What to make of this old emac that I love?

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Level 1

0 points

What to make of this old emac that I love?

Hello,

I am currently running an eMac with very limited hardware specifications and would like to get the most out of the system that I can. I am willing to make any software changes but do not intend to upgrade any hardware, I may consider plugging in some external hardware but the main benefit in keeping this system to me is the rather simple set up for a decent sized screen and speakers. I keep it in my bedroom and its current use is just as an itunes player. I DO NOT need to do ANY work on this system but would like to have today's standard for web browsing all the common sites as as streaming standard definition video from sites like hulu, youtube or netflix. Not much to ask.

With the set p I have I can't seem to find any decent compatible browser that can function the way I like and would like more functions from itunes. I have had some experience with ubuntu and have considered installing it but have not looked into it.

What experiences have other eMac users got to share that may help me get the most from what I have? I do still adore the machine and it will always have a home here as long as my music collection doesn't grow too large.

eMac, Mac OS X (10.3.x), PowerPC G4 (2.1) : 700 MHz CPU : 640 MB SDRAM (512/128) : CD-RW : Build 7W98

Posted on Mar 16, 2011 10:48 PM

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Answer 1

MichelPM

Level 10

82,011 points

Mar 17, 2011 9:25 AM in response to kaypricot

Hello Kaypricot!
Welcome to the Apple discussion forums!

kaypricot wrote:
Hello,

I am currently running an eMac with very limited hardware specifications and would like to get the most out of the system that I can. I am willing to make any software changes but do not intend to upgrade any hardware, I may consider plugging in some external hardware but the main benefit in keeping this system to me is the rather simple set up for a decent sized screen and speakers. I keep it in my bedroom and its current use is just as an itunes player. I DO NOT need to do ANY work on this system but would like to have today's standard for web browsing all the common sites as as streaming standard definition video from sites like hulu, youtube or netflix. Not much to ask.

Actually, with your model eMac,unfortunately it is a lot to ask.
You have the base model eMac with 700 mhz CPU, 100 mhz system bus with minimal RAM installed. At least fairly mimimal to run OS X.
Plus the video card in he early eMac models is dismal by even newer/older Mac standards.
Even if you were to increase you eMac's RAM to max out a 1Gb of RAM, there is no way your eMAc is going to handle modern video and streaming well.
Between modern video codes and video codecs that use resource hogging Adobe Flash, there is not much hope for your eMac to do what you wish it to do.
As far as compatible web browsers for OS X 10.3, I recommend the Camino web browser.

http://caminobrowser.org/releases/1.6.11/

If you really love your eMac, have you ever considered looking for a used/newer model of your eMac?
The cream of the eMac crop was a 1.42 Ghz CPU. I would not accept any other eMac model, but this one. Many of the 1 to 1.25 Ghz CPU models had either blown capacitor issues and/or fatal logic board issues.
The 1.42 Ghz CPU eMacs have a 167 Mhz system bus, a 64 MB video card and USB 2,0 ports. Plus you can stuff this baby with 2.0 Gbs of RAM.
This eMac would probably cover the functionality you need without breaking your bank account in doing so.
Here's a list of one's for sale on eBay

http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?nkw=eMac1.42+Ghz+&_sacat=0&_odkw=eMac+1.42+GhzCPU&_osacat=0&trksid=p3286.c0.m270.l1313

This model eMac can run a more recent version of OS X (OS X 10.5 Leopard) with minimal issues and would be able to better handle your video requirements.
Have you ever considered a Mac mini? You would have to buy speakers and a monitor, but this is a pretty slick, small and simple Mac,too! And you could get a monitor that's much bigger than the eMac's monitor size.
You would end up with a up to date modern computer that'll have NO ISSUES doing what you expect.
I am afraid with your current setup that this is just not a possibilty.
:{

Message was edited by: MichelPM

Message was edited by: MichelPM

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Answer 2

ChinoNYC

Level 1

9 points

Mar 18, 2011 7:23 PM in response to MichelPM

MichelPM wrote:

If you really love your eMac, have you ever considered looking for a used/newer model of your eMac?
The cream of the eMac crop was a 1.42 Ghz CPU. I would not accept any other eMac model, but this one. Many of the 1 to 1.25 Ghz CPU models had either blown capacitor issues and/or fatal logic board issues.
The 1.42 Ghz CPU eMacs have a 167 Mhz system bus, a 64 MB video card and USB 2,0 ports. Plus you can stuff this baby with 2.0 Gbs of RAM.
This eMac would probably cover the functionality you need without breaking your bank account in doing so.

