Now that I have totally destroyed the optical drive in my G4 PB, I need to find a replacement. Since I only have $50 in the machine, and it has some other problems, I don't want to spend too much on it.

I am baffled by all the models that are available, with very similar numbers. Can I use one from a 15" or 17" G4 in my 12"? If the part number is the same, can I use a PC drive in my PB? I notice that the UJ-857 is listed with some vendors as the latest, best drive for my machine, but I can buy a UJ-857 for a PC for $20 less than for a Mac.

Also are any brands better than any others? My understanding is that the sort of problems I had with the Mashita UJ-825 in my PB are typical for that drive, and notice that UJ-857s seem to be available made by both Pioneer and Matsushita. Is this a misprint, or are the same part numbers used by several manufacturers? It's all very mysterious.

Oh, anyone have a cheap used one, I'd be interested in it. DVD RW prefered, but I'd settle for a combo if it was cheap enough.

the UJ857 refers more to the firmware than to the hardware. MOST slot load optical drives are approximately compatible. Many have a bracket attached to them that makes them mount in their specific machine, so you have to move the bracket over when changing the drive.

Unless you know for sure it's going to be mechanically compatible, it's not s sure bet it will fit.

All optical drives use the same connector on the drive, you'll have to move that over for sure because the computer end of the cable varies wildly.

www.mce.tech is a good place to get replacement optical drives. they may be able to tell you what will work in your machine.

MCE won't say who makes their drives, but they seem to be supplying Panasonics mostly. I am a bit hesitant to put a Panasonic in, considering how much work is involved in swapping drives on the 12", because my understanding is that they are not very good drives - certainly the ones originally fitted like my UJ-825 don't seem to have been.

I may be stuck there, since just about every drive is see offered as suitable for these machines is a Panasonic, except for some Pioneers which seem to be even more troublesome. But if I decide to go for a new Panasonic, I can get the latest 8X UJ-875, for about half what MCE charges, which is probably what I'll do if a deal on a good used drive doesn't drop in my lap.