Upgrading your Powerbook G4-Puchasing a CD DVD Burner

Hi -
I am trying to buy my wife a CD DVD burner for her. She has a Powerbook G4 and I have no idea what is best. I know I could probably buy one from apple that replaces the Matshita CD-RW CW-8123 or by an external one that connects via USB or Fire Wire
Can anyone make any suggestions?
Thanks

http://www.mcetech.com/pbg4dvdr8dl.html
or any of the top externels will work, Lacie, Maxtor, IOmega,
Welcome to the discussions, Don

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Upgraded memory but still running slow and DVD burner ?

Hi guys.
I just got the new iBook g4 12' laptop in August with 512 MB. I just added another 512 MB today and system profiler recognizes it. However, I don't see any improvements in my speed. In fact, start up is slower since I added the memory and I have seen the beach ball numerous times.
Is there something I need to do?
Also, I just got an external DVD burner (a Pioneer R-110 Dual Layer burner and is recognized by my system. I have Toast (6.1.1.) however, I cannot seem to burn Dual Layer DVDs on it. Do I need to upgrade to the 7.0 version or is there a better software I should get for burning Dual Layer DVDs?
Thanks for your help.

Hello,
Although the profiler recognizes the memory, it may not still agree with the system. Have you tried removing the ram and see if there is a speed increase?
If not, memory is a user serviceable repair and you may do it without voiding your applecare coverage. Now, here are instructions from Apple on how to do it. Please be sure you touch some metal surface before touching the memory. Do not touch any of the metal in the computer unless instructed to do so. Touching the metal will omit any static electricity in your body. Here is the link:
Click Here
That should tell you weather or not your problem is the memory.
Good Luck,
Grant

Dual layer DVD burner any time soon?

I have an old PowerBook 1.33ghz. I'm itching to replace it with a MacBookPro. I upgraded this PowerBook with a dual layer DVD burner, and I use it a lot. I moved to the US from the UK and send many DVD's back to family and friends in the UK. I can't live without the dual layer DVD writer, plus backing up requires less DVD's and hence less space on my shelves.
Anyone here know when Apple will release a model with a dual layer DVD writer? I refuse to buy an external.
This old G4 has better DVD support than Apples flagship portable computer, doesn't seem right does it. I keep thinking I can live without dual layer, but its just such a step back.
Anyone know of when this may change and MacBookPro will get a dual layer burner? I dont know how long I can wait to get my hands on the new MacBookPro . . .

As soon as the industry can make one (so thin). I'll be buying one to replace it on my MBP. Might be Blu-ray

How to burn iDVD with no DVD burner..

Hi - I have a new MacBook but foolishly didn't buy the one with the DVD burning capability. I have created a nice slideshow with pics and music, nice transitions, etc. in iDVD which I want to be able to play in a DVD player on the TV, but can not burn it as I have no superdrive. Can you think of a way around this, or other software I can use to create the same slideshow and burn to a CD and play on the TV? Thanks.

Welcome to the Apple discussions.
Your DVD player attached to the TV will probably be looking for a DVD, unless it will also play video CD's. One option is to buy yourself an external DVD recorder. You can scan the discussions to find ones that work with macs (not all specify that they will work with macs). For example, OWC has 3 external recorders from $80 to $120 at http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/firewire/optical-drives/ . If you follow the path I've seen others follow, once you find out how easy it is to create various materials for DVD's, you'd probably get your monies worth from an external DVD burner.
Another option would be to hook your computer directly to your TV, if the TV will allow it. Many newer LCD/plasma TV's allow for computer hookup.

How can I write dual DVDs with my UJ 820S DVD burner?

hello i own a satellite notebook, and my problem is that it cannot write at dual dvds, i believe that i have to upgrade the firmware but i cant find anything, recently i had the same problem with my desktop pc and solve it when i upgrade the firmware from its own nec dvd burner, anybody knows where i can find a firmware update, or something else to solve my problem?

Hi Chris
The CD and DVD burning and reading with different drives is a never ending story.
I use an external burner and believe me; I have tested more than 10 different medias from different manufactures.
I could burn some medias but not read and read but not burn :(
I think you should also test different DVDs.
In my user manual I have found a list with compatible CD and DVD. Possibly you will also find the same supported media list in you preinstalled user manual.

