Read this chapter for information about

your computer’s built-in CD-ROM drive.

5 Using the CD-ROM Drive

This chapter provides information on the CD-ROM drive (also called a CD-ROM player). Refer to Appendix A, “Health, Safety, and Maintenance Tips” for information on the proper handling of these discs.

Your internal CD-ROM drive for Macintosh computers works with CD-ROM discs, standard audio compact discs (CDs), and single-session or multisession Photo CDs. Your CD-ROM drive provides access to large amounts of information. However, you cannot save information on CD-ROM discs. ROM stands for read-only memory, meaning that the drive cannot “write” information onto CD-ROM discs.

A wide selection of CD-ROM discs is available for entertainment, education, and business. A typical disc can hold over 650 megabytes (MB) of information—the equivalent of 270,000 pages of text, up to 8 hours

of speech or music (depending on the sound quality), hundreds of high- resolution images, or any combination of text, sound, and graphics.

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Apple 6300CD Series, 6200CD Series manual Using the CD-ROM Drive

6200CD Series, 6300CD Series specifications

The Apple 6300CD and 6200CD Series were notable additions to Apple's line of portable computers in the mid-1990s, blending compact design with functional capabilities that appealed to both personal and professional users. These series were part of Apple's PowerBook lineup, embodying the transition to more powerful and versatile portable computing.

The Apple 6300CD was recognized for its striking design that combined portability with performance. It featured a high-resolution grayscale display, offering a clear and vibrant viewing experience, which was essential for graphic design and multimedia tasks. One of the standout features was its integrated CD-ROM drive, allowing users to easily access software, music, and multimedia content, thus enhancing productivity and entertainment options.

The core of the 6300CD was the PowerPC 603 processor, clocked at 100 MHz, which provided a significant performance boost over its predecessors. Coupled with a generous amount of RAM, it handled multitasking and demanding applications with relative ease. The 6300CD also offered several connectivity options, including Ethernet, SCSI, and ADB, which made it adaptable to various networking and peripheral configurations.

On the other hand, the Apple 6200CD Series brought a balance of performance and affordability. This model also featured a PowerPC 603 processor but at a slightly lower clock speed, making it a cost-effective choice for users who did not require the highest specifications. The 6200CD was designed with a more basic but still effective color display, targeting users who needed reliable performance for everyday tasks, such as word processing, browsing, and basic graphic work.

Both series were equipped with a robust suite of software, including the classic Mac OS, enabling users to utilize a wide array of applications. The inclusion of a trackball, along with a full keyboard, contributed to user-friendly navigation and productivity, making these laptops appealing for a broad audience.

In summary, the Apple 6300CD and 6200CD Series exemplified the innovation and design ethos of Apple during the era. With their combination of solid performance, portability, and user-friendly features, these PowerBooks were well-received in the 1990s and remain a nostalgic reminder of Apple's commitment to creating powerful, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing computing solutions.