PowerBook 17": Apple Developer Notes, 2GB RAM Supported?


Apple has placed its Developer Notes for the new PowerBook-17 on its Apple Developer Connection (ADC) site. The notes make for some interesting reading.

Memory expansion, as is well known, is notionally limited to 1GB, utilizing two 512MB DIMMs. However, the PB-12 developer notes state that 1GB DIMMs will be supported by Mini-Me. The PB-17 notes state the same thing; so, with full slots with 1GB DIMMs, 2GB of RAM is theoretically possible. As far as we're aware, no manufacturer has announced 1GB notebook DIMMs. 1GB modules for PC-133 and DD2100, as well as various servers, are widely available, however. 2GB DIMMs also exist for workstations. It would be possible, but expensive (at least initially) to produce 1GB DIMMs for notebooks. Nevertheless, the PowerBook G3 Series were limited, initially, to 192, 384 and 512MB for the Wallstreet, Lombard and Pismo. The appearance of 256MB DIMMs boosted the Wallstreet and Lombards to 512MB, while the Pismo can support 2x 512MB for a total of 1GB.

For instance, Apple formally notes that the DVD-R SuperDrive in the PB-17 only supports 1x DVD burning, although the drive is capable of 2x. There has been some speculation over whether Apple has deliberately hobbled the firmware of the drive. Originally, specifications published at Apple's PowerBook site at the time of the PB-12 and PB-17 release said the DVD-R was a 2x burner. This was later amended.

Other topics of interest include FireWire 800 and the 9-pin connecting cables. This section covers mixing FireWire 800 with FW 400 devices and also details limitations of connecting to certain FireWire hubs.

We know you'll prefer the PDF to the HTML version. You'll find it here (1.3MB). I've already got my copy.