Eh, I beg to differ Michel, but I have one of those 1.25 GHz models, and as far as I can tell, I have not had one single problem with it in the sixteen months that it has been in my possession. Anyway, that being said, he is right about you upgrading your current model as there really isn't much you can do with a 700 MHz model other than installing OS9 and firing up those old school games and apps such as Photoshop 6 and Dimensions.

Message was edited by: ChinoNYC

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Answer 3

MichelPM

Level 10

82,011 points

Mar 19, 2011 7:16 AM in response to ChinoNYC

Hello ChinonNYC and welcome to the Apple forums!
I am glad to hear that you've had no problems with your eMac, currently.
Unfortunately, there are a fairly large number of 1 and 1.25 Ghz eMacs that were affected by these issues.
Apple had a repair program for these affected machines at one point, but the program ended long ago.
Without knowing the exact serial numbers, buying a used 1 or 1.25 gHz model is just too risky.
If you end up with an eMac with the affect serial numbers, and it ,eventually, fails it is a very, very expensive fix and not worth the cost of the eMac.
I linked two articles on this subject so you can check to see if your eMac falls into the affect range or not.
If it doesn't, great! You obtained a good Mac. If it does, then it might be a matter of when it might fail.

http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2620209&tstart=105

http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2730690&tstart=0

I stand by my original recommendation.

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Answer 4

ChinoNYC

Level 1

9 points

Mar 22, 2011 7:16 PM in response to kaypricot

A fair number of USB 2.0 eMacs with 1.0G and 1.25 G processors have a near-fatal logic board issue that usually requires a logic board replacement. See if the serial number falls in these ranges (but do not post a serial number here):

*• G8412xxxxxx- G8520xxxxxx*
• YM412xxxxxx - YM520xxxxxx
• VM440xxxxxx - VM516xxxxxx

Mine does fall under the first set of serials, but it hasn't happened to me -- yet. I bought it at a Salvation Army Thrift Shop back in November 2009. And I'm really not a big fan of Intel Macs at this time. I'd consider an iMac/Power Mac G5, but that's as far as I'll go to working on a Mac.

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Answer 5

kaypricot Author

Level 1

0 points

Mar 25, 2011 7:32 AM in response to kaypricot

Thanks for the browser suggestion I'll install it and check it out.

Im not interested in making any major hardware changes or replacing the system, I love the machine because its from my old college where I first learned the mac system then later became a lab tech, I spent many nights babysitting these machines and one day they were all just too old and got thrown out. I asked if I could keep one because I thought it was a waste so I took it homeand used it for awhile but upgraded many times since. For awhile it just sat in storage until the last year because I had a computer out for repairs at the same time that my iPod touch was stolen and the only thing I had any music on was this old eMac so I busted it out and have enjoyed using it solely for music in my room since. I just recently found a long enough IEEE1394 cable to hook it up to the net (no airport card) and see if I could stream video or get any updates but the prehistoric browser makes sites completely unusable.

I am not looking for an advanced machine here, really more like something to *** me to sleep. I like watching movies while I fall asleep but this machine doesn't have a DVD player. I may just take ChinoNYC's advice or it may just remain a jukebox. I enjoy the novelty and the design feels very zen, only three cables wall to system, system to keyboard, keyboard to mouse, very nice. I have plenty of other computers if I really wanted to watch a video I could set up my notebook I just cant imagine that being as comfortable as the emac, oh well.

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Answer 6

roam

Level 6

13,637 points

Mar 25, 2011 6:04 PM in response to kaypricot

You could get an external DVD player to use. They are fairly inexpensive, or install a 'Superdrive' DVD into you old Mac. Again inexpensive, but does require some disassembly of your eMac of course.

Internal Optical Drives for eMac 700MHz-800MHz nVidia Graphics

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Answer 7

Rob Roye

Level 1

40 points

Apr 18, 2011 10:41 AM in response to kaypricot

I have the same model on my desk upstairs. I also love mine and continue to use it. I actually have the software on it that runs my business invoicing and it works well. I currently have OS X.5 on it, but will be reverting back to X.4 so it runs better. Using the Camino web browser and iTunes, I can listen to all my music from my iMac downstairs (the Intel Macs are just as sweet as the old G's, so give em a chance) and even IM friends while doing so. It is a limited set of tasks the old workhorse can perform, but it does them and never complains.

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