First post with OSX

[Chaotic42]

So my friend is selling her Powerbook G3 (yes, I know) and I mentioned that I'd like to try it since I've never used OSX. It originally booted in to OS9, which I have to admit sucks. Once I figured out how to get into OSX, I was rolling.

Seting up the wireless network was quick, but kind of annoying. The whole Airport thing threw me off.

OSX seems to run pretty well on this 400MHz monster. I particularly like the keyboard of all things, though the screen is suprisingly nice as well.

I know that price checks aren't allowed, so my question is if this thing is worth buying at all. Just how out of date are we talking here, and is there any hope of upgrading? Honestly I'll probably just be using it to surf the internet and possibly connecting my digital camera to it.

Any thoughts? Should I just get a modern laptop and toss Debian on it?

 

[Jack Flash]

I've got to say that it's not worth buying at all.

Look for a cheap Core Duo MacBook. Heck, get a netbook and Hackintosh it. Spending more than $20 on that laptop is a mistake.

 

[silverpig]

The powerbook G3 was released in 1997 and discontinued in 2001. In 2001 we were at what? 1.2 GHz cpus?

I'd say it's not really worth it unless she's practically giving it away. If you're looking for web browsing, then a netbook for hackintosh purposes is pretty decent.

If you're thinking of a modern laptop and like OSX, see if the apple refurb section has a cheap macbook, or see if you can get one off ebay/craigslist.

 

[umrigar]

depends which Powerbook G3, how much RAM, processor speed, etc.

the Pismo (year 2000) model with Firewire ports is the fastest & best they made.

even a 500 MHz Pismo with 1 GB of RAM and OS X 10.4 will be pokey on some things, especially YouTube and web sites with lots of newer eye-candy.

for basic email, iTunes, word processing, it's fine. a well-upgraded model is worth a bit of money, but no more than $100.

iBooks (G3, G4) run faster, but have limited RAM ceilings and the used prices are way over what they should be, IMHO.

if you're going to get a Mac laptop that can handle current tasks, don't bother with a G3 or G4, but be prepared to spend $500+.
it makes no sense to spend $300-$400 on an iBook G4 or Powerbook G4 if you can save & get an Intel Core Duo or Core 2 Duo machine used.

Pismos still sell for over $100 on eBay, go figure.
http://cgi.ebay.com/_W0QQitemZ120383932915

 

[MovingTarget]

TMBA-->About This Mac

plzkthxbye!

 

[Chaotic42]

Originally posted by: MovingTarget
TMBA-->About This Mac

plzkthxbye!

TMBA?

I think the $20 idea is out the window, she didn't seem impressed with the comments.