The PB 3400 is definitely the machine of choice in that price range for a beginner. And there may still be a dutch auction on ebay for a unit that might be possible for $350. This leaves $100 for RAM.
Now, <doktorboring> has mentioned in another post that he feels pressed at even 64MB. I understand, but there are ways around this. As I write, I am running Netscape 4x, Explorer 4x, Eudora Light, Graphic Converter, Picture Viewer and OS 8.6 all on 59MB. (I have 144MB in total.) A careful user who is conscious of what RAM is should have no problem operating with 64MB or even less while doing the bread and butter computing most of us do. But multitasking while running Photoshop and PageMaker and yer in do-do. But bear in mind doktorboring's warning, the stock 16 MB is not going to make it in today's fastlane, although software antiquarians could get it to function. Bottom line is (a) get a deal on a 3400; (b) get as much RAM as the budget allows, (c) judiciously select software versions; (d) give your father a crash course in how to conserve RAM. My 3400 (basic unit, $350) functions flawlessly doing what he wants to do. I am using an external ISDN 64K modem for daily online work. Lorne Spry in Sendai, (Tohoku area) the island of Honshu, Japan Tel/FAX: (from overseas) 81-22-781-0750; (in country) 022-781-0750 -- PowerBooks is sponsored by <http://lowendmac.com/> and... Small Dog Electronics http://www.smalldog.com | Enter To Win A | -- Canon PowerShot Digital Cameras start at $299 | Free iBook! | Support Low End Mac <http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html> PowerBooks list info: <http://lowendmac.com/lists/powerbooks.shtml> 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/powerbooks%40mail.maclaunch.com/> Using a Macintosh? Get free email and more at Applelinks! <http://www.applelinks.com>
