How do you replace or upgrade the optical drive in the Power Mac G4 Cube? What are the capabilities of the default optical drive?

Originally, both Power Mac G4 Cube configurations -- the Power Mac G4/450 Cube and G4/500 Cube -- shipped standard with a DVD-ROM drive. Starting February 22, 2001, the Power Mac G4 Cube also could be configured with a CD-RW drive.

Apple provides instructions in PDF format to replace the optical drive.

How do you properly insert an optical disc into the Power Mac G4 Cube? How do you eject an optical disc?

The Power Mac G4 Cube features a vertically-oriented, slot-loading DVD-ROM drive.

To insert an optical disc in the Power Mac G4 Cube, Apple explains that with the Apple logo on the computer oriented towards you, insert DVD discs with the label side facing you. For double-sided DVD discs, insert the disc with the side you wish to access facing away from you.

To eject an optical disc from the Power Mac G4, Apple explains that the Power Macintosh G4 Cube does not have a "mechanical eject button" to eject a disc. If the disc icon appears on the desktop, you will need to either drag the icon to the Trash or click on the icon and select "Put Away" from the File menu. If the disc icon does not appear on the desktop, you will need to either press the "media eject" button above the numeric keypad on the keyboard or restart the computer and hold down the mouse button.

Does the Power Mac G4 Cube have expansion slots? Can PCI or AGP cards be added?

The only expansion slot designed to be serviced by an end-user is the AirPort (802.11b) slot. The graphics card occupies a dedicated "short" 2X AGP slot that Apple does not intend to be upgraded. It has no PCI expansion slots and standard AGP cards are not supported.

Also see: Is it possible to "hack" the Power Mac G4 Cube to support a different graphics card? Which graphics cards can you install?

How do you connect a microphone to the Power Mac G4 Cube?

The Power Mac G4 Cube models do not have an analog microphone port, and as such you will need to either use a USB-based microphone, or an analog-to-USB adapter to use a traditional analog mic with these systems.

Are the speakers provided with the Power Mac G4 Cube compatible with other Macs?

Apple explains that the USB speakers that shipped with the Power Mac G4 Cube "require more power to operate than is provided by a typical USB port. The USB ports of the Power Mac G4 Cube computer, and monitors with the Apple Display Connector (ADC) have been enhanced to provide additional power. . . You should not connect them to the USB ports of any Apple keyboard, other Apple computer, or third-party USB device."