Jim Makichuk
Level 1 (140 points)
Old Hardware

Q: What to do with G4

I have an older G4 Apple in good shape, don't want to toss it in the dump and wonder if anyone would want it? I went to Apple store and they said probably no. Hate to toss it. Your title says G3 and under but there's no place for G4's.

Posted on May 30, 2016 9:19 PM

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Jim Makichuk

Q: What to do with G4

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  • by Allan Jones,

    Allan Jones Allan Jones May 31, 2016 8:27 AM in response to Jim Makichuk
    Level 7 (34,985 points)
    iPad
    May 31, 2016 8:27 AM in response to Jim Makichuk

    Your title says G3 and under but there's no place for G4's.

    Welcome back, Jim!

     

    We are all end users like you so, in spite of the sad labeling, can't change it. However, "place for G4's" depends on "what G4." Apple made a prodigious number of models equipped with G4 processors:

     

     

    Although Apple has made some bone-headed decisions for the forum labels--they are often totally non-intuitive--it still helps to know the exact model when one posts here.

     

    I love the old G4 models and still have two in service running software I cannot get for newer Macs. As far as your question goes, and given I have the same feelings for the old workhorses as you seem to, this option may sound cruel but may let components of the G4 live on. If the computer can be easily disassembled as can the towers, consider parting it out. Working power supplies for G4s are still in demand as are some video cards. Apple wireless cards have retained value. The "front panel board" on G4 towers is a common part that fails and used ones still working can go for US$30-60 on the "used/pulled" market. The return on selling off key components will be more that trying to sell a working computer that cannot run modern software.

     

    Same for some of the other g4 Variants, although I wouldn't want to tackle an eMac with the high-voltage CRT sitting so close to where you have to remove parts. The PowerBook and iBooks are not simple to take down but it is safe. The laptop DC-in boards are in some demand, as are working laptop displays.

     

    If you tell us what G4 this is we can point you to some resources that can help in taking them down for parts salvage. At least that way, some bits of your trusted G4 can live on.

     

    AJ