iMac G4 lamp base model: worth it?

[ThEcXMaN]

Hello everyone, I found in a used market an imac G4 first version lamp: 800mhz/256 MB/60HD at a price of 100 euro.

Now, before launching myself into the purchase, which I haven't done yet (aesthetically it looks well maintained, but it's definitely worth trying), let me ask you a few questions:

- the maximum reachable ram is 1GB, correct? (I've seen some later models go up to 2GB though unofficial)

- I would also replace the HDD with an SDD that I already have available (I saw the ide/sata adapter in another thread)

- once I've brought everything to the maximum (maybe I'll also have to add an airport card), I wanted to understand with you if it can be used, certainly not as a main machine, but for listening to music with itunes, videos on youtube, email, in short, light things.

- USB 1 ports are another major problem, any suggestions?

- last question: given the maximum features, do you think Sorbet Leopard or a Linux distribution will work better?

Meanwhile, thank you in advance, the purpose of this thread is to understand if it is worth doing this job. a greeting, Mario

 

[Juicy Box]

I have a 17" iMac G4. I cannot remember the specs anymore, but I still have it, and afaik, it still works.

15 years ago, my daughter (2ish at the time) drew on the screen with a ballpoint pen, and scratched the surface, so I stopped using it.

It isn't that bad when he screen is on, but always thought about fixing it. I hate to do this to a working unit, but I thought about ripping the guts out and replacing the screen with something modern and sticking an AS Mac inside as the guts.

The iMac G4 was always my favorite design of any Apple product. It is practical, much more than future iMac designs starting with G5, but still very beautiful.

I found in a used market an imac G4 first version lamp: 800mhz/256 MB/60HD at a price of 100 euro.

Is this the 15" or 17"?

- USB 1 ports are another major problem, any suggestions?

Not really a problem. Depends on what you plan on doing with it.

It has FW400, which will be a lot faster than USB1.1.

- the maximum reachable ram is 1GB, correct? (I've seen some later models go up to 2GB though unofficial)

It depends on the model, but every iMac G4 model had two RAM slots, one user replaceable and one not, each with different number of pins.

I cannot remember what the specs of might was, but I did upgrade both the internal RAM, and user replaceable RAM. When I replaced the RAM, I also replace the HDD with a larger and faster one.

I remember it being hard squeezing everything back into the dome.


Good luck to you.

 

[weckart]

It's more than I would pay but it really depends on how much you really want one and what the market is locally. I take it, by first version you mean the 15" iLamp? I have the 17" Flat Panel and the main difference apart from the screen is a slightly better graphics card.

You are stuck with 1GB. The 1.0GHz and later iMacs could be fitted with 2GB.

As for usage, you could use it as an iTunes player. Watching videos on YT might be less than satisfactory but light office work would be fine if you can live with XGA and older software. I personally find the fan a bit louder than I would like but the design of the thing doesn't give a lot of options. You could try to retrofit a quieter fan if it bothers you.

There isn't much you can do about USB1 ports except break out any Firewire peripherals you have if you want external storage.

In my opinion, given the RAM limitations, you might consider rediscovering OS9 on it and playing retrogames etc. It will be quicker than OSX or Linux.

 

[Dronecatcher]

@ThEcXMaN I have the same model. I did a video comparing in browser Youtube playing in Tiger vs Leopard:

There are workarounds to play Youtube more efficiently but there's some legwork involved. For everything else you asked the iMac can do but with the caveat that the hardware is ancient and everything online will be slow - exceptions being websites specifically designed for old tech.
If you use a text based browser like Links2 (which can be run from Terminal) the speed is fine.

 

[CooperBox]

I see you've had one question already answered; yes you are stuck with max 1GB memory on the first version you mention.
I still have a collection of each model, and would seriously advise you to go for only the 17" 1.25GHz USB2 model (or 20" if lucky enough to find one)! To make these a joy to use you really need them maxed to 2GB memory and an SSD also improves performance.
The Sept03-July04 15" model is also USB2 but with 1GHz processor. Go for the others I recommended, you won't regret it.
My maxed out 20" with 2GB memory and also an SSD will shortly be offered for sale in Europe, personal collection only after on-site testing to ensure buyer's satisfaction.

 

[ThEcXMaN]

In the meantime, thanks to everyone for the replies.

The model should be the M8535LL/B (800 MHz), 15"

I confess that I've lost my enthusiasm a little, more than anything I was hoping that it would be a little more usable... not to mention the work to be done (even if I'm quite practical), and you can do the math: 100 euros + 24 ssd adapters + 30 (?) euros for two 512MB ram (1dimm + 1 sodimm) and a new silent fan...

I'm honest, I don't know.

@CooperBox, that sounds interesting! Is it possible to know roughly what the price and shipping cost to Italy will be? (just for information, I'm afraid the price will be too high for me)

 

[Dronecatcher]

I confess that I've lost my enthusiasm a little

I don't understand - the answer to all of your questions is yes and you won't need a SSD and quiet fan to get there, although a stick of 512Mb RAM is essential.

