Steve Jobs once described fitting a G3 processor as standard to as to "put a killer engine in this car", alluding to the newly introduced iMac's advantage over its Celeron powered competitors. It proved to be a sound move and sure enough, a killer engine it certainly turned out to be.
So I have no issue in saying in such a context that the PowerBook G3 Pismo is now prepped and ready for its engine transplant, courtesy of PowerbookMedic. A replacement processor daughtercard from a donor system is currently on its way from the United States to Australia, meaning that after 20 months of no action from the Pismo, it should only be a few days before it's returned to service.
I opted to keep the 400MHz processor in place instead of upgrading to the faster and more expensive 500MHz variant. The memory is a dual 256MB module configuration for a combined total of 512MB and the Pismo's 40GB hard disk drive, on loan to one of my other PowerBooks, will be returned to the Pismo during the reassembly. It has a Pioneer Slot Load DVD-RW drive in the secondary bay, which is confirmed functional. An 802.11b AirPort card has been fitted. The entire system has been stripped and cleaned, the hinge clutch packs have been inspected for slack and lubricated as necessary and the fan cable has a connector block from a 2006 iMac to replace the older, brittle and cracking connector.
Still to be attended to is a PowerBook Weight Saving Device or a custom made slot load faceplate, a re-cell of the battery pack and replacement of the rubber feet on the base. Does anyone know if feet from a Wallstreet will fit or can be modified to fit? I'll have to source aftermarket replacements if not.
I'm looking forward to having one of my favourite classic Macs functioning again. It's been way too long!
To everyone that recommended eBay, I did not ignore your advice, but I had considered and placed an order for the replacement parts only to find that most prefer not to sell to buyers with no to little activity, and I'm not exactly active on eBay. I decided to proceed with the order from a storefront retailer instead and gained a 12 month warranty on the parts in the process.
So I have no issue in saying in such a context that the PowerBook G3 Pismo is now prepped and ready for its engine transplant, courtesy of PowerbookMedic. A replacement processor daughtercard from a donor system is currently on its way from the United States to Australia, meaning that after 20 months of no action from the Pismo, it should only be a few days before it's returned to service.
I opted to keep the 400MHz processor in place instead of upgrading to the faster and more expensive 500MHz variant. The memory is a dual 256MB module configuration for a combined total of 512MB and the Pismo's 40GB hard disk drive, on loan to one of my other PowerBooks, will be returned to the Pismo during the reassembly. It has a Pioneer Slot Load DVD-RW drive in the secondary bay, which is confirmed functional. An 802.11b AirPort card has been fitted. The entire system has been stripped and cleaned, the hinge clutch packs have been inspected for slack and lubricated as necessary and the fan cable has a connector block from a 2006 iMac to replace the older, brittle and cracking connector.
Still to be attended to is a PowerBook Weight Saving Device or a custom made slot load faceplate, a re-cell of the battery pack and replacement of the rubber feet on the base. Does anyone know if feet from a Wallstreet will fit or can be modified to fit? I'll have to source aftermarket replacements if not.
I'm looking forward to having one of my favourite classic Macs functioning again. It's been way too long!
To everyone that recommended eBay, I did not ignore your advice, but I had considered and placed an order for the replacement parts only to find that most prefer not to sell to buyers with no to little activity, and I'm not exactly active on eBay. I decided to proceed with the order from a storefront retailer instead and gained a 12 month warranty on the parts in the process.