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Free iMac G4 Worth It?
- Thread starter Unit134679
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iParis
macrumors 68040
CubeHacker
macrumors 65816
Can you upgrade the ram? Yep to a max of 1GB using 2 x 512mb PC100/PC133 Sticks.
Can you upgrade the HDD? Yep, to a max of 128gb using any PATA 3.5" HDD. (there are software ways around this limitation if you want).
Can you install Tiger? Absolutely.
Can you add wireless? Yep, you just need an original Airport card along with the adapter for G3 iMacs.
I have a G3 iMac with all the above upgrades done to it. My parents use it to browse the net and print stuff and it works fine for them.
Processor seems so slow though. I'm trying to use it for music production with Cubase and Reason. I'm thinking about just getting a G4 or G5 (not the latest one)
FF_productions
macrumors 68030
I had experience with 800 Mhz iMac G4, way too slow...I have a 1.33 ghz G4, 1.67 ghz G4, 2.2 ghz pentium 4 PC, and my Mac Pro, they all the blew the pants off of it. I ended up selling it as it became useless because of its limited capabilities.
It is NOT worth the money to upgrade, if your on a super budget, I'd really squeeze for a G5 or even a Mac Mini (if Apple ever updates the bastard). Skip the G4 generation at this point in time, not worth the money being asked.
Get the iMac, and sell it.
It is NOT worth the money to upgrade, if your on a super budget, I'd really squeeze for a G5 or even a Mac Mini (if Apple ever updates the bastard). Skip the G4 generation at this point in time, not worth the money being asked.
Get the iMac, and sell it.
What are the actual specs? But yes, the G3 iMacs will seem pretty slow in the modern world. I'd probably advise against using one for anything but modest internet and office tasks. Flash will be a no-no.
You don't necessarily need an Airport card.. those things are WAY too expensive. I have a lime g3 iMac and use a USB dongle for wireless. Works great!
Anyone that wants to give me a free machine just because I'm the computer guy, I usually pass on. I already have the machines I need to get the job done. I don't need anymore. And if someone asks me if I can put Windows XP on a machine their Aunt, Uncle or Third Distant Cousin they hardly hear from, I usually ask how old is it. I know they don't know because they make up an answer of 3 -5 years all the time. I tell them they should probably dump the machine off to a homeless shelter and get a brand new machine. That usually shuts them up.
First I don't want to install Windows XP on that machine for them, they'll come back with problems they are having because their kid installed Limewire and got a bunch of Viruses because he was a dak.
Second, they'll complain about it being so slow when they are trying to watch Youtube, Rip a CD and have 20 Instances of Word running all at the same time.
Third - They'll stop using it after the above happens and put a plastic cover over it to, Protect it, yeah protect it. From what? I don't know.
Fourth - Then when the machine finally breaks down for the last time, they'll ask me to fix it for them. I'll tell them can't fix it because most of the parts are too old to find and replace due to how it was built, what strange case was used to put it in or I don't feel like cutting my hands up trying to get the crappy designed case open.
These are the exact things that have happened to me. That's why when someone wants to get a computer, I tell them, buy yourself a brand new machine, don't look for the most expensive, just figure out what you want to do with it and I can help you find a machine in your price range. I also tell them that all support comes from the company that you choose to buy from and that's the end of that.
First I don't want to install Windows XP on that machine for them, they'll come back with problems they are having because their kid installed Limewire and got a bunch of Viruses because he was a dak.
Second, they'll complain about it being so slow when they are trying to watch Youtube, Rip a CD and have 20 Instances of Word running all at the same time.
Third - They'll stop using it after the above happens and put a plastic cover over it to, Protect it, yeah protect it. From what? I don't know.
Fourth - Then when the machine finally breaks down for the last time, they'll ask me to fix it for them. I'll tell them can't fix it because most of the parts are too old to find and replace due to how it was built, what strange case was used to put it in or I don't feel like cutting my hands up trying to get the crappy designed case open.
These are the exact things that have happened to me. That's why when someone wants to get a computer, I tell them, buy yourself a brand new machine, don't look for the most expensive, just figure out what you want to do with it and I can help you find a machine in your price range. I also tell them that all support comes from the company that you choose to buy from and that's the end of that.