disk drives for the PowerBook G3 computers?
8. What sizes do the PowerBook G3 computer's hard disk drives come in?

Question 1: Can I play a DVD movie on the PowerBook G3 computers?

Answer: Yes. There is a configuration of the PowerBook G3 Series that has DVD-ROM and DVD-Video capability. This accessory (the PowerBook DVD-Video Kit) can also be purchased to extend this capability to any PowerBook G3 Series computer with a TFT display or external monitor.

Question 2: How fast is the DVD-ROM drive on the PowerBook G3 computers?

Answer: The DVD-ROM drive is 1.5x DVD speed and 12x CD speed (maximum). It is a second-generation drive.

Question 3: Can I use the PowerBook G3 computer's DVD drive in my older PowerBook?

Answer: No, it will not work or fit into any previous PowerBook. You can attach an external DVD-ROM drive to previous PowerBook systems through the SCSI port. You will need driver support for your version of Mac OS.

Question 4: Will a CD play in the DVD-ROM module of the PowerBook G3 computer?

Answer: Yes. Because the computer uses a second-generation DVD-ROM drive, you can play CD, CDi, and CD-R discs.

Question 5: How fast is the CD-ROM drive on the PowerBook G3 computers?

Answer: The CD-ROM drive speed is 20x (maximum).

Question 6: Can I use the CD-ROM drive from the PowerBook G3 computer with any other PowerBook?

Answer: No, it will not fit into the expansion bay of any other PowerBook.

Question 7: Who makes the hard disk drives for the PowerBook G3 computers?

Answer: Apple does not reveal the names of its commodities vendors.

Question 8: What sizes do the PowerBook G3 computer's hard drives come in?

Answer: The hard drives come in three sizes: 2 GB, 4 GB, and 8 GB.

Note: Macintosh PowerBook G3 Series computers should not be confused with Macintosh PowerBook G3 computers. Though the names are similar, there are significant differences. For more information differentiating between the computers, read article 24604: "PowerBook G3, G3 Series: Identifying Different Versions"

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PowerBook G3 Series: General FAQ

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24611:

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24612:

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24613:

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24616:

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