Tune up and upgrade or buy new?

I have a iBook G4. It is starting to show wear and age. It needs a new battery (doesn't hold any charge)and a new power cord (fraying at the barrel). I have very little memory left and it runs very slow at times.
I was thinking of buying a new battery, power cord, and upgrading the RAM (current 512MB) and then possibly buying an external hard drive. Would this be a wise investment? Or should I retire this and look into investing into a new computer?

running my Ibook cooler
after owning my Ibook for more than one year, I finally figured out how to keep it cool and not overheating, which it would make the screen flicker and go blank, first of all I removed the bottom cover and drilled many holes in patterns including on the metal shield, this made a big improvement, I can feel the heat coming from the holes, but still not good enough, because I wanted to play /record Quick time movies and the system would heat quickly within 20 minutes and using a fan underneath,
I did some search and found G4fan control, http://www.andreafabrizi.it/?g4fancontrol:download
installed it and, I reset the defaults temp @ 130 and no more trouble as the matter of fact I have been recording audio with it while the temperature in the room was near 90 and the the graphic chip sensor never reached above 125 I have been recording for 3 days straight, how about that.
I also installed an Audio recording Jack so that I can transfer my audio cassettes.
Thanks for reading
Sigi

Similar Messages

  • I am using for Autocad my Windows HP Laptop. However i want to shift to Apple world and plan to buy new  MBAir 13". Is it has enough power to install bootcamp and run Autocad.

    I am using for Autocad my Windows HP Laptop. However i want to shift to Apple world and plan to buy new  MBAir 13". Is it has enough power to install bootcamp and run Autocad?

    I don't know, but I would assume that the MBA can install and can run Autocad with Boot Camp.
    The question is more, can the software be effectively used with such a small display.
    Audocad and vector packages such as Adobe Illustrator are typically run using large screens, so a lack of display real estate may mean the process is frustrating, even if it is possible.
    I face the same thing - I am considering an MBA 13" and need to run Illustrator, and that would mean a lot of scrolling.
    I  think you would be advised to ensure you bought an MBA with a high specification of processor and memory to give yourself the best chance of success.
    Is there a Mac version of Autocad you could switch to, to make for less complication? I've managed to shift all but one of my Windows applications to OS X now, and only occasionally use Windows on the system.

  • What About Returning iPad 2 Replace and Upgrading To The New iPad?

    I rently got a replace iPad for my iPad 2 cause the glass was broke but now I'm wondering if I could bring the replace iPad 2 back and upgrade to The New iPad and just pay the diffents?

    Because they don't do that. Apple exchanged your broken iPad for an identical model for the out-of-warranty replacement price and that's all they'll do for you. If you'd wanted the new iPad, you should have sold your broken iPad 2 for parts and put that money and the replacement cost toward a new iPad. As it is now, your only option is to sell the replacement you received and use that money toward a new iPad.
    Regards.
    Message was edited by: varjak paw

  • HT4527 Hi My old computer broke down.   I could not transfer anything across to my new PC.  Unfortunately I forgot my old i-Tunes account and set up a new one with the new PC.  However, I cannot now synch my music on my i-pod to my new PC - how can I do t

    Hi My old computer broke down.   I could not transfer anything across to my new PC.  Unfortunately I forgot my old i-Tunes account and set up a new one with the new PC.  However, I cannot now synch my music on my i-pod to my new PC - how can I do this?
    I'm a bit of a technophobe so any help gratefully received thanks

    It has always been very basic to always maintain a backup copy of your computer.  Use this to put eveything back.

  • I'd like to copy my workout DVD's on my mac, then play them on my Apple TV so I won't wear them out and have to buy new ones.  Is this possible?

    I've recently purchased some workout DVD's and was wondering if I can copy them to my mac, then watch them on my Apple TV so I don't wear the DVD's  out and have to buy new ones.  Is this possible?

    so I don't wear the DVD's  out and have to buy new ones.     
    DVD's do not wear out from being played.  Nothing makes any physical contact with them to cause any wear.
    And yes you can "RIP" a DVD and add it to iTunes which would let ATV play them.   You will need to Google RIPPING DVD though for details.  It violates the terms of service for the forum to talk about it here.
    And in response to Rudder'scomment ALL DVD's are encrypted.   That is why you need HandBreak (and VideoLan) to decrypt them.

  • G4 400: Upgrade or Buy New?

