Chris "Zap" writes, < PowerMac 5400/180 (32MB RAM, Ethernet, all-in-one machine) PowerMac 7200/75 (48MB RAM) PowerMac 7200/120 (Won't power up, no RAM/VRAM installed) PowerMac 7300/200 (160MB RAM) Workgroup Server 8150/110 (~96MB) PM 7600/132 Logic Board and CPU card
OS which I have: MacOS 7.5.5 MacOS 7.6.1 MacOS 8 MacOS 9 MacOS X.3 Of all of these, I can tell you that I was using 7200/120 from 1997 or 1998 until just over a week ago (just bought a used G3 from the LEM Swap List. Frankly, the only thing that motivated me to buy the G3 was the fact that it cost me more than three times LESS to buy THAT than it would have cost me to buy an OS 8.6 universal CD-ROM! My 7200/120, which I bought new at the time, had come with OS 7.5.5 on it, and I'd upgraded it to OS 8.1. Recently that OS became insufficient and after months of frustration, I caved. If I could have bought an 8.6 CD-ROM for the money I paid for the G3, I'd have kept the 7200/120 and put OS 8.6 on it. Anyway -- I've heard on this list (and seen some specs which alas, I don't recall in their entirety) that said no matter how happy I was with my 7200/120, the 7300 is better, i.e., more upgradable. For instance, the 7200/120 wouldn't ever be able to run OS X and I've heard that sometimes it doesn't like OS 9 either (I have 9.1 on the G3, but I had the HDs in my 7200 transplanted to the G3's box so I can run on either OS 9.1 or 8.1, though the reason for the transplant was really a matter of not wanting to lose data and having more storage space). If I get more RAM for the G3 (a very upgradable computer, unlike the 7200), I'll be able to run OS X someday if I see the need. Anyway, even though I haven't used a 7300, sounds to me like from your list, that's the one I'd go with, personally, especially since you say you have 160 MB of RAM in it. I don't have any familiarity with the others; I'm merely comparing the years of happiness I knew with my own 7200/120 with what little I've heard about the 7300. I'd say go with the 7300 and drop your OS 9 on it -- unless it can take OS X -- this I don't know, but I'm sure someone else here will let you know. One thing though. If you decide to make your 7200/120 fully operational, it can take 512 MB RAM total (though I was running mine on 48 MB) and don't use EDO RAM unless you want to fry the motherboard. Thanks to all on the list who discussed EDO RAM and 7200s in the past and issued that warning. :-) Welcome to the list, Chris. :-) ~Yersinia. -- PCI-PowerMacs is sponsored by <http://lowendmac.com/> and... Small Dog Electronics http://www.smalldog.com | Refurbished Drives | -- Sonnet & PowerLogix Upgrades - start at $169 | & CDRWs on Sale! | Support Low End Mac <http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html> PCI-PowerMacs list info: <http://lowendmac.com/lists/pci-powermacs.shtml> --> AOL users, remove "mailto:"; Send list messages to: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To unsubscribe, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> For digest mode, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subscription questions: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Archive:<http://www.mail-archive.com/pci-powermacs%40mail.maclaunch.com/> Using a Mac? Free email & more at Applelinks! http://www.applelinks.com
