The question begs an answer...
Easier if you rephrase it though.
I'd say No.
{Nothing secret about vintage/obsolete status
...of the entire series from 1999 to 2005.}
A better choice would be an early MacBook 13-inch model
with Snow Leopard 10.6.8 running, and at least 2GB RAM.
A hard drive capacity of 60 to 120GB, and some applications
that can run on it. Still not current by several years, but OK.
The http://everymac.com site can be used to compare specs
of obsolete, vintage, and near current hardware model series.
Another source is a download database that runs offline to see
the specs and upgrade possibilities of many Apple items... from
http://mactracker.ca and is helpful.
You need to know the exact software they expect your child to
use and have in the computer, and that means the software has
minimum specifications & requirements for the machine to run it.
Various companies sell repaired and restored or refurbished Macs
and those are vintage or not current... Older than the like-new models
the online Apple Store has in their Special Deals refurbished section.
Some places to look may include reputable computer stores near
you that take in older models, repair, and resell them. With guaranty.
Online companies I know about that may be OK, offer used models
with a guaranty for a limited time, and their web sites offer other
Mac related parts. macsales.com has some portable macs. Another
that gets a variety in, and repairs computers for a living, has been
around awhile, they're in South Carolina. wegenermedia.com. Then
there are others such as powermax, and maybe a dozen others.
You can get an early 13-in. MacBook (intel) coreduo or core2duo for
as little as $300. I see a few in the local craigslist that look OK for
$150 & up to $500 that are somewhat like a working one I was given..
I also have an iBook G4 12" last model (mid-2005) that runs Leopard
OS X 10.5.8, and still works OK online. Batteries are a concern as
these do not have a shelf life; they are expected to last a year or so.
The MacBook series could be a likely vintage to look into since it
started in 2006 and ended in 2010. The 'mid-2010' 13-inch model
was the last one of that build series; and that evolved throughout
its duration. See & compare specs at everymac & mactracker.
A used computer with the correct install-restore DVD for the Mac OS
running in the computer, is a plus. Since getting vintage OS X and
other software is problematic and can be costly... plus its out-of-date.
Yet, if you had the proper software, a working computer of the same
era could run it.
The iBook G3 dualUSB early white portable is problematic, it may
or may not have the AirPort card installed (under keyboard, next
to the upgrade RAM slot) and if so, it may work - or not - and if it
does, it may not work with your later spec wireless base station.
The Microsoft software would have to be of a vintage that works
in the operating system supported by the old iBook G3.
I'd consider the G3 iBook 600MHz computer as a hobbyist item
and perhaps a dubious collectable. The earlier 500MHz first
edition dual-USB model was OK, I owned one. But I'd be lacking
in kindness if I said that anything less than a MacBook was ideal.
{In fact, personally I'd go for the base model MacBook Pro 13"
available at online Apple Store, in either refurb or new, with the
built-in optical drive. And a RAM upgrade, at some point.}
There is no telling how long the gifted iBook G3 dualUSB (white)
will continue to work, and if you are not technically minded, the
antique models of vintage or obsolete are not a good choice.
You need to provide a level of support to your child's experience
and when you have no hardware or software knowledge, that will
make for a frustrating experience for both of you.
Anyway, I waited a few hours and nobody else posted here.
No telling (while I write) if anyone who writes faster or has
a super quick internet access, may have replied...
The PowerPC vintage of Apple computers is not supported
by most sources, some parts and old software, searching
on amazon or ebay, or contacting a local Apple User group,
or a school district with sale antiques to dispose of, among
other sources of fix it yourself old...
The macsales (OWC) and wegenermedia sites both have whatever
models they have online, and are older ones than Apple would sell.
And these are a moving target, inventory changes daily.
These are probably ideal for instances where a portable could see
damage, theft, or other mishap, at less than full retail, and have a
limited guaranty by the seller. Other companies do this; where this
departs from the guess work and questions or flakey products one
may find on an auction site or in some craigslist ads. A used Mac
from a company that specializes in repair and offers service is a
fair bet. If you can fix things yourself & know the product, then it
may be an OK idea to mess around with Macs & fix an old one up.
But there really isn't much new or current in web browsers, for
older Macs. The iBook G3 could likely run OS X 10.4.11 (Tiger)
and then free browsers such as TenFourFox can be run, there is
not much out there, older versions software may be found/bought
and within supported specs, run on there.
Anyway...
Good luck & happy computing! 🙂