    Hi Everyone,
    This is my first post after lurking in the shadows for a while. As you can probably guess I have a G4 400 that I've owned from new. It's getting slow(er) and I'm thinking of upgrading/buying new. I fancy a new Intel iMac but my budget can't stretch to it. Also the lack of CS in Universal is a MAJOR factor. I mainly use the Mac for general browsing etc and CS for Photoshop and graphic design. It's not a work machine so speed is not so important.
    I was thinking of buying a G4 Macmini as a stop gap until I can afford the Intel iMac. Would this be better than upgrading the G4 400? See below.
    On the upgrade path I was looking at: More RAM, CPU upgrade to 1.4MHz, bigger harddrive (I already have a 2nd 40GB drive).
    What graphics card can I upgrade to? I'd like to be able to run a 2nd monitor if possible.
    Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated.
    Thanks
    Steve
    G4 400MHz, 448MB Ram,   Mac OS X (10.3.9)  

    Hi i've just upgraded my Sawooth G4 to 1.4Gh Sonnet. It flies now! There used to be long waiting times in between rendering in Photoshop (but i'm used to it, then), but now, the spinning beach ball rarely make an appearance.
    I was like you a few months back, and lots of people/friends adviced me to get a Mini instead. I'm glad i sticked with my G4 and upgraded parts, one at a time. I'm a Graphic Designer too. Though i'm using Photoshop 7, Illustator 10, Freehand MX, etc... Basically older versions.
    Next up for me will be a Pioneer 110D, and i'm looking for ATI 8500 or 9000 through ebay. And maybe, just maybe a SATA card and HD.
    Sawtooth G4 Sonnet 1.4Ghz   Mac OS X (10.3.9)   1.75GB RAM 120GB + 40GB HD iPod 4G 40GB

  • License Question: Selling previous upgrade to buy new FCS upgrade.

    I'm interested in selling my previous upgrade copy of Final Cut Studio 2 and purchasing the upgrade for Final Cut Studio 3.
    Final Cut Studio 2 is an upgrade version. I already own FCP1, which I used as the base for the FCS2 upgrade. I want to sell the FCS2 upgrade, but not my copy of FCP1 (since I want to use this for my new upgrade version).
    So, what I'd like to do is the following:
    - Sell Final Cut Studio 2, but retain ownership of FCP 1 (that I've had for years)
    - Buy Final Cut Studio 3, and upgrade from FCP1
    What gives me pause is the message in the SLA that states:
    Updates: If an Apple Software update completely replaces (full install) a previously licensed version of the Apple Software, you may not use both versions of the Apple Software at the same time nor may you transfer them separately. NFR (Not for Resale) Copies: Notwithstanding other sections of this License, A
    I'm not quite sure how to read that. While I definitely see an issue with someone upgrading to Final Cut Studio, and then selling the software used as the base of that upgrade, what I'm doing is actually the opposite. (Selling the upgrade software, and keeping my original FCP Version 1 license so I can use it for a newer upgrade).
    Is there someone in Apple legal I can contact about this?
    Thoughs?
    Thanks in advance,
    Jim

    http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=10680183&#10680183
    Hi Tom,
    I see that Nick answered this question a little differently then you.( from a dig user with same question)
    http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=10680183&#10680183
    Any thoughts on above thread. Anywhere I can get official word from Apple on this?
    Message was edited by: harperjm

  • The most cost-effective long-term solution, Upgrade or Buy Newer Computer?

    I am looking for the most cost-effective long term solution for me as an self-employed interior designer. I need help making a decision: Is it reasonable to upgrade my iBook G4 (RAM, operating system)(+bigger hard drive)(+buy new rechargeable battery)(+buy new portable power adapter)?; or do I need to abandon it and buy a newer apple computer (0-2 years old)?
    ABOUT MY MAC:
    Hardware Overview:
    Machine Model: iBook G4
    CPU Type: PowerPC G4 (1.1)
    Number Of CPUs: 1
    CPU Speed: 1.2 GHz
    L2 Cache (per CPU): 512 KB
    Memory: 256 MB
    Bus Speed: 133 MHz
    Boot ROM Version: 4.8.7f1
    I will appreciate your suggestions very much! Thanks a lot in advance!

    Hi Cali and Welcome to Apple Discussions,
    I think that decision would depend on how you plan to use this laptop. In addition it would depend on your client base and the image you need to project.
    I used to be a commercial producer. If I was still doing that today I'd need to project a successful up to date image. My clients at the large agencies were/are attracted to the latest technologies. I would have the hippest iPhone apps and probably a 15" Unibody MacBook Pro.
    I have a pro photographer client who wanted to buy an iMac a few years back but I insisted she buy a Mac Pro with at least two of the largest Cinema Monitors she could afford.
    She has thanked me multiple times since she says her clients are so impressed with her images when she displays them on those large monitors.
    So it would depend on how you're using the laptop and your client base.
    The first thing I see with your iBook is that your RAM is pretty minimal. If you update that would be the first thing to do.
    This is actually the iBook that I use and for me it's very cost effective. They're both 1.2 GHz machines. I use a 14" around the house and a !2" when we're traveling. It is very cost effective for me as I purchased them broken for under $125 total. I use salvaged drives and RAM. It works for me since my business is repair and the clients are impressed how well my 5 year old iBook works.
    Richard

