Using a Powerbook G4 as daily driver

[Megatronous]

Hello, eight years ago I found a Powerbook G4 in the trash and took it back home. Since then, I left it in my garage until a few weeks back. I cleaned it from all it's years of dust and with a new and clean version of Leopard, it worked again.

I'm a relative new Mac user, I bought my first Mac device half a year ago, the new M1 MBP 13'' with 16GB of RAM.

I want to use my Powerbook G4 for simple tasks like web-browsing, whatsapp web, Facebook messenger and YouTube. I know that YouTube does not work anymore on Leopard (or the Snow Leopard beta) and that there is a really lagging alternative called TenFiveTube.

I am going to upgrade my Powerbook G4 to it's maximum potential and my question was: Is there an OS that fulfills my needs? I heard about some Linux options(MintPPC, Ubuntu 16, Debian Sid, Void-PPC and Fienix). The problem is, I never used Linux before and I don't know which version is going to let me accomplish my tasks(IF I even can accomplish them with a PPC machine).

I want to use it next to my M1 MBP as a daily driver. If I got time in the future I might modify it: Keeping the housing, but giving it entire new parts. That's a problem for the future though.

PS: Sorry if I'm not that great at English, it's not my native language.

 

[svanstrom]

Hello, eight years ago I found a Powerbook G4 in the trash and took it back home. Since then, I left it in my garage until a few weeks back. I cleaned it from all it's years of dust and with a new and clean version of Leopard, it worked again.

I'm a relative new Mac user, I bought my first Mac device half a year ago, the new M1 MBP 13'' with 16GB of RAM.

I want to use my Powerbook G4 for simple tasks like web-browsing, whatsapp web, Facebook messenger and YouTube. I know that YouTube does not work anymore on Leopard (or the Snow Leopard beta) and that there is a really lagging alternative called TenFiveTube.

I am going to upgrade my Powerbook G4 to it's maximum potential and my question was: Is there an OS that fulfills my needs? I heard about some Linux options(MintPPC, Ubuntu 16, Debian Sid, Void-PPC and Fienix). The problem is, I never used Linux before and I don't know which version is going to let me accomplish my tasks(IF I even can accomplish them with a PPC machine).

I want to use it next to my M1 MBP as a daily driver. If I got time in the future I might modify it: Keeping the housing, but giving it entire new parts. That's a problem for the future though.

PS: Sorry if I'm not that great at English, it's not my native language.

Long story short: It's not worth it.

If this is just for fun then of course you can spend as much time and money as you ever might want; but at the end of the day it simply will not be a regular everyday computer with all recent security updates and a modern, standard supporting, web browser.

You'd be much much better off just getting a second display for your MBP13.

 

[Megatronous]

Long story short: It's not worth it.

If this is just for fun then of course you can spend as much time and money as you ever might want; but at the end of the day it simply will not be a regular everyday computer with all recent security updates and a modern, standard supporting, web browser.

You'd be much much better off just getting a second display for your MBP13.

It is for fun, it is not like I need it desperately. Just to have that retro Apple feeling when I like to. I want to make it as smoothly and fast as it can get while being able to do the things I mentioned above.

 

[svanstrom]

It is for fun, it is not like I need it desperately. Just to have that retro Apple feeling when I like to. I want to make it as smoothly and fast as it can get while being able to do the things I mentioned above.

Just for fun, but without any specific goals beyond that (and making it useful), then I would personally always load the latest officially supported (Mac) OS; and simply try to do what I would like to do. See what websites automatically can offer me a supported version of their app; and websearch it if they don't. Stuff like that.

Getting started with linux on outdated hardware that never had complete support to begin with would be a challenge; but a fun one, depending on how your brain works.

My personal choice in linux will always be Debian, so here's a link to information about that: https://www.debian.org/ports/powerpc/

 

[Megatronous]

Just for fun, but without any specific goals beyond that (and making it useful), then I would personally always load the latest officially supported (Mac) OS; and simply try to do what I would like to do. See what websites automatically can offer me a supported version of their app; and websearch it if they don't. Stuff like that.

Getting started with linux on outdated hardware that never had complete support to begin with would be a challenge; but a fun one, depending on how your brain works.

