[superblue]

If I were to buy a new base model 800MHz iBook, could I swap the CD-ROM drive from it with the CD-RW/DVD-ROM from my current 500MHz iBook? And would the 256MB RAM from my 500 work fine over in the 800?

I don't have a great deal of cash spare at the moment, but if I were able to do that, then sell the 500... might be a means to an end!

[SupahCoolX]

I'm unsure about the drive, but you'll need new RAM.
The 500 Mhz iBooks had a 66Mhz bus, and 600+Mhz iBooks have a 100Mhz bus which requires faster RAM.
That said, check www.dealram.com or www.ramseeker.com for the best RAM prices.

[ccsccs7]

Unless your current iBook has PC100 RAM, you'll have to get new RAM as SupahCoolX says. As for the drive, I'd say it's possible. The drive is made from a stock part, some folks were debating about the DVD-R drive taht would be compatible. It would take a bit of work, and unless you have a bit of technical know-how, it might be best left to someone with some experience. It would be a shame to have a broken drive and/or iBook.

I have no first hand knowledge of this taking place so...your mileage may vary.

[superblue]

I see. Thanks for the advice - I think it would be wise for me to wait and save for an update that'll give me more than just speed in that case. Hopefully next time we'll see Airport Extreme and Bluetooth and who knows what else...