The same day that competitor PowerLogix announced its own similar upgrade, Newer Systems Technology announced the NuPowr G4 Pismo upgrade, a new processor upgrade designed for FireWire-equipped PowerBook G3s. The new upgrade is available immediately from Newer’s exclusive distributor, Other World Computing (OWC).
Newer Systems president Rick Estes said that the new upgrade may “save PowerBook G3 users literally thousands of dollars” as they can now upgrade to the G4 without having to buy a new PowerBook.
The upgrade enables PowerBook G3 400MHz and 500MHz systems to have their original G3 processor replaced with a Motorola PowerPC G4 7410 processor operating at 500MHz instead. G4 processors feature AltiVec registers — also known as Velocity Engine — and other enhancements to boost performance.
PowerBook G3 owners will need to send their laptop to NewerTech’s facilities in Wichita, Ks. The company will test the PowerBook prior to and after the installation is done to make sure it’s working. The company said that it’ll get back the systems within two weeks of receipt, and covers FedEx 2nd Day Air return freight as well.
The G4 Pismo upgrade is priced at US$299.95. That price includes a shipping container and delivery costs. This upgrade is only available to US domestic customers, according to OWC.
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