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12" iBook G3/500 (Dual USB)

Code names: P29, Marble

a.k.a. iceBook, iBook 500

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• Mac OS 9 List is for those using Mac OS 9, either natively or in Classic Mode.
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• Jaguar List is for those using Mac OS X 10.2.
• Panther List is for those using Mac OS X 10.3.
• Tiger List is for those using Mac OS X 10.4.

Overview

Details

• introduced 2001.05.01 at $1,299 and up; base model boosted to 128 MB RAM 2001.10.16; other models replaced by iBook (600 MHz) 2001.10.16; price dropped to $1,199 2002.01.07.
• requires Mac OS 9.1 or later
• CPU: 500 MHz PPC 750CX (a.k.a. G3e)
• bus: 66 MHz
• performance:
• Geekbench 2 (Tiger): 233
• ROM: 4 MB, NewWorld ROM in RAM architecture
• RAM: 64 or 128 MB of SDRAM soldered in place, expandable to 576 or 640 MB using one 1.25" 3.3V PC100 compliant SO-DIMM
• Level 2 cache: 256 KB on-chip cache
• Video: ATI Rage Mobility 128 with 2x AGP
• VRAM: 8 MB
• display: 12.1" 24-bit SVGA (1024 x 768) color active matrix, resolution scaling for 640 x 480 and 800 x 600 modes
• video out: VGA and composite video
• hard drive: 10 GB UltraATA-66 (20 GB optional)
• media drive: choice of 24x CD-ROM, 8x DVD-ROM, 8x4x24 CD-RW, or 4x4x6x24x CD-RW/DVD-ROM Combo drive
• floppy drive: external USB only
• expansions bays: none
• USB: 2 USB 1.1 ports
• FireWire: 1 FW400 port
• ethernet: 10/100Base-T
• modem: v.90 56k
• WiFi: 802.11b AirPort optional
• microphone: built in
• PC Card slots: none
• Battery: rated at 5 hours
• size: 11.2 x 9.1 x 1.35" (28.5 x 23.0 x 3.4 cm)
• weight: 4.9 pounds (2.2 kg) with battery

Upgrades

• Dual-layer SuperDrive upgrade, MCE Technologies, $99. 6x4x8x DVD, 24x24x24x CD. 2 MB buffer. Must be installed by MCE or MCE authorized upgrade center.

