Sysiphos
Level 1 (4 points)
Mac OS X

Q: New/Old Powerbook G4

Hello

From a friend of mine received a Powerbook G4.

Unfortunately without software (OS)without  Pasword.

Where can I find the correct OS and its description to create a

PowerBook, G4

Posted on May 17, 2016 7:12 PM

by Barney-15E,Solvedanswer
Barney-15E Barney-15E
Level 8 (49,623 points)
Mac OS X
A:

Here is all the information on Powerbook G4's: http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/powerbook_g4/index-powerbook-g4.html. You must figure out which one you have. The earliest of the models can only run Tiger (10.4). Later ones can run Leopard (10.5). The G4 references the Motorola PowerPC G4 processor which is not supported with any OS after Leopard.

 

As mentioned, it is not supported any longer and you cannot buy either Tiger or Leopard from Apple. It might be worth the time calling them and seeing if you can get the original install disks for that Mac.

Posted on May 17, 2016 8:56 PM

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Sysiphos

Q: New/Old Powerbook G4

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  • Helpful answers

  • by BobTheFisherman,

    BobTheFisherman BobTheFisherman May 17, 2016 7:16 PM in response to Sysiphos
    Level 6 (15,139 points)
    May 17, 2016 7:16 PM in response to Sysiphos

    Just a FYI, that is an obsolete vintage computer no longer supported by Apple. Vintage and obsolete products - Apple Support

  • by Limnos,

    Limnos Limnos May 17, 2016 7:20 PM in response to Sysiphos
    Level 9 (53,552 points)
    Mac OS X
    May 17, 2016 7:20 PM in response to Sysiphos

    It depends upon the exact model of Powerbook. Whichever, it will require the purchase of installer discs from a third party source since Apple won't have any retail ones. It won't be able to go higher than OSX 10.5 (and maybe not that far) which was discontinued 8+ years ago so it really is an old machine.  It is a machine for those who love PPC Macs and have the knowledge and patience to nurture one in an era when much faster computers exist and the owner is limited to software long abandoned.  It would be like somebody giving you a 25 year old car.

  • by Barney-15E,Solvedanswer

    Barney-15E Barney-15E May 17, 2016 8:56 PM in response to Sysiphos
    Level 8 (49,623 points)
    Mac OS X
    May 17, 2016 8:56 PM in response to Sysiphos

    Here is all the information on Powerbook G4's: http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/powerbook_g4/index-powerbook-g4.html. You must figure out which one you have. The earliest of the models can only run Tiger (10.4). Later ones can run Leopard (10.5). The G4 references the Motorola PowerPC G4 processor which is not supported with any OS after Leopard.

     

    As mentioned, it is not supported any longer and you cannot buy either Tiger or Leopard from Apple. It might be worth the time calling them and seeing if you can get the original install disks for that Mac.