marcp2009
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: Should I trash my G4's?

Hi...

 

I have 2 Power Mac G4's that I don't use any more

 

I really have no use for them. Should I just trash them and the monitors?

 

OR

 

are there beneficial uses to these old systems that I'm missing?

Posted on Jul 6, 2013 7:39 PM

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marcp2009

Q: Should I trash my G4's?

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  • by stevejobsfan0123,

    stevejobsfan0123 stevejobsfan0123 Jul 6, 2013 7:42 PM in response to marcp2009
    Level 8 (43,846 points)
    iPhone
    Jul 6, 2013 7:42 PM in response to marcp2009

    Apple will give you a 10% discount if you recycle the Macs through them.

     

    Another option is to donate it.

    One example: http://freecycle.org

  • by T0XiiC IVIAGICZ,

    T0XiiC IVIAGICZ T0XiiC IVIAGICZ Jul 6, 2013 9:17 PM in response to marcp2009
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Jul 6, 2013 9:17 PM in response to marcp2009

    You BETTER not trash them! Or you'll make me sad..

     

    I'm looking everywhere for G4s, they're my favorite all-time Macintosh. Sell them on eBay or Craigslist if you decide to not send them to me. xD

  • by stevejobsfan0123,

    stevejobsfan0123 stevejobsfan0123 Jul 6, 2013 9:18 PM in response to T0XiiC IVIAGICZ
    Level 8 (43,846 points)
    iPhone
    Jul 6, 2013 9:18 PM in response to T0XiiC IVIAGICZ

    I saw them first

  • by marcp2009,

    marcp2009 marcp2009 Jul 6, 2013 9:54 PM in response to stevejobsfan0123
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jul 6, 2013 9:54 PM in response to stevejobsfan0123

    Thx 4 the tips!

     

    ...how much do they usually go for on ebay?

     

    they are taking up a lot of real estate in my office, so it's good to know this.

  • by stevejobsfan0123,

    stevejobsfan0123 stevejobsfan0123 Jul 6, 2013 10:01 PM in response to marcp2009
    Level 8 (43,846 points)
    iPhone
    Jul 6, 2013 10:01 PM in response to marcp2009

    Have a looksie: http://www.ebay.com/sch/Apple-Desktops-AllInOnes-/111418/i.html?LH_BIN=1&_nkw=po wer+mac+g4&_sop=15

  • by Jeff,

    Jeff Jeff Jul 7, 2013 9:20 AM in response to marcp2009
    Level 6 (11,559 points)
    Jul 7, 2013 9:20 AM in response to marcp2009

    Keep in mind that the latest G4s are now 10+ years old, and their inherent technological limitations are what will affect the extent and type of their usage in the coming years.  Those who are still interested in acquiring them are "G4 fans" and accept the limitations, but the market value is still on the decline (as with all older computers).  From the standpoint of overal expense when purchased at eBay, the practical problem is the shipping weight - which doesn't decrease with age.  If you can specify local pickup only, you'd eliminate the packing/shipping hassle for yourself and keep the G4s' purchase prices more consistent with their actual value in 2013.

  • by Klaus1,

    Klaus1 Klaus1 Jul 7, 2013 11:01 AM in response to marcp2009
    Level 8 (48,858 points)
    Jul 7, 2013 11:01 AM in response to marcp2009

    Sell them on eBay for spares. They have no real value as they are totally obsolete.

     

    Obsolete products are those that were discontinued more than seven years ago. Apple has discontinued all hardware service for obsolete products with no exceptions. Service providers cannot order parts for obsolete products. These include ALL G4 models.


    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1752?viewlocale=en_US

  • by Vernon Alexander,

    Vernon Alexander Vernon Alexander Jul 9, 2013 1:46 PM in response to marcp2009
    Level 2 (450 points)
    Jul 9, 2013 1:46 PM in response to marcp2009

    Maybe I missed this… What kind of  G4 are you talking about?

     

    If it's a good working MDD, there are still uses for the machine. I have two MDD's myself. I use one in my entertainment center. I've kept it in perfect condition and it actually looks pretty cool I get a lot of compliments. A girl at a party's called it "shiny" and you know how girls like shiny things… LOL

     

    As long as the computer can boot 10.5.8, it's a useful machine.

     

    1) I have a backup of my entire iTunes library on an external FireWire hard drive. I use the machine as a playback  Machine for iTune movies and videos. The machine is perfect for streaming to Apple TV.

     

    2) I purchased thousands of dollars worth of software while I had that machine. Now that I have a new Mac, I can tap into the MDD using screen sharing and use the old programs. Photoshop, Acrobat Pro, FileMaker Pro, and PageMaker… Why should I purchase these programs again??

     

    3)  If I had an older kid, this would definitely be a great teaching tool for a 4 to 6-year-old. The computers came with AirPort Express, so I can put them anywhere  like next to a phone jack to receive faxes.  Oh and a bunch more stuff I can't think of right now