iMac G3 M5521

Memory Installed RAM: 256 MB

It needs at least 512MB to effectively run Tiger. Otherwise, yes.

(55431)

The memory isn't expensive. Your cost will depend on how the existing 256 MB memory total was configured. That iMac has (2) memory slots, so if each slot has a 128 MB DIMM in it (for a total of 256 MBs), you'll need to pull both of them and buy a pair of 256 MB DIMMs to total 512 MBs. If one memory slot has a 256 MB DIMM, then you'll only need to buy another. On the used market, you could buy a pair of 256 MB DIMMs for about $20. For new/retail pricing, you can check out this Mac memory dealer. Don't be confused by the model listed - the 400 MHz iMac uses the same memory as the 500 MHz model.

As for buying this iMac G3-500 MHz, are you buying it locally or do you have to pay for shipping? In the latter case, the shipping expense alone is approaching what those iMacs are worth today. Additionally, those 10 year-old iMacs (especially high-mileage units) are prone to P-A-V board failure, which essentially renders the computer useless. It's the main power-supplying component, and the cost for professional replacement far exceeds the value of those iMacs. If you're paying very little (under $40) for it, then it's not an expensive gamble. If you add up the cost of shipping, extra memory, and the retail/universal installer version of OS 10.4.x Tiger, you may want to reconsider and look for a slightly newer used Mac, like the eMac. Incidentally, the Tiger retail/universal installer disk is typically a DVD and this iMac's description lists a 24x CD-ROM drive. This means that you'll have to attempt an alternate method of installation.

It will run Tiger according on minimun system requirements, but trust me, you should really look for one with 512 or 768mb of RAM to run well. Trust me, I know. On my iMac g3, Tiger was barely usable for any application besides textedit. If that is all you want to use, then it would work well for you. It can do most things, but not well, so definately look for one with more RAM. I don't really know if you care about this, but it's hard drive was very loud as well.

Hi swimmer,

I want to purchase a g3 m5521 for my 3 yo so she can learn to use the mouse etc.

My criteria for buying these iMac G3s are to listen to the raster in the display and run the brightness all the way up. If the sounds are not too weird and the display is bright and nice and contrasty then I'll go ahead and buy it.
Also read this:
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=12706618&#12706618
before attempting to install X if it isn't already there.

For a 3 year old I'd keep the OS at 9.2.2. I set these up for PreK to 2nd grade with OS 9.2.2 and images of Living Books ( "Grandma and Me" and the rest of the "Little Critter" series ), Kid Pix 4, TT2, Cat in the Hat etc.
These can be found dirt cheap at garage sales.
If you decide to go this way mail me and I can get you started.
Richard