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I think processor upgrades are great. I run a NewerTech G4 in my 7500 and if it weren't for processor upgrades I'd still be in 604 land. Supporting a family on my budget I can't simply plop down $1500 + in order to purchase a new Mac. I have to save. So even though I have the limitations of an older Mac (bus & memory speeds, etc.), I still have a G4 processor and a G4 is still a G4. I am still able to run Altivec applications as well as OS X. All for under $400 (for the base machine and memory). This wouldn't have been possible without the Sonnets, Newer Techs (I know they're defunct), Powerlogix, xlr8s, etc. I could've just used the $400 and built a 1 GHZ + PC, but then it would've been a PC (nothing more needs to be said there). Anyway, I too am waiting the arrival of the G5's. If I'm going to save and spend that much money for a new machine, you'd better bet it'll be the newest technology ie: G5. If I bought a new G4 now, I'd be kicking myself later for not holding out for the G5, when it'll probably be introduced at around the same cost of a "Quicksilver" right now. Meanwhile, I'll start saving and plug along with my trusty old G4 powered 7500 while I wait.
 
To upgrade, or NOT to upgrade...

I've been salivating for quite a while over that Sonnet Duet MP 500MHz upgrade for my Cube (yes - it WILL FIT!). But there are a few mitigating circumstances preventing me from taking the plunge and buying one:

1. I have NO money left after buying my Mac;
2. I have an angry wife (see 1);
3. I have just paid for an extra 2 years on my Applecare Warranty, which will be voided if I so much as BREATHE LIGHTLY on the ZIF card;
4. Have you seen the PRICE of these things? You might as well just go out and buy a NEW Mac!

Anyway - the price of these cards are bound to come down in a few years, at which time I'll be more than happy to play Frankenstein to the Cube, and put in the then readily available slot-loading DVD-RW/CD-RW drive, paired along with the 22" LCD Display I had my eye on at the local 2nd-hand Computer Exchange, before RIPPING the heart out of the core, replacing it with the Dual-Processor 500MHz and fan configuration...

Oh - excuse the rant. Sometimes I just get carried away. Ahem!

...Your time will come, my little box-like friend...
 
thats too bad

thats too bad... I have several friends that really want to upgrade their Pwoerbooks but there is no upgade available... :(
 
Originally posted by Hemingray


Dude, when the G5's hit the market, go for it and don't look back. You won't miss your G4 400 at all. (I'm in the same boat.)

true true true true true:D
 
Originally posted by 7500G4
I think processor upgrades are great. I run a NewerTech G4 in my 7500 and if it weren't for processor upgrades I'd still be in 604 land.

You are right. I also own several upgraded 7300, 7500, 7600 and 8500...

OTOH upgrading a Tupperware G3 or a G4 is less important. Even if a G5 upgrade would be avaibable, the slower system bus and RAM as well as the slow video cards would make the speed gain of the G5 less visible (if you really need it).

There is simply now enough computing power in a 1999-2001 G3/G4, especially with fast HDD and Nvidia video, so that any NEW Mac really would have to be in another category, a new generation :)

I also stopped upgrading since new Macs have become less expensive. It is much better to rotate the old Mac to a lesser position or to sell it than to upgrade.
 
kehoticus,

unfortunately, you are right i think...g5 is going to be a 2003 thing

every apple release has come a little on the late side and macrumors has always had the goods on what it might have been months before the actual product

2003 will be here before we know it
 
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