Macbook G4 question

their is no such model as a MacBook G4. Please clarify. Either a MacBook, or a iBook G4.

1. is never been on the web ever and i want to get it online for emails and some light work if possibe.

The age of the Powerbook G4 is critical.

Some are only compatible with the original Airport Card which only supported 802.11b:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1621

802.11b unfortunately could not support anything but WPA1, and WEP encryption, both have been hacked.

An ethernet/WiFi 802.11g or faster wireless bridge is a better solution for original airport cards. Those with Airport Extreme card compatibility are here:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3024

Older powerbook G4s with 800 Mhz or less in Apple menu -> About This Mac support only up to Mac OS X 10.4.11.

Powerbook G4 867 Mhz and higher can run up to Mac OS X 10.5.8 but lose Mac OS 9 Classic capability. Some though still can boot into Mac OS 9:

https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-1757

See this thread on the optimal browser configuration for both:

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4781929

E-mail through Mac OS X Mail works pretty much with most internet providers that support POP3 and IMAP.

3. also i,m in the process of upgrading from 2GB to 6GB if i can my macbook pro at present and will have 2x1GB strips...

Find the age of your MacBook Pro using this tip:

https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-6413

That will tell you precisely the RAM compatibility when visiting either http://www.macsales.com/ or http://www.crucial.com/ for RAM upgrades.

Do not attempt to use the RAM from another Mac model, or RAM that says it meets the timing and pin configuration as it may not work. It has to be RAM specifically documented to work with the time of year release of your specific Mac Model. I.e. Late 2009 MacBook Pro RAM only works with Late 2009 MacBook Pros.

If you read my post carefully your Mac is too old to have an airport card of any significance. If you want wireless you need 802.11g or better wireless/ethernet bridge.

You can't use the RAM from a MacBook Pro on a Powerbook. They are completely different architectures.

While you could in theory take up to 2 GB, it really is not worth your while. 512MB, is sufficient for running 10.4.11, the maximum operating system for that Mac.

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4781929

discusses how to configure the Tenfourfox for best web surfing.

Ray,

As indicated by a brody, a wireless Ethernet bridge would be one solution. These devices (also known as gaming or media adapters) do not normally require special driver software, meaning that they can be used under almost any operating system. A modern wireless Ethernet bridge (examples include Linksys WUMC710 and Netgear WNCE2001) would support the latest security standards. In connection with a laptop computer, disadvantages could be the size and the need for an external power supply (depending upon the bridge device model).

Alternatively, since the PowerBook G4 is running Max OS X 10.4.11, you may be able to find a USB wireless adapter (such as 802.11g). However, make absolutely sure that the USB adapter supports the operating system in question (that is, that suitable Mac drivers are available). Check the specifications carefully before you buy. Also, please note that real 802.11g speeds cannot be achieved here (the PowerBook's USB 1.1 ports are limited to 12 Mbps).

This PowerBook has a PC Card slot, so a third possibility could be to look for a CardBus wireless adapter (802.11g). You will find cards under the links from the following web page:

http://lowendmac.com/2001/15-powerbook-g4-550-mhz/

Jan