Online Resources

• Low End Mac's Compleat Guide to the Dual USB iBook G3, Charles Moore, 'Book Value, 2008.07.01. From a 500 MHz model introduced in May 2001 through 12" and 14" 900 MHz G3 iBooks rolled out in April 2003, these iBooks offered unprecedented value.
• Best used iBook G3 deals, updated monthly.
• Best classic Mac OS deals. Best online prices for System 6, 7.1, 7.5.x, Mac OS 7.6, 8.0, 8.1, 8.5, 9.0, 9.2.2, and other versions.
• Best Mac OS X 10.0-10.3 deals. Best online prices for Mac OS X 10.0, 10.1, 10.2, and 10.3.
• Best Mac OS X 10.4 'Tiger' deals. Best online prices for Mac OS X 10.4.
• iBook Talk List
• Guide to iBooks. A quick comparison of G3 iBook models.
• WiFi cards for PowerBooks with PC Card slots, Simon Royal, Mac Spectrum, 2008.08.12. Includes instructions for hacking an Orinoco Silver card to work in a G3 iBook.
• Low End Mac's Compleat Guide to Mac OS 9, 2008 edition, Charles Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2008.05.12. Declared dead by Steve Jobs 6 years ago, Mac OS 9 remains fast and stable, but Classic software hasn't kept up with Web changes. What Macs support OS 9, where to buy it, and how to update to version 9.2.2.
• What's the best Mac OS for your iBook, PowerBook, or MacBook?, Charles Moore, 'Book Value, 2008.08.19. Tips on choosing the best OS for your PowerBook 500 Series or newer Mac notebook.
• Notebooks and blackouts, Charles Moore, 'Book Value, 2008.12.23. When the power goes out, a notebook computer with long-lasting batteries lets you keep working for hours and hours.
• 4 GB RAM problem persists after firmware update, TriBook concept MacBook, DIY Mac netbook, and more, The 'Book Review, 2008.12.19. Also using third-party monitors with 'Late 2008' MacBooks, MacMagSaver protects MagSafe cord, $25 802.11g USB adapter, bargain 'Books from $500 to $2,299, and more.
• The 'better safe than sorry' guide to installing Mac OS X updates, Charles Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2008.12.16. Most users encounter no problems using Software Update, but some preflight work and using the Combo updater means far less chance of trouble.
• Why you should partition your Mac's hard drive, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2008.12.11. "At the very least, it makes sense to have a second partition with a bootable version of the Mac OS, so if you have problems with your work partition, you can boot from the 'emergency' partition to run Disk Utility and other diagnostics."
• Every working computer is useful to someone, Allison Payne, The Budget Mac, 2008.11.19. Whether it's a PowerBook 1400, G3 iMac, or Power Mac G4, it could be all the computer someone needs.
• G3 and low end G4 Mac performance comparison, Simon Royal, Mac Spectrum, 2008.10.15. Factors that impact performance are the version of CPU, the size and speed of the Level 2 cache, and how much RAM is installed.
• Getting the most from your G3 Mac, Simon Royal, Mac Spectrum, 2008.10.03. Most G3 Macs can be upgraded so they can run Mac OS X 10.4 'Tiger' quite nicely. Here's how.
• The best browsers for older Macs running Tiger, Charles Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2008.09.25. A dial-up user's overview of browsers for Mac OS X 10.4 puts the emphasis on reliability, downloads, and speed.
• Tiger great on old G3 'Books, maximum RAM for 867 MHz PowerBook G4, and more, Charles Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2008.10.01. Also why 4 GB of RAM in a 32-bit Vista PC wastes most of the last gigabyte and system profile software for Windows PCs.
• 9 browsers for G3 and older G4 Macs compared, Simon Royal, Mac Spectrum, 2008.09.26. The latest versions of Opera, Safari, Shiira, iCab, Radon, Firefox, Demeter, Sunrise, and Camino that run on Mac OS X 10.4 "Tiger".
• There's still a place for G3 Macs in the Age of Leopard, John Hatchett, Recycled Computing, 2008.09.09. Whether it's a sage iMac or a Pismo PowerBook, G3 Macs can be very productive with Mac OS X 10.4 'Tiger'.
• Are G3 Macs still viable work machines?, Simon Royal, Mac Spectrum, 2008.09.08. For basic tasks - writing, email, and using the Web - a G3 Mac with Mac OS X 10.4 and sufficient memory provides plenty of power.
• TruePower AC adapter for iBooks and PowerBooks is rugged, reliable, and affordable, Charles Moore, 'Book Value, 2008.08.14. Apple's track record with AC adapters is spotty, but the TruePower adapter is tough enough to survive being run over by a truck.
