[Syntoad]

I have an old iBook G3 500Mhz (white), that has had a cracked screen for about two years. Finally sent it off to get fixed.

I was just wondering how long this laptop will actually still be a decent laptop. I don't ever plan on using it for playing any game made after the year 2000. I just do programming and web design on it. I currently have OS X 10.2 and will be upgrading when Tiger comes out.

My main concern is just that OS X will start needing so much CPU power it will pass up the usefulness of this laptop. While I am very experienced with PC's this is my first mac. About how many months/years/days do you think I will actually get good performance from the beast?

On a side note, can you believe Apple wanted $1,100 to replace the LCD?! I only paid $900 for the laptop when it was BRAND NEW!

[pat++]

Well, your iBook should work again for a few years. 10.4 will probably run much better than 10.2 on your iBook (it's already the case of 10.3 which runs way faster than 10.2 on my 500mhz iBook). I bet you'll see a speed increase when you upgrade OS X... it will feel like you have a new iBook, believe me

Apple wanted to charge $500 to fix the screen of my iBook. I bought the inverter cable with the reed switch on the web to fix it. It costs $12. It's really ridiculous.

I'm starting to believe they are acting like this because they prefer people to buy new laptops than to get the old ones fixed...

btw, how did you pay your iBook that cheap The CD-ROM only model was $1300 when the iBook was released....

[Syntoad]

Well I realize that laptops are always more expensive to fix through their own company. The same is true with cars, you'll pay three times as much usually to fix it at the dealer. But to pay more for an LCD than I paid for the whole thing is insane.

When I got my iBook it was the beginning of 2002, I remember because I used my tax return to buy it. At the time it was the slowest iBook model. I got it at a local store (not from an Apple store) and it was $999 with a free 256 memory upgrade, and airport card.

It was pretty much comparable to the other prices I saw online, so my model was probally on it's way out the door.

[D'Espice]

At this point, noone can really tell whether OS X 10.4 will make your iBook seem faster or slower. Fact is, that the difference between 10.2 and 10.3 is definitely noticeable. However, like I said, 10.4 might go both ways. Faster on Macs that take advantage of the Core technology, slower on ones that don't. Or not. Nobody knows

[pat++]

My bet is that it will be at least as fast as 10.3 we'll see... but anyway I don't think it's going to be slower than 10.2 (or even 10.3)... so should be faster for him, hopefully

[molala]

How much are you paying to get the screen fixed? I would worry about the durability of the other parts if you're thinking life expectancy. My G3 iBook went through two logic board replacements (one for the video, and the second due to overheating) before it reached 18 months. And that's not so rare a story with the G3 iBooks.

[d4nth3m4n]

yeah, but the 500s really are solid machines. the logic board issue doesn't apply. i know a couple of people with them whose ibooks are still going strong.

[kdixey]

I just replaced a clamshell ibook with a 1ghz 14" (well, a few months back). I had the clamshell since 1999 and it still runs pretty well (OS X). I'd say that's a pretty decent life for a laptop.

If my new ibook lasts half that long I'll be happy.

Kevin

[molala]

good to hear the 500's are solid. i sold my G3 iBook (800) after the second repair, while it still had a local extended warranty. i'm using my lombard at the moment (over 5 years old, all parts still working) until the new PB's come out. there are some apple portables with really good lifespan, just got to pick right.

[Syntoad]

The new lcd cost about $300, labor included.

[Forbodium]

My 600 ibook from early 2002 (I think that’s when I got it) just lost its internal modem, and the space bar suddenly took on a less substantial feel when pressed (although maybe a tiny piece of beef jerky slipped under it, causing a backup).