Have a PowerBook G3 that you’re hoping to keep around for a while longer? MCE Technologies, LLC announced today the release of two faster CD-RW drives in Expansion Bay enclosures designed to work in PowerBook G3s. Each model sports a 16x10x24 speed mechanism. MCE said both units are available now in limited quantities.
While both drives work at the same speed and are designed to fit into the right-side expansion bay slot of the PowerBook G3, each is designed for the slightly different configurations offered in various PowerBook G3 models. The Xcarét Pro 16x10x24 Expansion Bay CD-RW is designed for the “Wallstreet” era PowerBook G3 — models running at 233-300MHz. The Xcarét Pro 2000 16x10x24 Expansion Bay CD-RW operates in so called “Bronze Keyboard” PowerBooks — the “Lombard” and “Pismo” era models running at clock speeds from 333MHz to 500MHz.
MCE Technologies president Arnold Ramirez noted that the ability to burn CDs at 16x represents double the speed of the current top-end PowerBook G4 model. “This further exemplifies the practicality and usefulness of those PowerBooks’ expansion bays in keeping the customer’s investment current,” he said.
The drives ship with Roxio Toast, for CD mastering. They are compatible with Mac OS 8.6 and higher, including Mac OS X. MCE noted that the drives are supported by Apple’s iTunes and Disc Burner software, as well. A carrying case is included, and no external power supply is necessary — everything fits snugly into your PowerBook G3’s expansion bay.
Each of the drives is available for US$399. Visit MCE’s Web site for further details.