SuperDrive upgrade for older TiBooks

[macphoria]

I just learned that MCE Tech (www.mcetech.com) will be offering SuperDrive upgrade for older TiBooks. What is interesting is that their SuperDrive will be offering x2 speed DVD-R burning, while current Apple PowerBooks are only capable of only x1.

Makes me wonder if Apple deliberately lowered the setting on the SuperDrive which is actually capable of faster burning. I do remember hearing a rumor about that, relating to how 17inch PowerBook's original spec suggested x2 DVD-R burning speed that was later changed to x1.

Another thing I wonder is how Apple would feel about this. For one thing, this upgrade will be faster than Apple's. Second issue is that this upgrade is supposed to be iDVD compatible. Apple made a big deal about some plug-in while back that allowed iDVD to work with external DVD-R drive, which wasn't supposed to happen. Apple eventually forced the site to stop distributing the plug-in. They probably did this in order to have people by brand new Mac with SuperDrive if they wanted to use iDVD. So how would Apple react to this SuperDrive upgrade?

 

[Over Achiever]

I e-mailed them (MCE) previously. This was their reply:

Date: Sat, 18 Jan 2003 11:51:21 -0600
> To: <info@mcetech.com>
> Subject: Powerbook Superdrive Upgrade Firmware?
>
> Hi,
>
> I have visited your site, and I see that you will be upgrading optical
> drives for powerbooks to superdrives. However, I also note that they are
> burning at speeds that are faster than the current superdrives that Apple is
> offering, and I assume that these are the Panasonic UJ-815 Drive. How do
> you get these speeds? Is it the firmware? If so, is it possible for you to
> release the firmware so that other powerbook owners like myself can be able
> to use the superdrive to its full potential?

Unfortunately we have no firmware upgrade to make the unit burn faster. In
prelim tests we were getting 2X burn speeds but at this time the specs are
subject to change. We apologize for ambiguous answer.

--
Best Regards

Kevin Yuhas
MCE Technologies, LLC
http://www.powerbook1.com
http://www.mcetech.com

PH# 949-458-0800
Fax# 949-458-1803

30 Hughes, Ste 203
Irvine, CA 92618

 

[FelixDerKater]

Apple has often done such things in the past. The would sell underclocked systems at one point and then later sell the full speed systems a bit laters as an "upgrade".

 

[peteMG]

OMG, how long have I been wanting this.. Sweet. It's not a cheap engagement, though.. with external DVD burners just about to break the $200 barrier and me with an extra firewire case, it's tough to justify the extra $300. I suppose the clincher will be if Apple starts to produce a version of, or patch for, iDVD that lets it work with external burners. I was hoping that something of that sort would be included in iLife, but not yet.

I think that besides a DVD burner, the only other major investment i'll be making for my tibook (800) will be applecare sometime in march, while it's still under warranty. It's taken quite a beating over the past year.. paint chips, keyboard prints on the screen, etc... and if i'm lucky, perhaps i'll be able to squeeze a new top case out of them.