OS Upgrade or Not?

[jarms]

I have a PowerMac 9600 that I converted to G3 hardware status via a Sonnet processor card. I am currently using OS 9.1, and am considering upgrading to OS X to take advantage of easier networking, and other features. However, I am concerned about the compatibility of the new OS with the Sonnet card, as well as other incompatibilities that might arise with such an upgrade. Does anyone have any relevant experience or recommendations? Thanks.

[pyrotoaster]

I'd stick with OS 9, simply because a 9600 will be very, very slow running OS X (even Panther). Updating honestly wouldn't be worth the work you'd have to put in.

If you've got the cash, you should get a new(er) Mac. Even if you just get a used one off eBay, it's probably time you upgraded. Once you've got a newer machine, then make the move to X.

[gentoo]

I would try installing a copy of Mandrake linux on your machine, as well as OS 9. Mandrake gives life to older hardware like my Blue G3 400MHz.


I got Jaguar when it came out, it was "significantly faster" - Not so.


Got panther when IT came out "blazingly fast" - Not so.


So i'm TRYING to get Mandrake to boot on this mac. Should work.


OS X isn't worth the upgrade, unless you have a thousand dollar G4 or a 1600 dollar G5.

Which I can't afford.


Just my opinion ;)

[~Shard~]

Although OSX is an amazing OS, I think due to your current situation sticking with OS9 is in your better interests - OSX would simply be too slow and end up being counter-productive.

[OutThere]

I think that it would run so slowly that it would just be painful. Just stick with OS 9, or go to linux, which will also have some nice networking ability.

[dukemeiser]

Instead of spending $130 for OS X, you might consider putting it toward a new Mac. You can thank yourself later.:D

[~Shard~]

Originally posted by dukemeiser
Instead of spending $130 for OS X, you might consider putting it toward a new Mac. You can thank yourself later.:D

This is a good idea. Depending on your current situation, maybe just save the money and put it towards a new Mac - every little bit helps! But as I said in my above post, I don't think the upgrade will be worth it based on your current situation.

[coolsoldier]

10.2 runs minimally on my iMac 350MHz G3. I upgraded from OS 9 because I needed software that was X only. But I still envy the responsiveness and ease-of-use on OS 9 (which actually runs faster on my 350MHz G3 than my 800MHz G4.