PowerBook G3 Series: Features, Configurations, Performance FAQ

This article contains frequently asked questions (FAQ) regarding PowerBook G3 Series features, configurations, and performance, with answers to those questions. Note that they pertain to the PowerBook G3 Series models that were released in September, 1998.

See also the following Frequently Asked Questions articles pertaining to the September 1998 models of the PowerBook G3 Series computer:

Article 24608: "PowerBook G3 Series: General FAQ"
Article 24610: "PowerBook G3 Series: Battery FAQ"
Article 24612: "PowerBook G3 Series: Memory FAQ"
Article 24613: "PowerBook G3 Series: Design Elements FAQ"
Article 24614: "PowerBook G3 Series: Video, Graphics, And Sound FAQ"
Article 24615: "PowerBook G3 Series: DVD, CD-ROM, and Hard Drive FAQ"
Article 24616: "PowerBook G3 Series: Communications FAQ"

Questions answered in this article:
  1. Why don't the 800x600 and 640x480 pixel resolutions look as sharp as the 1024x768 native resolution on my PowerBook G3?
  2. Can I add the resolution scaling capability to the PowerBook I already own?

Question 1: Why don't the 800x600 and 640x480 pixel resolutions look as sharp as the 1024x768 native resolution on my PowerBook G3?

Answer: Traditionally notebooks have been limited to one resolution because LCD displays are digital in design and have a fixed number of pixels-the native resolution (e.g. 1024x768). You can now increase the size of, or zoom, the images on your PowerBook computer's built-in 14-inch display by switching from the native 1024x768 resolution to a scaled resolution--either 800x600 or 640x480. The new larger image is remapped into the fixed pixel space of LCD display. This remapped image is optimized by interpolation and anti-aliasing technology. Because they are being remapped, the scaled resolutions will not appear as sharp as the native resolution.

Question 2: Can I add the resolution scaling capability to the PowerBook I already own?

Answer: No. The resolution scaling feature is enabled by a combination of software and hardware provided with the new PowerBook G3 Series.

Published Date: Feb 20, 2012