iMac G4 ?

6 posts / 0 new
Last post
seth_381's picture
Offline
Last seen: 14 years 4 months ago
Joined: Jul 15 2007 - 12:50
Posts: 103
iMac G4 ?

I feel like a pain since I'm asking so many questions but when I got my first Mac I made a lot of mistakes. Lately I've been thinking of replacing it, and my current choices are the eMac,iBook, and now the G4 iMac. I really want someone's opinion on a G4 because I'm kind of getting attached to the design of the G4. I do know a bit about them I want to get the 800 Mhz Model which is suppost to have the Superdrive, right? Now I know about the graphics and so fourth but, how is the audio quality of the speakers. Also memory I know that when you remove the bottom plate there is a Dimm Slot and then there is another memory stick what is up with that. Also what is a reasonable price for one?

dvsjr's picture
Offline
Last seen: 4 weeks 22 hours ago
Joined: Jun 8 2004 - 15:14
Posts: 136
I would...

Definitely get one if you like the design. I have bought three on CL locally, and paid between $325 and $250 for them. (Deals are out there.) I think the median price is $500 in my area (Boston is heavily Mac though, Im sure your location may vary.) I would try to get the 1 GHZ version for the speed, and I wouldnt worry about the superdrive, as there are lots of terrific external DVD/CD Burners for Macintosh that are reasonably priced. Macsales (OWC) has $49 superdrives you could put into your G4 iMac if you want to go that route. Maxing the ram is always a no brainer upgrade. Helps with the spinning beach ball, and makes the mac generally more speedy, I have only one pair of the speakers and they work and sound great. But its weird to use speakers nowadays. Home or Office, Im wearing headphones. hope this helps.

seth_381's picture
Offline
Last seen: 14 years 4 months ago
Joined: Jul 15 2007 - 12:50
Posts: 103
That is helpful Info

I understand the G4 Pretty well, and the main reason I asked about the superdrive is I don't wanna do too much work other than software restoring and upgrading. But I'm sure I could to it.

tmtomh's picture
Offline
Last seen: 1 year 8 months ago
Joined: Dec 20 2003 - 10:38
Posts: 568
Get a Superdrive model

I love to do hardware upgrades and hacks - but on an iMac G4 I would say get a Superdrive-equipped model and don't go for an aftermarket upgrade. To replace anything other than the RAM or Airport card, you have to open up the unit, breaking a seal that's created by a large, thick lump of thermal paste. Apple's Service Manual says that you have to cut the paste (it's pretty stiff), then clean it all off and replace it with a similar lump when you reassemble. If you don't use the correct amount or consistency - even if you don't retighten the screws right, making them too loose or too tight - you can reduce the efficiency of the heat transmission inside the machine, and fry it.

I don't want to sound alarmist, but I just feel cracking open an iMac G4 is a lot of risk for not much reward.

I would recommend paying a few extra bucks for a unit with a Superdrive, and for the fastest CPU you can find (and for the 17" screen as opposed to the 15" if you can afford it).

At any rate, I owned a G4 iMac, and it is one of my all-time favorites - a great machine with good performance, unbeatable personality and ergonomics, and very decent-sounding speakers (for computer speakers, anyway).

Best,
Matt

GEOS's picture
Offline
Last seen: 1 year 5 months ago
Joined: Dec 20 2003 - 10:38
Posts: 334
I have one of the 1GHz 17" su

I have one of the 1GHz 17" superdrive models. Its a great machine and quite fast. Feels better than the 1.25GHz eMac anyways. The only problem I ever had was the hard drive going bad 2 weeks after warrenty ran out. Go figure, but it was a good chance to upgrade. As the others have said, 17" is reccomened over the 15". If you're lucky enough to find a 20" I am jealous! The little speakers it comes with are actually really nice. Quality sound, so I wouldn't worry about those.

seth_381's picture
Offline
Last seen: 14 years 4 months ago
Joined: Jul 15 2007 - 12:50
Posts: 103
I think a Superdrive is...

A Superdrive seems like a necessity and really screen size in nothing to me just processer speed,hardrive,memory and so fourth. I think finally I've got an idea what Mac to Purchase and since the G4 iMac Gets good comments everywhere I've been it's time to start looking for my new iMac.

Log in or register to post comments