Powerbook g4 as a daily driver?

Question

Level 1

8 points

Powerbook g4 as a daily driver?

Hi everybody,

So I'm someone who is not very tech savy and simply uses my computer for web browsing and occasionally powerpoint or keynote presentations. I bought my 12inch powerbook 6,8 back in 2005. In 2008 I had to put 400 dollars into it for a new AC adapter, bottom case and dvd player. Since 2008 It's been smooth sailing.

Anyway, my question is am I the only one who still uses a powerbook g4 as their main computer?

I keep thinking I should buy a new computer, but then stop and think why? I can literally do everything I want on this machine, despite it's age. I'm really quite impressed with Apple for making a computer like this!

--Cliff

PowerBook, Mac OS X (10.5.8)

Posted on Mar 2, 2012 4:02 AM

Reply

Answer 1

BGreg

Level 6

17,558 points

Mar 2, 2012 4:38 AM in response to cliffjp

That's great that it continues to do what you need it to do. No reason to change as long as that continues. A number of people are still use systems older than the Powerbook with success.

Reason's to upgrade for some have been newer software requiring Intel processors and the Powerbook just doesn't have the horsepower to handle today's internet video streaming well, not to mention that some web sites require Intel processors for access.

Reply

Answer 2

Mar 2, 2012 6:13 AM in response to cliffjp

I have a 12" 1.5GHz PB also. I use it when I travel & when my wife is using my desktop Mac. It is indeed a great computer. The only "repair" I have made is to get a new battery, as the original battery would only last about 30-40 minutes.

The max OS for PowerPC processor Macs like your PB, is Leopard OS 10.5, which you are at. Some older Mac users complain they can't view Flash videos on some sites because it requires version 10.2 or higher, which is made only for Intel processor Macs. However, there is a solution to this problem.

Flash Player version 10.1.102.64 is the last version available to PPC Mac users. However, this Flash version won't work for many videos on Facebook, YouTube and other sites. Adobe's latest version, 10.2.x or later, is only for Intel Macs. Adobe will not provide a newer Flash version for PPC Macs.

The message requesting that you download Adobe Flash Player takes you to Flash Player requiring an Intel processor. Doesn't work on a PowerPC processor. I found a hack, installed it & it works with Firefox, TenFourFox & Safari.

Download this http://www.steelbin.com/FPforFBPPC.zip to your desktop, unzip it, and replace the current Flash Player plug-in which is in your main/Library/Internet Plug-Ins folder, (not the user Library). Save the old one just in case this one doesn't work.

 Cheers, Tom 😉

Reply

Answer 3

cliffjp Author

Level 1

8 points

Mar 2, 2012 9:27 AM in response to Texas Mac Man

Thanks Tom, I will check out this hack to improve flash video. Youtube is spotty at times, but ever since I upgraded my internet speed with Verizon Fios to 25/5, Youtube has improved greatly.

I also wish that this model powerbook allowed for 2 gb of ram. I have mine maxed out at 1.25, which is low by modern standards. 2gb would help overall performance.

I'm considering buying a legacy pro solid state harddrive. My brother is a big tech guy and could install it himself, saving me $100+ install fees. Does anyone think this will speed up the computer's overall speed?

Reply

Answer 4

John Galt

Level 10

155,828 points

Mar 2, 2012 9:59 AM in response to cliffjp

You're not the only one cliffjp:

Still working as well as the day it was new. It's only on its second battery (though it only lasts about 90 minutes):

I don't do anything particular to take care of it and I've pounded on it practically every day since I bought it eleven years ago. It's also been thrown about courtesy of ham-fisted airport security goons more times than I care to remember.

Considering their longevity Macs are probably the most inexpensive computers on the market. These things are bulletproof.

Reply

Answer 5

cliffjp Author

Level 1

8 points

Mar 2, 2012 10:49 AM in response to John Galt

I agree John with your posting! I bought my powerbook for $1200 in 2005. I'm hoping to use it until 2015, which equals a cost of about $120 a year. Really is cheap.

In terms of pounding on powerbooks, my son, who is a year and half bangs on this computer like it's a drum. Yet, it's still going strong.

--Cliff

Reply