History
In April 2003 Apple finally updated its consumer level portable range. Opting for a sleeker design like the PowerBook, Apple settled on an all new slim-line white perspex case (which was surprisingly rugged). They also upped the processor speed and introduced a new logic board.
All the machines shipped with FireWire and two USB ports (hence the name Dual USB). Also included was 10/100 ethernet and a socket for Apple's propriatory Airport wireless networking card. The first machines had a 12.1" screen, Apple later introduced a 14.1" version.
This was a long running series of machines, with many speed increases, taking this range from 500-900MHz on the G3 processor. The early models were shipped with Mac OS 9, once OSX was released later models shipped with this - all Dual USB iBooks can run OSX and OS9.
As with all of Apple's consumer level ("i" series) machines, they are not very upgradeable. Only the RAM and hard drive may be upgraded.
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How to Identify these Machines
The G3 iBook Dual USB came in a number of different processor speeds, and in two sizes: a 12.1" and a 14.1" version. The 12.1" models have keyboards which run all the way across the case. The 14.1 units have a small gap between the edges of the keyboard and the sides of the laptop.
The units are very similar to the G4 Dual USB iBooks, and can only really be distinguished by using the Apple System profiler. This can be found on the Apple Menu in OS9, or from the About this Mac option in OS X. The first page in Apple system profiler will list the processor speed and type (G3 or G4).
If you are still unsure you can contact us on 01223 833 412 or by email for confirmation. If you want to upgrade but aren't happy to install your upgrades then we can help. Simply ask our engineers for further details.
Memory Upgrades
The iBook G3 Dual USB has 128MB soldered onto the logic board, and one RAM slot, which can take up to a 512MB stick. This gives a maximum of 640MB of RAM.
Any fitting information below is intended as a guide before purchase ONLY, when fitting these products you should refer to the original manual for your computer, and any instructions that come with the item. Please see this page for more information, or here for information on our fitting service.
Difficulty 3 / 5 - Reasonably easy.
Turn off the machine and remove the power cable and battery.
The hard drive and RAM are housed below the keyboard. To remove the keyboard release the catches at the top of the keyboard (between ESC & F1 and F8 & F9). This reveals the internal parts.
There is metal protective plate secured with 2 screws. Remove the plate to reveal the RAM socket, which is easily reached and replaced.
Reassemble machine and the upgrade is done!
CD & DVD Drive Upgrades
The iBook G3 Dual USB came equipped with either a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM or a Combo drive. This is via a tray loading mechanism on the right hand side of the laptop.
At present we don't stock internal CD or DVD writers for these machines. It is possible to use an external device via USB or FireWire (FireWire highly recommended).
There are no optical drive upgrades available for these Macs
Difficulty 1/5 - Very Easy (external)
Install any included software, then connect drive and you're off. Any problems please contact our team for help.
Internal Hard Drive Upgrades
The iBook G3 Dual USB's will use any 9.5mm height 2.5" IDE hard drive, although user installation is advised against (see below).
If you don't want to fit a new hard drive yourself, you can take advantage of the MacUpgrades Installation Service. Add the installation service from the list below to your cart along with your chosen hard drive. We can also clone your existing hard drive onto the new one, simply add the Clone Original Hard Drive service below to your cart.
Once you have booked the service, send your machine to us, we will carry out the work and return it to you. Alternatively, we do offer a Collection Service with our courier, please see here for details.
| 1 | Professional installation recommended. |
Any fitting information below is intended as a guide before purchase ONLY, when fitting these products you should refer to the original manual for your computer, and any instructions that come with the item. Please see this page for more information, or here for information on our fitting service.
Difficulty 5 / 5 - Very Hard
The iBook G3 Dual USB's internal hard drive is very difficult to get to and is not classified by Apple as a user installed part. Mac Upgrades can install drives for you, please contact us for details.
You can purchase the drive for installation yourself, but Mac Upgrades cannot provide instructions or support for the install process.
Graphics Card Upgrades
The graphics card in your iBook G3 Dual USB is part of the main logic board. Unfortunately therefore it is not possible change the graphics card. It may be worth expanding your memory to its maximum to try and compensate, but this will have at best a limited effect on your iBook's 3D capabilites.
There are no graphics card upgrades available for these Macs
Expansion Card Upgrades
Your iBook G3 Dual USB has no available PCMCIA sockets for connectivity
expansion, so can only take an Airport card in its dedicated socket,
or a USB dongle.
Any fitting information below is intended as a guide before purchase ONLY, when fitting these products you should refer to the original manual for your computer, and any instructions that come with the item. Please see this page for more information, or here for information on our fitting service.
Difficulty
3/5 - Reasonably Easy (Airport Card)
See Apple's guide on fitting an Airport card here (pdf).
Keyboards & Mice
The following keyboards and mice are compatible with this Mac.
Any fitting information below is intended as a guide before purchase ONLY, when fitting these products you should refer to the original manual for your computer, and any instructions that come with the item. Please see this page for more information, or here for information on our fitting service.
Difficulty 1 / 5 - Very Easy
Keyboards plug into the relevant port on your Mac. Mice can either be plugged into your keyboard, or they can be plugged directly into your Mac.
Power Supplies & Batteries
Listed below are power supplies, batteries and related products
we supply for this Mac.
| 1 | For the 12" version of this iBook |
| 2 | For the 14" version of this iBook |
Any fitting information below is intended as a guide before purchase ONLY, when fitting these products you should refer to the original manual for your computer, and any instructions that come with the item. Please see this page for more information, or here for information on our fitting service.
Cables & Tools
Listed below are power cables, tools and related products
we supply for this Mac.
Any fitting information below is intended as a guide before purchase ONLY, when fitting these products you should refer to the original manual for your computer, and any instructions that come with the item. Please see this page for more information, or here for information on our fitting service.
External Hard Drive Upgrades
This Mac can use any of the following external hard drives.
| 1 | Requires 9.2 or later or 10.1.5 or later. |
Any fitting information below is intended as a guide before purchase ONLY, when fitting these products you should refer to the original manual for your computer, and any instructions that come with the item. Please see this page for more information, or here for information on our fitting service.
Difficulty 1 / 5 - Very Easy
Install any supplied software and connect the new device.
You will need to format the drive before use. This is done with the "Drive Setup" utility, which can be found in Applications > Utilities.
