on 6/30/00, "Timothy A. Seufert" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> The 4GB problem is a bug in the SCSI Disk Mode program, not a problem
> with the SCSI or IDE hardware in the computer. Unfortunately it
> can't be fixed with a System software update, because the SCSI Disk
> Mode program is stored in the PowerBook's ROM, which cannot be
> updated or replaced. (Starting with the bronze keyboard PowerBook
> G3, PowerBooks have flash ROM, meaning their ROM can be updated just
> by running a program supplied by Apple. But earlier models like the
> 2400 have mask ROM, which can never be changed after production.)
Hmmm, after upgrading 2 x 2400s and a 3400 to G3 territory, and having a few
speedy DTs, there's finally a reason to buy the next post Pismo PB. I'd
gotten so used to upgradeable firmware, I'd forgotten these 2400s had mask
ROMs.
> The bug actually affects many PowerBook models. Apple didn't find
> out about it until they started testing PowerBooks which were going
> to ship with hard drives larger than 4GB. I believe this happened
> during development of the original PowerBook G3 (the one which is
> sometimes called a "3500" because it looks just like a PB 3400).
> Naturally they fixed the bug for that model, but every previous
> PowerBook model has the 4GB SCSI disk mode bug.
Absolutely correct, Tim. My 3400 w/3500 (Phat/Kanga) logic board upgrade has
no 4 gb SCSI mode limitation. 3500s were sold with 8 gb drives. I jumped on
the 3500 upgrade to prevent the 3400 from being "orphaned" in the G3 era.
Incidentally, what I've been doing for file sync is using the 3500 in SCSI
mode with DTs and Type III PC card hard drives (89-540 mb) to swap files
between 2400s, 3500, DT and PC lap tops. The PC card drives are best left PC
formatted except for one which I keep as one of my PB emergency rescue
strategies when out in the field.
---
Sidney Ho
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