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ste · Jul 11, 2005, 05:42 PM

Hi, I have an imac G3 with 500 MHz and 128 MB. My OS is 10.3.9. I would like to have use of the software iLife 05, the main interest being garage band. I know that you need a DVD drive, 600 mhz, and 256 MB, all of which I don't have. Are all these possible to install? I also read that you need 1024 by 768 pixel resolution. I probably don't have that either, but how do I know what I have? If I can install these things, will it be a fortune? Maybe I'm better off buying a new imac. To all of you mac experts, thank you and please excuse my lack of knowlege. All info would be appreciated! Thanks, Sarah

OogaBooga · Jul 11, 2005, 05:55 PM

You might get iLife installed, but with 128mb of RAM, you won't be able to use it. Garageband isn't exactly a lightweight program, so it'd be in your best interest to upgrade. The new eMacs are a great deal and will run the iLife suite just dandy for a couple years to come.

jnrjr79 · Jul 11, 2005, 07:07 PM

A RAM upgrade would probably get you there. You can get an iLife '05 cd that contains less than the DVD, but'll still give you some of it. I'd have to check to remember what is in that package and what's not. You'll probably see much better iPhoto performance.

Also, just for general Mac use on 10.3.9 anyway I would want much more than 128 MB if possible. It's a pretty cheap and easy way to make that computer feel good again.

greenG4 · Jul 11, 2005, 07:20 PM

I agree with OogaBooga. Don't bother trying to upgrade your imac with the goal of installing iLife. You won't be happy with the results. Garageband was taxing enough on myImac G4 1GHz. Get a refurb eMac if price is an issue.

ste · Jul 11, 2005, 07:45 PM

Thank you every one for your input. GreenG4, refurb emac, meaning used? Can I trust a used computer? Where would you suggest I shop for one? Thanks!

Will C · Jul 12, 2005, 03:09 AM

Refurb eMacs are available from Apple complete with a waranty and you can get Applecare with them.
This Link is for the US site which has lots of refurbs, other countries are not so plentiful e.g. UK site. The US site has eMacs at time of posting.

HTH

ste · Jul 12, 2005, 06:29 AM

Thanks, Will C!

Dave B · 10:14 AM

If you are used to the utterly silent G3 iMac--since it has no fan--you will be in for quite a shock
when you hear the roar of the eMac fan. I am not exaggerating. To get an idea of how loud it is,
it's about the same as a G4 Powermac--if not louder. However, unlike the Powermac, it is right in your face
instead of under the table -- where it's not nearly as loud. Be advised that hearing one in a store
will not give you any idea whatsoever what it sounds like at home! (trust me)

The eMac is a great machine for the money; particularly the most recent models.

(Tiger, iLife '05, USB 2, 167 Mhz FSB, 512 MB RAM and double-layer Superdrive on Superdrive
models, DDR RAM, 1.42 Ghz processor, 512 MB L2 cache, capacity for 2 GB of RAM, ect)

A machine as listed above would blow the doors off my 2003 1 Ghz eMac.
Just make sure you can put up with the constant din before committing to one.
I bit the bullet and bought a G5 Rev b iMac -- which not only runs circles around the fastest eMac,
but is also virtually silent. What a relief!

I should point out that the eMac (with a GB of RAM) served me well for a year and a half.
I guess I finally reached the point where I didn't want to put up with the noise any more.

iLikebeer · Jul 12, 2005, 10:24 AM

Don't even try. You need a DVD drive to install iDVD and GarageBand. Even if you installed GB from another computer, you need a G4 for software instruments.
iPhoto needs at least a G4 for advanced photo editing.
iMovie HD won't be in HD for you.
That leaves iTunes, which you can download from apple. It works well on a 233 iMac.
So for $79 you would get 1 free app(iTunes), a photo organizer, and a movie editor.
Definately get a mini, eMac, or iMac.

ste · Jul 12, 2005, 10:00 PM

Thanks again everyone. Dave B, I was about to purchase a refurbished emac and then I happened to read your message. It made me think twice. I am now the proad owner of a new imac G5! I got it at a local apple store with $135 off because it was "refreshed" (returned within 14 days" So far so good...thanks!

greenG4 · Jul 13, 2005, 04:25 PM

Originally Posted by ste

Thanks again everyone. Dave B, I was about to purchase a refurbished emac and then I happened to read your message. It made me think twice. I am now the proad owner of a new imac G5! I got it at a local apple store with $135 off because it was "refreshed" (returned within 14 days" So far so good...thanks!

Always a better choice than the eMac if you can afford it. (See Sig)

OogaBooga · Jul 13, 2005, 11:13 PM

Congratulations.

You now have a computer that will last 4-5 more years. However, I'd recommend going ahead and plopping down $50 on a 512mb stick of RAM for the iMac. That way you won't have to worry about it in the future, and judging from your needs it doesn't sound like you'll need more than that.

Here's a link to a reputable seller for the 512 stick: Link