LaCie DVD Burner not working since Snow Leopard update

Hi there, I'm searching the web for this one for some time now. Since I upgraded my MacBook to Snow Leopard (Currently I'm on 10.6.4) my LaCie DVD Burner doesn't work anymore.
The external DVD burner is connected trough USB to my MacBook and it was always working nicely. But since the upgrade to snow leopard the macbook doesn't even 'see' him anymore. I used to use Toast Titanium to burn my disks, but since the upgrade this tool doesn't recognize the DVD burner anymore.
Is this a known issue? In the mac info I can't see the LaCie burner.
Hope you guys can help me out on this one!
Regards,
Douwe Pieter van den Bos

I just noticed a problem with my Lacie dvd/cd superdrive also. I install any disk blank or formatted and the drive just hums and clicks and opens up the tray. I contacted Lacie and they don't even have the drive on the lists of products they sell. I wrote them an email and we cleared that up (took several days). It took me 8 days before I finally got fed up with dumb questions like "did you try another power supply?" Where am I going to get another one of those? How could the problem possibly be a power supply when the drive is recognized in Disk Utility, System Profiler etc. I can open and close the tray by pushing the tray button or open the tray from Disk Utility. They basically wanted a blank check for me to send them the drive to have it fixed.
My question is it possible I somehow affected the drive during my last upgrade? Or is it just a dirty laser? Is it worth getting a cleaning disk? Do they work even if Pioneer doesn't recommend using them? Maybe someone knows if I could at least use the chassis and get a newer better drive?
What really bothers me is that it cost well over 2 hundred when I got it and I've used it less than
8 times to burn.

HELP... From "Its the same all over again"...PE won't recognize my DVD Burner

Hi Guys,
I am sitting with my computer repair guy. We have beaten my Dell Precision 340 desktop to death in an attempt to try to understand why its not recognizing its DVD burner. It started with the old Sony burner I had prior, but since it was old and very slow I took this opportunity to upgrade to a new higher speed Samsung DVD burner.
So we removed the old, put in the new did anti virus tests, tried the Microsoft patch found here, and so far nothing. Its as simple as in PE the little cautionary yellow triangle comes up and says "DVD burner not detected" and the "rescan" button is greyed out and not an option I have.
Its as complex as in when we try to burn ANYTHING through the desktop drag and drop its then shows as a CD drive once the blank disc is inserted, and not a burner, of any type!!
It will however burn a disc through NERO, but I have to save the project and then burn it from it stored location on the hard drive.
This of course eliminates many of the assets of the program that I desire.
I need any and all help you can give. Computer guy and I are at a total loss.
Thanks in advance,
~Emily

Thanks for the quick replies!!!
Sadly we have read all you mentioned and for the last week NERO hasn't been installed and all components were removed and double and triple checked that they were'nt within a country mile of the computer.
We just know from testing that Nero will allow it to burn.
We did try everything you have already linked.
We did try the registry fix listed her: http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/171067-32-drive-drive-detected
Nothing.
This is going above our collective heads and we're starting to dream up ways to a.) fix it and b.) destroy it all in a magnificent display of pyrotechnics!!!
HELP!!
~Emily

What is the best way to "upgrade" a powerbook g4 with a powerpc chip? it seems that many things don't work or aren't supported these days. can't update my iphone, download video, etc. can i get the latest software? thanks.Ask your question.

what is the best way to "upgrade" a powerbook g4 with a powerpc chip? it seems that many things are not supported these days. can't download software, update my iphone, download video, etc. can i get the latest software? thanks for the help!

Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard installation system requirements
http://support.apple.com/kb/TA24950
Leopard is no longer available at the Apple Store but may be available by calling Apple Phone Sales @ 1-800-MY-APPLE (1-800-692-7753).
If you can't obtain a retail install DVD from Apple, look on eBay or Google the installer part numbers to possibly find at an on-line store. Here's what to look for:
MB427Z/A Leopard 10.5.1 install DVD
MB576Z/A Leopard 10.5.4 install DVD
MB021Z/A Leopard 10.5.6 install DVD (single user)
MB022Z/A Leopard 10.5.6 install DVD (5-user family pack)
Installing Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1544
Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard Installation and Setup Guide
http://manuals.info.apple.com/en/leopard_install-setup.pdf
After you install the base 10.5, download & install the 10.5.8 combo update at http://support.apple.com/downloads/Mac_OS_X_10_5_8_Combo_Update
The DVD should look like this
Caution - Leopard does not support classic mode. So, if you currently open OS 9 apps in classic mode, you won't be able to do this if you upgrade to Leopard.
 Cheers, Tom

