Nice Wallstreet Article

[kelly]

Part of a series.  

How Good a Value Is a Used PowerBook G3 WallStreet?

http://new.lowendmac.com/macdan/03/0318dk.html

Conclusion. Nice machine for Classic OS. Not so much for OS X.

[Roadguy]

I have a "Wallstreet"  actually its the later version, different code name.  I bought  it used from someone I know.  The hard drive was dead and the person didn't want to fix it.  He bought a new iBook.

Took it off his hands about a year ago, put a 30GB HD in it.  It had 192 MB RAM already, I'm going to put more before long.  It has 1MB Level 2 cache and a 266 mhz.  Total cost so far about $450.  

Anyway the thing about these is the hinges for the screens.  Mine has a 14.1".  The hinges will break, they are a poor design.  I replaced mine and now no problems.  If you have one with bad hinges, don't go to Apple or one of their dealers.  They will try to charge you $300-350 to repair them.  It is a rip off.  The hinges cost $40 and if you have the time and the willingness you can replace them yourself.  It isn't easy but it can be done if you are careful.  The main problem is buying the hinges, they are hard to find.  I got my from a computer dealer, I won't say who here though, since Apple doesn't want non-Apple dealer selling and replacing them.

If you need a G3 powerbook it is a good buy if you can find a cheap one. No USB or firewire though. The Pismo is an even better buy if you can find one for less than $500.

[kelly]

Sounds like you have a WallStreet series II.  

Did you read the article?

This link is included.

http://www.xmug.org/features/archives/000021.shtml

[Roadguy]

Yes Kelly I read the article.  If you notice the link the PBParts web site, from the how to web page, has those hinges at $179.  Still too high.  I know a place in Canada, around $40 plus shipping.  They also have them for the Pismo.

As you may know the hinges on the Wallstreet where a problem from the beginning and Apple knew it.  They refused to replace them under the original warranty.  

There was a group of Wallstreet owners that had banded together and were trying to force Apple to pay for repairs on them.  I haven't heard anything more on it though.  Anybody else remember this?

[krissel]

I followed the complaints for awhile on a Yahoo group which covered all the G3 PBs.

latest page of threads

A link was provided in one of the messages to fill out a form for anyone who was having any kind of problem: hinge, screen, adapter, etc. with any model G3 PB.

lawfirm questionaire

They hoped by combining complaints they would have more power in a potential lawsuit.

What is not fully know is the hinge problem is also very apparent in G4s as well.
 G4 hinge problems

I've been fortunate (knock, knock) with my Wallstreet, however I must note that I have always been very careful in its treatment, especially after hearing about the hinge problem. I use both hands when opening the lid to distribute  the strain equally.

It's too bad the G3/G4 upgrade cards are still so expensive. I would have guessed they would be offered at a much lower price by now.

[Roadguy]

What is not fully know is the hinge problem is also very apparent in G4s as well.
 G4 hinge problems

I thought I had heard about a few of the early TiBooks and a hinge problem.  Didn't realize it was this bad.  I know a few people that own them, I will need to make them aware.

It's sad that Apple just ignores these problems and passes them off.  I would think they would want to take care of the small percentage of users they have.  I love Macs, but I don't buy new ones anymore.  I buy them when they are a few years old and make upgrades from there if needed.

[Spartacus]

I am thinking of installing OS X on my 233 PowerBook G3 Wallstreet.

Do you think it is worth it or due to the lack of power it will be a pain? I'd love to have OS X on it, but I fear it won't be much fun at all...

[krissel]

I wouldn't put much effort into it especially if it is the first edition 233 without the cache. Way too slow.

[Spartacus]

It's the second revision. According to Apple it has 512KB L2 Cache.

It's this one

LEM claims that all 2nd revision Wallstreets can take up to 512 MB RAM. However, Apple's specs say that 192 MB is the maximum. I'd love to have 256MB or more in my PB G3, but I'm not sure whom to trust. LEM is a reliable source, but Apple has the official specs...  
 
 [ 03-20-2003, 05:37 AM: Message edited by: Spartacus ]

[Roadguy]

As far as the RAM in a Wallstreet.  You can install a max of 512.  Both slots will hold 256mb chips. Just remember the bottom slot takes a smaller size RAM.  These are a bit harder to find at a cheap price.  I've seen them going for around $65-70.  As compared to the regular size chip which I've seen for around $40.

Make sure you have a large hard drive installed.

The second generation "Wallstreet" Powerbook, which is actually known as "PDQ" I believe, has a 1MB cache.  I'm still running OS 9.2 on it.

Good luck

[kelly]

Spartacus. OWC has it. You can see what you'll need to get.  

http://eshop.macsales.com/Catalog_Item.cfm...OWC100SO256168L

[krissel]

Spartacus , I have the 266 model (now upgraded to 466) and it will take 512 RAM.

One thing about the specs on the page at your site: it says there are 2 serial ports but my machine only has one, does yours have 2?.
It also says there are USB ports but can't be true. It does have the dual PC card slots which can take USB/FW cards, though.

[Spartacus]

That's an error. Thanks for point it out.

I guess, I'm going to buy 256MB RAM then.

Any recommendations for upgrading the HD? (2 GB is just way too small)

Thanks!

[krissel]

Remember to get the LOW-PROFILE sodimms for the Wallstreet.

I put in a 20G Travelstar HD when I upgraded over a year and a half ago. Now they have 40 and 60G sizes. I've found the 20G plenty large cause it isn't my main computer and I tend to transfer files to my 9600 and my external 80G firewire HD for backup. But it depends on what you intend to do with it. Without a processor upgrade you wouldn't be able to use it for a lot. I do remember reading about some people who had problems with the larger drives and heat issues with the full 512 RAM but I haven't experienced that problem.

You might even look online for a used smaller drive. Just watchout for the 8G drives that came in the original 300mhz models.  They were definite problems and many had to be replaced.