[MacCheetah3]

Hi
The Panasonic UJ-835 now allows Apple PowerBook G4, iBook G4, and Power Mac G4 Cube owners to burn DVDs at 8x and also use the double layer DVDs for much more capacity. Sounds like a very nice upgrade, IMHO.
Other World Computing carries them at a pretty darn good price tag.
SuperDrives & DVD-R Media at OtherWorldComputing.com
FYI: The UJ-815 was the first SuperDrive Apple used in the PowerBooks and was capable of 2x DVD burning but Apple initially used it capped at 1x in the Tis. The UJ-825 has 4x DVD burning and is being used in the current Powerbook G4s and iBook G4s, as well as the iMac G5.
Apple System Profiler displays Panasonic drives as Matshita. But that's a whole different explanation.
NOTE: Even though OWC only states Titanium PowerBooks are compatible, the drive fits in the PowerBook G4 Aluminum and iBook G4. I'm sure this is because the removal and exchange of the optical drive in the Als and iBooks is a very difficult task and OWC would have to require the unit to be sent in or brace for possible damage complaints by users attempting to "self-serve" their machines.

[Nobody]

For some reason I could never get the UJ-825 to write at 4x in my Pismo (upgraded to 900 MHz). The issue didn't seem to be the lack of ability of the processor or the drive (60GB 7200 RPM) to handle the transfer rates. The most it does is 2x... though it was listed at teh Panasonic site at 4x, as indicated by the vendor.
I have not been able to find any updated/hacked firmwares.
Has anyone succeeded in unlocking the ability of Apple OEM 825 in Al PB to write at 4x; mine does only 2x and cannot write to DVD-RAM disks.
I might go for a UJ-835 for my Ti but this time I'll wait a little to see how others fared! /forums/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[MacCheetah3]

Hi
It does seem that the UJ-8x5 drives do "step down" more than not. I read that the 835 has a liquid crystal tilt/thickness compensator in order to noticeably improve disc reads and writes. This drive may get much closer to it's maximums than the others.
Check out http://superdrive.cynikal.net for UJ-8x5 firmwares.

[Nobody]

I have used firmware for UJ-815 in the past but it seems that no one has done a similar thing for UJ-825. Personally, the region free hack is not a concern for me but I would like a little better speed.
If UJ-835 is using the technology (liquid crystal/tilt) for compensation of thickness (apparently necessary for dual layer medium) that would make it very similar to Pioneer 108 for full size drive and I know they do work quite well... up to 8-12x.
In case of Apple OEM version I would be happy if I could write to DVD-RAM disks and write to DVDs at 4x..... we shall see if some clever person has the time and willing to share his efforts with others in Mac community. /forums/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif