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+--- Thread: Replacing Macbook with G4 Powerbook? (/showthread.php?tid=73953)
Replacing Macbook with G4 Powerbook? - chopper - 03-09-2009
My original Macbook is still doing the slow dance of death; now the camera on it has stopped working, along with the network port and the wireless is flaking out all the time.
I repaired a nice G4 iBook a few weeks ago and liked the screen much more than I ever have my Macbook. I'm getting old eyes and have glasses for close up work but would appreciate a fatter resolution screen.
Anyone have a recommendation on which G4 Powerbook or iBook to get for an old guy like me? Are there any models to avoid?
Re: Replacing Macbook with G4 Powerbook? - StingMe - 03-09-2009
Are you looking for a 12" or 14/15" screen? If you want to run Leopard, I'd stick with a 1.2GHz or faster G4; otherwise, Tiger runs very well on a 1GHz machine - I wouldn't recommend something slower unless price was a primary concern.
If you like two finger scrolling, I think the 1.5GHz PowerBook G4s were the first to offer it.
A little more info regarding specs/features you like/need and we can narrow things down a bit
Re: Replacing Macbook with G4 Powerbook? - JEBB - 03-09-2009
The first question is: Is the Applecare warranty on the Macbook expired? If not, call them; they'll treat you right.
My main computer is a 12" 1.5 GHz Powerbook. I have some vision problems so I got special glasses with a prescription specifically for that distance and that works very well.
Re: Replacing Macbook with G4 Powerbook? - decay - 03-09-2009
I've been reading that even the fastest G4 Powerbook (1.67 GHz) with the RAM maxed out feels slow accessing today's rich-content internet pages.
Be aware of the limitations of a G4 laptop before you commit to buying one.
Re: Replacing Macbook with G4 Powerbook? - davester - 03-09-2009
decay wrote:
I've been reading that even the fastest G4 Powerbook (1.67 GHz) with the RAM maxed out feels slow accessing today's rich-content internet pages..
Not true. My powerbook G4 (1.25) and my wife's Macbook Pro are virtually indistinguishable for web surfing. The MBP is better at streaming HD video though.
Re: Replacing Macbook with G4 Powerbook? - Wailer - 03-09-2009
Interesting Davestar. I found my 1.2ghz g4 ibook ok for surfing but very slow for ANY streaming video (ie flash, h.264). I couldn't watch any HD video on it.
I love the form of the g4 ibook, but I'd avoid these. Most are > 5 years old now. I haven't had any problems with mine, unlike my g3 ibook, but I've heard about a lot of logic board issues that require a shim.
Re: Replacing Macbook with G4 Powerbook? - davester - 03-09-2009
That's weird. Mine can play all sorts of video without any difficulty. The only place I've gotten into difficulty has been network HD streaming and even that works OK if the stars are aligned. I'd guess that perhaps you're having some other kind of problem (system software, amount of RAM, communications setup, network speed, etc).
Re: Replacing Macbook with G4 Powerbook? - chopper - 03-09-2009
Not sure which one, whichever has the easiest to read screen I guess ...
Re: Replacing Macbook with G4 Powerbook? - GeneL - 03-10-2009
I'm running Leopard with no problems on my G4 1 GHz PB/2gb ram.
With my high speed Cox internet service web surfing is not noticeably different than on my MacPro.
Enjoy!