[Daniel Bayer]

Hello,

I have been a powerbook user for 4 years now. Started with the Ti-400 and now have the rev-b 17 1.33.

The reasons for this is that I have been a power user and the PB line has been my only computer.

I am looking to "build" a second computer for the road and harsh travel in a 12 inch iBook. It will run it's standard battery and or a Lind Max Power 60 Lithium Ion. This will be charged by a solar unit at times. Speed is not the first consideration of this project.

The overall body of the iBook will be finished in dark grey or green for low visibility. The computer will be gutted somewhat to allow for custom weather proofing. I am looking to build the "Road Warrior" for long expedition stuff. I have seen some of the built in to the case options offered and find them to be not very well thought out in terms of practicality and kind of expensive. Not to mention they are all PC's.

I am very competent at electro-mechanical work and should be able to pull this off pretty easy (Hope).

I am looking at three options:

1. Spend a few bucks extra and get a new 1GZ 12 inch G4.
2. Spend about $600-800 on a loaded 700-800 MHZ iBook on Ebay.
3. Spend about $400-500 on a solid 500-700MHZ G3 and build it up component wise.

I am needing links to hard drive swaps, anyone who has taken one apart and knows the guts of it.
What are some of the pitfalls of this model (12 inch).

What I don't need is any questions as to why I am building this and why an iBook not a powerbook. All the decisions have been made and now I just need some background on the machine and it's workings. What is it like to work on? I have done a fair amount of work on both a ti and a 17 Al book and I am hoping this one is easy too.

If you know of any after market goodies for it that are of the expedition variety such as a bomber keyboard cover or the like, by all means, let me know.

Thanks in advance,

Dan

[Nerozwei]

An interesting project...

The down side of (some) iBook G3s is the dreaded logic board problem. My suggestion is to get an iBook (min. 700MHz, 384MB, QE for OS X) that is covered by the replacement program. Then try to get Apple to swap the logic board, just to be sure it does not give up on you on the road. Oh yeah, also remember that the G3 iBooks have tray loading optical drives that could break up easier than a slot loading (the G4s).

For a tutorial on opening the Dual USB, check this site. As for exterior improvements... In my opinion the casing is pretty well fit. I suppose it could not hurt to improve the seal with silicon paste between the edges of the top and bottom case if you're taking the machine apart anyway. One thing that are still unprotected: the connectors on the left (ethernet, firewire, etc.). I'm not sure if anyone makes covers for those... Finally some information on painting the case.

Good luck and report back