All of these products have been discontinued. In
most cases, the original pages are no longer on company websites. We
have updated these links to point to copies available in the Internet Archive.
In some respects, I think the PowerBook G3 2000 FireWire (a.k.a.
Pismo) represents the high water mark in Apple portables. Pismos
are just plain nice pieces of machinery. I have one, and overall it is
my favorite Mac among the many that I've owned. Pismos also offer a
number of features that TiBook and AlBooks don't, including greater
ruggedness, a removable device expansion bay, and two FireWire
ports.
Another reason for the Pismo's enduring popularity is the fact that
it, unlike the iBooks and metal PowerBooks, can be processor upgraded.
I've expressed skepticism about the
economics of processor upgrades in this space in the past, but I
will make at least one notable exception in the case of the G3
PowerBooks, which are superb machines that deserve to have their useful
life span extended.
Several Pismo CPU upgrades are available, letting users choose
between G3 and G4 processors. Aside from price and choice of vendor,
the decision boils down to which will suit your needs best - a G4 with
AltiVec support or a faster clock speed G3. Depending upon your style
of computing and the use you put your Pismo to, the "correct" answer
could be either.
But is a G4 or a high-speed G3 better for your needs? Some points to
consider:
Are the applications that you use most often AltiVec-enabled (Such
as Adobe Photoshop) or make heavy use of FPU computation, or do you do
a lot of work with video? If so, you will benefit from a G4
upgrade.
Although even a super-fast G3 chip probably won't speed up
AltiVec-enabled applications as much as a G4 would, it will definitely
speed up everything you do on your computer, perhaps more than a lower
clock speed G4 would.
If you don't plan to use many AltiVec-enabled applications, a faster
G3 may be a better choice. If you do a lot of graphics work, video
work, or want to run Mac OS X, then you'll find more satisfaction
and speed with a slower G4 - AltiVec functions can run up to 7 times
faster on a G4 than a G3.
Apple no longer markets any G3 computers, and it can be anticipated
that while OS X support for G3s will be continued for several
years, developers will likely increasingly make G4 power a minimum
system specification.
Daystar suggests that use of OS X may be a deciding factor in favor
of a G4 solution over a G3. OS X incorporates some AltiVec
optimization, and since the Pismo PowerBook has only 8 MB of
non-upgradable video RAM, it does not support OS X's Quartz Extreme,
which shifts some of the Finder processing overhead onto the video
memory and requires a minimum of 16 MB of VRAM.
While G3 machines that do support Quartz Extreme offer pretty peppy
Finder performance, the Pismo may benefit enough in this department
from a G4's AltiVec support to make that a deciding factor. On the
other hand, most OS X applications are not AltiVec optimized, and
if application performance in non-AltiVec (most) programs - rather than
Finder response - is a bigger priority for you, then a 900 MHz G3 is
likely going to smoke a 550 MHz G4, and PowerLogix (see
below) claims that its 900 MHz G3 upgrade outperforms a 500 MHz G4
even in AltiVec optimized functions.
Personally, I have opted for the 550 MHz Daystar MAChSpeed Pismo
upgrade, and I'm delighted with the result. It's faster across the
board, and I've encountered no compatibility or other bugs or glitches
in nearly three weeks of use. The computer works and feels no
differently than it did stock except that everything is speeded up.
Pismo G4 Upgrades
Daystar MAChSpeed G4 Pismo
Daystar Technology's new XLR8 MAChSpeed G4 Pismo
500-550 MHz G4 upgrades for the Pismo combine technologies from Daystar
and processor upgrade specialists XLR8. This upgrade provides the
industry's fastest G4 clock speed performance available for the last
generation of black PowerBooks and also features a low-power design
that Daystar claims extends battery life and runs cooler than
competitive offerings.
The MAChSpeed G4 Pismo is installed and tested by Daystar in a 24
hour turnaround program. Daystar also offers a "weekender" installation
program, providing 12 hour turnaround. The weekender program allows
users to achieve minimal workweek downtime by sending their PowerBook
in on Thursday evening and receiving the upgraded system back on
Monday.
