How to get the best out of an old PowerBook

[MacRohde]

Hi,

I have just aquired an old PowerBook 5300cs which I plan on using as a simple typewriter etc. (I hate to power up my high-end PC just to write a simple text doc).

It comes installed with Mac OS 7.5 but I plan on buying 8.5 second hand and install that instead. On one of the many "museum's sites" I've read that I can install OS 9 on it as well.

My question is, would that be a good idea or is OS 9 too taxing for such an old machine?

And if you have any other great tips on how to get an old PowerBook back to life it'll be much appreciated.

BTW, can I easily replace the old and dead battery on such a thing?

 

[invaLPsion]

Though it is possible to put up to Mac OS 9.1 on that machine I'm betting that 8.5 would be your best bet.

 

[MoparShaha]

I'd go ahead and put OS9 on it. It's not that much more taxing than 8.5. From personal experience, OS9 is more stable.

I wouldn't bother with a battery, it'll be expensive. At this point, the machine isn't worth putting any money into. Just get a long extension cord.