For Part 2 of this article, see Article 88021: "PowerBook G3 Series: Video, Graphics, And Sound FAQ, Part 2"
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 24611: "PowerBook G3 Series: Features, Configurations, Performance FAQ"
Article 24612: "PowerBook G3 Series: Memory FAQ"
Article 24613: "PowerBook G3 Series: Design Elements FAQ"
Article 24615: "PowerBook G3 Series: DVD, CD-ROM, and Hard Drive FAQ"
Article 24616: "PowerBook G3 Series: Communications FAQ"
Question 1: How does the S-video port work on a PowerBook G3 Series computer?
Answer: Simply plug the PowerBook into an S-video cable that attaches to your TV. If you don't have direct S-video support on your TV, you can use the S-video-to-composite cable that came with the PowerBook. Once both systems are on, you can choose the NTSC or PAL resolutions from the resolution panel in the control strip.
The 12.1-inch TFT display configuration now has an S-video port, but the 12.1-inch STN display configuration does not. Also, for optimum video quality on an 800 x 600 resolution display on a system with 2 MB of VRAM, the bit depth should be set to thousands of colors.
Question 2: Who makes the video controller on a PowerBook G3 Series computer?
Answer: The new 14-inch PowerBook G3 uses the ATI RAGE LT Pro video controller for 2D/3D graphics acceleration. This is the mobile version of the same controller used in our desktop line.
Question 3: Is the SGRAM (or video RAM) upgradeable on a PowerBook G3 Series computer?
Answer: No, the SGRAM is soldered onto the logic board, not socketed. The 12.1-inch STN configurations have 2MB of SGRAM, and the 14.1-inch TFT systems have 4MB of SGRAM.
Question 4: What resolution can you use on screen with a PowerBook G3 Series computer?
Answer: The table below lists the possibilities.
| 233/no cache, 250, or 292 | Will support scaling 640 x 480 but the standard is still 800 x 600 so you can only simulscan at 800 x 600. | You can use 800 x 600 pixel resolution up to thousands of colors. | Displays at 1,024 x 768 pixel resolution up to a palette of millions of colors. |
| 233 w/cache, 266, or 300 | Will support scaling 640 x 480 but the standard is still 800 x 600 so you can only simulscan at 800 x 600. | Options for scaled resolutions of the internal display are 640 x 480 and 800 x 600. Although it can support these resolutions on the internal display, the simulscan option is available only at the standard resolution of 800 x 600. | Options for scaled resolutions of the internal display are 640 x 480 and 800 x 600. Although it can support these resolutions on the internal display, the simulscan option is available only at the standard resolution of 1024 x 768. |
Question 5: What resolution can you use on an external monitor with a PowerBook G3 Series computer?
Answer: Depending on the monitor and the amount of SGRAM (video memory), you can use all the way up to 1,280- x 1,024-pixel resolution in thousands of colors or 1152 x 870 in millions o f colors on a 20-inch monitor with 4MB of SGRAM. For the image to appear on both the internal display and the external display at the same time, the PowerBook needs to be set at its simulscan resolution--1,024 x 768 pixels for 14-inch PowerBook G3 systems, and 800 x 600 pixels for 12-inch STN PowerBook G3 systems.
Question 6: Can you use a projection device with a PowerBook G3 Series computer?
Answer: Yes, you can attach a projection device to the new PowerBook G3 computers through the video output port on the back plane.
Question 7: Can you use multiple-monitor mode with a PowerBook G3 Series computer?
Answer: You can use multiple-monitor or extended-desktop mode with a Road Rocket CardBus card from IXMICRO. This card can be connected to an external monitor or projection device.
Note: Macintosh PowerBook G3 Series computers should not be confused with Macintosh PowerBook G3 computers. Though the names are similar, there are significant differences. For more information differentiating between the computers, read article 24604: "PowerBook G3, G3 Series: Identifying Different Versions"