G4 / G3 CD ROM drive removal

[avidras]

I just inherited a G4 and a G3 and want to upgrade the CD ROM units to DVD burners. For the life of me I can't figure out how to remove the old units. Anybody out there know the secret or can point me to a resource on the web? I tried searching but came up empty.

Also, can I use a standard IDE unit or does it specifically have to be for a mac?

Thanks man

[Buzz]

Its actually pretty easy.

There are two small clips on the right side holding the front faceplate in place. From the inside of the Mac, using a flathead screwdriver, carefully push both clips away from you and one side of the faceplate should pop out. Remove the plate. There are two small screws on the front of the drive. Remove those screws. Unplug the power and IDE cable then slide the drive out of the front of the Mac. Reverse the processes for installation.

It doesn't have to be a Mac-specific IDE drive for installation. Any IDE drive should work. However, only some IDE drives are supported by "Apple Burning." That means not all IDE burners will allow you to burn from iTunes or the Finder. Roxio's Toast will use just about any drive to burn.

Apple has continually added support for more drives with each OS update so it's difficult to tell you exactly what drives won't allow Apple Burning. You'll need to search Apple's site for that information. Chances are unless it's a DL DVD burner it'll be supported. And even then many DL DVD burners are supported by the latest OS.