Isn't the main reason for getting a G4 iMac the cool factor? If it's for practical reasons then any PowerPC is money not particularly well spent - even the fastest, a G5 Quad will be faced with websites it can't load.

I'd marvel at having an outstanding design classic - use software from the period it came from and approach the internet with a low expectation - you will then be surprised at what it can do and you might even enjoy 'Sunday driving' the internet at a more sedate pace!

Offer them €60 and haggle...and get 512Mb RAM - you won't regret it!

 

[ThEcXMaN]

Hi everyone, sorry for the delay... I'll resume the post, I finally bought the Mac. No discount... 😞

Pros:

- it works (yes, it wasn't obvious 😆), Jaguar installed. There was still an old login that I bypassed, everything seems to work fine.
- It is the stock version, I confirm, 800Mhz/256MB/60GB, never opened or touched. PowerMac 4.2
- the aesthetic condition is discreet, no breaks or anything else (I will explain myself better in the "cons")
-... and yes, you all know, it's incredibly BEAUTIFUL!

Against:

- no keyboard, no mouse, no power cord (!) --> I had to buy it on the fly to try it right there at the flea market... 🤦‍♂️
- No airport card
- The case is... stained, I'm not sure how to describe it, I'll try to post a photo. Unfortunately, I didn't notice it immediately, and I doubt it can be cleaned up.

Having said that, shopping list (advice welcome):

- 1GB ram from OWC (512+512). I tried on Amazon (ITA) but the prices are absurd
- SSD: I already have a 512 crucial
- SSD Bracket
- SSD/IDE adapter
- new buffer battery This is ok?

This is to start with. Then I noticed (I have a very quiet studio) the very noisy fan... I also accept suggestions here.

Then I will certainly need at least a wifi adapter or an airport card... what do you think?

Thanks everyone, Mario

 

[ThEcXMaN]

Isn't the main reason for getting a G4 iMac the cool factor? If it's for practical reasons then any PowerPC is money not particularly well spent - even the fastest, a G5 Quad will be faced with websites it can't load.

I'd marvel at having an outstanding design classic - use software from the period it came from and approach the internet with a low expectation - you will then be surprised at what it can do and you might even enjoy 'Sunday driving' the internet at a more sedate pace!

Sorry for the late reply, and thanks for your encouragement: the words you wrote are absolutely perfect, I could make a t-shirt or a poster to stick everywhere! 👍

Respect!

 

[ApolloBoy]

Then I will certainly need at least a wifi adapter or an airport card... what do you think?

The original AirPort card only works with networks that have WEP encryption, which is very weak security and not recommended. I use an older Edimax EW-7811Un with mine which has a driver available for Tiger and works well.

 

[bkmoore773]

.... The model should be the M8535LL/B (800 MHz), 15"

I confess that I've lost my enthusiasm a little....

Despite all the limitations, this is one of the best Macs ever built that can boot classic Mac OS natively. So if you're interested in gaming on classic Mac OS, this is imho. probably one of the best desktops to get. Personally I'd take a G4 iMac over a G4 Cube, both machines are very similar. Although the G4 Cube is now somewhat collectable and the iMac G4 not so much.

If you're looking for an OS X PPC Mac, there are better ones out there. But then again, the design is what sets this computer apart, not the specs or the performance. I actually bought the iMac G4 lamp when it came out in 2002 and absolutely loved it. At the time, it was a fast, compact machine with a very cool form factor at a time when bulky boxes and CRTs were the norm.

 

[ThEcXMaN]

Despite all the limitations, this is one of the best Macs ever built that can boot classic Mac OS natively. So if you're interested in gaming on classic Mac OS, this is imho. probably one of the best desktops to get. Personally I'd take a G4 iMac over a G4 Cube, both machines are very similar. Although the G4 Cube is now somewhat collectable and the iMac G4 not so much.

If you're looking for an OS X PPC Mac, there are better ones out there. But then again, the design is what sets this computer apart, not the specs or the performance. I actually bought the iMac G4 lamp when it came out in 2002 and absolutely loved it. At the time, it was a fast, compact machine with a very cool form factor at a time when bulky boxes and CRTs were the norm.

ok, I understand and I thank you: the thread however continued, in the end I purchased the iMac (see above), in fact I am waiting for some answers to my questions (see above).

See you soon, Mario

 

[3922434]

All I can say is I sat in an IT office for three years(only person on staff) and next to me I would make a paper face to put on the broken iMac g4 that no one would throw out cause it got so lonely being in there all by myself all day. It was kinda like that movie with Tom hanks where he crash lands in the ocean and is stuck with a soccer ball as his only contact until hes rescued. I eventually rescued myself by bouncing outa that job I wonder how olllll flappys doing…I fought so hard to get him on payroll 😂 but in all seriousness I miss the iMac g4 was a great system!

 

[weckart]

The original AirPort card only works with networks that have WEP encryption, which is very weak security and not recommended. I use an older Edimax EW-7811Un with mine which has a driver available for Tiger and works well.