• Tricking out your notebook for superior desktop duty, Charles Moore, 'Book Value, 2008.07.29. For desktop use, you don't need to be limited by the built-in trackpad, keyboard, and display or a notebook's compromised ergonomics.
• Bumps in the road for G3 Macs, John Hatchett, Recycled Computing, 2008.07.28. MobileMe wouldn't synch with the Pismo, and Skype's software refused to install, but both problems were solved.
• The compressed air keyboard repair, Charles Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2008.07.24. If your keyboard isn't working as well as it once did, blasting under the keys with compressed air may be the cure.
• Turn your old Mac into a web server with Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP, Jason Packer, Macs in the Enterprise, 2008.07.09. Step-by-step instructions for installing and configuring Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP on an older Mac.
• Macintosh reliability improving since the shift to Intel, Kev Kitchens, Kitchens Sync, 2008.07.07. For a while in the G3 and G4 era, Apple was plagued with logic board failures and analog board problems, but they seem to be a thing of the past.
• Can Linux replace OS X on older Macs?, Carl Nygren, Classic Macs in the Intel Age, 2008.06.30. Looking at Ubuntu 8.04 on a 1 GHz PowerBook and Kubuntu 5.04 on a clamshell iBook.
• Praise for Opera, low cost iBook mobo replacement, IrDA and IRtalk, WaMCom recommended, and more, Charles Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2008.06.18. Also the use of 'compleat', booting from CD, new Toshiba 1.8" drives too thick for MBA, and PowerPC support and Snow Leopard.
• Mac OS X 10.2 'Jaguar' can unleash the power of G3 iBooks, Carl Nygren, Classic Macs in the Intel Age, 2008.06.17. After pulling a bad stick of RAM, the Dual USB iBook didn't have enough memory for Tiger or Linux. But even with just 128 MB of RAM, Jaguar did the job.
• Linux on PowerPC Macs: Debian runs nicely on a G3 iBook, Jason Packer, Macs in the Enterprise, 2008.06.06. Mac OS X 10.3 felt sluggish on a 700 MHz G3 iBook with 384 MB of RAM, but Debian runs very comfortably on the same hardware.
• Skip 867 MHz 12" PowerBook, iBook sleeps when touched, Netscape 7.0.2 keeps crashing, and more, Charles Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2008.06.11. Also getting a copy of the Mac OS for a Power Mac ONE, and whether it can run Linux.
• With a 600 MHz iBook running circles around a 2.8 GHz Celeron, it was time to switch, Jason Dill, My First Mac, 2008.06.05. The author now has a MacBook, along with a couple of older, cheaper Macs for use around the house.
• WiMax likely, Apple not green enough, next MacBook in Q3, Cool Feet for notebooks, and more, The 'Book Review, 2008.05.23. Also LED backlighting in all MacBooks in 2009, cooling down hot laptops, OLPC plans second generation laptop, universal Apple notebook battery charger, slim external third-party SuperDrive, bargain 'Books from $150 to $2,699, and more.
• Prosumer Mac suggestions, bring back the 12" 'Book, Pismo displays, and more, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2008.05.06. Readers offer more thoughts on a midrange Mac, the need for a new 12" 'Book, using F-keys as F-keys in OS X, and lid closed video mode for Pismo.
• Overpriced Macs, 4-core Mac Pro value, USB for G3 PowerBooks, and more, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2008.04.24. Also reader feedback on running a keyboard through the dishwasher, tips for using external DVD drives, and 8 GB partition issues with the Classic Mac OS on the beige G3.
• OS X for PCs, Mac mini with HDTV, 802.11n options, upgrading from Mac OS 9, and more, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2008.04.22. Also reviving a dead PowerBook 5300, Lucida Grande, external FireWire SuperDrive advice, OS X and the DeskWriter, and royalties.
• 2.6 GHz MacBook Pro worth it?, iBook video fixed, Compact Flash vs. SSD, and more, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2008.03.13. Also buying a used Power Mac G4, a Power Mac 7600 still in daily use, OCR software for modern Macs, and Leopard on a Blue and White G3.
• Power your recycled laptop with a rebuilt battery, John Hatchett, Recycled Computing, 2008.02.20. Old notebook computers usually mean old batteries that may be dead or on their last legs. You can buy a replacement battery, or you can have your old battery rebuilt.
