iBook recommendations for basic tasks?

[veriholic]

Hey y'all,
I'm utterly new to the PowerPC scene. I got an iMac G3 from a local auction site over the summer, hoping to do some writing on it, but it doesn't boot into anything and I probably need to figure out how to replace the hard drive. I was inspired by other people using PowerPC Macs and even older Windows PCs for basic everyday tasks and want to try to do the same for my basic tasks (word processing, e-mail, music, CDs and DVDs and light Net surfing—nothing more than TenFourFox could handle, I believe).

I love the design of the Clamshell but have come to terms with the fact that an iBook G4 is probably going to be much more usable considering its better software support, etc. Do y'all recommend that I go for the 12" or 14" model? Also, should I use Tiger or Leopard? Is there any way to get a battery replacement these days and if so, are there aftermarket batteries I can use to get a better lifespan? Also, is 512MB going to be enough RAM or could/should I upgrade to 1GB? Thanks so much for any advice! I'm excited to start my PPC journey.

 

[Certificate of Excellence]

I’m partial to the 1.42ghz 14” ibookg4. Max the ram to 1.5ghz.I currently have Tiger on mine but Leopard & Sorbet all handled very well on this portable.

Batteries are the Achilles heel of all portables. Mine has its original and holds about 1.25 hours charge. I don’t know of any current makers so even NOS stuff is easily 10-15+ years old. It’s the reality of these old portables so make sure you have a charger.

 

[Dronecatcher]

@veriholic Try and go for the last two models if you can, install Leopard and update the RAM if you can.
All the tasks you've outlined are doable - though at this point optical drives are failing, an external drive will always be handy.
Also, later iBooks can have failing wireless card slots - this is more damaging than you think and will look like a motherboard failure - there are ways around this but ask about wireless problems when buying.

I've had a few iBooks over the years - one advantage over their aluminium brothers is they feel very robust (particularly the 12" models) and you don't live in fear of them getting dented!

 

[TheShortTimer]

@veriholic Try and go for the last two models if you can, install Leopard and update the RAM if you can.

Totally agree with you about the model choices. The iBook G3's are decent - especially the faster models but those G4's are the absolute best and provide the greatest usability within the iBook range.

All the tasks you've outlined are doable - though at this point optical drives are failing, an external drive will always be handy.
Also, later iBooks can have failing wireless card slots - this is more damaging than you think and will look like a motherboard failure - there are ways around this but ask about wireless problems when buying.

Speaking of drives, an SSD upgrade is worth pursuing too because the stock HDDs were subpar - even for their time. Apple were using 4800Rpm drives!

I've had a few iBooks over the years - one advantage over their aluminium brothers is they feel very robust (particularly the 12" models) and you don't live in fear of them getting dented!

Or scratched for that matter and requiring protective plastic cases!

 

[Dronecatcher]

Or scratched for that matter and requiring protective plastic cases!

It's one instance where the Job's hyperbole was justified, "made from the same material as crash helmets.."

 

[Amethyst1]

Do y'all recommend that I go for the 12" or 14" model?

IMHO the 14“ iBook is a bit pointless because the LCD’s resolution is the same as on the 12“ model.

My recommendations:

• Get the last model (mid-2005) if you can because of the better Core Image-capable GPU and 1.5 GB RAM ceiling.
• Max out the RAM, or go for 1 GB at least. 512 MB is tight for Tiger, more so for Leopard, even more so for TenFourFox.
• If you want an SSD, use a modern mSATA or m.2 model in an adapter. Stay away from old PATA SSDs, they are slow and can be quirky (compatibility issues etc.)

The iBook G3's are decent - especially the faster models […]

What about the failing Mobility Radeon 7500 in some of them though?

 

[Certificate of Excellence]

SSDs are a nice upgrade from the slow spinners. This thread has some nice examples of the m2/adapters you would be using. The hardest part is pulling the iBook apart with spudgers. Ifixit has a nice guide for pulling the case apart to install the new drive - also can be used for replacing the airport card if it fails. In that scenario, run in verbose mode to see where the failure to boot occurs. If it is the airport, verbose will stop at that line of instruction.

The 14 is a comfort preference, not screen preference. I prefer the feel/palmrest for typing. I recommend the 14 to anyone with larger hands.

Having an external superdrive is a good option as well and as you grow your PowerPC collection, including a FW400 cable for Target Disk Mode "TDM" between those machines is a very handy tool. Good luck.

and welcome

 

[Dronecatcher]

IMHO the 14“ iBook is a bit pointless because the LCD’s resolution is the same as on the 12“ model.

I may have agreed when my eyes were keener but everytime I turn on my 14" now I'm pleasantly surprised by it.

 

[Amethyst1]

I may have agreed when my eyes were keener but everytime I turn on my 14" now I'm pleasantly surprised by it.

I’m fine with 1024×768 on 10.4“ but I do wear glasses

 

[TheShortTimer]

What about the failing Mobility Radeon 7500 in some of them though?

Good point. I've got a number of units with failed GPUs that serve as spares donors. Miraculously, I have one which has evaded that fate - for now! That's even more reason to recommend the G4 range - AltiVec makes a huge difference for video playback and they also have USB 2.0 whereas the G3's USB ports are only USB 1.1.

I recommend the 14 to anyone with larger hands.

My hands are small (by male standards) but I still find the larger palmrest to be more beneficial/comfortable.

I’m fine with 1024×768 on 10.4“ but I do wear glasses

Ditto.

 

[Certificate of Excellence]

When I re-read this thread, it reads like:

Buy this or this.
Then buy
this
and this
and this
and this
and do that
and that
and that
and we havent even really gotten into apps yet.

LOL. That's how PowerPC in 2024 goes though I suppose.

 

[Dronecatcher]

@Certificate of Excellence Apologies if I gave that impression - my own personal philosophy is, buy Mac dirt cheap - don't upgrade unless you have to (because then it's no longer a dirt cheap Mac.)

 

[Certificate of Excellence]

@Certificate of Excellence Apologies if I gave that impression - my own personal philosophy is, buy Mac dirt cheap - don't upgrade unless you have to (because then it's no longer a dirt cheap Mac.)

No need to apologize. I don't know about you but I love to vicariously spend other peoples money via solicited recommendations

And everything that has been spoken to is truly valuable info and advice especially to someone new to PowerPC macs. These threads are fun and I find them humorous on a number of levels is all.

 

[Amethyst1]

When I re-read this thread, it reads like:

You’re right and I edited my post to emphasise it’s just about recommendations. I mean, what do you really need?