What older Mac would you recommend for me?

Question

I'm a screen writer in need of an APPLE computer, but i don't need a new one, just writing and surfing.
I'm a little cautious of Powermac g4's hearing complaints about loudness. Any help is appreciated. Thanks

Answer 1

Hi there...any of the Macs which has a G4 processor would be best so you can continue use the current software and not have any Internet incompatibility issues. G3 Macs are fine as well, however there will be limitations since support is not as easily available unlike the last two generation Macs.

Answer 2

There were some specific models of PowerMac G4 from around 2003 that had a wierd, loud fan that would speed up and slow down for no apparent reason. The most notorious was the Mirror Drive Door model (a.k.a., MDD). To remedy the issue, not only must one replace the fan but also the power supply. Don't buy a MDD or Quicksilver G4 unless you can test drive it for at least 20 minutes or have a return option.

Other than that, they are really a good buy now since they are pre-Intel and big, thus not in demand, maybe 150-500 bucks depending on a dozen other factors. Do you need a G4? I suppose this is related to some specific screen writing application. Does it run in OS 10.3? If so, you can go back as far as a 1997 G3 and those are dirt cheap. I bought a beige box G3 for 50 bucks and that included a 17" Dell Trinitron monitor. And it's as quiet as a churchmouse. The Blue and White G3 has built-in Firewire and USB, up to 450 MHz but upgrade cards can take that much higher.

Someone says Apple is giving away OS 9 ? I've heard this a couple of times but no one can direct me to the web page with the free download.

Answer 3

Pickup an old iMac. I bought and gave 22 to the local school so they could give them to needy kids. The kids love them. 333Mhz 64meg RAM and cute as a button. You know Apple give away the OS older than OS X. The one I bought had OS 9.2 install. Paid $40+tax at the used computer store.