HT5167 how do I upgrade my Powerbook OS 10.4.11 to OS 10.5.8

Hi I'm new to apple laptops and I need help upgrading my powerbook with OS 10.4.11 to a higher OS but I don't have the restoring Dics any can someone help please

Your computer must meet the requirements:
Leopard System requirements
You must have a Macintosh computer with:
an Intel processor or a PowerPC G4 (867 MHz or faster) or G5 processor
a DVD drive >built-in FireWire
at least 512 MB of RAM (additional RAM is recommended for development purposes)
a built-in display or a display connected to an Apple-supplied video card supported by your computer
at least 9 GB of disk space available, or 12 GB of disk space if you install the developer tools
Then you will need to search Google, eBay, and Amazon.com for a retail copy of Leopard.

Powerbook G4 12" 867mhz with dvd/cd drive problems - please help!

Hello all,
Just realized this thread should have been in this section. I put it in the using your powerbook section. Sorry for the double post. I just wanted it to be in the right section.
I have just inherited a powerbook g4 from a family member who is upgrading to a new machine. It has dvd/cd drive problems. I'm totally new to OSX and a notebook machine and need some assistance. I've been briefly scanning the forums here and noticed problems with these drives on the model computer. Is there a way to fix this with an install of older software? Here is the problem, if I insert a cd into the super drive it mounts on the desktop, and itunes will play it but it skips and sounds very distorted. I haven't tried a dvd but was told it doesn't even see the dvds on the desktop. Here are the know specs on the machine:
867mhz
640 mb ram
mac os x 10.5.1
boot rom version 4.5.5f4
the burner info: matshita dvd r uj-015
firmware version: docb
Thanks in advance!

Good Morning Mac,
According to your posted specs for the 12" G4PB you have the bare minimum requirements for Leopard. Even Tiger (10.4.11) should have 1GB RAM for decent performance (see my signature specs).
An easily installed 1GB RAM stick can be obtained at either of these reliable vendors:
http://eshop.macsales.com/ or http://www.crucial.com/
However, we are getting ahead of ourselves. Try the following in this order:
Repair Disk Permissions with /Applications/Utilities/Disk Utility/Repair DP, then do the following:
Run Repair HD from original CD or DVD install disk ........
Insert disk and re-start holding down the 'C' key until you see the spinning gear.
At Installer level...... DO NOT CONTINUE
At top left, use 'Utilities' Menu for Tiger or later and go 'Disk Utility'
Select your HD volume with Operating system on...
Select First Aid tab then select Repair Hard Disk button
If "RED" errors are repaired, run again, until none are reported then +run again+ just to be sure you are OK
Do NOT continue with the Installer... QUIT the Installer and return to the Finder ......... Eject the Disc
RESTART ..... Repair Disk Permissions .... AGAIN!
Try the above stuff first .... if that doesn't help, we will get into the "RESETS" steps next!
DIXIE

How Do I Upgrade My PowerBook G3 Pismo?

(First off, let me just say that this forum has been extremely helpful throughout the years. Thanks to everyone! And, I hope this post (and responses) continues to help those like me in the future!)
I want to upgrade my PowerBook G3 Pismo.
I already have a G4 PowerBook, yet can't tear myself away from my G3 just yet. However, my Pismo needs a huge overhaul. Right now it's running on 192MB of memory, a 6G hard drive, and a 400MHz processor. (I'm running OS 10.3.9, since I don't have enough hard drive space to install 10.4.) (Even most websites have gotten too advanced for my little G3 to view at a reasonable speed.)
Let me also say, I am not a do-it-yourself kinda guy really, so I'm hoping the answers I receive here are easy to follow for the average Joe.
From reading the other posts, I understand the three biggest upgrades to a G3, in order of impact and ease, are:
1) Memory
2) Hard Drive
3) Processor
I would also like to include another relevant element:
4) Battery Replacement (my battery is completely dead, as you can imagine)
(Another aim for this post is to have one place where people can easily see how to upgrade these things, rather than dig around for each topic.)
Rather than deal with the multitudes of justifications (whether or not I should, etc.), my questions for each of the four items above are simple:
A) How can I maximize each option? (i.e. - What is the maximum amount of memory I can buy for it? How big of a hard drive can my G3 accommodate and utilize? What is the fastest processor I can use?)
B) Where is the easiest/best place to purchase each item? (I know that's a bit subjective, but I'm sure there's a general consensus as to where the best, tried-and-true replacement batteries are sold, etc. (At least, I hope so.))
C) How do I do-it-myself? (i.e. - Is there a specific URL or post that tells me how to physically replace the memory and hard drive, etc.?)
Again, thanks very much to all of you who help out in the posting of answers to all of us who are less technically advanced!

