PowerBook G4 12in OS restore

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I have reinstalled original OS 10.2.3 on a Mac G4
12 inch power book with an 867 mgz pc. Nothing works...wifi, browser, etc.. Would like to install a more updated OS. What's your suggestion ? Bk
 

chscag

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2017 27" iMac, 10.5" iPad Pro, iPhone 8, iPhone 11, iPhone 12 Mini, Numerous iPods, Monterey
Someone with a bit more knowledge on older Macs will have to chime in here, but I believe you may be able to install Tiger on that machine if it has enough memory.
 

pigoo3

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I have reinstalled original OS 10.2.3 on a Mac G4
12 inch power book with an 867 mgz pc. Nothing works...wifi, browser, etc.. Would like to install a more updated OS. What's your suggestion ? Bk

Up to OS 10.5.8 can be installed on an 867mhz Powerbook G4...but as chscag mentioned...OS 10.4 Tiger will run as well...and may be a better choice.

Gonna cost you. Install disks for 10.4 or 10.5 will cost $50-$100. e-Bay is pretty much the best place to buy.

Good luck,

- Nick
 
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Silver M1 iMac 512/16/8/8 macOS 11.6
As your model can only handle 1GB of memory suggest Tiger. Leopard really does need more memory.
 
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I've found several Tiger 10.4 disks on eBay. Some say they are compatable with the larger PowerBooks, but no mention of the 12", also the G5 is a bit confusing. Not quite sure what exactly to buy. Thanks guys you're really helping cut through this...it's appreciated. Bob k
 
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Awesome information, Harryb.
Does this mean all Tiger OS 10.4 black intstallation discs for my G4 12" powerbook are ok...
even though it's a 12" and not a G5?
Bob k
 

chscag

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The "black" Tiger disk is a retail version and will work for both the G4 and G5. The silver gray disks are model specific and unless you get the exact one for your machine, it will not work.
 

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Nick, Harry
And all,
You guys have been much more than I've expected! Got the chart and am moving on "...10.4 Tiger, Retail, Full install, black" a little concerned whether it's the memory of the RAM (mine is 256mb built in, 100g storage. Any thoughts on that?) maybe thats whats leading you on Tiger vs Leopard...anyhow, Superb showing by you guys (I'm pleased to say I have new friends...thank you
Bob k
Your after thoughts are welcome
 

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...a little concerned whether it's the memory of the RAM (mine is 256mb built in, 100g storage. Any thoughts on that?)

With a computer this old...at this point...it's best to just max. out the ram.

maybe thats whats leading you on Tiger vs Leopard...

The Tiger (10.4) vs. Leopard (10.5) is both a ram and a cpu speed thing. To run well...Leopard requires more ram than Tiger...AND the 867mhz cpu your Powerbook has is the absolute minimum cpu speed (according to Apple) that supports Leopard. And as many experienced computing folks know...if the computer only meets the min. requirements...it usually doesn't run well.

Leopard will run...and you will have access to slightly more modern internet browsers & other things...but it will just run "painfully" slow. Tiger will run faster...and be a better experience. And since you're only running OS 10.2 at the moment. OS 10.4 "Tiger" will still be a big upgrade.:)

- Nick
 

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