"We've worked hard to create an upgrade/program that provides a
competitive reason for people to upgrade, rather than 'buy new'," says
Daystar president Gary Dailey. "With a PowerBook G5 rumored for late
this year or early next, the MAChSpeed G4 Pismo, allows a user to get
Mac OS X G4 performance today, then wait for Apple's next
generation, once it is proven."
Due to the sensitivity of the electronics within the PowerBook G3
and the need for low-power tuning, Daystar insists on handling the
MAChSpeed G4 Pismo as a factory installation, completing all upgrading
and testing at its own facility.
XLR8 uses a low power G4 7410 LE Motorola PowerPC CPU, as well as
low-power cache components and electronics, extending battery life up
to 20%. Daystar claims that his also reduces CPU operating temperatures
under the stock higher-power consuming IBM G3 while producing increased
processing power over any G3, even ones with higher clock speeds. In my
experience with a Daystar 550 MHz upgrade in my own Pismo, I've found
that the PowerBook runs both cooler and hotter than it did with the 500
MHz G3 depending upon what tasks are being performed.
The Pismo has a slower system bus (100 MHz) than today's PowerBook
G4s, but Daystar notes that while any processor will perform better on
a system with a faster bus, the fast backside L2 cache present on the
MAChSpeed G4 Pismo minimizes the importance of system bus speed. The
cache provides over 75% percent of the performance for the G4 CPU,
while the bus accounts for less than 10%. Thus substantial benefit of a
processor upgrade can be achieved even with a relatively slower
bus.
Specifications
- System Requirements: PowerBook G3 FireWire (Pismo). Model: M-7572
(original CPU at 400 or 500 G3 with native FireWire Ports).
- Software Compatibility: Apple Mac OS 9.x or greater, including Mac
OS X.
- Includes MAChSpeed Control for OS 9 & OS X.
- MAChSpeed CPU: Low-power PowerPC 7410 (G4) running at CPU rated
base speeds of 500 MHz and 550 MHz. Delivers full performance, longer
battery life than most PowerBook G4s.
- MAChSpeed Backside Cache: Fast, 1 MB backside at 250 and 275
MHz.
- XLR8 Point&Scroll Mouse: Includes the fast USB 2-button,
scrolling mouse for faster navigation and easier control in Mac
OS 9 and OS X.
- 100% AltiVec Compatibility
- MVP: XLR8's Multiple Variable Processing technology uses software
to customize cache speed for maximum system performance - up to 15%
faster than competitive offerings
- Auto Profiling & Protection Technology: Automated compatibility
and performance software that provides full cache and CPU profiling for
additional combined CPU and cache speed - without the risk.
MAChSpeed G4 Pismo standard pricing includes all unit 2-day
shipping, CPU upgrade installation, testing, MAChSpeed Control
OS 9 & OS X installation, and XLR8 Point&Scroll mouse
for $289.
24 Hours w/ 250 MHz Cache 550 MAChSpeed G4 Pismo, $329
MAChSpeed G4 Pismo weekender pricing (In on Friday, back on Monday)
Includes all unit overnight shipping, CPU upgrade installation,
testing, MAChSpeed Control OS 9 & OS X installation, and
XLR8 Point&Scroll mouse, $369
FastMac PowerBook 'Pismo' (FireWire) G4 Upgrade
Another 500/550 MHz G4 Pismo upgrade is available from Salinas,
California, based FastMac,
who have done over 2,000 Pismo CPU upgrades.
In this case, all you have to do is send in your old working
processor board to FastMac, and they'll do the rest, installing a new
processor and new, faster backside cache. Using your original board not
only saves money but also eliminates third party software issues some
other "replacement" upgrades can have. FastMac rigorously tests your
upgraded board to make sure it's delivering the best performance
possible.
FastMac says that for some operations you'll see speeds double, even
triple, that of your original processor. Screen redraws will be faster.
Scrolling will be quicker, more responsive. Overall performance will
increase. Programs that used to get bogged down will fly.
