HAY GUYS

Mimi-kun · Local time: Jul 31, 2006, 08:53 AM

So I have an opportunity to get a G3 Mac for real cheap, but comes with no HD or ram. I know it's an older model, but I want it just to mess around with as I've never had a Mac before.

So my questions are: can a regular EIDE drive work with a Mac, I have several lying around I can use. Same for the ram, can I use the same that would go in a PC? And as for the OS, I know that the older G3's use OS 9.2 or something but would it be possible to install some of the newer OS'es?

Thanks!

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knkwzrd · Local time: Jul 31, 2006, 10:05 AM

I can't help with the hardware issues, but you probably won't be able to run anything higher than 9.2.2 on a G3. I was able to get the first release of MacOSX running on a G3, but it ran so poorly I went back to 9.2 until I could upgrade my computer. If you're on USENET at all, alt.binaries.mac.applications.retro is usually a good resource for fooling around with older computers.

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Mimi-kun · Local time: Jul 31, 2006, 09:19 AM

When you say you upgraded your computer to run OSX, did you mean your current Mac or did you have to get a newer one? IF I wanted this G3 to run OSX, what would I need to upgrade. Is the processor as easy to upgrade as it would be with a PC? Other than the eye candy of OSX, is there a big difference between 9.2 and it?

As for USENET, I don't know much about it. But that does sound interesting as I have a couple of old computers I would like to make functional .

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knkwzrd · Local time: Jul 31, 2006, 01:01 PM

By upgrade, I meant get a new one entirely. Sorry about that.

In regards to the question of what you would have to do to your G3 to make it run OSX, my answer has to be get a G4 or G5. The G3 card itself can't really handle OSX well. Sometimes G3's won't even let you install it.

If this is a computer just to mess around with, I'd suggest sticking with 9.2. OSX makes networking easier, and with the right computer runs a lot faster, but on a G3 it would be pointless, really.

www.macupdate.com still has a lot of software available to download for OS 8.6-9.2.

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Mimi-kun · Local time: Jul 31, 2006, 12:42 PM

I was actually looking into getting a G4, since they're going for about ~$120 in some places but I can't just pass on getting a $20 G3 so I'm going to mess around with that first.

Thanks for all the info!

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killmoms · Local time: Aug 2, 2006, 01:29 PM

You'd probably end up spending more on a G4 upgrade card and RAM for a G3 than would be worth it.

What era G3 is this? PowerMac? iMac? If it's a PowerMac G3, is it a beige one or one of the later Blue & White towers? In any case, OS X doesn't really get runnable until you're hitting the "500MHz G4 graphite PowerMac" or higher phase (Quicksilver or MDD are obviously better). The more RAM the better.

And honestly, while old Macs running OS 9 are interesting for fiddling and history purposes, for a Mac that's actually "useable" OS X is where it's at. It's dramatically different in terms of what's under the hood—it's not just a new interface, it's a completely different beast than OS 9. And there are lots more apps (and lots more "modern" apps) available for it.

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Mimi-kun · Local time: Aug 5, 2006, 09:32 AM

Yeah, the one I'm getting is a blue and white tower G3. And honestly, the only reason I wanted to fiddle with a Mac is to play with OS X and apparently the G3 isn't going to cut it. I guess I'll start looking for a decently priced G4...

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TheReverend · Local time: Aug 5, 2006, 05:07 PM

Mac Mini's or MacBooks are where it's at. These suckers are amazing to get aquainted with OS X, and even if you dont "really like" your new Mac, they are such good media centers with Front Row/remote control. It's like a perfect HTPC in my eyes (minus the gaming).

They do have Refrub-Apple-Certified products too for low price-budget minded people.
Refurbished Mac mini 1.5GHz Intel Core Solo
512MB memory (667MHz DDR2 SDRAM)
60GB Serial ATA hard drive
Combo drive (DVD-ROM/CD-RW)
Built-in AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth 2.0
Apple Remote

All for $519 brand new.... Not bad at all!

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killmoms · Local time: Aug 6, 2006, 02:12 PM

Yeah, keep in mind too that Macs REALLY keep their resale value. So if you buy a new Mac Mini or even a refurbished Mac Mini and don't like it, you'll be able to turn around and sell it without too much trouble for most of what you paid.

Jam it back in, in the dark.