This article contains the following PowerBook G3 Series frequently asked questions (FAQ) regarding its design elements, with answers to those questions.

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

1. How much does the system weigh?
2. What are the overall dimensions?
3. Does the trackpad have "tap, double tap" functionality?
4. Does the panel come off?
5. Is there a docking station for the system?
6. Does the system have a fan?
7. Why is the palm rest area so big?
8. What interfaces does the system have?

See also the following Frequently Asked Questions articles pertaining to the September 1998 models of the PowerBook G3 Series computer:

Article 24608: " PowerBook G3 Series: General FAQ "
Article 24610: " PowerBook G3 Series: Battery FAQ "
Article 24611: " PowerBook G3 Series: Features, Configurations, Performance FAQ "
Article 24612: " PowerBook G3 Series: Memory FAQ "
Article 24614: " PowerBook G3 Series: Video, Graphics, And Sound FAQ "
Article 24615: " PowerBook G3 Series: DVD, CD-ROM, and Hard Drive FAQ "
Article 24616: " PowerBook G3 Series: Communications FAQ "

Answer : The system weight varies depending on the screen and expansion bay modules. Here are the weights for the three screen types with a battery in one expansion bay and a CD-ROM module in the other expansion bay:12.1-inch screen: 7.2 pounds; 14.1-inch screens: 7.8 pounds.

Question 2 : What are the overall dimensions?

Answer :

Width: 12.7 inches (32.3 cm)

Height: 2.0 inches (5.1 cm; 5.3 cm for the 14.1-inch model)

Depth: 10.4 inches (26.4 cm)

Question 3 : Does the trackpad have "tap, double tap" functionality?

Answer : Yes, you activate it through the Trackpad control panel.

Question 4 : Does the panel come off?

Answer : Neither the top nor the bottom panel, where you see the Apple logo, comes off. These panels provide rigidity for the system.

Question 5 : Is there a docking station for the system?

Answer : Apple will not be providing a docking station or port replicator for the PowerBook G3 Series. Newer Technologies (www.newertech.com) has announced their G3 BookEndz port replicator for the PowerBook G3.*

Question 6 : Does the system have a fan?

Answer : Yes, it does have a fan, but the system is designed with many heat dissipation features and it is unlikely that the fan will turn on unless the system is in extreme temperature situation.

Question 7 : Why is the palm rest area so big?

Answer : Apple has advocated a keyboard-forward design in the PowerBook for a long time. Because of the overall dimensions of the new system, we had more room to create a larger palm rest area below the keyboard. This helps users place their hands in a more comfortable typing position.

Question 8 : What interfaces does the system have?

Answer : It includes Apple Desktop Bus (ADB), high-speed serial (RS-422), SCSI (HDI-30), 10BASE-T Ethernet (RJ-45), 24-bit video output (VGA-style connector), S-video output (14.1-inch configurations only), 16-bit stereo input/output, power adapter port, modem (RJ-11), infrared connectors (4 -Mbps IrDA), and two Type I or Type II or one Type III PC or CardBus cards slots (supports Zoomed Video in lower slot).

* Note : This article contains information about third party products. This article is provided for informational purposes only and Apple makes no guarantees about the information contained in this article. Furthermore, Apple technical support does not supply support for the use of third party products)

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 "