  • Power Mac G5: A common dilemma: to upgrade or buy new

    I know there are a lot of discussions on this topic going around, but everyone's needs and uses are different, so I'd appreciate any input on my situation.
    I own a Dual 1.8 GHz Power Mac G5 with only 1GB RAM and a failing 160GB hard drive.
    At this point, I basically only use this machine for web browsing, iTunes, and Garageband, and am running Tiger.
    I had been having some major hard drive problems so I wiped my system and re-installed Tiger , importing everything from my iBookG4 (which, I recently dropped and the screen connection has failed and is unusable except for as an external hard drive in target disk mode. it is probably too expensive to fix for what its worth so I will probably try to sell it for scrap).
    Anyway, everything was ok for about a week until I opened firefox and noticed all my settings and bookmarks were gone. When I restarted my computer, my music, pictures, documents, and movies folders were all unable to be located (although my applications were fine and my hard drive still showed that the space was the same). I'm not sure if I imported some problem from my iBook or if my hard drive was just messing up again, but I've decided that I either need to upgrade or get a new computer.
    Basically, I am thinking about upgrading my memory, getting a new hard drive, and upgrading to leopard (mostly for time machine). Or, possibly getting a new iMac or waiting a bit and then getting a new iMac or even (gasp) a PC (highly unlikely).
    I was going to get the memory from ramjet and I was thinking of only adding 1GB to make 2GB but could be persuaded of getting more but 400Mhz DDR memory is a bit more expensive than other types. As for the hard drive, I was thinking about getting a Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 SATA 3.0Gb/s 320-GB Hard Drive with a 16 MB cache. I could pay $15 more for a 500GB with 32 MB cache but i really don't need the space and am unsure whether the cache will really help much. Seagates used to have a pretty good rep I thought, but now they seem to be getting mixed reviews, so I don't know.
    Obviously, I am no computer expert, so any help would be great. Would it be worth it to spend between $250 and $325 to get the memory, drive, and leapord when I could maybe sell my G5 and my 23" apple cinema display (the old clear kind) and get an iMac? I could maybe get about $700 - $800 for the G5 and around $300 - $350 for the display. Will an iMac be faster than my G5 with the upgrades? I don't think I need a mac pro for my current uses.
    Thanks for your help. Feel free to offer advice on what to do with my iBook too.
    -rhineth

    Memory: $60 for 2 x 1GB, I'd call that very affordable.
    http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Other%20World%20Computing/3200DDR2GBP/
    Disk drives: 2 x $69 for pair of WD Caviar 640GB
    http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Western%20Digital/WD6400AAKS/
    It is not about capacity as much as speed and quiet, cool, and how well it handles OS X. I use half the drive, other half is unformatted free space. I'd skip the Seagates. 7200.11 is current.
    I expect new iMacs in '09 as they are overdue.
    Hard drives you keep or put in FW case.
    Current Leopard is 10.5.4 DVD but would be nice to see another DVD now with 10.5.6, $109 (Amazon, maybe less Newegg?).
    iMac vs others:
    http://www.macworld.com/article/133467/2008/05/imaccomparison.html
    http://www.barefeats.com/harper7.html
    http://www.barefeats.com/imp02.html
    Sounds like three things you may not be doing or have:
    SuperDuper for backups. You don't need Leopard.
    Disk Warrior. Everyone, or I should say "HFS+" needs #1 disk repair utility.
    Backup drives. Two backup sets you switch between, and a small "emergency" partition on one for running Disk Warrior and such.
    I replace or move older drives to backup use and put new boot drive in on a yearly basis. Some new drives and memory should be all you need. A couple people even stress their system with graphics and video, and upgrading to 3 or 4 new drives revived their system so that they could hold on and wait another year.

  • I downloaded an update yesterday and it did not install correctly..gives me error... now I cant even open itunes...should I uninstall I tunes totally and do a brand new install?

    I downloaded a new version of I tunes yesterday and it did not install correctly- I cannot open I tunes, I have tried to download again, install again, repair and nothing... should I uninstall ITunes completely and reinstall fresh? what happens to my music collection, images, etc?

    Hi bezoya,
    Thanks for using Apple Support Communities.  If iTunes is not launching after an update, I would recommend trying a thorough reinstall as described here:
    Issues installing iTunes or QuickTime for Windows
    http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1926
    Cheers,
    - Ari

  • Buy 4gb and upgrade vs buy 8gb outright

    there is a price difference in buying the 4gb and upgrading to 8 vs buying the 8gb outright. will anything be different if i buy the 4 and just have them upgrade it?

    aproudmom wrote:
    there is a price difference in buying the 4gb and upgrading to 8 vs buying the 8gb outright.
    yes.
    will anything be different if i buy the 4 and just have them upgrade it?
    your wallet will be heavier.

