On Jan 1, 2010, at 10:57 PM, Jonas Ulrich wrote: > I completely agree with John! My MDD DP 1GHZ is fantastic! I wouldn't go with > a G3 ibook any newer than the clamshell. After that they had bad video chips > and all sorts of stuff that will go wrong. I've had two G3 iBooks go bad: a > G3/700MHZ 14" and a G3/800 12". Both went with Motherboard and video issues, > and eventually DEATH. > > -Jonas > > On Fri, Jan 1, 2010 at 9:40 PM, JOHN CARMONNE <[email protected]> wrote: > > On Jan 1, 2010, at 9:24 PM, Kasey Smith wrote: > > > > > On Jan 1, 2010, at 9:59 PM, kimtoufectis wrote: > > > >> I'd like help in choosing an older Mac. I entered Macdom six months > >> ago via an original blueberry clamshell iBook G3. Beyond an iconic > >> product design, I've appreciated the simplicity and reliability of > >> freedom from Micro$oft (I use a PC at work). I've enjoyed stretching > >> it about as far as a 300 MHz processor can go (maxed out RAM and > >> upgraded to OS X 10.2.8) but I'd like to be able to streaming low-fi > >> video and use current web browser features; seems like time for > >> something more. > >> > >> A bit about my computer usage: I am fairly non-tech; when my work > >> Wintel machine fails an expert comes to fix it. At home I'm on my > >> own; I like simple. My iBook serves mainly as a netbook: I use > >> Gmail, > >> Google Docs, and Google Reader for productivity and news, and > >> Pandora, > >> GrooveShark, LaLa, and Playlist to stream music. I don't make much > >> use of social media, and real-time isn't a trend I have not had much > >> interest in or need for (so far). I've tried Chrome with extensions > >> on a Windows machine and think it could meet virtually all my routine > >> computing needs. I even contemplate getting a netbook and > >> migrating it > >> to ChromeOS as a next step (maybe using JoliCloud and EyeOS until > >> that's easy to do). > >> > >> Searching online showed me that for the $250-500 cost of a netbook I > >> could step well forward in power with a used iMac (functioning > >> MacBooks seem out of that pricerange). The architect in me > >> appreciates the compact, elegant designs of both the G4 and G5 iMacs, > >> and depending on age and screen size I find both in a tolerable > >> $250-500 price range. Whatever I buy, I'd like to use it for a long, > >> long time (this iBook turned 10 recently, and as a complement to a > >> more capable desktop I want to continue to use it for light browsing > >> for more years). > >> > >> With that as background: > >> > >> (1) What should I expect as the performance delta between the G4 and > >> G5 in light usage, and does it justify the extra cost? Is the G4 > >> advanced enough to serve me for several years, or will I soon need to > >> step up again soon to keep up with internet trends? > >> > >> (2) I find OS X 10.4 on most G4s and 10.5 on more G5s; any > >> guidance on > >> which OS is most useable with each processor? > >> > >> (3) I'll need wifi but it isn't always installed; is it hard for a > >> non- > >> technical end user to install? Is a USB wifi router worth > >> considering > >> instead? > >> > >> (4) Given that I'm mostly okay with the 12 inch iBook screen, a 17 > >> inch screen seems adequate; any great reason to go larger? > >> > >> (5) Wikipedia tells me there's variation in processor speed and > >> features even within the G4 and G5 lines; faster and newer generally > >> cost more. How important are the upgrades (700 v. 800 v. 1250 v. > >> 1600 v 1800 v 2000 MHz? webcam? ambient light sensor? iSight?) and > >> are they significant in choosing a machine I can use for the next > >> several years? > >> > >> (6) Are there other Macs I should consider, (I don't want a CRT eMac, > >> but maybe a Mini?) and if so why? > >> > >> I'm eager for your feedback-- > > > > I recommend an iMac G4 or a Mac Mini. I wouldnt go with an iMac G5 > > because of how inefficient the G5 chip is. A G3 900MHz iBook > > wouldn't be too bad either if you can find one for a good price. My > > first Mac was a 333MHz iMac G3 (a little older then your iBook > > actually.) > > > I own about one of every model made and if I could only have one it > would be my G4 MDD dual 1.0 2GB 10.4.11 with a Cinema display and > iSight cam. And for a PowerBook my MBP 2.4 4GB 10.5.8 > but that's just me. > > John wtmm > I also use 2 G3 iMacs one 600 MHZ and a 700 MHZ for my shop and business, both are Tiger 10.4.11 1GB RAM, very solid machines The only thing I really miss on those is Skype otherwise they do it all, DVDs CDs internet and so on. My G4 Cubes are still in the mix also.
John Carmonne Yorba Linda USA -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
