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Q
& A:
iMac
G3/G4 Q & A:
Storage & Peripherals (2/2)
Where can I find a list of USB
peripherals?
There are several sites tracking USB peripherals. In addition to Apple's USB page which lists a small number of iMac-compatible USB devices, and Apple's Macintosh Products Guide (under Hardware: USB Devices) which lists a number of USB devices, USB.org has a searchable database of USB devices for both Mac and Windows systems.
Will all USB peripherals work with the iMac?
All USB peripherals will work with the iMac provided that the MacOS already supports the device type or a driver has been written to be compatible with the MacOS. To be sure, if you purchase a USB peripheral make sure that the box explicitly states compatibility with the iMac and the MacOS.
Please share your experiences with USB peripherals with other users in the forums.
Can I add USB capabilities to my existing PCI-based Mac? NuBus-based Mac?
Yes, at least for PCI-based Macs. You can add a PCI card to your PCI-based Mac that will give your Mac USB capabilities. Several companies have introduced such cards, which cost less than $50 US, and add at least two USB ports.
A USB card for NuBus-based Macs might be available later, but it's unlikely. If you know of any NuBus cards that provide USB ports, please share. Thanks.
Does the iMac include a CD-RW drive? Can one be added?
The iMac "500" (FP/BD) and iMac SE "600" from the "Flower Power" series, the iMac "500" (Indigo), iMac "600" (Graphite), the iMac SE "700" from the "Summer 2001" series, the iMac "700" (Flat-Panel), iMac "800" (Flat-Panel), the iMac "800" 17" (Flat-Panel) from the "2002 Flat-Panel" series, the iMac "800" (Flat-Panel) and iMac "1.0" 17" (Flat-Panel) from the "Spring 2003" series, and all "Fall 2003" "Flat-Panel models include an internal slot-loading drive capable of writing CD-R and CD-RW media. Although an Apple-branded internal CD-RW drive cannot be added to most models that do not have one pre-installed, it is possible that third-party solutions may become available. However, an external USB-based drive can easily be added to any iMac model, and a higher-performance FireWire-based drive can be added to any iMac with FireWire ports.
To see which iMacs have FireWire ports, please refer to the applicable ports page for the iMac model of interest.
Does the iMac support DVD? Can it be added?
The revision "A", "B", "266", "333", and "350" iMacs do not support DVD, and it cannot be added. Although the iMac CD-ROM drive in these models is similar to the PowerBook G3 CD-ROM drive, where DVD is available as an option, Apple does not plan to release after-market DVD-ROM drives for these models. However it is always possible that third-party solutions may become available.
The discontinued iMac "DV" (400), iMac "DV" SE (400), iMac DV+ "450", iMac DV SE "500" each have slot-loading, 4X DVD-ROM drives which support DVD-ROM titles and DVD movies. One configuration of the discontinued iMac "700" (Flat-Panel), and all configurations of the discontinued iMac "800" (Flat-Panel) and iMac "800" 17" (Flat-Panel) shipped with drives that support DVD-ROM and DVD-Video. The "Spring 2003" "Flat-Panel" models, which include the iMac "800" (Flat-Panel) and iMac "1.0" 17" (Flat-Panel), shipped with drives that support DVD-ROM and DVD-Video. Likewise, all "Fall 2003" "Flat-Panel" models shipped with drives capable of supporting DVD-ROM titles and DVD movies.
What is the SuperDrive? What types of media can it read/burn?
The SuperDrive, which shipped standard in the discontinued iMac "800" (Flat-Panel), iMac "800" 17" (Flat-Panel), and iMac "1.0" 17" (Flat-Panel), and ships standard in the iMac "1.25" 17" (FP) and iMac "1.25" 20" (FP) is a hybrid CD-RW/DVD-R drive. This drive can write DVD-R, read DVD, write CD-R, write CD-RW, and read CD-ROM. Unlike DVD-RAM, the SuperDrive can create DVD-Video discs that can be used on any standard DVD player. As an added bonus, the SuperDrive does not use the regional encoding system, so DVD-Video discs created with the SuperDrive can be used worldwide.
Does the iMac support FireWire (IEEE-1394)?
The revision "A", "B", "266", "333", and "350" iMacs do not support FireWire (IEEE-1394) because Apple's FireWire card requires a standard PCI slot. There is the possibility that a third-party company will develop a FireWire card for the Mezzanine slot that is available in revision A & B iMacs, but it would not be supported by Apple, and because the slot is not present in later iMacs, it is unlikely.
All "DV" revisions of the iMac have dual FireWire ports, as do the "Flower Power", "Summer 2001", and "Flat-Panel" iMac models.
Are external speakers available in the iMac-style?
Yes, Uchishiba Seiskusho released blueberry, strawberry, tangerine, lime, grape, and graphite iMac-styled stereo-quality, magnetically shielded speakers. Other iMac-colored speakers have also been released.
The "Kihei" (fruit-colored), "Indigo", "Flower Power", and "Summer 2001" iMac series have a greatly improved Harmon Kardon-designed sound system with an external subwoofer option that may make external speakers a lower priority for most users. The internal speakers in the "Flat-Panel" models are inadequate for music, but most configurations ship with decent sounding external Harmon Kardon-designed speakers, and an external subwoofer option is available.
What is the difference between the Apple speaker minijack and the headphone jack?
From Apple's own internal documents: "Headphones or externally powered speakers connect to the standard headphone jack. The Apple speaker minijack is designed specifically for use with the Apple Pro Speakers--it connects to a powerful amplifier built into the system."
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