PowerBook: Proper Method for Exchanging Expansion Bay Modules

In all PowerBook models that have expansion bay capability, you need to first unmount and remove any media inserted into the expansion bay module. Failure to do so could cause loss of data. You should not remove the expansion bay module while the in-use light for the device is on or flashing.

So for example, with a floppy module you would need to quit all applications and close all files that are located on the floppy disk. Then eject the floppy disk and then proceed with removing the expansion module.

PowerBook 5300 series and 190 series

Apple suggests that the computer be turned off before removing an expansion bay module, although no damage should occur if the computer is asleep and the module follows Apple specification guidelines.

PowerBook 1400 series
Modules can be switched or removed while the PowerBook is turned off or in sleep mode.

Note: The PowerBook 1400 expansion bay modules are not interchangeable with other PowerBook computers.

PowerBook 3400 series
Modules can be switched or removed while the PowerBook is turned on, in sleep, or shut down. Do not switch modules while the computer is starting up, this could cause lost of data and may have unexpected results.

PowerBook G3

Modules can be switched or removed while the PowerBook is turned on, asleep, or shut down. Do not switch modules while the computer is starting up; this could cause loss of data and may have unexpected results.

PowerBook G3 Series

Storage devices for the expansion bays are hot-swappable. There is no need to turn the system off or put it into sleep mode to exchange storage devices such as CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, Zip, or floppy disk drives. However, you must unmount any media from the storage device before commencing a hot swap.

PowerBook G3 Series (Bronze keyboard)

Storage devices for the expansion bays are hot-swappable. There is no need to turn the system off or put it into sleep mode to exchange storage devices such as CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, Zip, or floppy disk drives. However, you must unmount any media from the storage device before commencing a hot swap.

PowerBook G3 Series expansion bay devices are not compatible with the PowerBook G3 Series (Bronze keyboard) as the expansion bay has a different height specification.

PowerBook (FireWire)

Storage devices for the expansion bays are hot-swappable. There is no need to turn the system off or put it into sleep mode to exchange storage devices such as CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, Zip, or floppy disk drives. However, you must unmount any media from the storage device before commencing a hot swap.

Some PowerBook G3 Series (Bronze keyboard) expansion bay modules may not be compatible with the PowerBook (FireWire) although they may physically fit. Check with the vendor of the device for compatibility.

Non-Apple Expansion Modules

For third-party, non-Apple branded, expansion modules check with the vendor of the module to see if any special precautions should be followed.

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"