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Author Topic: Upgrade PowerBook G4?  (Read 9802 times)

Offline LR827

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Upgrade PowerBook G4?
« on: March 01, 2011, 02:07:30 PM »
Is it possible to upgrade my PowerBook G4 so that I can get Netflix streaming on it? Netflix says I need 10.5.11 and an Intel processor. Right now I have 10.3.8 and whatever processor came in it originally, plus extra memory. (I upgraded the memory a while back, but was not sure about putting any more into it until now).

Thanks!
Lorraine
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Offline jchuzi

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Upgrade PowerBook G4?
« Reply #1 on: March 01, 2011, 02:25:32 PM »
Since you need an Intel processor, it's not possible unless you change the innards of the computer. Your PB has a PPC processor. 10.5 requires a processor speed of 867 MHz or faster, either PPC or Intel, plus 512 GB RAM (if my brain's memory serves).

I don't know if it is feasible to swap processors in that model or even if it is possible.
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Offline gunug

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Upgrade PowerBook G4?
« Reply #2 on: March 01, 2011, 02:33:00 PM »
Nah, I tried that amongst other things with my G4 (faster than the one you're talking about?) and I couldn't get things to work!
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Offline tacit

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Upgrade PowerBook G4?
« Reply #3 on: March 01, 2011, 03:54:04 PM »
Netflix requires the Microsoft Silverlight browser plugin. Silverlight works only on Intel processors; there is no upgrade for a G4 that will let it run Silverlight. No Silverlight, no Netflix. Sorry...
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Offline Paddy

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Upgrade PowerBook G4?
« Reply #4 on: March 01, 2011, 04:01:26 PM »
And there are no processor upgrades for laptops OR desktop Macs that allow you to turn them into Intel Macs.

Lorraine - you've got the perfect excuse to get one of those lovely shiny new Macbook Pros they just announced last week! toothgrin.gif
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Offline LR827

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Upgrade PowerBook G4?
« Reply #5 on: March 01, 2011, 04:44:49 PM »
Thanks, everyone, for the answer ... even though it was not the one I wanted!

Paddy, I'm thinking of the iPad2... But if you have a link to a discounted MacBook, I'll take a look at it!
« Last Edit: March 01, 2011, 04:46:49 PM by LR827 »
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Offline Xairbusdriver

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Upgrade PowerBook G4?
« Reply #6 on: March 01, 2011, 05:17:51 PM »
What version of iTunes are you running? I think you'll need some software upgrades before using an iPad. I believe the iPad requires iTunes 10.1 or later and OS X 10.5.8 or later...and USB 2, of course.

The iPad2 comes out March 2, but I doubt backward compatibility would increase... sad.gif
« Last Edit: March 01, 2011, 05:20:39 PM by Xairbusdriver »
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Offline Paddy

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Upgrade PowerBook G4?
« Reply #7 on: March 01, 2011, 06:56:47 PM »
Lorraine, you could probably find a good deal at the Apple refurb store, thought some of those models are almost 2 years old (!)

http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/spec...mco=MjEwNTY3ODE

http://store.apple.com/us/product/FC372LL/A?mco=MjEwNTY4ODE

Or there are the new ones...with quad core processors that are wicked fast. Of course, going from a G4 PB to a new Intel, you're going to notice a significant speed boost whether it's the last generation or this one! I'd suggest going with one of the 2010 refurbs (i-series processors) rather than the older Core 2 Duos. There may come a day when the minimum required hardware will be one of the i-series processors....might as well stay on that side of the line as the savings aren't that great on the other!

http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/shop...ACBOOKPRO-INDEX

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Offline LR827

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Upgrade PowerBook G4?
« Reply #8 on: March 01, 2011, 08:59:35 PM »
I didn't mention, I also have a MacBook (not Pro) running 10.5.8. This is the one we use all the time, and we can get Netflix, no problem. The PB is bigger, a 15" screen, so we wanted to use that for streaming. But alas, not a good idea.

My iTunes is 10.1.2. Will I be able to stream Netflix on an iPad2? or 1?
« Last Edit: March 01, 2011, 09:00:17 PM by LR827 »
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Offline krissel

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Upgrade PowerBook G4?
« Reply #9 on: March 02, 2011, 03:33:42 AM »
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