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PowerBook G4 Q&A (PowerBook G4 FAQ) @ EveryMac.com
With the PowerBook G4 Q&A you can get answers to all of your PowerBook G4 questions from "How do you replace or upgrade the hard drive in the PowerBook G4 models?" to "Is it possible to add external SATA to the PowerBook G4?" and everything in between.
Please note that the PowerBook G4 series was discontinued on April 24, 2006, and the PowerBook G4 Q&A was "archived" on February 26, 2007.
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The answers to some of these questions may no longer be up-to-date. Please refer to the date published, updated, or revised.
Most Frequently Asked PowerBook G4 Q&As:
How do you upgrade the RAM in the PowerBook G4 models? How much RAM of what type do these systems support?
Which PowerBook G4 models support AirPort? Which support AirPort Extreme? Which have internal support for Bluetooth or Bluetooth 2.0+EDR?
How do you replace or upgrade the hard drive in the PowerBook G4 models?
What kind of video processor is provided by the PowerBook G4 models? What is the maximum resolution each can support on an external display?
Is it possible to add external SATA to the PowerBook G4?
What are the capabilities of the optical drive provided by the PowerBook G4 models? Can one upgrade the optical drive?
Which PowerBook G4 models can boot MacOS 9? Which PowerBook G4 models can only run MacOS 9 applications in the "Classic" Environment?
Is the CPU on the PowerBook G4 upgradable? How is it mounted?
What is the battery life of the PowerBook G4 models?
Is there a replacement wireless card that offers better wireless reception for the 12-Inch PowerBook G4?
Software Compatibility Q&As:
What version of the MacOS is pre-installed on the PowerBook G4?
Which PowerBook G4 models can boot MacOS 9? Which PowerBook G4 models can only run MacOS 9 applications in the "Classic" Environment?
Can the PowerBook G4 run Windows?
Can the PowerBook G4 run Linux?
Comparison Q&As:
What are the differences between the original PowerBook G4 (400/500) models?
What are the differences between the "Gigabit" PowerBook G4 (550/667) models?
What are the differences between the "DVI" PowerBook G4 (667/800) models?
What are the differences between the "1 GHz/867 MHz" PowerBook G4 models?
What are the differences between the original 12-Inch and 17-Inch PowerBook G4 models?
What are the differences between the 12-Inch PowerBook G4 models?
What are the differences between the 12-Inch, "Firewire 800" 15-Inch, and 17-Inch PowerBook G4 models introduced on September 16, 2003?
What are the differences between the 12-Inch, "1.5/1.33" 15-Inch, and 17-Inch PowerBook G4 models introduced on April 19, 2004?
What are the differences between the 12-Inch, "1.65/1.5" or "Sudden Motion Sensor/Bluetooth 2.0+EDR" 15-Inch, and 17-Inch PowerBook G4 models introduced on January 31, 2005?
What are the differences between the 12-Inch, 15-Inch, and 17-Inch "Double Layer SuperDrive/High-Resolution" PowerBook G4 models?
Expansion Q&As:
Is the CPU on the PowerBook G4 upgradable? How is it mounted?
How do you upgrade the RAM in the PowerBook G4 models? How much RAM of what type do these systems support?
How do you replace or upgrade the hard drive in the PowerBook G4 models?
What type of expansion slots and bays are provided by the PowerBook G4?
What are the capabilities of the optical drive provided by the PowerBook G4 models? Can one upgrade the optical drive?
Is it possible to add external Ultra SCSI to the PowerBook G4?
Is it possible to add external SATA to the PowerBook G4?
Video, Battery, & Function Q&As:
What kind of video processor is provided by the PowerBook G4 models? What is the maximum resolution each can support on an external display?
What is a "DVI" port? Which PowerBook G4 models have DVI ports? Which do not?
Can the PowerBook G4 operate properly with the lid closed?
What is the battery life of the PowerBook G4 models?
What is the "Sudden Motion Sensor"? How does it work?
What is the "Scrolling Trackpad"? How do you use it?
Networking & Communication Q&As:
How do I network the PowerBook G4 to another Mac?
What is AirPort? What is AirPort Extreme?
What is Bluetooth? How much faster is Bluetooth 2.0+EDR?
Which PowerBook G4 models support AirPort? Which support AirPort Extreme? Which have internal support for Bluetooth or Bluetooth 2.0+EDR?
What type of modem is standard with the PowerBook G4 models?
Is there a replacement wireless card that offers better wireless reception for the 12-Inch PowerBook G4?
Design, Configuration, & Purchasing Q&As:
Who designed the PowerBook G4?
Are the early PowerBook G4 models really made of Titanium?
Was the 12-Inch PowerBook G4 truly the smallest Apple notebook at the time of its release?
Where can I buy a PowerBook G4?
How can I securely erase the entire hard drive on my PowerBook G4 before selling it?
What are the "pros and cons" of the PowerBook G4 models? Is one right for my needs?
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