Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Hi is it possible to update my ibook g4?

Hi is it possible to update my ibook G4?

iBook, version 10.4.11

Posted on Jan 31, 2015 6:33 AM

Reply
Question marked as Best reply

Posted on Jan 31, 2015 6:43 AM

unless you have the 800Mhz G4 2003 iBook, you'll be able to update to leopard (10.5), but no further. To install 10.5, you'll need an installation CD: http://www.macworld.com/article/2101301/advice-from-an-apple-tech-how-to-get-old -mac-os-x-install-discs.html

4 replies

Feb 1, 2015 1:21 PM in response to dd72

And then consider TenFourFox web browser, since there are no other current web browsers

for use in Leopard 10.5.8 or Tiger 10.4.11. You can get TenFourFox from this site:

http://www.floodgap.com/software/tenfourfox/ - note there are versions based on processor.


This browser does not use Flash, nor does it rely on Java. Many sites do OK without these

and some animation is realized through use of HTML5. Some youtube video will/won't go.

You could get and use Perian &/or Flip4Mac, if you can find a clean source w/o adware, etc.


In some cases, the older G4 single-core Macs run terribly slow with Leopard 10.5.8. The

iBook G4 last model 1.33GHz 12-inch model, that can use up to 1.5GB RAM, will go slow

due to the needs demands etc of 10.5.8. A larger hard disk drive with plenty of free space

that would be available as Virtual Memory, to this bulky system, may help. Also a faster

spin rate (RPM) hard drive (an ATA/IDE/PATA) if one could be located, can help 10.5.8

run better in an old single-core PowerPC computer. Another route, may be to look into

the SSD legacy series of ATA/IDE compatible flash drives at OWC macsales.com for

the older Macs that cannot use SATA. This would speed up Leopard 10.5.8 significantly.


Thought I should mention this. I have a few G4 Macs that run Leopard 10.5.8 and they

were much happier with Tiger 10.4.11; and the older system was/is superior, too.


I see you essentially posted the same question twice, but have two different sets of replies.


Good luck & happy computing! 🙂

Feb 3, 2015 11:28 PM in response to dd72

Some other information across several older models including G3/G4 PowerBook, iBook,

is available from Low End Mac site: http://lowendmac.com/powerbooks.html


This may vary somewhat from the kind of technical specs as presented by EveryMac

where they cover most Macs, both portable and desktop, going back some time.

Everymac.com: http://www.everymac.com/systems/ and they go into some detail on

http://www.everymac.com/mac-identification/index-how-to-identify-my-mac.html


You can lookup by serial number or model number series online, from independent sites

http://www.everymac.com/ultimate-mac-lookup/

https://www.powerbookmedic.com/identify-mac-serial.php


Repairs performed by specialists can be done, some require you to arrange to ship the

failed product to their facilities; contact them to discuss issues, & their preferred method

of shipping (some may send a box, etc.) One with a long-standing good record can fix

most any portable Apple computer, in shop... wegenermedia in SC; there are others,

but some aren't equipped to perform logic board repairs or graphic board repairs.


You could get a quality replacement battery for iBook G4 from OWC macsales, with a

fair guaranty; their upgrade to SSD for legacy Macs is affordable if you don't care that

the parts would add up to more, in value of dollars, than the whole may be worth...

example: http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/SSD/OWC/Mercury_Legacy_Pro


If the iBook G4 seems too slow for modern online usage, the MacBook series that

ran from 2006 to 2010, still has useful purpose and can run Snow Leopard 10.6.8.

These are reasonably priced and available.


In any event...

Good luck & happy computing! 🙂

Hi is it possible to update my ibook g4?

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.