• 3 ways to better YouTube viewing on older Macs, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2008.02.06. Watching YouTube videos in your browser on G3 Macs can be painfully slow, but there are several ways to improve your YouTube viewing experience.
• Better YouTube viewing on older Macs, too many dead pixels, Safari problems in Panther, and more, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2008.02.05. Also picking the right used G4 iBook, Quartz Extreme support for PCI video, problems with Mac OS 9.x on G4 Power Macs, open firmware problems with 667 MHz PowerBook, and more.
• DRM in Mac OS X, Ubuntu and BSD as alternatives to OS X, the power of Eudora, and more, Charles Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2008.01.14. More thoughts on Apple's digital rights patent and OS X, free non-DRM alternatives to OS X, Eudora and dial-up, and adding AirPort to a white iBook.
• iPods, notebooks, and other modern electronics more readily replaced than repaired, Adam Robert Guha, Apple Archive, 2007.12.07. Whether it's an intermittent failure or a broken display cable, more often than not it's cheaper to replace a broken electronics device than repair it.
• Reasons for sticking with the Classic Mac OS, Tommy Thomas, Welcome to Macintosh, 2007.10.30. Whether it's the simplicity, elegance, speed, or desire not to replace lots of expensive hardware, there are lots of good reasons for sticking with Mac OS 9.
• Is a used iBook still a sensible low-end option?, Charles Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2007.10.15. From 500 MHz G3s through 1.4 GHz G4s, used iBooks range in price from under $200 to over $700. Are they a good choice, or do reliability issues say otherwise?
• The future of G3 iBooks in the Age of Leopard, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2007.09.14. All of the G3 iBooks can run Mac OS X, but which ones run it well? And which version should you use?
• Tiger on a G3 iMac and Pismo, running OS 9 from a flash drive, 7200 rpm drive heat, and more, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2007.09.13. Also iMac upgrade advice, iBook G3 video chip resoldering, and how to get your website indexed by Google.
• Are the white iBooks still a good bet or should you steer clear of them?, Charles Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2007.08.20. The dual USB iBooks have the worst repair record in Mac history, yet some are exceptionally reliable. Should you consider buying one or avoid them?
• Aluminum keyboard complaints, scope of iceBook problems, 2007 iMac value, and more, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2007.08.13. Also more on Newton's virtual keyboard, additional info on USB with Beige G3s, and preparing a hard drive before you sell your old Mac.
• iBook 'Road Apple' debate, new iMac looks horrible, Apple's new keyboards, and more, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2007.08.08. Also how one user rescued a SCSI drive his Mac could no longer mount, troubleshooting an LC 575, and USB issues with the Beige G3.
• New Mac speculation, G3 iBooks as Road Apples, hard drive warranties, and touch screen iMacs, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2007.08.07. Thoughts on what Apple may introduce today, the pros and cons of G3 iBooks, a touch screen iMac, and the realities of OEM hard drives.
• G3 iBooks 'Road Apples', drive warranty may outlast Mac warranty, G4 in a G3 iMac, and more, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2007.08.06. Also thoughts on a Mac mini replacement for the workplace, a Mac docking system, running a Lombard from Compact Flash, easy window capture, and the possibility of using a touchscreen LCD with an iMac.
• Even if Leopard leaves G3 behind, Tiger users will still be able to run up-to-date apps, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2007.06.18. While Apple may drop G3 support in OS X 10.5, there will continue to be plenty of options for 10.4 users who want to run up-to-date browsers, email clients, and instant messaging programs.
• Operation FlashBook: Running Tiger from flash on a PowerBook G4, John Muir, Mac Daniel, 2007.05.29. With the hard drive failing and Compact Flash prices falling, it was time to consider running the PowerBook G4 from flash. Looking back at 6 months, was it worth it?
• Silence is golden: Running your existing notebook using flash memory, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Reviews, 2007.05.23. With a new adapter from Addonics, you can replace your laptop's IDE hard drive inexpensively and boot silently from a Compact Flash card.