Hollywood Guy:
You have hit upon a favorite topic around here, as you have already noticed.
The place to begin your upgrade is with RAM. The Pismo will support a total of 1 GB of RAM. 2 - PC 100 3.3v 144-pin SO-DIMM. You will find comparative prices of popular brands at ramseeker. You will also get good prices at Kahlon. The Pismo is not very picky about RAM and most manufacturers warranty their RAM for life.
The next upgrade that will give the biggest bang for the buck is the Hard Disk Drive. As noted previously, your computer will support up to a 120 GB HDD natively. (The BootROM will actually see 128 GB, but most manufactuers standardize the size to 120 GB). It is possible to install a larger HDD with the help of SpeedTools. However, I have not used the product, so I cannot vouch for it. Here is a list of available HDDs available for your Pismo at OWC
In terms of a processor upgrade, this is the most expensive upgrade and unless one really loves the Pismo, it may not be cost effective in the long run. I have done it myself, but then Pismo is my primary computer and I use it constantly and extensively for all my computing needs. Although we Pismo aficionados love our machines, we are also aware of it's limitations. If one would like to run any OS beyond Tiger, for example, you will need a minimum of a G with 867 MB processor, and even with a processor upgrade the Pismo will not make the cut.
So while I recommend the first two upgrades without qualification or reservation, the processor upgrade is different. If you decide that you really want to do it after careful consideration, I suggest that you peruse this thread for a full exploration of the subject. Several vendors are mentioned in the thread. My G4/550 processor upgrade is a Wegenermedia, but I hesistate to recommend them, as, since my installation I have learned of several users who have had difficulty with their service and products.
Please do post back with specific questions on any of the topics mentioned.
Cheers
cornelius

Is there an easy way to upgrade your OS from 10.5.8 to 10.6

is there an easy way to upgrade your OS from 10.5.8 to 10.6?
Thanks for your help
desmoutis

Welcome to Apple Support Communities
To upgrade, first buy Snow Leopard > http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC573/mac-os-x-106-snow-leopard
It's recommended to make a backup of your files. If the upgrade fails, you will lose data. After making the backup, insert the DVD and follow on-screen steps to upgrade.
That disc will install 10.6.3, so open  > Software Update, and install OS X 10.6.8

How much RAM can upgrade my Powerbook G4 with and where can I buy it?

I would like to increase the speed/processing power of my Powerbook G4. Any advice on the following appreciated:
1) What is the max RAM I can put into it? There seem to be problems logged on this discussion forum at 2GB by some users?
2) Where can I buy compatible RAM - it is no longer available on the Apple store (neither UK where I live nor US)?
3) are there any other upgrades I can make to speed up my Powerbook?
My current Powerbook details are:
Machine Name: PowerBook G4 15"
Machine Model: PowerBook5,2
CPU Type: PowerPC G4 (1.1)
Number Of CPUs: 1
CPU Speed: 1.25 GHz
L2 Cache (per CPU): 512 KB
Memory: 768 MB - DDR SDRAM
Bus Speed: 167 MHz
Boot ROM Version: 4.7.1f1
Graphics - ATI Mobility Radeon 9600
Many thanks
Mark

Hi, Mark. Your Powerbook can use up to 2GB of RAM, and there is no increased risk of trouble when using the maximum as long as the RAM used is suitable. Suitable RAM can be ordered from scores of online vendors. I don't know what the best sources in the UK might be, but I suggest that you look for Samsung, Crucial, or Hynix branded RAM from a vendor whose web site explicitly advertises it as compatible with Aluminum Powerbook G4s.

Question re Sony DVD burner with G4 Powerbook

I had some dvds already ripped on my hard drive. Bought the best burner, Sony DRX 830ULT, but after burning a dvd (that was ripped using the Mac) it won't read on the Mac. Question: do I have to both RIP and BURN using the Sony in order for the movies to be played on my Mac?

