Christine Calderon wrote: > I recently *inherited* a 520c, and I wanted to know if > it is worth investing in it to use as a secondary or > backup computer for light Web surfing. I am a > lifelong PC user, so I know nothing about the 520c or > what it's capable of.
Think of the 520 as a 486/50-486/66 laptop, or even slow pentium. It runs the Mac OS about as well as these systems run Windows 95...depending on how much memory is in it (it will let you have up to 36 MB ram, which is desireable!) and drive space. Data Memory Systems sells the 32 mb upgrade for $79. So long as everything else works on it I'd consider $79 a worthwile investment, since you got the rest of it for nothing... There are a couple of problems with this system. You want to make sure the screen isn't wobbly; the hinge mounting screws can work their way loose, and can cause the case or screen housing to crack eventually, but it's reasonably easy to fix. Batteries are hideously expensive and short-lived. I have a 540c which has a slightly faster processor, (66 mhz vs 50); it's quite usable, running System 8.1, the most modern system that runs on a 68K. Many people run older systems on it, such as 7.5.5 (which you can download from Apple) but I prefer 8.1. There are browsers like iCab (http://www.icab.de ) that run quite well on it, but with the max Ram, even Netscape 4.79 (the last one to run on 68K processors) runs reasonably well. I have an old version of AppleWorks on it, and a bunch of other stuff. It connects to the netwrk here at work with no problems, even to the Win2K servers, and, forced to, I could probably just about use it as my main machine (though I'm quite happy I don't have to!) Certainly it'll handle e-mail and browsing. > The only items included with > the computer were an AC power adapter (the battery > that came with it died, apparently) and the manual. As I said, batteries are expensive, and most often require some serious rejuvenation; I can run mine for about 4-1/2 hours on my three batteries. I've also seen reports by people on this list who have rebuilt them with new cells, with some success. > I'm supposed to be receiving a printer and cable, as > well as an Ethernet 10-T adapter sometime soon if they > can find them. -- Bruce Johnson University of Arizona College of Pharmacy Information Technology Group Institutions do not have opinions, merely customs -- 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> --> 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/powerbooks%40mail.maclaunch.com/> Using a Mac? Free email & more at Applelinks! http://www.applelinks.com
