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dreamersrevenge · Dec 11, 2007, 03:20 AM

So I've been googling around for some eMac hacks and I ran across these threads, and I was curious if anyone has done anything interesting with their eMac? I've tossed around the idea of grafting a 17" LCD into the enclosure and possibly painting the case, or even re-casing the MLB of the eMac into something different so I can use my 20" widescreen LCD. Does anyone have the VGA and power pinouts for the first gen eMac 700? Also, is the plastic on it white, or is it painted like some of the iBooks and G4 towers were?

Koralatov · Dec 11, 2007, 03:16 PM

Originally Posted by dreamersrevenge

Also, is the plastic on it white, or is it painted like some of the iBooks and G4 towers were?

My sister has an eMac and, if memory serves, the plastic is actually white, rather than being painted white. Either that, or it's transparent and painted white on the inside; knowing Apple, that might be quite likely.

Overclocking the eMac is very well-documented, and something I intend to do if I can ever get my grubby mitts on my sister's machine. I also like the idea of running a second monitor from the eMac.

In terms of power-per-$/£, the eMac is extremely hard to beat; my sister's has a faster processor than my iMac (1.42GHz vs. 1.25GHz), despite costing a fraction of the price. I like the 20" widescreen idea as well, though I must admit I have a certain fondness for the eMac's enclosure as it is...

dreamersrevenge · Dec 12, 2007, 01:57 PM

Well, I'm not sure about overclocking it just yet. My soldering skills aren't all that great anymore, so I'd have to have a lot of time and patience to make sure I don't wind up with a bricked eMac. I've got the nVidia graphics model, so no dual display for me.

The front bezel of the eMac looks like it's either painted, or it has 2 pieces of plastic put together. I may just paint it all either one color or do something interesting. The front is scratched up from having the rear shell off (partially my fault.. oops).

olePigeon · Dec 13, 2007, 01:49 PM

Ooo, the overclocking one is mighty interesting. Anyone know if Leopard will install after the overclock?

peeb · Dec 13, 2007, 01:59 PM

It could be made to pretty easily.

4JNA · Dec 13, 2007, 02:34 PM

Originally Posted by olePigeon

Ooo, the overclocking one is mighty interesting. Anyone know if Leopard will install after the overclock?

10.5 installed just fine on my overclocked g4 mini which is a headless emac more or less. should be good to go.

Koralatov · Dec 14, 2007, 07:57 AM

Originally Posted by olePigeon

Ooo, the overclocking one is mighty interesting. Anyone know if Leopard will install after the overclock?

Yeah, it should install no problem. You probably won't even need to trick the firmware into thinking it's a faster machine, as OSX seems to register it at the overclocked speed. If it's one of the earlier eMacs, though, I'm not sure what the performance would be like--the graphics card may not be up to Leopard's more intensive elements (and probably doesn't support Core Image). That said, most day-to-day tasks will probably run fine. I'd max out the RAM though.

dreamersrevenge · Dec 15, 2007, 01:35 AM

I've got Leopard on the eMac now and it's useable. It isn't exactly lightning fast, or as responsive as the macbook, but it isn't bad. So far I've noticed that the menubar isn't translucent like it is on the macbook, but I'm not too worried about that. Another question has sprung into my mind. What's the best grade sandpaper (or type of product) to remove scratches from the eMac shell?

Koralatov · Dec 19, 2007, 01:48 PM

Originally Posted by dreamersrevenge

What's the best grade sandpaper (or type of product) to remove scratches from the eMac shell?

I can't give you a definitive answer, but I'd recommend start with a fine grade of sandpaper, and move to finer and finally a buffing grade to get it back to its previous gloss finish (it that's what you're after). One thing I would say though: it's probably going to take a hell of a lot of elbow-grease to get a good result. I'd also take off the case before sanding, to make sure you don't clog up the eMac with dust.

peeb · Dec 19, 2007, 01:53 PM

Woah! Are you sure sandpaper is a good idea?

Koralatov · Dec 20, 2007, 06:30 AM

Originally Posted by peeb

Woah! Are you sure sandpaper is a good idea?

Not really. I personally wouldn't take sandpaper to an eMac, partly because I'd be worried I'd damage it further, and partly because it would take a lot of work to get a good finish on it. However, the OP seems pretty keen to get rid of the scratches on his eMac, so I offered my input on the subject of sandpaper.