  • Can I trade an older generation and upgrade to a newer one?

    I have a 32g Ipod Touch 3rd Generation but I want to know if I can trade it in and upgrade to a 4th Generation

    Apple will only give you a 10% discount if you turn in a used iPod.  You will probably be better off selling it on eBay or Craig's list.

  • If i download i tunes 7 and i have a new ipod mini what do i do?Plaese help

    if i download itunes 7 and i have a new ipod mini what do i do dp i download the latest software updatse that are compatible wiht my ipod mini. because my instaltion cd for the ipod mine is severly scratched up and i want to know what to do cause i cant fina anohter ipod mince instaltion CD/DISC. plaese help me!!!!

    iTunes 7 will download the correct version of the firmware from Apple's web site as necessary; you don't need the software on the iPod's CD if you have a newer version of iTunes and the iPod updater for versions of iTunes prior to 7 installed. The functions provided by the iPod updater have been rolled into iTunes 7.
    (18089)

  • Should I upgrade or buy new?

    I currently use a G4 running OS 9.0 (400MHz, 128 MB, 20GB) for QuarkXPress and Photoshop/Illustrator. I also have access to my partner's Windows machine which I use for web browsing, email etc. I would like to be able to update/upgrade so I only have to use my Mac but am confused as to how to go about it. I also have a very limited budget.
    Can I install newer OS on such an old Mac (is it capable of handling it, is it compatible) and can I do so without having to reinstall other apps (I have lost the installation disks for some of them). Also all my files are on the internal disk.
    Would it be better just to buy a newer one (perhaps a reconditioned iMac) and new software? The cost of this (even an older new model) is scaring me slightly...

    Hi! You are in a fix! Your best bet would be to start new but that won't be cheap as all your apps as well as your machine need a makeover. If you use Quark and PS for work you are wasting a lot of time. Frankly I didn't think PS would run on 128mb. You can buy a Mac mini used for 300-400 bucks that would be a step up and you could "probably" run your OS9 apps in "classic" mode under Tiger 10.4.You could upgrade your existing machine but a new processor and ram will run 350-500 bucks. A new iMac with new apps is the best approach but you talking serious bucks. I would probably advise you to buy a good used mac mini that came with the original Tiger install discs but you will need a higher version 9 os that is higher than 9.0 which you will have to buy. There are no real easy and cheap fixes in your situation. Tom

  • IBook G4 - Upgrade or Buy New System

    I need help making a decision: is it reasonable to upgrade my iBook G4 (RAM, operating system) (+bigger hard drive?); or do I need to abandon it and buy a newer system? My considerations are: 1) DC-inboard is probably flaky. Even with a new power supply and power adapter, the battery intermittently stops charging (the LED light goes out). I have to unplug it from the power strip and move the plug to a different outlet on the strip to get it going again. 2) I'm using Safari 1.3.2 and more web sites are thumbing their noses at my "unsupported/outdated" browser. 3) The other software I use is fairly basic: MS Word 98 (running under Classic); Reunion; Photoshop Elements 2.0; Appleworks 6.0. 4) The hard drive has about 15mb free. 5) It might be Christmas but I am seriously unemployed, which is why I have been waffling over this decision for months. Thanks for y'all's suggestions.

    Hi, UUWoman:
    Welcome to Apple Discussions.
    It might be Christmas but I am seriously unemployed
    That's a difficult place to be. I know as some of my family are there. However, even with your tight finances, it seems to be that updating your computer will be more cost effective than purchasing a new or newer computer. Let's take your issues in order..
    1. We'll begin with the HDD. Your drive is dangerously full. Besides, your computer is now 5 years old. The average life of a laptop internal HDD is 3 to 5 years. So in addition to your drive being too full it is liable to fail without notice. I believe that is your top priority. You can buy a new HDD for $50 to $100. If you can install it yourself you will save $75 or so. The DC-in board can be changed at the same time. Cost less than $20.
    Instead of Safari I suggest you try Camino 1.6.10, which looks like Safari, but it is faster, more stable and more powerful. Free download.
    So, your costs so far would be, let's say $75 for a new HDD, $20 for the DC-in Board if you do it yourself, or add $75 for installation. For less than $200 you will have your computer functional again. You will need around $700 for a used MacBook or $1000 for a new one.
    May I suggest that if you are unable to upgrade your drive and you have valuable information on it, that you back it up immediately. You can also try to lean things down, but with so little HDD free capacity you hardly have room for working. Dr. Smoke's FAQ Freeing space on your Mac OS X startup disk is an excellent guide for clearing some breathing space.
    Please do post back with further questions or comments.
    cornelius

Maybe you are looking for