iMac G3 Bondi CD issue + recommendation

[sk8er123]

Hey everybody, sorry to clutter up the thread but I had a question and I thought someone on here might know, I was gifted and original Bondi Blue iMac G3, and tbh I've had nothing but problems restoring it, but I can sense the end coming near, it boots and I am able to get OS 9 to run off a HD ,BUT... the cord from the CD tray loading drive to the motherboard is frayed and possibly shorted, and for the life of me I can't figure out what type of cord it is. Its like and IDE cable but more condensed... if anyone knows what this is and where I may be able to purchase a replacement, I'd be thankful.

Completely different topic but I figured I'd ask on the same thread... I am now the owner of a 2.3DC PMG5, an overclocked eMac G4 (1.42 to a modest 1.58) and the iMac G3, and they are all heavy desktops. I've never had the pleasure of owning a PowerPC portable, and I was wondering if anyone had a recommendation on a laptop to try and find, as I know there are a few options. I'm not looking to spend a fortune, maybe 50 dollars, and just want a new project machine, a portable one.

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[Camacorn]

Hey, it's not clutter, we're all here for one reason, to keep these PowerPC machines alive! When you can find them, they aren't usually too expensive. These guys are selling the IDE cable for $5USD. http://www.applerescueofdenver.com/...parts/imac-g3-hard-drive-optical-drive-cable/

On a side note, I'd try picking up a cheap Powerbook, or maybe an iBook G4, I know the iBook G4's can be had pretty cheap, and are still somewhat usable.

Nice eMac btw!

 

[jst333]

I know everybody has their favorite portables... but, for me the ultimate PPC laptop was the "Pismo" Powerbook. Easy to upgrade, can run os9 -10.4 natively, firewire. Just an all-around solid machine. I have a clamshell, that is neat to have, but max screen resolution can be an issue. Had a g3 800 ibook, g4 1.0 ibook, g4 400 powerbook all had motherboard failures (graphics chips). But the trusty old "Pismo" continues on, and is my favorite. Also have a g4 1.2 ibook that works great, but doesn't get used much.

 

[sk8er123]

Thank you so much, that cable should be perfect. And I'll just keep my eyes out for a nice portable ppc to play around with. Thank you for the replies!!