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Q
& A:
PB
G3 Q & A:
Design, Config, & Purchasing
Who designed the "Wallstreet",
"Bronze", and PowerBook G3 "FW"
series?
Like other recent Apple products with striking industrial design, the "Wallstreet" and "Bronze" PowerBook G3 series was designed entirely in-house by Apple's Industrial Design Group, led by Jonathan Ive.
If you are interested in industrial design, you might like to purchase AppleDesign: The Work of the Apple Industrial Design Group. This book has hundreds of full color photographs of prototype Apple products that were never released and is a great look into the evolution of Apple's style.
Does the Apple logo glow on the "Bronze" and PowerBook G3 "FW" series?
Yes. The white Apple logo on the back of the "Bronze" PowerBook G3 lid lights up when the display is on. The PowerBook G3 "FW", which uses the same case as the "Bronze" PoweBook G3, also has a "light-up" Apple logo. This has no effect on the battery life or on the amount of heat generated.
Some late-model "Wallstreet" PowerBook G3 models also have this capability.
Will the PowerBook G3 series come in other colors later?
[01.09.2001 Update: Now that the PowerBook G3 series has been discontinued, this answer is no longer relevant. However, the answer remains for "historical" reference. The replacement series, the PowerBook G4, features a silver-colored Titanium alloy case.]
Even though Apple now sells desktop computers in translucent colors, it seems relatively unlikely that Apple will release a model in the PowerBook G3 series in a colorful two-tone case, as brightly colored cases typically do not appeal to the majority of business users. However, as is evident with the "Bronze" PowerBook G3 and PowerBook G3 "FW" series, Apple is open to using colors other than black for decorative elements.
Where can I buy a PowerBook G3?
Although it has been discontinued, some resellers may have PowerBook G3 systems available at clearance prices. If you want to purchase a refurbished or used system, check out site sponsor PowerMax for a good selection and eBay for direct person-to-person sales.
To find an Apple Authorized Reseller near you, check out Apple's Resource Locator, or call 1.800.538.9696.
What are the default configurations?
There are too many default configurations of the different PowerBook G3 models to list in this Q & A, but you can see the default configurations, along with options for custom configurations and pricing information, on the applicable specifications page for the PowerBook G3 model that you are interested in.
Were custom configurations available?
Yes. Custom configurations of the PowerBook G3 "FW" series were available direct from Apple, through the Apple Store, and from Apple Authorized Resellers. To see what custom configuration options were available, please refer to the specifications page for the PowerBook G3/400 "FW" and PowerBook G3/500 "FW".
What is the target audience for the PowerBook G3?
All versions of the PowerBook G3 series are targeted towards "road warriors" who need powerful portable computers with large displays. The PowerBook G3 is designed to be powerful enough to replace a desktop computer, which can be especially useful for publishing professionals, designers, and corporate users who travel frequently and need to make presentations and perform high-end work on the road.
The PowerBook G4 series, which replaced the PowerBook G3 series, is targeted to the same users.
Is the PowerBook G3 right for my needs?
[01.09.2001 Update: Now that all models in the PowerBook G3 series have been discontinued, this answer is no longer particularly relevant. However, the answer remains for "historical" reference.]
Of course, only you can make the decision whether or not the PowerBook G3 is the right portable for you, but you can evaluate the pros and cons of the series to see if your needs are met.
Pros:
Simple and
easy-to-use, setup, and get online.
Early adopter of USB and FireWire technology.
(PowerBook G3 "FW")
Fast processor and excellent graphics
performance.
Reasonably expandable.
DVD option available (standard on some
models).
Cons:
Relatively bulky
and heavy.
No serial, ADB, or SCSI support. (PowerBook G3
"FW")
Relatively expensive.
Where can I find additional information on the PowerBook G3?
In addition to this Q & A and specifications provided by EveryMac.com, and Apple's own site, be sure to check out O'Grady's PowerPage for all your PowerBook-related news and AccelerateYourMac's section on the PowerBook G3 series.
Other good PowerBook-related sites include The PowerBook Zone, The PowerBook Source, and PowerBook Central.
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