My personal choice in linux will always be Debian, so here's a link to information about that: https://www.debian.org/ports/powerpc/

Do you know if Debian for G4 PPC still runs YouTube or that I need also need a work around for it? If it can run YouTube, I believe it can runs the most other things I want it to run.

 

[Dronecatcher]

PPC OSX can run Youtube - there are various solutions - search the forum. Also, there are at least 4 browser options - the web is still within reasonable reach but you have to resort to workarounds and get used to a slower pace.

 

[eyoungren]

Your max Apple OS is…Leopard.

You aren't going to get WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, except through a web browser (if that even works). If it does, TenFourFox is the most up to date browser and your mileage may vary. I can't imagine it would be very fast.

The state of Linux on PowerPC varies. @z970mp would know more about that.

However, even for 'fun' I doubt this is going to be fun at all trying to make it do what you have in your head. Despite knowing that you won't be able to use this Mac like your new one you are still overestimating the capabilities of a 15+ year old computer.

 

[Megatronous]

PPC OSX can run Youtube - there are various solutions - search the forum. Also, there are at least 4 browser options - the web is still within reasonable reach but you have to resort to workarounds and get used to a slower pace.

And that's exactly what I don't want, a workaround for YouTube. TenFiveTube is optional on PPC OSX indeed, but that's a work-around. Playing YouTube directly through my browser is a must if you know what I mean. I am just curious to see if there are any OS alternatives that can do the job. I am looking into Debian as @svanstrom recommended and into Fienix. I read that Ubuntu 16.04 will be EOL and so will MintPPC because it is based on Ubuntu 16.04?

 

[svanstrom]

Playing YouTube directly through my browser is a must if you know what I mean.

Then your project isn't just for fun; and by the sound of it impossible for what you want.

 

[Dronecatcher]

And that's exactly what I don't want, a workaround for YouTube.

In that case, Morphos with it's new Wayfarer browser is the only solution (depending on your Powerbook's specs) - Linux, like OSX will require plugins to steer Youtube video into a more efficient player.

A carefree web experience is simply impossible on PPC now without extra messures unless you visit sites stripped of javascript and ads.

 

[Amethyst1]

In that case, Morphos with it's new Wayfarer browser is the only solution (depending on your Powerbook's specs)

Elaborating on that - the 12" PowerBook is not supported.

 

[velocityg4]

I'd say anything modern on a computer that old won't be pleasant.

On a just for fun computer. I'd just stick with the stuff it can handle well. Using period correct software.

At least that's my preference. I try to let the old computers run their old software. So, they can quickly perform the tasks they were good at. Such as old games, old office software and so forth.

Rather than highlighting what a dinosaur it's become. When you try to throw a modern task at it. Especially when you have something new and far more capable. Sure it's interesting to check how bad it is at the modern internet. Every once in a while. Until it becomes annoying.

The only time I go on the web with my G4 is to download a file or a quick troubleshoot. If it's more convenient than switching between computers. It's also my go between to get files on a Zip Disk or Floppy for much older Macs.

I don't even use Mac OS 10.4 much on my G4. Except if I need it to go on the web with tenfourfox. Otherwise it spends it's time in Mac OS 9.

 

[svanstrom]

I'd say anything modern on a computer that old won't be pleasant.

On a just for fun computer. I'd just stick with the stuff it can handle well. Using period correct software.

Yup, that's it right there.

If a person is looking for a limited computer that also functions as an everyday computer, then https://www.raspberrypi.org is the way to go; it's also the easiest way to get into linux, because you can just shut it down and copy the SD-card card before doing anything that potentially breaks the installation.

 

[alex_free]

I honestly think if you include workarounds such as the many for YouTube you will have a really hard time not being able to use a G4 laptop as a daily driver. My 05 iBook G4 with 1.5GBs of RAM could easily get me through day to day for almost any task.

 

[MBAir2010]

you probably found my powerbook G4
without the hard drive
most keys
battery
battery latch
but 3 extra power chords......
and a new packaged batter latch
i never get the Powerbook to reboot a new hard drive.
i needed Jaguar (or Panther) 10.4.5.3.‡.™ deluxe edition.
the powerbook is great, fun compact Laptop!
i have a copy of Creative Suite 3 that might work in your powerbook
but
knowing  and adobe, you need to reset the powerbook to 2007 for good.

enjoy that powerbook, i might pick one up if i see one at a good price!

