Alright, MAYBE I am getting a Mac.

  • Thread starter PLmatt91
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PLmatt91

PLmatt91

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A buddy of mine from a forum is an Ubuntu junkie and tests stuff out on computers. I mentioned I had an old Dell (2.5GHz CPU, 128MB AGP Video Card, 512MB Dual Channel RAM and a DVD+R and CD+R, CD+RW Optical Drives) He said yeah I'll buy it, but since I know he has Mac's, I asked if he was willing to trade. He said he has a iBook G4 with a 1.25GHz CPU, 256MB RAM, a 40GB HDD with 4,200 RPM (I think) wireless connection, and OS X 10.3.x. He said he'd be willing to try to install OS X 10.4.10 for me.

I have found RAM online for $100, it's 1GB and it should work in the iBook. My question is should I go for the trade with him? Would the iBook be worth it? I'll just customize the appearance of the UI and I'd go on AIM/MSN and Safari mostly. No heavy downloads or gaming, maybe some videos. Please give any tips 👍
 
If the Dell isn't being used, I'd do it. Maybe ask if he just wants to do it temporarily to see if you like it first?
 
Well, I REALLY want to get rid of the Dell no matter what. I can keep the iBook and sell it to some one else if I needed to.
 
Don't expect miracles from the iBook, though. The Dell might be worth less, but it would serve as a decent PC for someone. The iBook is quite underpowered in comparison. Although, having said that, I do know someone who runs OS X perfectly well on a 1.25ghz G4 Desktop (powermac or whatever you call it). Atleast I think he does... All he did was upgrade the RAM to nearer a gig and it's fine. And he runs Photoshop, iMovie, does a bit of webdesign, the lot.

You'll definately want to check the state of the battery before you trade, though. If it's had a lot of use, it's highly likely it'll need a new one. Not that they exactly cost a fortune or anything, it's just something to keep in mind. And the state of the machine its self. White things tend not to stay white for too long, and you might well find a couple of cracks in the casing. And find out if the battery was meant to be recalled.

But yeah, like Ebiggs said, it's worth doing if you're sure the Dell isn't being used and everyone else in the house is happy with you doing it. And do use it for a few hours before you make your decision. If there's much wrong with it, not only will you be stuffed trying to use it, but you'll get even less for it if you decided to sell up.
 
Like I said, it's going to be mostly a trade, I'm not giving up any money and the Dell did cost a lot, but the iBook did cost more than the Dell overall. I would be willing to upgrade the RAM to 1GB if the iBook did run good as I got it.

If this doesn't turn out, I saw a Powerbook G4 14" on craigslist for $425. 1GB RAM, 160GB hard drive I THINK, a quicker processor and it has a superdrive. I just want a cheap Mac with OS X 10.4.x and it has to be a laptop.
 
PLmatt91
Like I said, it's going to be mostly a trade, I'm not giving up any money and the Dell did cost a lot, but the iBook did cost more than the Dell overall.
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You might not be exchanging any money, but you'll be exchanging something that you know works for something that you've never seen and don't know the history of for sure. You might hate the Dell, but if the iBook is in a bad state you'll be making a mistake. Think of it this way: if he's happy to trade it, then there's probably something in it for him. Unless of course you're both in the same boat and want rid of something quick, which isn't very likely. He's swapping an underpowered notebook for a reasonably specified (for the age) desktop. Who's getting the better deal?

I still wouldn't do it without checking it out first, even if you really want rid of yours. Exchanging cash is actually a safer bet, as long as you're happy with how much you're getting for it.

It's your decision at the end of the day, but it seems stupid to me not to atleast see it in the flesh before you even consider trading.
 
Probably, but it's the used bit I'd be worried about. If you can buy from somewhere where it's guaranteed, you'll be safer though. Just don't pay too much for the Powerbooks - if it gets nearer the price of a new Macbook, walk away.
 

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