Macintosh PowerBook
User’s Manual
Includes setup, expansion, 
and important health-related information for 
Macintosh PowerBook G3 Series computers
K Apple Computer, Inc.
© 1998 Apple Computer, Inc. All rights reserved.
Under the copyright laws, this manual may not be copied, in whole or in part, without the written consent of Apple.
The Apple logo is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Use of the 
“keyboard” Apple logo (Option-Shift-K) for commercial purposes without the prior written consent of Apple may 
constitute trademark infringement and unfair competition in violation of federal and state laws.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this manual is accurate. Apple is not responsible for 
printing or clerical errors.
Apple Computer, Inc.
1 Infinite Loop
Cupertino, CA  95014-2084
408-996-1010
http://www.apple.com
Apple, the Apple logo, AppleTalk, LaserWriter, LocalTalk, Mac, Macintosh, PlainTalk, PowerBook, and StyleWriter are 
trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
Other company and product names mentioned herein are trademarks of their respective companies. Mention of 
third-party products is for informational purposes only and constitutes neither an endorsement nor a 
recommendation. Apple assumes no responsibility with regard to the performance or use of these products.
Simultaneously published in the United States and Canada.
Contents
Communications Regulation Information  7
Laser Information  11
High-Risk Activities Warning  11
1 Setting Up    13
Becoming Familiar With Your Macintosh PowerBook 13
Hardware at a Glance  13
Your Computer’s Components and Controls  14
Your Computer’s Ports and Connectors  16
Setting Up the Computer  18
Your PowerBook Battery 18
Plugging In the Computer  20
Opening the Display  21
Turning the Computer On  22
Problems Turning the Computer On?  23
Adjusting the Internal Display  24
Adjusting the Resolution of the Internal Display  24
Moving Items on the Screen  25
Tips for Using the Trackpad 25
Putting the Computer to Sleep  26
Problems Working With Computer Programs or the Mac OS  27
Turning the Computer Off  28
What’s Next  28
3
2 Using Your PowerBook and Connecting to a Network    29
Using the Expansion Bays  30
Using Expansion Bay Modules  30
Removing an Expansion Bay Module  31
Inserting an Expansion Bay Module  33
Using a Disc in the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM Drive  34
Ejecting a Disc  36
Power Sources  37
AC Power 37
Main Battery
Optional Second Battery 37
37
38
Recharging the Battery
Monitoring the Battery Charge
Using the Battery Level Indicator Lights  39
Responding to Low-Power Messages  39
38
What You Should Do  39
What You Should Know  39
Maximizing Work Time  40
Removing or Replacing the Battery 41
Using PC Cards  42
Inserting a PC Card  43
Ejecting a PC Card  44
If You Can’t Eject a Card  45
Using a Zoomed Video PC Card  45
Using a PC Card Modem  46
Using the Infrared File Transfer Capability  47
Connecting to a Local Area Network  48
Connecting to a LocalTalk Network  48
Connecting to a 10Base-T Ethernet Network  50
Configuring Your Network Connection  50
4
Contents
Using Your PowerBook’s Optional Internal Modem  51
Setting Up Your Modem’s Connections  51
Connecting the Telephone Line to the Modem  51
What Modems Do  53
Software for Your Modem  53
Choosing the Port Setting  54
Modem Tips and Troubleshooting 55
3 Connecting Additional Equipment    57
Connecting a Printer  58
Connecting an External Modem  58
Connecting SCSI Devices  59
Using Your Macintosh PowerBook as a Hard Disk  60
Connecting Your Computer as a Hard Disk  60
Quitting SCSI Disk Mode  62
Using an External Monitor  63
Connecting an External Monitor  64
Trouble With the External Monitor?  66
Disconnecting an External Monitor  66
Using an External Video Display or Recording Device  67
Connecting Video Equipment to Your PowerBook 68
Trouble With the External Video Device?  70
Disconnecting an External Video Device  70
Connecting and Using Sound Input Devices  71
Connecting Sound Output Devices  72
Locking Your Computer  72
Connecting a Mouse, Keyboard, or Other ADB Device  73
Connecting Other Devices  73
4 Installing a RAM Expansion Card and Removing Your Hard Disk    75
Getting Ready  75
Removing the Keyboard and Internal Heat Sink  75
Installing a RAM Expansion Card  79
Removing Your PowerBook Hard Disk Drive  81
Replacing the Keyboard and Internal Heat Sink  83
Contents
5
Appendix 
Health, Safety, and Maintenance Tips    85
Health-Related Information About Computer Use  85
Musculoskeletal Discomfort  85
Eye Fatigue 86
Arranging Your Work Area and Equipment  87
Chair 87
Keyboard and Trackpad 87
Mouse 88
Built-In Display  88
External Monitor  88
Avoiding Fatigue 88
What About Electromagnetic Emissions?  88
Important Care and Safety Instructions 89
Caution 90
Important 90
Caring for Batteries  91
Handling Floppy Disks  91
Handling CD and DVD Discs  92
Traveling With the Macintosh PowerBook 92
Airplanes and Airports  93
Handling Your Macintosh PowerBook 93
International Repair and Service 93
Storing the Macintosh PowerBook 93
Service and Support  94
Modem and Fax Safety  94
6
Contents
Communications Regulation Information
FCC Declaration of Conformity
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:  (1) This 
device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including 
interference that may cause undesired operation. See instructions if interference to radio or television reception 
is suspected.
