- Joined
- Jul 6, 2008
- Messages
- 661
- Reaction score
- 10
- Points
- 18
- Location
- In a van down the river.
- Your Mac's Specs
- 933 Mhz Powermac Quicksilver,1.5GB RAM, OSX 10.5, Tangerine 300MHz Clamshell, OS 9.2
I was thinking about "Obsolete" Macintoshes late last night (I think of weird things before I go to bed... ) and I decided to post this for anyone who cares to read.
Golden introductions, spotlights, cameras flashing, ranting,raving, hyping, reviewing. Yes it is the unveiling of a new computer, the fastest, sleekest and best of its kind. Commercials hit the airwaves enticing potential customers to buy it for its state of the art technology. Large price tags boasting these computers can withstand the test of time But how DO these intricate machines withstand the cruel technological test of time?
I recently became infatuated with Apple computers in January and I have owned a plethura of all different kinds of laptops and desktops. Yes they were state of the art years ago, but how well do they work now? Here is my list and modern-day reviews for older, used macs. I also put a "Time left before cumbersome" timeframe which is my approximation before these computers become historical mantle-pieces because they are so obsolete. Yes I know some people still use Apple IIs, but this is for the practical person.
Powerbook G3: I was given one of these as a "Throw in" deal on ebay. Since it was only a 233MHz model, maxing out the RAM on this did little for intricate web surfing. This would best be used for simple programs such as word processing. Perhaps the 400MHz models are faster? I've never had one. All I can say is if you're looking for a Powerbook G3, go with the 400MHz model for faster performance.
Time left before cumbersome: 5 months for 400MHz model, slower models: I hope you have the patience of a saint to surf the web.
Apple Ibook "Clamshell" 300MHz: I adored the unique design of these laptops, they are truly one of a kind in their design. The 6 Gigabite hard drive leaves much to be desired in regards to storage, but this is still a decent basic computer, especially for children as they are quite durable to falls. Surfing the internet is slow as expected, and downloading various things from the internet is quite time consuming. I would strongly urge a potential Clamshell buyer to purchase the 466MHz model as they are quite faster than the 300MHz as you will see later on in my review.
Time left before cumbersome: 1 year.
Apple Ibook "Clamshell" 366MHz: Almost exactly like the 300MHz model, however these came with firewire which helps surfing the web. Once again, I strongly urge the 466MHz model.
Time left before cumbersome:1 1/2 years.
Apple Ibook "Clamshell" 466MHz: The final "Clamshell" model. This laptop has no problems surfing your basic websites, however watching videos on youtube.com and visiting sites like myspace.com completely lag out even a RAM-maxed Clamshell. This is still a great beginner laptop especially for children or for someone who only needs the basic programs and does not want to spend over $200 for a computer.
Time left before cumbersome: 1 3/4- 2 1/2 years.
Apple Ibook 600MHz: A great basic laptop that is cheap and somewhat reliable if it has been properly maintained. Videos online are almost watchable if all other programs are closed and the video is left to load completely.
Time left before cumbersome: 3 years.
Apple Ibook 900MHz: I loved this laptop. I only got rid of it because I couldn't stand the small 12" screen which hurts my eyes. Max out the RAM in this laptop and you can do ALMOST anything online.
Time left before cumbersome: Approx. 3 3/4 years.
Apple iMac 400MHz: Eh I think this desktop is past it's time. I vividly remember the commercials for this uniquely coloured desktop but it would better serve as a "Macquarium". You're better off getting an eMac.
Time left before cumbersome: Depends on model : 6 months - 1 year.
Apple eMac 700MHz: I can't say enough good things about this desktop. I purchased one on ebay for $60. With 1GB of RAM, I can do anything on this desktop with no problems. This is a great all around desktop with great built in speakers for optimal sound performance. The 80GB hard drive is plenty of space for downloading days worth of music, programs and yes even playing World of Warcraft. I strongly recommend purchasing one of these! For the money, you CAN'T go wrong!
Time left before cumbersome: 4 years.
Apple Powerbook G4 400MHz: The computer I'm typing this review up on right now . Yes watching videos online is slow, but I'm quite fond of its easy to type keyboard contrary to my 1.67MHz model which feels like I'm typing on butter. The 15" VGA screen is great for watching movies and for the price I paid for it ($200), I decided to refund the money to the buyer on ebay that wanted this.
Time left before cumbersome: 3 1/2 - 4 years.
Apple Powerbook G4 500MHz: See above for 400MHz model for review. 100MHz faster, it's still the same thing.
Time left before cumbersome: 3 1/2 - 4 years.
Apple Powerbook G4 667MHz: It's 267MHz faster than my 400MHz model and 33MHz slower than my eMac. Get one for under $250 and you've got a great laptop for the next few years.
Time left before cumbersome : 4 years.
Apple Powerbook G4 1.67MHz: I got this laptop for a steal on ebay, only paying $420 for it in pristine condition. I play games, watch movies, go into the RAM heavy AIM chatrooms, you name it, I do it on this laptop. (I know what you're thinking, get your mind out of the gutter, will ya? ;P ) Maxed out at 2GB of RAM, it downloads and opens applications faster, surfs the internet faster and completely outperforms a new HP Pavillion DV9000 17". With an illuminated keyboard, typing in less than ideal lighting situations is a breeze. I know everyone is all about macbooks nowadays, but I think the only thing the macbook has on the powerbook is the fact it has an integrated webcam. Sorry, a 13.3 inch screen just doesn't cut it for me This is the laptop to get.