That said, I would reiterate that I'd take the case off the eMac before sanding, and do it in a seperate room to avoid clogging the eMac's gubbins with dust; I'd also make sure I rinsed off all the dust before reassembly. Also, as it's plastic, some kind of face mask and eye-protection would be an excellent idea.

dreamersrevenge · Dec 23, 2007, 06:01 AM

Would primer fill in the fine scratches, or would that combined with glossy paint (if I went that route) only make the scratches more visible?

Jesus On Cheese · Dec 24, 2007, 05:40 PM

There is a resin you can get that will fill the scratches in, but it won't be perfect, in fact could just make it feel smooth but look worse. You can try sanding then buffing, then resin to fill any holes. Not sure if heat would work.

Gamoe · 03:21 PM

I have an eMac which has served me well as my main Mac for several years. However, I just got myself a MacBook, and as soon as I've finished reorganizing, converting and moving all my data to the latter, I'll be wondering what to do with my eMac.

Unfortunately, my eMac's built-in CRT was rendered useless after experiencing a brownout, though it did not damage the computer itself, so I've been running it off an external display ever since. Because of this, I also had the idea of replacing the CRT with an LCD.

I've also thought of ditching its native enclosure altogether and putting it into a small PC case. If I knew anything about woodworking, I would even try making a custom case for it. As long as it's not soldered on, the video card should be replaceable, giving it some life back.

I am a it concerned, however, with the CRT. Even though it is inoperable, it does seem to draw power, as I can fell the static effect from it when it powered on/off. And I have heard CRTs store a lot of energy and can be quite lethal if not handled properly.

chabig · Dec 25, 2007, 03:34 PM

I replaced an eMac with a new MacBook two weeks ago. The eMac has turned into a "loaner" Mac for friends who are thinking about switching from Windows, but aren't quite sure. It's a great use for the computer!

Jesus On Cheese · Dec 25, 2007, 07:15 PM

Originally Posted by Gamoe

I am a it concerned, however, with the CRT. Even though it is inoperable, it does seem to draw power, as I can fell the static effect from it when it powered on/off. And I have heard CRTs store a lot of energy and can be quite lethal if not handled properly.

Yeah, /never/ open an eMac, iMac G3, or other device with a CRT unless you know what you are doing, and /never, ever/ alone.

The voltages that can build up in the CRT are quite capable of killing you. I have witnessed one person thrown across the room and knocked unconcious. If you are by yourself there will be no-one to help or call an ambulance.

Gamoe · 01:27 AM

Originally Posted by Jesus On Cheese

Yeah, /never/ open an eMac, iMac G3, or other device with a CRT unless you know what you are doing, and /never, ever/ alone.

I've opened up the eMac before to upgrade the hard drive, but I was *really* careful not to touch the CRT. Of course, that would be much more difficult if we're talking about removing everything but the CRT. Is there any practical way of discharging these things before working on them?

Edit: Ah, here's a good link: MacMod.com - Your Mac Modification HQ - Discharge a CRT

Frankly, discharging a CRT seems a bit on the dangerous side as well.

Jesus On Cheese · Dec 26, 2007, 06:25 PM

On the iMacs and eMacs, they are designed to discharge themselves. But if they are faulty, they might not do this. Discharging CRTs is something that Apple really emphasises in their technician training. And since we are talking about high voltages here, there is potential for it to arc even if you are just /near/ the CRT.

It's one time 'no user serviceable parts' actually is worth listening to.

imitchellg5 · Dec 27, 2007, 01:39 PM

If you let the eMac sit for a week or so it should lose a good amount static electricity. Keep it in a room where nobody goes into. Believe it or not, even static from walking on the carpet with socks on can effect it.

dreamersrevenge · Jan 1, 2008, 02:52 AM

Originally Posted by Gamoe

I've also thought of ditching its native enclosure altogether and putting it into a small PC case. If I knew anything about woodworking, I would even try making a custom case for it. As long as it's not soldered on, the video card should be replaceable, giving it some life back.

Well, the video card is onboard, so not seperable from the logic board (if that's what you were meaning), however there have been people that's successfully hooked an LCD or CRT to its internal video port. If all else fails get a mini VGA->VGA adapter and use the external video port if you put it in a different case.