Adam, I own a 5300 and a Wallstreet, so I'm 2 systems removed from you in either direction...
But if I had to choose, I'd go for 8.6. 8.6 actually runs decently on my 5300cs, which is saying a lot for that system. On the 3400 (what speed, how much RAM?), 8.6 will probably run like a champ. Unless you have close to the max ram (144MB?), I wouldn't bother w/ 9.x. Although you can run OS 9 in fewer than 128 MB of RAM, it gets cramped fast. Speedwise, there probably isn't too much of a noticeable difference between the two. 8.6 boots a little faster on the same hardware, IIRC. (Been a long time since I ran 8.6 on my Wallstreet)... There shouldn't be any compatibility problems. Software that runs on 9.x should run on 8.6 equally well. There aren't too many new feature in OS 9 that will make the average user go "wow." (Well, maybe except for voice authentication for multiple users log in, but the novelty there wears off the first time the system doesn't recognise your voice). 9.x does have some enhancements - larger file sizes (2GB+), more simultaneously opened documents (huge number), conceivably better TCP/IP performance, and better power management, but for the average user (and even for many power users) these features aren't too apparent. File sharing over TCP/IP is nice though. But you can get that in 8.6 w/ the right software. Hope that helps you make your decision! Drew -- <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> <http://homepage.mac.com/alk/> "Anyone can fly, all you have to do is throw yourself at the ground and miss." -Douglas Adams, Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy -- 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:powerbooks@;mail.maclaunch.com> To unsubscribe, email: <mailto:powerbooks-off@;mail.maclaunch.com> For digest mode, email: <mailto:powerbooks-digest@;mail.maclaunch.com> Subscription questions: <mailto:listmom@;lowendmac.com> Archive: <http://www.mail-archive.com/powerbooks%40mail.maclaunch.com/> --------------------------------------------------------------- >The Think Different Store http://www.ThinkDifferentStore.com ---------------------------------------------------------------
