Identifying iBook OS

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We received a donated ibook which appears operational. Before we can pass this on to a student, I need to remove all information, etc that refers to the former owner and reinstall software. I saw references to Tiger, Panther, etc. How do I know what is on or would be accepted by the iBook we want to renovate? Is there a "best" source for the software? I need to ascertain whether such a purchase is worth while and have no idea of the cost involved. thanks for any help available. I do know the laptop has 1.5G Ram and if I remember correctly, was an 10.2 version OS
 
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Firstly, go here and work out exactly which iBook it is and post back.

Then we'll be able to work out your options.

PS Welcome to the forums
 
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The information needed has almost completely been removed from wear or on purpose. All I can find is if I choose about this ibook, is Mac OS X, bersion 10.5.8 processor 1.5 GB
 
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dtravis7


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That is not the processor, that is the RAM. If the RAM is 1.5GB then it has to be that last generation iBook G4. It was the only one that came with 512MB Ram soldered in and a slot that would take 1GB RAM.

On that same About this Mac it should list the CPU like a G4 1.33Ghz.

With that RAM spec you provided, I am sure this is your iBook.

http://www.lowendmac.com/ibooks/12in-ibook-g4-1.33-ghz.html
 
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Thanks so much. Now I need to know if it makes a difference what OS is used for reinstall. I see the descriptions Tiger, Leopard, etc and have no idea what that indicates. Is there a best place to price out the reinstall software? Like all non profit volunteer groups, we need to weigh cost against benefits. If it would be too expensive for us to make legit, is there a market for parts from these laptops? Hope I'm not asking too much.
 

pigoo3

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Thanks so much. Now I need to know if it makes a difference what OS is used for reinstall. I see the descriptions Tiger, Leopard, etc and have no idea what that indicates. Is there a best place to price out the reinstall software? Like all non profit volunteer groups, we need to weigh cost against benefits. If it would be too expensive for us to make legit, is there a market for parts from these laptops? Hope I'm not asking too much.

If cost is an issue...then you might be better off walking away from this computer. This computer model is from about 2005 (so 7 years old).

If this computer already has OS 10.5.8 on it...that's the newest OS it can run. If you erase the HD...and need to reinstall the OS...then you will need an OS 10.5 install disk...which will cost you at least $80-$100 on e-Bay.

Since this computer is 7 years old, it's a laptop which is usually slower than a desktop, and since OS 10.5.8 is a few years old as well...the performance of this computer may not be a "snappy" as someone may like.

On the plus side...it's certainly better than no computer at all...and it will probably do most internet surfing & e-mail ok.

If you were a computer hobbyist...the $$$ may not be a big deal. But since you're a non-profit...the $$$ may or may not make sense.

- Nick
 

dtravis7


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Nick is correct, since that is a Power PC Mac, 10.5.8 Leopard is the newest and with 1.5GB Ram it would run ok, but you are eventually going to hit a wall with that as no more support at all.
 
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Again thanks, that gives up a few parameters to consider. For now we won't assign the laptop, and leave it at the center. Who knows if miracles happen, the next item in the drop box would be software. Odd thing about that laptop, speaking as someone who doesn't speak MAC anything, is the failure to keep time typical? I know our Windows pcs that need a new battery have had that problem, but in a laptop, I wouldn't think there was a replaceable CMOS battery. Resetting the time, it will have lost its memory, the next time it is turned on.
 

dtravis7


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That iBook does not use a CMOS battery (most do) but uses the main battery and a capacitor to keep the settings in the PRAM. The Power PC Macs used Open Firmware called PRAM. New Intel Macs use EFI Firmware. No Bios on a Mac BTW. :D
 
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Would that indicate replacing the battery only would fix the time/date issue or does it indicate a problem also with the "capacitor"?
 
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Would that indicate replacing the battery only would fix the time/date issue or does it indicate a problem also with the "capacitor"?

As long as the battery doesn't go dead, the iBook should keep the time. If your battery is no longer taking a charge, any time you take it off the charger the date resets.
 

dtravis7


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The capacitor does not keep it long. It's supposed to be just enough to allow you to change the battery. If it's out of there say 5-10 minutes (a guess as it's been a while since I tried it) you will loose the settings.
 

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