Time left before cumbersome: 9 Years.
This concludes my review, feel free to comment! I would love the insight of other people in regards to these "Obsolete" computers!
Golden introductions, spotlights, cameras flashing, ranting,raving, hyping, reviewing. Yes it is the unveiling of a new computer, the fastest, sleekest and best of its kind. Commercials hit the airwaves enticing potential customers to buy it for its state of the art technology. Large price tags boasting these computers can withstand the test of time But how DO these intricate machines withstand the cruel technological test of time?
I recently became infatuated with Apple computers in January and I have owned a plethura of all different kinds of laptops and desktops. Yes they were state of the art years ago, but how well do they work now? Here is my list and modern-day reviews for older, used macs. I also put a "Time left before cumbersome" timeframe which is my approximation before these computers become historical mantle-pieces because they are so obsolete. Yes I know some people still use Apple IIs, but this is for the practical person.
Powerbook G3: I was given one of these as a "Throw in" deal on ebay. Since it was only a 233MHz model, maxing out the RAM on this did little for intricate web surfing. This would best be used for simple programs such as word processing. Perhaps the 400MHz models are faster? I've never had one. All I can say is if you're looking for a Powerbook G3, go with the 400MHz model for faster performance.
Time left before cumbersome: 5 months for 400MHz model, slower models: I hope you have the patience of a saint to surf the web.
Apple Ibook "Clamshell" 300MHz: I adored the unique design of these laptops, they are truly one of a kind in their design. The 6 Gigabite hard drive leaves much to be desired in regards to storage, but this is still a decent basic computer, especially for children as they are quite durable to falls. Surfing the internet is slow as expected, and downloading various things from the internet is quite time consuming. I would strongly urge a potential Clamshell buyer to purchase the 466MHz model as they are quite faster than the 300MHz as you will see later on in my review.
Time left before cumbersome: 1 year.
Apple Ibook "Clamshell" 366MHz: Almost exactly like the 300MHz model, however these came with firewire which helps surfing the web. Once again, I strongly urge the 466MHz model.
Time left before cumbersome:1 1/2 years.
Apple Ibook "Clamshell" 466MHz: The final "Clamshell" model. This laptop has no problems surfing your basic websites, however watching videos on youtube.com and visiting sites like myspace.com completely lag out even a RAM-maxed Clamshell. This is still a great beginner laptop especially for children or for someone who only needs the basic programs and does not want to spend over $200 for a computer.
Time left before cumbersome: 1 3/4- 2 1/2 years.
Apple Ibook 600MHz: A great basic laptop that is cheap and somewhat reliable if it has been properly maintained. Videos online are almost watchable if all other programs are closed and the video is left to load completely.
Time left before cumbersome: 3 years.
Apple Ibook 900MHz: I loved this laptop. I only got rid of it because I couldn't stand the small 12" screen which hurts my eyes. Max out the RAM in this laptop and you can do ALMOST anything online.
Time left before cumbersome: Approx. 3 3/4 years.
Apple iMac 400MHz: Eh I think this desktop is past it's time. I vividly remember the commercials for this uniquely coloured desktop but it would better serve as a "Macquarium". You're better off getting an eMac.
Time left before cumbersome: Depends on model : 6 months - 1 year.
Apple eMac 700MHz: I can't say enough good things about this desktop. I purchased one on ebay for $60. With 1GB of RAM, I can do anything on this desktop with no problems. This is a great all around desktop with great built in speakers for optimal sound performance. The 80GB hard drive is plenty of space for downloading days worth of music, programs and yes even playing World of Warcraft. I strongly recommend purchasing one of these! For the money, you CAN'T go wrong!
Time left before cumbersome: 4 years.
Apple Powerbook G4 400MHz: The computer I'm typing this review up on right now . Yes watching videos online is slow, but I'm quite fond of its easy to type keyboard contrary to my 1.67MHz model which feels like I'm typing on butter. The 15" VGA screen is great for watching movies and for the price I paid for it ($200), I decided to refund the money to the buyer on ebay that wanted this.
Time left before cumbersome: 3 1/2 - 4 years.
Apple Powerbook G4 500MHz: See above for 400MHz model for review. 100MHz faster, it's still the same thing.
Time left before cumbersome: 3 1/2 - 4 years.
Apple Powerbook G4 667MHz: It's 267MHz faster than my 400MHz model and 33MHz slower than my eMac. Get one for under $250 and you've got a great laptop for the next few years.
Time left before cumbersome : 4 years.
Apple Powerbook G4 1.67MHz: I got this laptop for a steal on ebay, only paying $420 for it in pristine condition. I play games, watch movies, go into the RAM heavy AIM chatrooms, you name it, I do it on this laptop. (I know what you're thinking, get your mind out of the gutter, will ya? ;P ) Maxed out at 2GB of RAM, it downloads and opens applications faster, surfs the internet faster and completely outperforms a new HP Pavillion DV9000 17". With an illuminated keyboard, typing in less than ideal lighting situations is a breeze. I know everyone is all about macbooks nowadays, but I think the only thing the macbook has on the powerbook is the fact it has an integrated webcam. Sorry, a 13.3 inch screen just doesn't cut it for me This is the laptop to get.
Time left before cumbersome: 9 Years.
This concludes my review, feel free to comment! I would love the insight of other people in regards to these "Obsolete" computers!