[Warp9]

I've a G3 500mhz iMac with 20BG hard drive, 640 RAM and a CD-ROM drive. I connected an external LaCie CD-R/CD-RW drive via firewire about a year ago. Recently I've been considering swapping the external LaCie drive for an external DVD/CD drive. And I intend to upgrade the RAM to 1GB. However, my questions:

I understand that MCE makes a slot-load ComboDrive CD-RW/DVD-ROM for the G3 iMac. My local dealer has it in stock for a very reasonable price. Is it really advisable to do such an internal drive swap, and assuming so how involved is it, how long should it take to do?

Also, how involved is it to upgrade my hard drive from the present 20GB to 80GB or 120GB?

I'm basically looking at alternatives to trading in for a new top-of-the-line machine since I really like my G3 and it has been giving me exceptional service.

Thanks.

[Captain Obvious]

Its not hard at all. It takes a handful of screws after taking off the bottom plastic.

But two things. I don't think this really qualifies as a mod as much as straightforward upgrades. And second, I assume the online price of the combo drive is what you are planning to spend. Given that $200 on top of a hard drive cost which is about $80 you are better off selling the iMac and getting a Mimi. You end up spending about the same amount.

[Warp9]

I looked at the Mac Mini, but it would mean having to get another monior to hook up to it because it seems I cannot use my iMac as a monitor for the mini. Bummer.

[powertrippin]

Originally Posted by Captain Obvious

Its not hard at all. It takes a handful of screws after taking off the bottom plastic.

But two things. I don't think this really qualifies as a mod as much as straightforward upgrades.

I agree. Maybe they should move this thread like they moved my LED speaker thread?

[Captain Obvious]

Originally Posted by Warp9

I looked at the Mac Mini, but it would mean having to get another monior to hook up to it because it seems I cannot use my iMac as a monitor for the mini. Bummer.

No kidding. The CRT inside the iMac is hard wired so the signal comes from the built in video card.

Your reasoning for not getting a Mini is pretty weak. The cost of the iMac upgrades versus the Mini is more than comparable and if you factor in the value of a warranty that comes with the Mini it puts it ahead.
Since you are pretty close to Toronto just go on Craigslist and pick up a used CRT for fifty bucks ($50 Canadian at that) - everyone and their grandmother is getting LCDs so the CRTs are going cheap these days.

[Waragainstsleep]

Take the CD burner out of its enclosure, and swap it for a DVR-109 or 110. These are cheap as chips these days. Don't buy it from MCE or any other mac retailer except perhaps OWC. You're better off buying a PC drive, it'll be cheaper. And Patchburn is all you should need to get it going...

[powertrippin]

FYI, you can't use iDVD unless you have a G4.

[Warp9]

I understood that using something like Video Media Player (if I recallthe name correctly) would allow you to play DVD.

[powertrippin]

eh... seriously, just get a mini. It isn't really worth it.