i have a new dual g4 450 and need to add a cd-rw drive. i considered firewire, but was wondering if it is possible to add a cd-rw internally, in the free space below the dvd. i've installed internal scsi drives before, but i don't know much about the ata bus in this machine. also, is it possible to get a second graphite front plate like the one on the dvd, from apple or anyone else?

thanks
alx

[Paul S]

It won't be possible to add a CD-RW drive internally to that machine. The way Apple designed the enclosure, there is only room for a 3.5 inch device in the bottom bay. The faceplate is big enough for a 5.25 inch device like a CD, but the internal area won't support it. There is no way to modify this either because the heat sink takes up this space when the unit is closed. Your best bet is to go external. If you do, go for FireWire instead of USB. USB is very slow and won't allow you to burn reliably faster then 2X.

thanks alot for the info. i guess i'll look into an external firewire drive.

alx

[Evangellydonut]

may I recommend the external Yamaha 8/8/24 CDRW soon to be released if you don't have too much of a budget problem.

[Cipher13]

I second that. Its available in SCSI and FireWire.

Cipher13

is it yamaha that is actually going to sell the drive, or is it a yamaha mechanism inside someone else's case. if it is the latter, who will be selling it?

thanks
alx

[Evangellydonut]

It will be Yamaha brand. Don't know what their Firewire casing looks like, but do know that they are extremely reliable.