Nina Sutcliffe wrote:
Hello,
I'm new to the list here. I have a Beige G3/266Mhz with 320 megs ram and I'd
like to upgrade it to a G4. I've heard that it can be upgraded to a G4/500
but the problem for running certain programs is that it lacks a USB port. My
model also doesn't have an internal modem. My mac tech thinks it's a waste
of time and money to do an upgrade, but I'm wondering. It's a solid machine
other than the fact that it can't run some of the newer software that
requires G4.
Nancy,
Welcome to the list! I own two beige mini-towers, both of which I've upgraded to G4's. My recommendation is to:
Go to Other World Computing (http://eshop.macsales.com/) and pick up their Mercury G4 450 upgrade card (http://eshop.macsales.com/ Catalog_Item.cfm?ID=6485&Item=OWCZG4450B533). This will run you about &160.00. Mine runs at 533 mhz in my beige mini-tower and I prefer it to the Sonnet upgrade (in my other mini-tower). While there pick up a USB PCI card. They've got one for less than $10 (http://eshop.macsales.com/ Item_Specials.cfm?ID=4480&Item=OWCFWLUCPCI2). If you can justify it, pick up a 256 meg ram stick (less than $35) http://eshop.macsales.com/AddToBasket.cfm?ID=6897&Item=OWC066SD256324. For a little over $200, you'll have a screaming G4 machine, with USB capability. I don't have any affiliation with OWC, but I've bought quite a bit of stuff from them and can highly recommend them to you. Others on this list can vouch for them, too! BTW you could swap the USB card out for a combo USB/Firewire card for an extra $20 (I love firewire!). I'm quite happy with my upgraded beige mini-towers, but I have no doubt that others on this list will tell you to be on the lookout for a used G4 Sawtooth. You might be able to pick one up for not a whole lot more than the $205 above and it would have more capabilities. Personally I actually enjoy upgrading older macs, but I'm a bit "unusual." (upgraded SuperMac j-700, anyone?).
Scott Birdwell DeFalco's Home Wine & Beer Supplies Houston TX www.defalcos.com
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