iBook G4 1.42Ghz - Tiger vs. Leopard and 512Mb/1Gb/1.5Gb RAM?

Joined
Sep 27, 2008
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
Points
1
Hi everyone, I just wanted some thoughts about how to configure a used iBook that I have being delivered to me this week.

The current configuration is:

iBook G4 14" 1.42Ghz
512Mb RAM
OS X 10.4

I am looking to use iMovie 6/HD on this as the primary purpose of the iBook. I realise that it won't have amazing grunt for the video processing.

My questions are:

1. Tiger or Leopard? Will Leopard slow or speed up the system at this configuration? I've used Tiger before and liked it - is it worth buying a Leopard upgrade?

2. RAM upgrade yes or no? If so, another 512Mb or will 1Gb really make a huge difference (RAM in New Zealand is expensive so I don't want to buy the extra 1Gb if I would see little performace difference over 512Mb).

3. What is iMovie performance going to be like, out of interest? My handycam doesn't do HD so hopefully the G4 will be bearable.
 
Joined
Mar 28, 2008
Messages
182
Reaction score
2
Points
18
Location
USA
Your Mac's Specs
Mac Mini Core 2 Duo 1.83 ghz
iMovie performance will be fine. also, you probably (and i say probably, because it depends on how much you multitask) will see a performance boost with more ram. also, i would stick with Tiger, unless you need leopard for any specific reason. Justin.
 
Joined
Sep 8, 2007
Messages
552
Reaction score
4
Points
18
Location
United Kingdom
Your Mac's Specs
13" MBP 2.3Ghz i7 32GB 1TB | iPhone XR
I Used to have the same iBook as you and im in NZ as well, try looking here if you want the extra 1GB its not that expensive, I had to buy mine for around $100 something on trademe.
 
Joined
Mar 30, 2004
Messages
4,744
Reaction score
381
Points
83
Location
USA
Your Mac's Specs
12" Apple PowerBook G4 (1.5GHz)
I would say, put as much memory into the thing as it will hold, and stick with Tiger. That should leave you with acceptable performance in iMove.

You'll need to make sure you have enough free disk space for your video, and still have at least 10% free afterwards. Mac OS X needs that much free space to run properly.
 
OP
A
Joined
Sep 27, 2008
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
Points
1
Thanks for all the replies. Much appreciated!

I have taken delivery of this notebook now, but still not sure if I should stick with the 14" or consider looking for a 12" Powerbook instead.

Do both take the same RAM type and how "fussy" are Mac notebooks when it comes to RAM? Will most of the "big brands" suffice?

I'm not really sure how useful the new Leopard features are going to be for me - when I read the list of changes I get confused and don't understand if they would be useful for me.

And does a PowerBook with better video RAM and a slight processor speed bump offer vastly improved performance over an iBook or not really?

Ah the 12" vs. 14" at the same video resolution debate...any thoughts?
 
Joined
Jun 19, 2008
Messages
198
Reaction score
1
Points
18
With my 1.5ghz/1.5gb of ram G4, I now regret upgrading Leopard. My mac is slower and the cons outweigh the pro's.
 
OP
A
Joined
Sep 27, 2008
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
Points
1
johnwd thanks for that! That helps me a lot.

What were the features in Leopard that you might miss if you were to go back?
 
Joined
Jun 19, 2008
Messages
198
Reaction score
1
Points
18
You know that's a good question. I can't say for sure because I'm slow enough to be wary of getting too involved with exploring. It took me 5 or 6 times more to download 3 cd's into itunes yesterday. The only app's I was using were itunes, firefox, activity monitor and my ipod was also pluged in.

Ironically it was a little faster once I quit activity monitor !

My G4 is a Quicksilver upgraded with a Fastmac 1.5ghz processor. I've maxed the ram to 1.5g with 512 per 3 slots. I guess this has taught me to get a faster Mac ! I just need to sell some of the stuff I'm fixing - pah, easy, er...!
 
OP
A
Joined
Sep 27, 2008
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
Points
1
iMovie performance will be fine. also, you probably (and i say probably, because it depends on how much you multitask) will see a performance boost with more ram. also, i would stick with Tiger, unless you need leopard for any specific reason. Justin.
Hi Justin, I just noticed your specs are close to the iBook I have (at least on paper). Does Leopard run ok or is it noticeably sluggish?

Also I've heard that with each 10.5.x update, that the system has run faster?? Is that for real?

I decided to look at the "300+" features in Leopard, and there are some interesting ones.
 

Shop Amazon


Shop for your Apple, Mac, iPhone and other computer products on Amazon.
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites.
Top