Suggest USB PCI card for PM 7200/120

Question

Hi
I want to instal a USB PCI card in a 7200/120. It's running OS 8.6 with Apple USB Support 1.4.1 software. Also have Toast Titanium 5.2 with its Toast USB support extensions loaded. Also tried running OS 9.1 on alternative startup drive with same Apple USB Support 1.4.1 etc.
I've installed a 5 port USB v2 (32-bit host interface compliant to PCI spec release 2.2 and backward compatible with USB 1.1) card from Laser (www.laserco.net). The packaging says it's compatible with Win 98/98SE/ME/2000/XP but no mention of Mac. The 7200 doesn't see the card installed in PCI slot (checking Apple System Profiler). Double-checked to make sure the PCI was securely seated in the slot, tried different slot etc.
I also tried re-installing Apple USB Support v.1.2 on the OS 8.6 volume but still no good.
I'm in Australia and wondered if anyone can recommend a USB card that actually works in the 7200?

Answer 1

Claudio,
Two years ago, this question was very common. Warnings were given about certain Belkin cards not working well. With the passage of time and the drop in price of newer used systems, few people spend money on upgrading older equipment. It can be done but the beige G3 is the minimum platform that most will work on. Here is a guide to Mac resources in Australia.
http://www.tandb.com.au/buying/
This site sells a wide array of older Mac products. They offer an interesting list of prior models that they still buy, including 7300 models and IIci models. The 7200 is not on their list of models that are in demand.
http://resale.headgap.com/
"TRADE-INS OR SELL YOUR OLD MAC
Remember we pay wholesale prices. Many times when you are ready to upgrade your old system may not be worth much, especially to a dealer who is used to buying in quantity at wholesale prices and has the units shipped in bulk truck freight. Boxing and shipping your old system costs a few dollars. Here lately we have been having more trouble locating older systems people are still buying. We will begin offering trade-ins or to buy outright certain older systems. The following are on the list: PowerMac G4, iMac G4, QuickSilver G4, Blue & White (REV 2 Only), G3 Desktops, PowerMac 7300, Quadra or Centris 650, and Mac IICI's and SI's. The units need to be cosmetically in good condition and working (at least chiming). Trade in value will vary from the top wholesale price for extra clean, that exceed stock configurations and down for less that prime units. We are also purchasing good used Apple Desktop Bus Mouse II ADB Mice, working StyleWriters, and SCSI Zip Drives."
Hope this helps. My experience with buying USB cards for Macs convinced me to only buy cards that are already installed in a working used Mac. The Mac costs $15 US and the card is free. I realize that your market is somewhat different. However, if it is hard to find a working card here, it will be even harder there.
Take note, even Headgap does not want Rev. 1 Blue and White Macs. Avoid them if you have a choice.
This company has iMacs for under $200 in Australia. That may be high and it may not be a current price.
http://www.newwavesystems.com.au/pre-owned_imac.html
They also show a PowerMac G4/400MHz for $150 Australian here:
http://www.newwavesystems.com.au/pre-owned_powermac.html
That would be money well spent compared to any upgrades to a 7200. Otherwise, find a recycler who knows a thing or two about Macs and wait for them to come across the right card for you.
Ji˜m