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redhot_nyc · Feb 13, 2006, 05:30 AM

Recently, people have been calling G3 iBooks "boat anchors" and Pismos "dinosaurs" and I realize how truly archaic my Powerbooks are.

I have a Wallstreet (233mhz) running OS 10.4.4, 256MB RAM, 20GB HD
It's surprisingly quick; even Firefox runs reasonably well. The last Powerbook armed with two PC Card slots - one of which delivers my Airport Extreme wireless - try that on a G3 iBook!

Before you start telling me to join the 21st Century, keep in mind that I also have a Powerbook 1400CS (117mhz) which is maxed out at 64MB RAM. The 1400CS' keyboard is a dream to type on and I dunno if I could give it up. The 1400CS celebrates it's 10th birthday this year and it's still going strong. Did I mention it's also got Airport (802.11b) wireless?

Recently I've been telling myself that these Powerbooks impart a retro cool look - or am I kidding myself and they make me look truly dated and stuffy?

Chito · Feb 13, 2006, 07:39 AM

If they do what you want that's all that matters. BTW it IS way cool to see 10 year old Macs still chugging away. I wonder how many PC laptops are still being used at 10?

SSharon · Feb 13, 2006, 08:05 AM

Originally Posted by Chito

If they do what you want that's all that matters. BTW it IS way cool to see 10 year old Macs still chugging away. I wonder how many PC laptops are still being used at 10?

In my family we used an old zenith 286 laptop for well over 10 years. The battery that kept the internal clock is dead but everything else, 20mb hard drive and all, was fine until just recently when we retired it. We used it to program the x-10 system for lights and stuff.

Nothing wrong with old laprops. It's nice to have them around for when people visit and want to check their e-mail or something simple. (I have a wallstreet as well)

Macola · Feb 13, 2006, 11:13 AM

They're also great for kids who are learning to use Macs. May daughter had a Wallstreet and has recently graduated to an Indigo iMac.

zac4mac · Feb 13, 2006, 11:26 AM

I've got a few old laptops - a duo color, a 5300c and a1400cs. They aren't hooked up and running now, but as I get settled into my new house, they will be running slideshows of my photos. The only hard part is getting stuff in and out...

I've also got an old Luggable with a dead battery and a Kangaroo that still works and a bunch of PC "portables" that plug in, no batteries; part of my Techno-museum.

Z

Bandit240 · Feb 13, 2006, 04:49 PM

I still use my PB 1400cs/166 all the time. Ive got a wifi card in it, but i havent maxed the ram yet. Still works fine for my use.

MarkJ61 · Feb 13, 2006, 05:38 PM

Just fired up the wife's old Blackbird (540C) the other day. Sure was fun to start it up and customize an old After Dark Aquarium. BTW Word (5?) seemed pretty speedy on it.

http://www.lowendmac.com/pb/540c.shtml

teknopimp · Feb 13, 2006, 05:54 PM

i use my clamshell as my road computer. it has 576mb ram, airport, new battery and panther. still very usable for couch surfing, itunes and watching downloaded movies.

i have a powerbook 170 that still works but i don't know os 7.x, it just sits on my desk at work for shits and giggles. i like it because it has the old rainbow logo.

f1000 · Feb 13, 2006, 06:05 PM

Originally Posted by redhot_nyc

Recently I've been telling myself that these Powerbooks impart a retro cool look - or am I kidding myself and they make me look truly dated and stuffy?

Relax. I'm sure that your plastic laptops go well with your polyester suits.

mduell · Feb 13, 2006, 06:07 PM

romeosc · Feb 13, 2006, 08:46 PM

Originally Posted by mduell

Yeah but boat anchors are useful too!

I have 9 G3 Tangerine Ibooks with games installed and whenever a there is a children's birthday party they love to use Kid pics etc.....My kids are the hit with their friends, etc.

I almost started a business renting them out for parties!