Older iBooks

[Diffused Mind]

I'm looking for an older iBook, like the 300Mhz & 366Mhz models. The 300Mhz models seem to run a good $200 on eBay. However, the 366Mhz models go for like $400+. Why is this? Is there a real speed difference between the two?

[Steve]

Not a massive difference. The 366MHz had FireWire, and typically a larger hard disc - that's all i can think of. I love the stylings of these laptops, i bought a 366MHz Lime iBook earlier this year, but Mac OS X would not install for love nor money (The only version which did was Cheetah). I upgraded the memory, and spent far too many hours of frustration on it. Mac OS X (Panther) will install on these machines, although i can't hold out much hope for speed...

One more thing. I've had an iceBook 500MHz and a Clamshell (Lime) 366MHz and there's a big difference in weight - notably in the screen. Sometimes, i had the clamshells' screen tilted back a little too far, and the weight of that part of the machine, was too much for the hinges - so the screen actually, gradually, fell back... :laugh: - Shame :(

[Diffused Mind]

Hm, FireWire is no issue for me, and a smaller HD is fine. Will the 300Mhz be good for general internet usage/email/pr0n/MSN?

[Diffused Mind]

Anyone? :cry:

[Steve]

Maybe, but i wouldn't hold out a lot of luck mate, to be honest. I initially had mine with 64Mb RAM (I think) in OS 9, and it wasn't all too nice for that, to be honest. I upped the memory with a 256Mb module and it still wasn't too great. From what i recall they have a 66MHz system bus which adds to the feeling of lag. Like i said, i only ever managed to get Cheetah booted on that thing, which is well known for its lack of UI sharpness... I would probably say no. You might think so initially maybe, but once the novelty wears off, i'd say the potential lag will annoy the hell out of you. If I were you, i'd try and gather a little more money, and go for a newer iBook - maybe 700MHz G3, you'll get a MUCH MUCH faster system, in every department, something more capable of running OS X, and ultimately (I hope) something you won't get frustrated with, 2 weeks after the purchase.

[Diffused Mind]

Maybe, but i wouldn't hold out a lot of luck mate, to be honest. I initially had mine with 64Mb RAM (I think) in OS 9, and it wasn't all too nice for that, to be honest. I upped the memory with a 256Mb module and it still wasn't too great. From what i recall they have a 66MHz system bus which adds to the feeling of lag. Like i said, i only ever managed to get Cheetah booted on that thing, which is well known for its lack of UI sharpness... I would probably say no. You might think so initially maybe, but once the novelty wears off, i'd say the potential lag will annoy the hell out of you. If I were you, i'd try and gather a little more money, and go for a newer iBook - maybe 700MHz G3, you'll get a MUCH MUCH faster system, in every department, something more capable of running OS X, and ultimately (I hope) something you won't get frustrated with, 2 weeks after the purchase.

585176256[/snapback]

Yeah, this is what I heard from a lot of people, so I did some ebaying and got a PowerMac instead. A G4 500, which does the job well. Thanks. :D

[Steve]

Yeah, this is what I heard from a lot of people, so I did some ebaying and got a PowerMac instead.  A G4 500, which does the job well.  Thanks:D:D

585177487[/snapback]

Sounds much better. Sweet.