 

[Macbookprodude]

So, based on the above, it sounds like PowerPC isn't viable anymore If I interpret this in my knowledge of english ? Interested to know what language the OP speaks, if its slavic, i CAN guide him. I actually am getting good performance on my G4 Titanium 1ghz with the 256GB M2-SATA drive. Plus, I intend to install Lubuntu as I saw the live version of it and played with it - it seems very good.

 

[Megatronous]

So, based on the above, it sounds like PowerPC isn't viable anymore If I interpret this in my knowledge of english ? Interested to know what language the OP speaks, if its slavic, i CAN guide him. I actually am getting good performance on my G4 Titanium 1ghz with the 256GB M2-SATA drive. Plus, I intend to install Lubuntu as I saw the live version of it and played with it - it seems very good.

I speak Dutch so that is Germanic :/. I heard that OpenBSD/FreeBSD is also a viable option? Anyone tried these before?

 

[Amethyst1]

I heard that OpenBSD/FreeBSD is also a viable option? Anyone tried these before?

The OpenBSD Wiki

OpenBSD is an alternative operating system to Linux and Mac OS X on the PowerPC platform. Save for Debian Sid, it is newer. It is by nature more secure due to its extremely extensive vetting and review of each line of code. It is inherently faster thanks to the lightweight kernel and lack of...

forums.macrumors.com

What PowerBook do you have?

 

[velocityg4]

So, based on the above, it sounds like PowerPC isn't viable anymore If I interpret this in my knowledge of english ? Interested to know what language the OP speaks, if its slavic, i CAN guide him. I actually am getting good performance on my G4 Titanium 1ghz with the 256GB M2-SATA drive. Plus, I intend to install Lubuntu as I saw the live version of it and played with it - it seems very good.

I'd say it's technically viable. As in you could feasibly use a PowerPC for daily use.

What we're mostly saying is it isn't practical. As it will take a lot of work, patience and compromise. Which also sounds like the antithesis of what the Op was shooting for.

 

[MysticCow]

See if you're supported and pay for MorphOS: MorphOS - Hardware (morphos-team.net)

Yes, you can use it for free, but it throttles after a bit and you have to restart. Morph is simply the fastest you're going to get for those G4's. It's worth the little bit of cost to have a fully functional OS that isn't as clunky as Linux or even 10.5.

 

[za9ra22]

So, based on the above, it sounds like PowerPC isn't viable anymore ...

As far as I can see, a PPC Mac is still viable in almost every way except access to the internet. For that, my (limited) experience of it is that it is distinctly compromised by modern sites with multiple redirects, scripting and ads.

However, particularly when using period-appropriate software, one of these systems is potentially as good as it ever was. It can still be used for email, office software such as Word, iMovie, iTunes, etc. Even Photoshop Elements. All the software that used to run on these systems still does, and still works much as it did.

The challenge is in finding the limits - which versions of software are good and which are not - but I certainly get good and regular use out of my 2003 G4 iMac. And it sure is great getting reacquainted with otherwise long-forgotten applications such as iMovie HD6!

 

[Amethyst1]

However, particularly when using period-appropriate software, one of these systems is potentially as good as it ever was.

That applies to any old system no matter what it is.

 

[MysticCow]

period-appropriate software

You know, I'm one of the first and maybe only people to publicly state that Office for Mac 2004 was the single best version of Office ever made. I still use it today, as the docx converter works wonders.

 

[za9ra22]

That applies to any old system no matter what it is.

Indeed, it does - I also use a number of systems dating back to 1983.

Other than the internet, the biggest obstacle to using vintage systems productively today is likely to be peripherals.

 

[Amethyst1]

You know, I'm one of the first and maybe only people to publicly state that Office for Mac 2004 was the single best version of Office ever made. I still use it today, as the docx converter works wonders.

I still use the somewhat clunky-looking Office "v. X" on my PPC Macs. Does what I need it to.