FastMac has been creating and selling upgrade products for a variety
of Macintosh computers since 1998
Claimed advantages of the FastMac upgrades:
- You do not have to send in your entire computer, reducing shipping
costs and eliminating any concern about your personal information and
data security.
- Zero downtime. If you can't go without your "baby" for more than 24
hours, FastMac will ship an upgraded CPU to you. You install it
yourself at your convenience and then send the original back to
them.
- Lower cost. The FastMac G4/500 is $239.95, and the G4/550 is
$289.95
- The FastMac 550 is a 533 MHz G4 7410 Chip running at 550 MHz, not a
500 up-clocked to 550.
FastMac upgrade specs:
- Motorola 500 MHz G4 7410 or Motorola 533 MHz G4 7410 running at 550
MHz
- Upgraded 1 MB Backside Cache
- AltiVec Velocity Engine
- Min. System: Mac OS 9.1
- Supports Mac OS X
There is a 1 year limited warranty and a 30-day no questions asked
money back guarantee.
Turnaround time is 8 to 10 days (excluding shipping) from the time
FastMac receives your CPU to the time they ship it back. There is also
a FastBack Service for an extra $29.95 with a guaranteed 5-day
turnaround (excluding shipping).
Prices for the FastMac PowerBook 'Pismo' (FireWire)
- G4/500 Upgrade: $239.95
- G4/550 Upgrade: $289.95
PowerLogix BlueChip G4 'Pismo'
PowerLogix offers the Blue Chip
G4 Pismo for the PowerBook G3 FireWire laptop, providing the
processing power of the PowerPC 7410 G4 chip. PowerLogix claims that
tests show the BlueChip G4 Pismo 500 gives the same processor
performance as a titanium
PowerBook G4/667.
As with the Daystar product, you must send your PowerBook in for
upgrading.
BlueChip G4 500 "Pismo" sells for $259 (domestic USA; international
pricing higher depending on shipping costs)
Newer Technology NuPower G4 Upgrades
Newer Technology,
through its exclusive distributor Other World Computing, also
offers G4 processor upgrades for the Pismo.
The Newer Technology NuPower Pismo G4/500 MHz processor upgrade
converts your PowerBook G3 FireWire 400 or 500 MHz to a G4/500 MHz.
Key Features:
- Motorola 500 MHz PowerPC G4 7410 Processor
- 1 MB level 2 Backside Cache running at 2:1 (250 MHz)
- Velocity Engine (AltiVec) support
- Compatible with up to 1 GB of memory
- Supports Mac OS 9.1 and higher, including Mac OS X
- 2 year warranty
The NuPower G4 Pismo is fully compatible with all of your existing
peripherals and other components.
The NuPower G4/500 MHz upgrade is performed on your own system by
technicians at Newer Systems Technology, Inc. Upon purchase of this
product, Other World Computing will ship a padded container to your
address with detailed instructions on how to dispatch your system for
upgrade.
Your PowerBook G3 Pismo must be in complete working condition with a
fully charged battery to participate in this upgrade. You will only be
shipping your PowerBook for this upgrade, including its CD/DVD drive
and a charged battery.
The padded shipping container is prepaid for the outbound service
from you using Airborne Express service. Your upgraded PowerBook will
be returned to you within 10 to 12 business days using the same
shipping method.
At this time, this upgrade is only available online for US domestic
customers. If you are outside of the USA and would like to purchase
this upgrade, please contact one of OWC's sales team by email and they
would be glad to quote the additional shipping costs for you.
The NuPower G4 Pismo upgrade sells for $289.
Pismo G3 Upgrades
PowerLogix BlueChip G3 'Pismo'
PowerLogix is currently the only manufacturer of PowerPC G3 750FX
processor upgrades for the PowerBook G3 Pismo.
The Blue Chip
G3 Pismo for PowerBook G3 FireWire laptops provides the
processing power of the PowerPC 750FX G3 chip to give your Pismo a
performance boost for less than the cost of a new PowerBook G4.
