Powerbook G4 compared to first gen macbook?

- The Intel processor in the MacBook is much faster than the G4 processor. Not only 200MHz, it's a complete different architecture.

- 10.6 Snow Leopard could only be installed on an Intel processor (MacBook)

- You can use Parallels or VMWare for Windows on an Intel processor = much faster that VirtualPC on a G4!

I would choose the MacBook. Newer technology, faster processor, and could run the latest software.

I will second Stress Test's recommendation.

Among my many Macs I have a Powerbook G4 and a first generation MacBook core duo 2 gHz.

While I love the G4 the macBook is a better laptop. It has the latest OS installed (10.6.7) which

is much superior to 10.5.8. I also have a Bootcamp install of windows XP that is quite satisfactory

and is many times faster than the G4 with Virtual PC with Win XP.

Your Questions

Will it run FireFox 3 or 4 well? YES

WIll browsers recognize it? YES
Will it run smoothly on the internet? YES

Will it run applications like Word and iTunes well? YES

what else can it do very well? Windows

RE: I also have Leopard install disks that I will put on it.

Get the SnowLeopard DVD at $29 and use this on the MacBook as it is worth every penny.

Sorry, I was mistaken thinking you were referring the questions to the MacBook.

Most of this applies to the G4 also with the exception of Firefox v4 which requires an Intel processor. The Windows software is also very slow. I can't testify about Word and iTunes as I don't use them on the G4 but the iWork suite runs well.

What you may also want to consider is the gradual abandonment of software for the Power PC processor (includes the G4).

Nearly all G4s are struggling with web-based video. Even animated ads on some regular web sites drag it down. I love my G4s (and we have a lot) but I have to use my MacBook Pro 2.2G do view a lot of modern web sites. My G4s are even struggling with the recent change to Apple Support Communities from the old Apple Discussions.

It's possible that some of your current apps may not work in Snow Leopard. You can check here: Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard Application Compatibility List at http://snowleopard.wikidot.com/

 Cheers, Tom 😉

Leopard places additional load on a PowerBook graphics chipset that's now outdated. I have both Tiger and Leopard on a G4 tower running at 1.25G with a bunch of RAM. Video is no better under Leo than it was under Tiger. As you can't upgrade the video hardware like you can with a tower machine. what video horsepower you have in a PowerBook at purchase is all you get.

Sorry to butt in, but I have no problems with the Apple Support forums at all, and I am using TenFourFox though I also use Omniweb which is quite nice and fast, My PowerBook is a G4 1.67 Hi-res DDR2 model. And SSD does help and this is what I have as well.

Romko,

This might be interesting: install temp monitoing software on your G4, preferably Bresink's Temperature Monitor that show the temp in the menubar. Launch your preferred browser and browse some part of Apple's web site other than Apple Support Communities (ASC). Note the temps on other pages, then use Support Communities for a while.

On all my computers (mostly older G4s like you appreciate, but also the MacBook Pro), temps start climbing once I'm ASC. Happens with no other sites, including other Apple site sections.

My G4 MDD runs 15°F hotter in ASC. I'd be interested to hear what you see on your setup.

Romko, apologies for doing it this way and adding an OT post, I didn't find any other way to ask you about something.

I just read about your *B08 mystery firmware in your Mac Pro 2009 and was wondering if you also swapped the CPU without changing the firmware (your signature said "westmere 6-core" but also "W3580", which is a quad-core). This came up in the netkas forum, which is why I ask. 🙂 Thanks very much!

BTW you can mail to me at <my username> <at> me.com, no need to add more OT posts. 😉