[finboy]

For those of you interested, WegenerMedia has just opened a page for a G4 upgrade. I'd guess that he's got something lined up with Daystar, but I don't have any more info than what it says.

here's a link:

http://www.wegenermedia.com/pg4550.htm

[MORT A POTTY]

G3 900Mhz w/ 1MB of ON CHIP L2 cache AT PROCESSOR SPEED >>> Daystar G4 upgrade.

[SEkker]

Originally Posted by MORT A POTTY

G3 900Mhz w/ 1MB of ON CHIP L2 cache AT PROCESSOR SPEED >>> Daystar G4 upgrade.

I've done considerable research comparing these upgrades. Here's my thoughts:
G3 900MHz vs G4 550 upgrade for a Pismo:

Pro
G3 is going to be faster at general tasks.
Negatives:
Many complaints about this upgrade in the xlr8yourmac.com database. Machine often heats up, resulting in long-term problems [whether this is a heat sink attachment problem, etc., I cannot say]. The manufacturer also does not have a good reputation for service. Upgrade used to also be more expensive than the G4 upgrade. Does not work with iDVD and other, G4-specific applications.

G4 upgrade
Pro
Is especially good at speeding up iLife applications, programs that use the Altivec processor (Apple savvy). In many cases, that speed boost will result in a net faster CPU than the 900 MHz G3 upgrade. For example, MP3 encoding in iTunes is at least as fast with the 550 G4 as the 900 G3.
Fully compatible with all G4-required apps.
Outstanding record for upgrade, and Daystar (at least) had an outstanding reputation for service.
Con
Only runs at 550 MHz.

Given the numerous complaints concerning the G3 upgrade, there is no way I would upgrade my wife's Pismo with that card. Would I upgrade a machine I personally use with the G3 upgrade? Maybe, but it'd have to be competitively priced to the G4 upgrade.

[finboy]

That's been my assessment too, considering everything. That's why I posted it -- the G4 is the only viable alternative in my mind, and if it's through Daystar, then I think we'll have a winner.

[MORT A POTTY]

here's the deal. PowerLogix is now shipping out RMAs for all of their Pismo customers. mine should be here next week sometime probably. PLX states that it was a problem with the microprocessors they received from IBM and that they now have revised processors.

it's performance will definitely beat the G4 though, so it's definitely worth a wait-and-see on their newer cards. they'll be taking orders for new ones shortly. The cache alone will be tons better. 1MB of ON CHIP L2 cache running at the processor speed! you just can't beat that!

[SEkker]

The G4 page is updated, taking orders. Claims full Tiger compatibility. Does not list time to ship, tho.