Author Topic: Upgrade or abandon PowerBook G4 15?  (Read 1930 times)

Offline eric j

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Upgrade or abandon PowerBook G4 15?
« on: August 17, 2011, 12:13:55 PM »
Hi,
Further to my query about running 10.4 (because Financial Times and BBC sites tell me that I need a later version of Flash Player than 10.3 will permit) I'm now wondering whether it's worthwhile. Obtaining 10.4 legitimately in Greece will be a pain but I could carry it back to my home in Basel.
The machine has been little used, residing in my Greek vacation apartment for some 3 years.
My wife has a basic MacAir but its screen challenges my 82-years eyesight.
Perhaps on my next visit I could bring my Mini to Argos and use the PB as a slave screen?

eric  j

I used to think myself indecisive, but now I'm not so sure.

Offline Paddy

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Upgrade or abandon PowerBook G4 15?
« Reply #1 on: August 17, 2011, 02:22:57 PM »
That's the same PB as my husband still uses - he wants to be able to run Framemaker, which only works with Classic, so he's stuck at 10.3.

However, like you, he's starting to run into issues and is thinking about his alternatives, including running the Windows version of Frame on a new Intel MacBook Pro.

Upgrading the Powerbook to 10.4 is not going to be cheap - it's hard to find and expensive. Ditto 10.5, which it will also run. However, it would be cheaper than buying a new Mac. It really depends on whether you want to put the money towards keeping the old one going or towards the purchase of a new one.

Here's one option: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SEALED-MAC-OS-X-...=item4aad82956c
"If computers get too powerful, we can organize them into committees. That'll do them in." ~Author unknown •iMac 5K, 27" 3.6Ghz i9 (2019) • 16" M1 MBP(2021) • 9.7" iPad Pro • iPhone 13

Online jchuzi

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Upgrade or abandon PowerBook G4 15?
« Reply #2 on: August 17, 2011, 02:34:43 PM »
FastMac has some software options but shipping could be a killer. Beware of machine-specific versions (gray label) that may not work with your PB. You want a full retail disk (black label).
Jon

macOS 11.7.10, iMac Retina 5K 27-inch, late 2014, 3.5 GHz Intel Core i5, 1 TB fusion drive, 16 GB RAM, Epson SureColor P700, Photoshop CC, Lightroom CC, MS Office 365

Offline eric j

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Upgrade or abandon PowerBook G4 15?
« Reply #3 on: August 23, 2011, 03:10:36 AM »
Thanks Friends,

Just before leaving Basel, 9 Aug, I purchased an iPad2. It is still in Basel, not yet set up. All in all it's probably best to retire this PB - perhaps wait until the old technology comes round again in 200 years?

eric j