Which OS for Clamshell?

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Which OS for Clamshell?

I have an ancient Clamshell Graphite (PowerPC G3, 64 MB) that I want to get going again for some old programs. What is the best OS to put on it? Currently, it has the last OS 9+ on it. Can I put on any version of OS X, or is it limited to 9?

Thanks,

Nooria

iBook

Posted on May 25, 2012 7:43 PM

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Answer 1

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Ronda Wilson

Level 8

42,650 points

May 25, 2012 8:29 PM in response to Nooria

Is the iBook the 366 MHz or the 466 (FireWire) model?

What is the hard drive capacity? A small hard drive may limit your options.

It could be upgraded to an early version of Mac OS X (Mac OS X 10.4.11 would be the maximum), but would require a firmware update prior to an attempt to install OS X.

http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1284?viewlocale=en_US

You are going to need to upgrade the RAM if you want to install Mac OS X. I would recommend maximizing the RAM with a 512 MB module.

Mac OS X 10.3 (Panther) Requirements:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2176?viewlocale=en_US

Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger) Requirements:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1514

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Answer 2

Nooria Author

Level 1

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May 25, 2012 8:59 PM in response to Ronda Wilson

Alas, it is the 366. But I don't really want to do much with it. Will update the firmware in the morning, but must figure out how to get it connected in OS 9. I think I found a link to help me do that. Meanwhile, though, do I understand you to say that I can't even install an earlier OS X until I put more memory in it? I have it mixed up with one of my later iBooks, but I seem to remember it having at least an early X on it when I got it.

Thanks for your help.

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Answer 3

May 25, 2012 9:52 PM in response to Nooria

If it were mine, I'd leave it in OS 9 unless the hard drive has been substantially upgraded.

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