iBook G3 - What does it run?

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Level 1

6 points

iBook G3 - What does it run?

Hello, there.

My teacher is giving me his iBook G3. He's saying it has been maxed out for the specs, and it doesn't have AirPort. He isn't too sure what model it is, but I am guessing it is the newest one (Dual USB). Now, what version of Mac OS do the Dual USB's usually run? OS X 10.3, or the old OS 9? I think it's running OS X, because he uses it with email, simple video editing, and everything else.

I am just curious to what would be running on it, because I don't want to have my hopes up for OSX, and find out it's OS 9 or 8.

Thank you,

PoisonSerpent

Windows XP

Posted on May 22, 2009 8:16 AM

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Answer 1

kmac1036

Level 4

2,370 points

May 22, 2009 8:45 AM in response to ipod-rookie

depending on the exact model & release date, your range the machine could run is 9.1 to 10.4.11.

http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/ibook/index-ibook.html

hopefully he has 10.4 installed or can get you a disc. I recommend running 10.4 because there will be little software still available - other than older, unsupported stuff - that will run on 10.3 or lower.

being a windows convert myself (2004), OS 9 isn't or would have little use for you. My opinion & the die hards here will strongly disagree with me, but I just hated 9. Apple didn't win me over until 10.3 was released. 10.2.8 isn't too bad tho either... but feel free to tinker if it's still installed! a lot of mac history in os 9.

for wireless, those machines only supported a/b cards you can put in, but only apple sold them & new ones no longer available. there are places that sell used cards, so they are still available. USB adapters aren't supported very well, if at all.

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Answer 2

May 22, 2009 9:06 AM in response to ipod-rookie

Ask him to please give you the original system CDs that came with the iBook and, if possible, any OS upgrade discs for the version of the OS that is currently installed on it. You are sure to need them at some point for system maintenance.

Even the very first iBook G3 (Dual USB) came with a rudimentary version of OS X. If it isn't one of the older colored models, it will certainly be able to run OS X.

You will probably want an original AirPort Card for it. If so, please post back. I have links of possible sources for the original AirPort Card, which Apple no longer sells.

I loved Mac OS 9 and still do much of my work in it, but OS X is much better and faster for surfing the internet.

When you get it in your hands, let us know and we can help you figure out exactly what you have and how to make the most of it.

Welcome aboard.

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Answer 3

ipod-rookie Author

Level 1

6 points

May 23, 2009 9:39 AM in response to Ronda Wilson

Thanks, guys.

He said that it's the most recent version of the iBook G3. He hasn't used it in awhile, so he's not too sure about all of my questions I asked him. He's not even sure if it's the original clamshell or the titanium, but he said he'll get back to me on Monday. He hasn't used it himself in a year, but his wife uses it all the time. If it does run OS9 (which I really hope it doesn't, because I got hooked on Apple when they released Panther.. well, who didn't, except for you, Ronda Wilson.. you freak! Just kidding) what applications would I run for it? What would I use to check my e-mail, and what would I use to do all my word processing and "office" type work.

Just one more thing,

If he DOESN'T have a Panther disk, where could I get my hands on a Panther disk (CD based)? Could I just go to my local Apple Store and ask for one? Or would I have to go to another Apple retailer?

Thanks,

poisonserpent

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Answer 4

May 23, 2009 7:13 PM in response to ipod-rookie

If it has two USB ports, it's not a "clamshell."

If it says "iBook" on it (on the lower display bezel), it's not a "Titanium," since that is the designation for a model of PowerBook (as opposed to an iBook).

If it is the last best version of the iBook G3 (Dual USB), it is a 900 MHz with a Combo drive, which means it can read and write CDs and read DVDs. It would also have a 40 GB hard drive, which would give you enough room to run Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger) if you wanted to do that. I generally recommend sticking with Mac OS X 10.3 (Panther) for an iBook G3 because it is capable of running on the 128 MB of RAM which is permanently soldered to the logic board. That's handy for troubleshooting in case you would ever have RAM problems.

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Answer 5

ipod-rookie Author

Level 1

6 points

May 23, 2009 10:30 PM in response to Ronda Wilson

Thanks for the help.

I'll try to find a copy of Panther and buy it. I don't like buying stuff off of eBay, so I'll go to another Apple retailer and buy it from them.

Thank you.

PoisonSerpent

Message was edited by: PoisonSerpent

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