That is how it shipped. Nonetheless it does support WPA but you will need to be running 10.3.3 or later.

 

[ApolloBoy]

That is how it shipped. Nonetheless it does support WPA but you will need to be running 10.3.3 or later.

I have an AirPort card in my G4 (which was pulled from a dead iBook G3) and I can't connect to WPA networks at all, only WEP. My G4 is running Tiger BTW.

 

[weckart]

I have an AirPort card in my G4 (which was pulled from a dead iBook G3) and I can't connect to WPA networks at all, only WEP. My G4 is running Tiger BTW.

Make sure your router is using TKIP and not AES.

You might find this thread useful https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/original-airport-card-wifi-b-and-wpa-wpa2.1816914/

There is a possibility that your Airport card will need a firmware update to see WPA networks. The thread will give all the details.

 

[ThEcXMaN]

Update:

- RAM updated, now 768 Mb waiting for the arrival of the other stick
- Cleaned iMac (99% isopropyl alcohol), that sort of "glue" is gone
- all the parts for replacing HDD with SSD are arriving

I await your response regarding the fan, I also wrote in another thread, the Noctua seems the best, but I haven't had any responses on the pins.

please, let me know, thank you

 

[svamethyst99]

i was never a fan of how those lampshade imacs were put together. i vastly preferred the eMac and its colorful 17" CRT display even if it was a total back-breaker. still have my 1ghz ATI model that surprisingly still boots up.

 

[ThEcXMaN]

Ok, I'm afraid I made another mistake, due to too much haste.

I got the EDIMAX EW-7811UN V2 dongle to equip my iMac with wifi, but it seems that there are no drivers for Tiger. 🤦‍♂️

Before sending it back to Amazon, any suggestions?

Thanks as always, Mario

 

[aurora72]

I got the EDIMAX EW-7811UN V2 dongle to equip my iMac with wifi, but it seems that there are no drivers for Tiger. 🤦‍♂️

The Edimax website has got some peculiarities, for instance it has no product page (therefore no driver software) for EW-7711USn at its USA website, but it has one at its Germany website! (You can try it by changing the region selection at the website)

Several days ago I've bought an Edimax EW-7318USg because on its product page and on its packaging it was written that it supported the Mac OS 10.4 (Tiger) So I've installed the Mac software from the CD which came with the package but it just didn't work. I've tried several workarounds, none of them worked.

Then as I was googling around I came across this post. In a comment above, @ApolloBoy said that Edimax EW-7811Un had a driver available for Tiger and it worked well. Then I took a look at Edimax website to see if driver file description contained the "Tiger" name. No it didn't. That made me think that dongles with model names similar to my EW-7318USg might have Mac software without mentioning Tiger but yet still supports Tiger and because it's a similar dongle to mine, its Mac software could run my dongle too. So I started trying similarly named but different dongles' Mac software as I talked about in my post about Tiger drivers for Edimax EW-7318USg. After trying about 4 to 6 software, one of them, namely the EW-7318Ug worked on my EW-7318USg.

So could this mean that the software for a dongle with a different but similar name to EW-7811UN V2 might run the EW-7811UN V2, perhaps?

 

[Old Man McGuggins]

Ok, I'm afraid I made another mistake, due to too much haste.

I got the EDIMAX EW-7811UN V2 dongle to equip my iMac with wifi, but it seems that there are no drivers for Tiger. 🤦‍♂️

Before sending it back to Amazon, any suggestions?

Thanks as always, Mario

Go on the wayback machine (ran by the internet archive) and enter their driver site in. I've snagged a few downloads from there. It may say the dow load itself wasn't saved, if this is the case, search their archive of software for a copy, and if that fails, contact support. None of those cost anything extra (unless you write a letter and not email) and could let you have a driver.

If you find it, post it online on the internet Archive so others can use it even if they delete it.

 

[ThEcXMaN]

Go on the wayback machine (ran by the internet archive) and enter their driver site in. I've snagged a few downloads from there. It may say the dow load itself wasn't saved, if this is the case, search their archive of software for a copy, and if that fails, contact support. None of those cost anything extra (unless you write a letter and not email) and could let you have a driver.

If you find it, post it online on the internet Archive so others can use it even if they delete it.

Hi, I'll definitely give it a try - the problem is that this V2 seems to be a new version.

While the V1 version (that's what I call it, but the name is just EW-7811UN) has drivers for Tiger, this new version seems to only run from Mavericks.

Edit, tried with wayback machine:

Hrm.​

Wayback Machine has not archived that URL.

 

[Old Man McGuggins]

Hi, I'll definitely give it a try - the problem is that this V2 seems to be a new version.

While the V1 version (that's what I call it, but the name is just EW-7811UN) has drivers for Tiger, this new version seems to only run from Mavericks.

Edit, tried with wayback machine:

Hrm.​

Wayback Machine has not archived that URL.

Uh oh.

If you do track V2 down, do save it there (as a item not a link) so future issues can be solved with it. But I dunno now apart from emailing the company.