• Why Apple must continue G3 support in Mac OS X 10.5 'Leopard', Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2007.05.08. "We're worried about what happens if Apple unchecks that box in Xcode to include the instructions necessary to run OS X on G3 processors at all."
• Format any drive for older Macs with patched Apple tools, Tyler Sable, Classic Restorations, 2007.04.25. Apple HD SC Setup and Drive Setup only work with Apple branded hard drives - until you apply the patches linked to this article.
• How much PowerBook or iBook do you need to run Mac OS X?, Ted Hodges, Vintage Mac Living, 2007.01.15. You don't need the latest and greatest Mac to be productive in OS X. Here are six iBook and PowerBook suggestions built between 2000 and 2003.
• Deodorizing a stinky old iBook that smells like sweat, Hardy Menagh, Empowered, 2006.10.19. Different ways to mask and otherwise attack the problem if your G3 iBook suffers from Stinky Keyboard Syndrome.
• A stinky old iBook that smells like sweat, Hardy Menagh, Empowered, 2006.10.13. You just don't expect an iBook to smell like strong perspiration, but this problem seems to afflict a number of G3 iBooks.
• Better laptop performance: What's the best upgrade?, Andrew J Fishkin, The Mobile Mac, 2006.10.09. Memory, CPU, bus speed, and hard drives all impact performance and battery life. Which upgrades will give you the most up time in the field?
• Using FireWire Target Disk Mode to install OS X on Macs without DVD drives, Charles Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2006.09.14. Two methods for using FireWire Target Disk mode to install OS X on a Mac that can't read DVDs.
• Inside your notebook's battery: Ordinary AA Li-Ion cells, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2006.09.08. That expensive battery in your notebook computer probably holds less than $30 worth of off-the-shelf AA Li-Ion batteries.
• Merom and the MacBook, Apple's original Duo laptop, Dell battery woes may impact Apple, iBook G3 SuperDrive, and more, The 'Book Review, 2006.08.18. Also MacBook a back-to-school recommendation, MagSafe patent may block third-party power adapters, wrist rug and trackpad film for MacBook and Pro, bargain 'Books from $119 to $1,699, and more.
• Is the G3 still a practical choice?, Matthew Jay, Macs to the Max, 2006.08.10. Although the G3 is several generations old, it has enough horsepower for most of the things we do on our computers.
• Customizing Mac OS 9, Nathan Thompson, Embracing Obsolescence, 2006.08.01. Fiddling with themes, picking a browser, and making the Classic Mac OS work just the way you want it to.
• 7 tools for keeping your laptop (uh, notebook) cool, Charles Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2006.07.24. A quick look at the Podium CoolPad, ChillMat, ChillHubs, Laptop Desk, Xpad, iLap, and iBreeze - seven stands designed to keep you 'Books running cooler.
• Installing OS X 10.4 'Tiger' on DVD-challenged Macs using FireWire Target Disk Mode, Charles Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2006.07.10. Mac OS X ships on a single install DVD, which Apple will exchange for CDs at $10. But if you have access to a DVD-equipped Mac and a FireWire cable, you're good to go.
• Getting IE 4.5 to work with Low End Mac, 7200 rpm drive heat in an iMac, upgrading OS X on a white iBook, and more, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2006.06.29. Configuring Internet Explorer 4.5 to work with CSS-based websites, overheating issues with iMacs, positive results with OS X upgrades, and problems getting an SD flash card to work in a PowerBook 1400.
• Power strategies for using your 'Book in the field: Batteries and AC adapters, Andrew J Fishkin, The Mobile Mac, 2006.06.05. One or two extra batteries and at least one spare AC adapter can be essential when you're traveling and need to get hours and hours of use from your 'Book.
• Making the move from Jaguar (OS X 10.2) to Panther (10.3), Ted Hodges, Vintage Mac Living, 2006.04.11. One advantage of Apple's "no upgrades" policy for OS X - someone can give you their old copy after upgrading without worrying about violating their license.
• Dvorak adoption notice, tips for Apple's Yo-yo power supply, old iMac a good value?, and more, Charles Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2006.02.27. Also a 'Pismo up in smoke' update, Lombard up in smoke, iBook G3 logic board problems, Wangwriter appreciation, and more.
