[corp miler]

I’m thinking about buying a used Mac for my kids (and their friends) to play with. I want to create a little “kid” zone in the basement and this would be a more educational toy. I want to stay cheap in case they don’t end up using it much. $200-400 lets say. I’ve seen tons of used iMacs and G3s online (especially on the big E). I like the “all in one” set up of the iMac and kids would like the colors. I’ve also seen great deals on the G3 AIO (under $100) and could upgrade to a G4 processor for about $160. Or I could go for a G3 266-450mhz desktop and monitor just as well. Most of the apps I’ve seen require OS10 and a processor of at least 266 so I’d stay clear of the 233s. How does a used 266+ iMac compare to a G3 AIO (perhaps with a G4 upgrade) or a blue G3 (man, I hate that teal blue). Is the screen on the iMac the same as the G3 AIO? I personally have a G5 and iPod so Firewire would be nice for any transfers, but not neccissary. Thanks.

[ApeInTheShell]

I would say the iMac 400 DV 1999 model would be the best buy seeing as other computers before then did not have Firewire.
If you have a little more cash buy the low end eMac refrubished.
check
smalldog.com and everymac.com for details

[zythemac]

I agree a used iMac is perfect and I think a 400 DV is the lowest you'd want to go. It runs OS X 10.3 great and it has firewire. I'd get the one with the CD/DVD player though - Stick a Disney movie in and you're set!

[corp miler]

Ah, good point on the DVD. It could then serve as the kids TV for watching movies -- which is probably what they'd end up wanting to do anyway. I saw on smalldog you can get a 1ghz 17" eMac for only $619 right now. Unfortunately it is a little soon for me to purchase, but I'll need to keep them in mind.

[Graymalkin]

You might want to look into some older eMacs even though they might be just a little above your maximum price point. The iMac DVs are nice systems but aren't likely to keep up with newer games. I'm not talking about Battlefield 1942; rather Harry Potter, Zoo Tycoon, Shrek, etc. The iMacs are also pushing the lower limit for DVD playback as well. The G4 equipped eMac will likely serve you better in both roles (game machine and DVD player).

[corp miler]

Originally posted by Graymalkin:
You might want to look into some older eMacs even though they might be just a little above your maximum price point. The iMac DVs are nice systems but aren't likely to keep up with newer games.

Good point. I want to make sure this system will work at least a few years with kid apps. I'd guess most apps are now on DVD too.

I might have a deal that will work -- at least financially. I have a friend who has a old blue & white G3. It is the low end version (350mhz, CD no DVD, 6 GB) but I think he'll sell it to me for around $100 (or whatever) just to get rid of it. Would this need to be upgraded? Any idea how much a DVD drive runs? What is a good online source for upgrades? Thanks.

[tooki]

See my response to your other thread on this topic, in Power Mac.

tooki