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newportnews · Mar 8, 2007, 09:28 AM

Hi,

I just purchased an iBook G3 with the following specs:

900 Mhz G3
128 MB RAM
40 GB Hard Drive
CD / DVD Combo Drive

I got it for $300 -- which I consider a good deal (if you think it is not let me know). I just needed a basic system for internet, typing and some iTunes and I feel this will fit that need.) -- I have an iMac C2D 20" for all the heavy lifting.

I just did a clean install of Mac OS X Panther (cannot find my Tiger install disc) and installed all the updates.

NOW FOR MY QUESTION:

I can go online and get a 256 MB stick of memory for my iBook for $30 shipped -- taking the total memory to 384 MB. Or I can drop close to $100 and max it out to 640 MB.

Do you think there will be a dramatic enough difference in performance to justify the additional cost?

Thanks,

Bob Marley · Mar 8, 2007, 05:46 PM

why would you buy a FREAKIN iBOOK WHY WHY WHY

300 bucks for that piece of crap is dumb, because it cant do anything anyway. U could have gotten like a iBook G4 at least for like 500.
Yeah, when you have a G3 it helps to have maxed out ram when the processor, motherbored, speed, RAM, and uh... everythin sucks

newportnews · Mar 8, 2007, 08:17 PM

Now Don't Hold Back... tell me how you really feel.

Like I said -- I am lonly using this for VERY basic use -- I just want to know if the extra memory is worth the extra $$.

Sub · Mar 8, 2007, 08:28 PM

Originally Posted by Bob Marley

why would you buy a FREAKIN iBOOK WHY WHY WHY

300 bucks for that piece of crap is dumb, because it cant do anything anyway. U could have gotten like a iBook G4 at least for like 500.
Yeah, when you have a G3 it helps to have maxed out ram when the processor, motherbored, speed, RAM, and uh... everythin sucks

Overall, you need to relax, stop getting on everybody's case, stop calling things crap, and stupid, etc. Maybe he just liked the style, maybe all he had to spend was $300, or maybe it could have been another thing you don't know about. Maybe he doesn't need something that new, after all, he did mention he was only going to do some web browsing, etc. I have seen older computers do larger tasks. Stop wasting my time and the time of other people with your ignorant, stubborn, crudely- spelled messages and actually buy a Mac before calling one crappy. Stop being what I used to be, before I realized I was being such an ass.

[/microrant]

shifuimam · Mar 9, 2007, 09:04 AM

The best ways to improve performance on an old iBook are to (a) add as much RAM as possible, which would be a 512MB stick in your case, and (b) install a faster hard drive. iBooks come stock with 4200rpm IDE 2.5" hard drives. Get a 7200rpm drive - it will visibly improve performance when loading files and applications. Installing a new drive in an iBook is a mondo pain in the butt, but with time, patience, and the right tools, it's worth it - and a good learning experience for you.

I would say you got a pretty good deal. Clamshells still go for $200+ on eBay, and they have significantly lower specs than your little laptop. Not only that, but if you're into modding, the G3 iBooks are designed with Lexan that is painted on the inside - you can dissolve the white paint and paint the case with your preferred color, for a unique and very professional-looking mod.

gooser · Mar 9, 2007, 09:35 AM

a couple of weeks ago i bought a g3 600 ibook, could have bought a g4. my reasons for a g3 were:
1. for my very basic uses a g4 wouldn't have made a difference.
2. i like to dabble in os 9 from time to time. i also have some os 9 apps i don't feel like buying x versions for if i don't have to.
3. a g3 is much cooler on the lap.

i'm very satisfied with my purchase (so far) and i may get another one this summer.

mfbernstein · Mar 14, 2007, 07:05 PM

If you're not too picky, you can probably find 512MB modules on eBay for a good bit less (I got mine for ~$60 shipped).

If you plan on upgrading to Tiger, I'd definitely max the RAM out. Of course, I'm of the opinion that 10.3.9 is the best OS Apple ever produced: good performance, limited bloat, and rock solid. Sadly not an option for newer Macs.

As to why get an iBook G3, I'll tell you why I did: a light, sturdy machine that I can take wherever and not worry about. Airport reception is amazing, battery life is very good and so on... The G4 iBooks are quite a bit pricier still.

DigitalEl · Mar 15, 2007, 05:56 AM

Originally Posted by Bob Marley

why would you buy a FREAKIN iBOOK WHY WHY WHY

Wow. You might be the second biggest a$$hole to ever grace these forums.

newportnews, max out the RAM if you can afford to. Apps like iTunes tend to be rather greedy and you'll be doing yourself a favor to throw all the RAM you can at it.