Upgrading RAM and drive in a 17 inch1.67 GHz Powerbook G4

Question

Hi all, I have a 17 inch PowerBook G4 running a 1.67 GHz processor and have 2 gig RAM inserted. I am an audio professional and purchased the system from a specialist digital recording equipment firm in the UK when I made the changeover from analogue to digital recording. At the time I got the machine as highly spec'd as possible.
I have been reading about the new SSD's and am about to purchase either a new iMac or Mac Pro but I would like to upgrade the powerbook and have it as a backup for emergencies.
I would be grateful if some of you could give me advice on the following:
1) Is is possible for me to increase the PowerBook's RAM higher than the 2 gig I am running at the minute?
2) Will my PowerBook acccept a SSD?
3) If I purchase a standard configuration i7 hyper threading/turbocharged 27 inch new generation iMac is it very difficult to install a second SSD in it and to and fit additional RAM myself. I have read somewhere that the iMacs are not so easy to upgrade at home?
I look forward to your views!
Thanks,
Eugene
Message was edited by: elitentserv

Answer 1

Welcome!
1) Your are already at Max RAM. 2G is already above the "published" max at the time the computer was made. Newer compatible modules got you to 2G but you can't go farther. I think the memory controller on the logic board limits the max to 2G.
2) I believe all SSD drives are SATA and the PowerBook has only the older PATA interface for drives. That cannot be upgraded internally. The only option is to go external with an eSATA card that fits in your cardbus slot like this one:
http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Firmtek/SATA1SM2/
The page I linked says a drive connected to that card will NOT be bootable.
3) Probably best to ask about putting an extra drive inside an iMac in the Intel iMac forums here:
http://discussions.apple.com/category.jspa?categoryID=189
However, I've never heard of an iMac with a spare drive bay.