PowerLogix tests show the BlueChip G3 Pismo 900 outperforms their G4
500 MHz even in applications that use AltiVec. Add the advantage of "on
the fly" CPU speed reduction to save battery life, and PowerLogix says
it's no wonder they are selling the G3/900 by a margin of 4:1 over
their G4/500 CPU upgrade.
The BlueChip G3 Pismo is a service that PowerLogix provides which
upgrades your G3/400 or G3/500 to a G3/900. This involves sending your
processor card to them, where your CPU is swapped. PowerLogix supplies
a shipping container and pays for inbound and outbound freight (USA and
Canada only; international freight is additional.)
You must have a working CPU module in machine prior to ordering. If
your current processor card is experiencing cache issues, the G3 900
MHz may solve your problems, as the original cache circuit on the CPU
card is no longer used with the 750FX CPU; instead, the on-chip L2 is
used.
Turnaround from the day PowerLogix receives your CPU card is about 5
business days. Note: This process will technically void any AppleCare
warranty. In the case of warranty service, PowerLogix warrants the
processor card. Apple service techs are trained to do module exchanges,
not chip swaps; in practice AppleCare warranty service other than the
processor card should not be affected, but PowerLogix cannot guarantee
this.
Specifications: Processor: PowerPC 750FX @ 900 MHz, 512k of on-chip
L2 cache running at 1:1
BlueChip G3 900 "Pismo" sells for $349 (domestic USA; international
pricing higher depending on shipping costs)
WallStreet G3 Upgrades
There are also processor upgrades available for the PowerBook G3
Series (a.k.a. WallStreet).
Current WallStreet processor upgrade choices include:
Sonnet Crescendo/WS G3 and G4 Upgrades
The Crescendo/WS
is compatible with your existing hardware, software, RAM, and
peripherals. The Crescendo/WS integrates with your system software,
supporting Mac OS 8.1 (G4 requires Mac OS 8.6) through OS X (10.1
and higher).
Features:
- 500 MHz PowerPC G3 or G4 processor
- AltiVec-enabled (G4 only)
- 1 MB level 2 backside cache
- Supports from 32 to 512 MB RAM
- Only G4 upgrade that fully supports sleep mode under Mac OS 9.x and
earlier
- Installs without reformatting or repartitioning of hard drive
- 100% compatible with existing hardware and software
- Installs in minutes with Sonnet's "Simply Fast" instructions
- Supports Mac OS 8.1 through the latest version of OS X (G4 requires
Mac OS 8.6)
Price:
- Crescendo/WS G3-500-1M, $299.95
- Crescendo/WS G4-500-1M, $399.95
Allegro 500 G3 Upgrade for Wallstreet
Allegro's
distributor, Wegener Media, notes:
"Why not G4? Good question. But think about it. The only real
advantage of G4 is the AltiVec processor, which is rarely utilized
except for video processing. And the Wallstreet is really not set up
for video processing anyway, so if you were going to do video,
you'd save that extra $150 and get a Pismo. So, our opinion is, get the
Allegro, save your pennies, and get on with life!
"The bottom line is, will this thing function? The answer is yes! We
have been able to reduce processor heat by nearly 50% cooler
than even the G3 PowerBook Pismo! Our processor operates at a balmy
55°C (that's 131°F for you Americans!). And cool is good - this
means great reliability for your processor and excellent performance
for you!
Purchase requires return of your original Wallstreet card. A $60
core charge will be refunded upon receipt of your old card. Wegener
Media has two models; both models have 1 MB backside cache, but they
are programmed for different logic boards:
Features:
- 500 MHz G3 processor
- 1 MB L2 backside cache @ 250 MHz
- Claimed to be 50% cooler than other upgrade kits
- 100% OS X/Jaguar compatible
- 100% OS 9 compatible
- No ROM upgrade necessary
- No software installation
- Supports from 32 to 512 MB
- Good for Mac OS 8.1-OS X (Jaguar)
The Allegro has a one year warranty.
