Im going to collect iMacs!

[protozoa]

Thanks Cassie!

I actually found an informative website...
http://www.everymac.com/

When I said "built-in wireless modem" I wasn't really talking about airports; I was simply wondering if it would be able to connect to the wireless network in my home. From what I can tell by looking at the website, they all can.

I have yet to purchase my first Macintosh, so I think I'll do that first (probably a MacBook). But, it's really hard to believe that you can get a functioning desktop computer for less than $50! It must be one of the great secrets of the computer world.

 

[applefan1997]

Thanks Cassie!

I actually found an informative website...
http://www.everymac.com/

When I said "built-in wireless modem" I wasn't really talking about airports; I was simply wondering if it would be able to connect to the wireless network in my home. From what I can tell by looking at the website, they all can.

I have yet to purchase my first Macintosh, so I think I'll do that first (probably a MacBook). But, it's really hard to believe that you can get a functioning desktop computer for less than $50! It must be one of the great secrets of the computer world.

AirPort is how it connects to a wireless network. Everymac states that they can but the card is needed. Most don't have the card installed however. You'll need an AirPort card and an adapter for the iMac (~$70). Only models 400MHz and up can use them BTW.

They truly are great machines. I have one and it is great for everyday things, even iMovie. You can't beat them for the price!

 

[CRAZYBUBBA]

what os 9 screensaver or program lets you loop video?

That person is using a default OSX screen saver.

 

[protozoa]

AirPort is how it connects to a wireless network. Everymac states that they can but the card is needed. Most don't have the card installed however. You'll need an AirPort card and an adapter for the iMac (~$70). Only models 400MHz and up can use them BTW.

They truly are great machines. I have one and it is great for everyday things, even iMovie. You can't beat them for the price!

Darn! I misunderstood the info on the website. Thanks for the clarification.

How difficult is the AirPort card and adapter to install? I've never dug around inside a computer (other than to remove the hard drive so I could pound it with a hammer).

 

[Macmaniac]

The airport cards in the old iMac's are worth more then machines themselves.

 

[protozoa]

The airport cards in the old iMac's are worth more then machines themselves.

Yeah... the AftertheMac brand version appears to sell for about $50 on eBay. About the same as what the computers go for. Still, it would end up being a functional desktop for a hundred bucks.

It appears to be a USB plug in deal. The good news with that is that it wouldn't involve digging around in the guts (and risking screwing the thing up). The bad news is that it would take up one of the two USB ports.

 

[applefan1997]

It's not difficult to install it, even Apple includes instructions. You just open the RAM door on the bottom (using a coin), and slip the card/adapter in.
Directions here:
http://www.faqintosh.com/risorse/en/guides/hw/imac/imacg3dvram/
The AirPort slot is below the RAM chips, covered by this clear stick (in pic 4/8 next to the yellow circle.) Easy as that!

 

[dsnort]

I just recently started collecting. Got a G3 Snow, (Summer 2001). Should note it has an audible whine and or hum.

It's amazing how usable these old machines still are. ( I'm typing this on a Clamshell Graphite iBook, 366 Ghz, 6GB HDD, 192 Mb RAM, 10.3.9 Panther).

I'm planning to get one more iMac, going to replace my kids two eMachine P(o)C's.

I also have a Clamshell 466 Lime SE, but it needs some work. Battery is bad, only 128MB RAM. Gonna max the RAM and, as long as I've got the comp COMPLETELY apart, slip in a 120 GB HDD. That looks like fun!

 

[iMacZealot]

You know you're old when people are collecting a computer that you use on a (nearly) everyday basis.

 

[Consultant]

That is awesome.

Do you know what would be more awesome?

Getting them all to display a portion of the same video or image so all together they display the whole thing. Now THAT would be awesome.

Possible but good amount of work is required.

I remember reading some company put together a very wide display (I think it was few dozens of LCD Displays side by side in a stadium), each driven by a Mac Mini. video / animation are pre-processed (split up for each computer) and pre-loaded on each Mac Mini.

Link together with gigabit network, and can be controlled live by a controller mac that also provides the time syncing of all the minis.

 

[Eric Lewis]

just got 2 ruby ones today

 

[d_and_n5000]

The Hum of all those iMacs would drive me INSANE

Doubt it. I work in a computer lab with twenty of them in close proximity, you never notice it. And most of them are the tray-load fan varieties.

Now, it helps that the most taxing thing we do with them is Appleworks, but...

 

[im_to_hyper]

just got 2 ruby ones today

Nice! I don't think I've even seen any of those! I've got a bondi, a grape, and an indigo slot-loader. Thing is, I need to get rid of them soon, so that's kinda sad. I wouldn't mind a dalmation, or a tangerine... or key lime.

 

[Flowero4ka]

like this...its my inspiration

WOOW!! Perfect idea! They are so multicolored, that's nice!!!

 

[iMpathetic]

Go look on your local freecycle and see if you can find any for free

I've been looking for a sage imac g3... but they seem to be hard to find!

I know where a sage 700MHz is....