This article contains the following PowerBook G3 Series frequently asked questions (FAQ) and answers to those questions.

Note : These questions pertain to the PowerBook G3 Series models that were released in September, 1998.

1. What is the cache ratio?

2. How much L1 cache is on the processor?

3. Are the expansion bays hot-swappable?

4. What other modules work in the expansion bay?

5. Do the expansion bay modules from previous PowerBook computers, such as the 5300, 1400, or 3400 series or the original PowerBook G3, work with the new PowerBook G3 Series expansion bays?

6. What cards are available?

7. Do older PC cards (PCMCIA) work in this computer?

8. Do Zoomed Video cards work in both slots?

9. What steps have been taken to ensure quality?

10. What is the performance like with Virtual PC on this PowerBook?

11. What cables come with the computers?

What is the cache ratio?

Answer :

The backside cache runs at a 2:1 ratio with the processor. In other words, for the 233-MHz processor, the cache speed is 117-MHz, and on the 300-MHz processor, it is 150-MHz. Caching improves system performance by providing additional storage space for data and instructions en route to the processor.

Question 2 :

How much L1 cache is on the processor?

Answer :

There is 64K of L1 cache, which is twice the amount on Pentium and Pentium II processors.

Question 3 :

Are the expansion bays hot-swappable?

Answer :

Yes, all storage devices for the expansion bays are hot-swappable. There is no need to turn the computer off or put it into sleep mode to exchange storage devices such as CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, Zip, or floppy disk drives. However, you must unmount any media, such as floppy, CD, or Zip disks, from the storage device before commencing a hot swap.

Question 4 :

What other modules work in the expansion bay?

Answer :

VST Technologies manufactures a Zip drive module, as well as removable hard drive expansion bay modules, that will work in the PowerBook G3 Series. For more information about third party options, visit http://www.apple.com/powerbook/accessories/other.html

Question 5 :

Do the expansion bay modules from previous PowerBook systems, such as the 5300, 1400, or 3400 series or the original PowerBook G3, work with the new PowerBook G3 Series expansion bays?

Answer :

No, the modules from the PowerBook lines listed above do not fit into the expansion bays of the new PowerBook G3 Series.

Question 6 :

What cards are available?

Answer :

A variety of cards are available, including 100BASE-T Ethernet, the IXMICRO Road Rocket for dual-monitor capabilities, and Zoomed Video cards for video capture and video input. For more information about third party options, visit http://www.apple.com/powerbook/accessories/other.html

Question 7 :

Do older PC cards (PCMCIA) work in this computer?

Answer :

Yes, you can use PC Cards in the CardBus slots of the PowerBook G3.

Question 8 :

Do Zoomed Video cards work in both slots?

Answer :

Zoomed Video cards work only in the lower PC Card/CardBus slot on the PowerBook G3.

Question 9 :

What steps have been taken to ensure quality?

Answer :

Apple performs quality checks throughout the entire design process. We also use a customer quality feedback (CQF) ( http://www.cqf.apple.com/ ) program in which real customers use pre-production units and report back to Apple on their experiences with hardware and/or software bugs as well as product design-related issues. This program allows us to make changes to further enhance the product's functionality before it enters production. We also have a quality review board that reviews all products before shipment.

Question 10 :

What is the performance like with Virtual PC on this PowerBook?

Answer :

In initial testing, we have found that the PowerBook G3 Series with Virtual PC performs at the level of a notebook based on a low-speed Pentium processor. To date, users have told us that they have been very pleased with the performance.

Question 11 :

What cables come with the systems?

Answer :

The following cables ship with the PowerBook G3 Series:

• Ethernet: 10BASE-T
• Modem: telephone
• VGA-to-Macintosh video connector
• S-video to composite (on 14.1-inch systems)

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 Tech Info Library article 24604: " PowerBook G3, G3 Series: Identifying Different Versions "