Radio and Television Interference
The equipment described in this manual generates, uses, and can radiate radio-frequency energy. If it is not 
installed and used properly—that is, in strict accordance with Apple’s instructions—it may cause interference with 
radio and television reception. 
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device in accordance 
with the specifications in Part 15 of FCC rules. These specifications are designed to provide reasonable protection 
against such interference in a residential installation. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not 
occur in a particular installation. 
You can determine whether your computer system is causing interference by turning it off. If the interference
stops, it was probably caused by the computer or one of the peripheral devices. 
If your computer system does cause interference to radio or television reception, try to correct the interference
by using one or more of the following measures:
m Turn the television or radio antenna until the interference stops. 
m Move the computer to one side or the other of the television or radio.
m Move the computer farther away from the television or radio.
m Plug the computer into an outlet that is on a different circuit from the television or radio. (That is, make
certain the computer and the television or radio are on circuits controlled by different circuit breakers or 
fuses.)
If necessary, consult an Apple-authorized service provider or Apple. See the service and support information that 
came with your Apple product. Or, consult an experienced radio/television technician for additional suggestions. 
Important  Changes or modifications to this product not authorized by Apple Computer, Inc., could void the 
FCC Certification and negate your authority to operate the product.
This product was tested for FCC compliance under conditions that included the use of Apple peripheral devices 
and Apple shielded cables and connectors between system components. It is important that you use Apple 
peripheral devices and shielded cables and connectors between system components to reduce the possibility of 
causing interference to radios, television sets, and other electronic devices. You can obtain Apple peripheral 
devices and the proper shielded cables and connectors through an Apple-authorized dealer. For non-Apple 
peripheral devices, contact the manufacturer or dealer for assistance. 
Responsible party (contact for FCC matters only):  Robert Steinfeld, Apple Computer, Inc., 1 Infinite Loop,
Cupertino, CA 95014-2084, 408-974-2618.
Industry Canada Statement
This Class B device meets all requirements of the Canadian interference-causing equipment regulations. 
Cet appareil numérique de la Class B respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du 
Canada.
Communications Regulation Information
7
VCCI Class 2 Statement
Notify Your Telephone Company
Some telephone companies require that you notify the local business office when you hook up a modem to their 
lines.
Information You Need in the United States 
The optional internal modem complies with Part 68 of the FCC rules. On the back of this equipment is a label that 
contains, among other information, the FCC registration number and ringer equivalence number (REN). If 
requested, provide this information to your telephone company.
m Ringer equivalence number (REN):   0.8–0.9 The REN is useful to determine the quantity of devices you may 
connect to your telephone lines and still have all those devices ring when your telephone number is called. In 
most, but not all areas, the sum of the RENs of all devices connected to one line should not exceed five (5.0). 
To be certain of the number of devices you may connect to your line, as determined by the REN, you should 
contact your local telephone company to determine the maximum REN for your calling area. 
m Telephone jack type:  USOC, RJ-11 An FCC-compliant telephone cord and modular plug are provided with this 
equipment. This equipment is designed to be connected to the telephone network or premises wiring using a 
compatible modular jack that complies with Part 68 rules. See the installation instructions for details.
Telephone Line Problems
If your telephone doesn’t work, there may be a problem with your telephone line. Disconnect the modem to see 
if the problem goes away. If it doesn’t, report the problem either to your local telephone company or to your 
company’s telecommunications people. 
If disconnecting the modem eliminates the problem, the modem itself may need service. See the service and 
support information that came with your Apple product for instructions on how to contact Apple or an Apple-
authorized service provider for assistance. 
If you do not disconnect your modem when it is adversely affecting the telephone line, the telephone company 
has the right to disconnect your service temporarily until you correct the problem. The telephone company will 
notify you as soon as possible. Also, you will be informed of your right to file a complaint with the FCC. 
The telephone company may make changes in its facilities, equipment, operations, or procedures that could 
affect the operation of your equipment. If this happens, the telephone company will provide advance notice in 
order for you to make the necessary modifications to maintain uninterrupted service.
The optional internal modem will not work with party lines, cannot be connected to a coin-operated telephone, 
and may not work with a private branch exchange (PBX). 
Telephone Consumer Protection Act 
The Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991 makes it unlawful for any person to use a computer or other 
electronic device to send any message via a telephone fax machine unless such message clearly contains in a 
margin at the top or bottom of each transmitted page or on the first page of the transmission, the date and time it 
was sent and an identification of the business or other entity, or individual sending the message and the 
telephone number of the sending machine of such business, entity, or individual.
8
Communications Regulation Information