As usual, I reference my own page as a good place to start: <http://mywebpages.comcast.net/macdan/ebms.html>
However, I don't yet have any infos there about upgrading G4 PowerBook and iBook optical drives. That page is still to come awaiting my time and inclination. However, here's some information related to (IIRC) the OP's TiBook optical upgrade question. The first generation 400/500 TiBooks use a non-standard-form-factor slot-load DVD slim drive, without any extra brackets and with a non-standard location for its 50-pin ATAPI connector. All later models use a standard-form-factor slim drive equipped with a pair of mounting brackets. The cables and mounting brackets are different between the 550/667 models and the DVI (667->1gHz) models, neither can use cables or brackets from the other series. Three points specific to the 400/500 models: A) It is possible to replace a 400/500's optical with a standard form-factor slim drive with some additional steps. The original drive has no brackets, its rubber mounting grommets attaching directly to the drive. Standard form-factor slim drives need brackets, those from a 550/667 model will work, those from DVI models will NOT. B) On the couple of swaps I did, with the replacement drive in place the case bottom didn't fit. A pair of protrusions need to be trimmed off at the front edge of the case bottom to allow it to seat correctly. C) Also, as Jeff Hubatka pointed out, the cable from the original drive won't work with standard form-factor slim drives. A cable from the 550/667 series will work, but DVI model's cable will NOT work. To sum up, to install a standard slot-load slim drive into a 400/500 TiBook, from a TiBook 550/667 you'll need a pair of brackets and an interface cable, plus you'll have to trim the case bottom. Specific to all later models (550->1gHz): A) Nothing else is needed, just about any slot-load slim optical in the standard form-factor should physically fit into the brackets (and 'Book) and will attach correctly to the interface cable. Other Apple models with slot-load drives: Haven't got any, so I can't offer any specific advice. However, I'd bet long odds that all later iBooks and AlBooks use standard form-factor drives and therefore should be pretty straightforward swapping candidates. That is all. :-) Dan K ................................. http://macdan.n3.net/ carracho://dankephoto.dhs.org:9700 hotline://dankephoto.dhs.org:9500 ................................. -- G-Books is sponsored by <http://lowendmac.com/> and... Small Dog Electronics http://www.smalldog.com | Refurbished Drives | -- Check our web site for refurbished PowerBooks | & CDRWs on Sale! | Support Low End Mac <http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html> G-Books list info: <http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-books.html> --> AOL users, remove "mailto:"; Send list messages to: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To unsubscribe, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> For digest mode, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subscription questions: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Archive: <http://www.mail-archive.com/g-books%40mail.maclaunch.com/> --------------------------------------------------------------- >The Think Different Store http://www.ThinkDifferentStore.com ---------------------------------------------------------------
