Is Mac OS X Tiger good option for my Imac G4

[asifnaz]

I have Imac G4 wuth 512 GB ram . It came with no OS . It came without any OS . What OS should I install .
Linux (please mention best version for my Imac G4) or OS X tiger .

I am going to use this as a hobby computer .

Side question : Is my computer has any collector value ..?

 

[Dronecatcher]

Depends on what model you have - also, if you're not going to add extra RAM stick with Tiger.
Linux is possible but wont offer any improvement over Tiger and will largely be slower (depending on what you ask of it).
Collector value again, depends on the model?

 

[CooperBox]

If you don't intend to upgrade the 512GB RAM memory, install Tiger and all the necessary tweeks that you'll read about elsewhere on the forum.
You don't say which model you have. If the processor is less than 1GHz I'd say stick with Tiger. If 1.0GHz or especially 1.25GHz, go with Leopard (again applying all useful performance tweeks), and upgrade RAM to 2GB.
As general advise, FORGET Linux! Unless as a hobby computer you wish to assist in testing Void Linux - see separate thread on this forum.
iMac G4 collector value? I'd say yes, it's worth what one is prepared to pay. Personaly I wouldn't bother with the first 15" 700MHz PowerMac4,2 model unless to fill a gap in the iMac G4 range (I have one of each), but the 20" 1.25GHz imho is the model with the true potential in terms of collector's value. I am seeing them increasing in value every couple of years.An iMac to die for, indeed double- die for for when upgraded with 2GB memory and an SSD installed.

Whoops, looks like my post crossed with that from Dronecatcher. We appear to be on the same wavelength......

 

[asifnaz]

Depends on what model you have - also, if you're not going to add extra RAM stick with Tiger.
Linux is possible but wont offer any improvement over Tiger and will largely be slower (depending on what you ask of it).
Collector value again, depends on the model?

I checked it's bottom . It's 1.0 ghz with 256 mb ram . I upgraded to 512 mb ram . I got it for 15$ . But never able to operate it as I could not find os x for it . I am still looking for a copy of 10.5 for reasonable price . Does this imac has any collection value ?

 

[Dronecatcher]

You can download the OS from macintoshgarden.
Regarding collectors value - these things aren't rare - some people will pay a silly price but generally, a 1Ghz 15" model here in the UK would command around £40.
I have the 800Mhz model, it came with mouse, keyboard and Apple speakers - I paid £25, that was 3 years ago.

 

[eyoungren]

Side question : Is my computer has any collector value ..?

Does this imac has any collection value ?

This seems to be your main concern here.

Honestly, if you're looking for collectors items that have some sort of monetary value I think you'd be better off looking at jewelry, watches, cars or something else.

Apple is a mass producer of electronic devices. As has already been stated they made a lot of these and rarity is what determines value. Even rare Macs hardly get beyond $500 and this is NOT a rare Mac.

So, whatever else you do…forget about the value as a collectors item. Use the Mac and enjoy it as the hobby item you mentioned. That's about the maximum value you will get out of it.

 

[MBAir2010]

Tiger is the best option, Panther will run apps ok while there is something about Jaguar, i ran that on a iMac G3 and well, and that seemed to be flawless with under 1Gb ram. I would upgrade the RAM, kinda easy with that plate on the base of the mac.
Have fun, i really miss my ImacG4, but not enough to replace the logic board this season.

 

[asifnaz]

This seems to be your main concern here.

Honestly, if you're looking for collectors items that have some sort of monetary value I think you'd be better off looking at jewelry, watches, cars or something else.

Apple is a mass producer of electronic devices. As has already been stated they made a lot of these and rarity is what determines value. Even rare Macs hardly get beyond $500 and this is NOT a rare Mac.

So, whatever else you do…forget about the value as a collectors item. Use the Mac and enjoy it as the hobby item you mentioned. That's about the maximum value you will get out of it.

As I mentioned I bought it for 15$ 3 years ago . I was just making sure I am not using a 10000 $ computer just to play with

I seem to find many versions of mac os x some are for install some are for upgrade some are for a particular iMac or iBook (if I am wrong please correct me)

 

[CooperBox]

I checked it's bottom . It's 1.0 ghz with 256 mb ram . I upgraded to 512 mb ram . I got it for 15$ . But never able to operate it as I could not find os x for it . I am still looking for a copy of 10.5 for reasonable price . Does this imac has any collection value ?

As for value, I guess it's worth 15$ as that's what you payed, plus you'll need to spend a little more to increase RAM and purchase the HK speakers - which make these iMac's come alive. Others have no use for these early iMacs and occasionally they can be seen abandoned near dumpsters. The previous owner of one I have, gave it away to a thrift store, from where I purchased it for the equivalent of 10$.
As mentioned previously their value is what one is prepared to pay.
If you want a Mac that potentially will increase in value, find a black MacBook LNIB for less that 50$, or a near perfect, very cheap & immaculate Color Classic, or a 20th Anniversary (TAM) for 300$ or less - chance would be a fine thing.........

 

[swamprock]

If you want a Mac that potentially will increase in value, find a black MacBook LNIB for less that 50$, or a near perfect, very cheap & immaculate Color Classic, or a 20th Anniversary (TAM) for 300$ or less - chance would be a fine thing.........

Which is why I have three 2.4ghz Black Macbook4,1s; all with unchipped keyboard top cases (no boxes, though); and keep my eye out for more. I think these machines will appreciate in the coming years...