No problem at all. Patience is one of my virtues.
The MEDIA you are burning to, the DISC, is a special kind of media that only your Sony drive can burn and most likely, read. It is called "DVD+R DL" or "DVD-R DL." This is the format of your disc and our PowerBooks, the 12-inchers, can't read these type of discs.
The last PowerBook G4s to roll off the line before the MacBook Pros took over, the 15" and 17" models, were bumped up to include support for DVD+R DL burning and reading. But not DVD-R DL burning.
The DVD discs you buy in the store that have content already on it, such as Harry Potter (for lack of a better example), are on a "double-sided" disc. Each side has a surface to write on. The "dual layer" discs have only one side that can be written on but have TWO layers.
It is confusing. It's confusing me now and I'm having to check the wording.
Basically, your problem is again what I explained before. To give an example, your Sony is burning oranges but your PowerBook's SuperDrive can only read apples.
What's even more confusing is the terms are intertwined. Some people confuse DUAL LAYER and DOUBLE LAYER and DOUBLE-SIDED altogether.
Double Layer DVD disc = "DVD+R DL" media that only has one side to burn to.
Dual Layer DVD disc = "DVD-R DL" media that only has one side to burn to.
Double-sided DVD disc = any "DVD±R" or "DVD±RW" media that has two sides you can burn to.
Here are my sources that I used to explain this all to you in-depth. (My original answer about the disc media not being able to be read by your 12-inch PowerBook was from my own knowledge):
http://news.sel.sony.com/en/pressroom/b2b/storagesolutions/release/9366.html
http://dvr.about.com/od/dvdrecordableformats/f/dvddlvsdouble.htm
Message was edited by: Pismo 900
I guess this other example would help paint the picture. Say you have a 15" PowerBook with the dual layer support. (Remember, not a double-sided disc which any G4 PowerBook can read as long as it has a SuperDrive). Since the 15" PowerBook--last model to roll off the line--supported burning and reading of DVD+R DL disc media, if your Sony burner only does DVD-R DL disc media, then your 15" PowerBook would not be able to read those discs burned by your Sony optical drive.
So that's why our 12-inchers can't read what you've burned recently with your Sony drive. Simply put. (I hope).

Upgrading G4 Powerbook from 10.3.9 to Tiger.

Hi,
I haven't posted for a while, but I'm looking to upgrade my Powerbook for the last time, from 10.3.9 to Tiger.
I can't afford a new machine at the moment, so I upgraded my HD and Superdrive, to the best spec I could get at the time.
I don't want to go straight to Leopard, as I don't think it would run very well on my old Powerbook (plus I don't want to have to update all my software!), so I was wondering if anyone could give me any advice on upgrading to the last version of Tiger (10.4.11)?
The main thing that worries me is the old "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" thing.
I remember the logic board/lower RAM slot problem that seemed to raise it's ugly head some where around the 10.4.4 update. Although there was no particular evidence that it was this particular update that caused the problem on the G4 Power PC Powerbooks,I'm still a bit worried as I'd rather not lose the lower RAM slot, if there is any chance that Tiger might have caused it!
My machine was made in Jan 2004, and aside from a few minor problems, it's been fine. I was wondering if anyone out there with the 1.25Ghz model could give me some idea of their experiences, using Tiger on this particular model?
I like to try and keep up with the technology, and I've heard that upgrading the OS can make the computer seem "snappier" (not so much of the "spinning beachball of death"). Plus, I know I can't use a new ipod with anything less than 10.4.
Any help, gratefully appreciated. Thanks.

Thanks eww,
I have Kingston RAM in both slots, 2 512MB chips. I tried cheaper RAM, but the 1.25 machine is extremely "picky" about RAM since my model supports "bus slewing" (which I believe means it cycles between full, and half power when in the "automatic" mode).
I had problems with other RAM, and my machine didn't like having one of the original Hynix 256MB chips, and one of the Kingston ones in the machine at the same time. Since I upgraded to the Kingston PBG433 type of RAM (which I believe Apple often use), I've had no problems.
I assume that Tiger would have no issues with this type of RAM, so I should be OK. Thanks for your advice.

Upgrading your Powerbook G4-Puchasing a CD DVD Burner

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