How to upgrade PowerPC G4 OS X 10.3.9 processor 733 MHz, Memory 1.2G?

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Level 1

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How to upgrade PowerPC G4 OS X 10.3.9 processor 733 MHz, Memory 1.2G?

I have a PowerPC G4 using OS X 10.3.9, processor 733 MHz, Memory 1.2GB

I don't have the funds to buy a new laptop so are making do with my old G4 - any ideas of how to upgrade it & make it run faster & new programs would be appreciated.

I have some issues -
1) I want to install CS4 especially InDesign - do I have any hope of this working?
2) The internet cable is downstairs - is it possible to get a wireless internet connection for use with this mac? If yes, which one?
3) If I win the lottery and can afford a new Apple macbook, is it possible to plug the 2 macs together and merge the software? Or would running the software of an external hard drive work?

Thanks 🙂

PowerPC G4, Mac OS X (10.3.x), 733MHz / Mem 1.25GB

Posted on Mar 3, 2010 9:23 AM

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Answer 1

Allan Jones

Level 9

68,696 points

Mar 3, 2010 9:55 AM in response to tallbird

In answer to number 1: that's a show-stopper. From the InDesign page on Adobe's web site, this is the first line of the sysregs:

PowerPC® G5 or multicore Intel® processor

Although you can install a faster G4 processor, you cannot install a G5 processor in your machine.

For number 2, you can purchase a USB "dongle" to act as a wifi receiver, but it wil be slow because you have only USB 1.1 ports. Also, very few of these dongles come with Mac drivers. If you go that route, consider this:

http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Newer%20Technology/MXP802NU2C/

It has the proper drivers.

The faster but more expensive solution is an ethernet bridge. It will support faster speeds and needs no drivers. Some wireless routers can be set up as bridges or repeaters.

http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Linksys/WET610N/

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Answer 2

cornelius

Level 6

17,826 points

Mar 3, 2010 10:13 AM in response to tallbird

tallbird:

Welcome to Apple Discussions.

Unfortunately your computer will not be able to handle CS4 InDesign. Here are the system requirements for Mac:

Mac OS
• PowerPC® G5 or multicore Intel® processor
• Mac OS X v10.4.11–10.5.4
• 512MB of RAM (1GB recommended)
• 1.6GB of available hard-disk space for installation; additional free space required during installation (cannot install on a volume that uses a case-sensitive file system or on flash-based storage devices)
• 1,024x768 display (1,280x800 recommended) with 16-bit video card
• DVD-ROM drive
• QuickTime 7 software required for multimedia features
• Broadband Internet connection required for online services*

2)The internet cable is downstairs (yes, we are slightly behind tech in this house) - is it possible to get a wireless internet connection for use with this mac? If yes, which one?

Your computer will support an Airport wireless card. It is optional, so you will likely need to install one on your computer. You will also need a wireless router like an Airport Extreme base station.

3) If I win the lottery and can afford a new Apple macbook, is it possible to plug the 2 macs together and merge the software? Or would running the software of an external hard drive work?

I am not sure what you mean by "merge the software". Some third party applications will work on both computers. However, the Operating System on an Intel Mac will not run on a PowerPC based Mac.

Good luck.

😉 cornelius

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