• FastMac's $190 8x dual-layer SuperDrive for PowerBooks and dual USB iBooks, Charles Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2006.01.30. For US$190-250 you can replace the CD-ROM, CD-RW, Combo, or slow old SuperDrive in most PowerBooks, white iBooks, slot-loading iMacs, and Cubes with a faster, dual-layer drive.
• Web browser tips for the classic Mac OS, Nathan Thompson, Embracing Obsolescence, 2006.01.03. Tips on getting the most out of WaMCom, Mozilla, Internet Explorer, iCab, Opera, and WannaBe using the classic Mac OS.
• The best browsers for PowerPC Macs and the classic Mac OS, Nathan Thompson, Embracing Obsolescence, 2005.12.16. Two browsers stand out from the pack: iCab 3 is modern and remains under development, and WaMCom brings Mozilla to older Macs.
• iBook (white) disk upgrade pages, Graham Cox, 2003.02.26. Step-by-step instructions for replacing the hard drive in an iceBook.
• Overclocking the iBook (2001), Tycho, Accelerate Your Mac, 2002.08.21. Warranty-voiding mod boost performance 40% by hitting 600-650 MHz on 100 MHz bus.
• iBook Portector, The 'Book Review, 2002.01.04. "The Portector is a custom molded urethane strip that fits snugly over the expansion ports of your Apple iBook protecting it from dirt and dust."
• Tote and Tilt Adds Handle to New iBook or TiBook, The 'Book Review, 2001.10.19. $40 and $45 handles make it easy to transport iceBook, TiBook.
• The ultimate iBook review, part 1, Michel Munger, 2001.08.02. Initial impressions, setup, and some troubleshooting.
• The ultimate iBook review, Part 2, Michel Munger, 2001.08.03. A look at the screen, keyboard, battery life, and sound.
• The ultimate iBook review, part 3, Michel Munger, 2001.08.14. A look at performance, networking, and value.
• Hands on: iBook vs. upgraded WallStreet, Rob Art Morgan, My Turn, 2001.08.02. Pros and cons of the 2001 iBook compared with an upgraded 466 MHz WallStreet PowerBook.
• Bottom-feeder notebook shootout, AAPLtalk. How the new iBook compares with similarly priced Windows notebooks.
• Just how small is the new iBook?, Mac Observer, 2001.05.03. In terms of volume, the iceBook is Apple's second smallest ever. (The PB 100 takes third place.)
• iBook grows up: It ain't Titanium, but it's close, Amy Hoy, Daily Mac, 2001.05.02. "This iBook has a built-in omnidirectional microphone, something all iBooks up until this point lacked."
• Apple's iBook Page
• New iBook first thoughts, Charles Moore, Applelinks, 2001.05.01.
• First look: Apple unveils new iBooks, Andy Gore, MacCentral, 2001.05.01.
• SCSI and FireWire Disk Modes, Paulo Rodrigues, Tangerine Fusion, 2000.11.29. How to use SCSI Disk Mode and FireWire Target Disk Mode for ultrafast file transfers.
• Recovering a stolen PowerBook, The 'Book Page. One user's experience.
• iBook memory pricing, ramseeker
• Apple Specs Online, iBook (Dual USB)

Cautions

• Updated iBook Logic Board Repair Extension Program Frequently Asked Questions, Apple.
    The Updated iBook Logic Board Repair Extension Program covers iBooks that have a particular component failure on the logic board, resulting in the computer starting up but the built-in and attached external displays exhibiting one or more of the following symptoms:
  • Scrambled or distorted video
  • Appearance of unexpected lines on the screen
  • Intermittent video image
  • Video freeze
  • Computer starts up to blank screen
• There is a misprint in the manual regarding keyboard removal and replacement that can result in key damage. There is reportedly an extra step in the TIL article iBook (Dual USB): Replacing/Installing the Keyboard that is missing on pages 28 and 30 in the iBook User's Guide that instructs you to turn the small locking screw next to the num lock key.
• There is an incompatibility between the Kensington Startup ADB extension and the Trackpad control on the iBook with Mac OS 9.0.4. Symptom: trackpad responds during boot, but not later. Solution: disable Kensington Startup ADB extension. This may also apply to other USB portables and versions of the Mac OS.
• Portable Computers: Models Which Do Not Have a Backup Battery notes the iBook has no backup battery to retain time and other settings when the main battery is removed. A small capacitor holds enough energy to maintain PRAM contents for 20 seconds, so switch batteries quickly.

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