Question about 1,5 GHz 15" PowerBook G4

[Styxie]

Dear forummers,

Today I'm buying a secondhand PB G4 15" 1,5 GHz. Is there anything I need to pay attention to, before I give the guy my cash? I know about the lid mechanism, I'll be sure to check that. Also, how many RAM slots are filled on a standard PB? The guy says it's equipped with 512 MB, I believe that's standard. To upgrade to 1GB (which I want), do I need to buy an extra 512 megs, or is the standard 512 MB devided onto 2 x 256 megs? Anything else I need to look out for?

[dubhe]

The memory is likely to be 2x256 but 512 shouldn't be too expensive.
Check the number of battery cycles, after around 300 it will start to loose performance, but that is to be expected.
Check the screws for signs of removal, when I took my PB12 apart it was a right bugger to do and some of the screws suffered, so you can see if he has been inside.

[FireArse]

Did these suffer from the lower RAM slot issue?

F

[Peterkro]

Did these suffer from the lower RAM slot issue?

F

Yes I think they did but if he's got 256 in each slot they're both working if it's just one 512 he could swap it over to make sure both work.

[MagicWok]

Check for any pitting on the hand-rest area.

Also check if there is any case deformation around the area of the power point on the laptop, which would be a sign the cord has been yanked from the machine. A sad fate many of us had with the old Powerbooks before the mag-safe connector came to force.

Check for any white spots/areas on the screen too.

[dubhe]

Check all the ports are working, ie plug a drive into the usb/FW ports, headphones into headphone. Not sure why they shouldn't but you might as well check.

[dubhe]

Remember to question the guy lots, if he says he had it from new, ask him where and when he bought it etc. If he is making it all up it will be uncomfortable for him :)

[Styxie]

Thanks for all the help guys. The Powerbook is great, it looks just as new! I'm very pleased with it.

[dubhe]

Congratulations on your new Mac :)