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BlueBell
07-17-2008, 03:18 PM
OK, lately, I've been yearning for a desktop Mac since I lost my Mac mini. My iBook G3 served that role for a while, but it has just become too unreliable for that use (It has every problem that has been associated with that model, literally) and I've been looking for something to replace it.

I was considering a G4 Mac mini, but recently, I had two of my CRT's die within the same day, and I no longer have any spares to use for one. (This is also another reason my iBook G3 can't be used anymore, its backlight cable is pinched) This also means no PowerMacs.

My plans then went to an eMac, because they are fairly cheap for the power they offer. However, due to shipping costs, they aren't an economical solution. This also means no upper end iMac G3's. (iMac G4's are still too expensive)

But, I do have an iMac G3 already that kind of just sits around because it runs Mac OS 8.6, which isn't very useful these days. However, I believe it to be a good candidate for my desktop. My plan is to max out the RAM and buy a copy of 10.2 to put on it.

The reason for 10.2 instead of 10.3 (which it can run, according to apple-history.com) is because it is a Rev. A (or Rev. B, I don't think I have a way of knowing) which means it only has a 233 MHz processor and a 4 GB HDD. So, my main concerns are these:

1. Is 233 MHz enough to run 10.2? I've run 10.3 on a 300 MHz iBook G3 before, and it was pretty painful. However, that iBook only had 160 MB of RAM, and I plan to put 256 MB in my iMac. (My other iBook G3 runs Tiger with 256 MB, and it's great, so I think I'm going to be OK with RAM)

2. Is 4GB enough for 10.2? I would hope so, since 10.3 on one of my iBooks only takes up 2 GB, but I just want to be sure.

Any help or advice is appreciated!
dtravis7
07-17-2008, 09:18 PM
10.2 will run but don't expect SCREAMING speed. Max out the RAM at 512Megs. I have a Rev A Bondi Blue 233 running 9.2.2 and 10.2. 10.2 is useable but just don't expect You Tube videos without jerking. For just the basics it does work though.
BlueBell
07-17-2008, 10:47 PM
10.2 will run but don't expect SCREAMING speed. Max out the RAM at 512Megs. I have a Rev A Bondi Blue 233 running 9.2.2 and 10.2. 10.2 is useable but just don't expect You Tube videos without jerking. For just the basics it does work though.
It takes 512 MB? I thought it maxed out at 256.

And hey, I'll be happy if YouTube works at all. :P
Sherman Homan
07-18-2008, 05:30 AM
I know that it can theoretically work, but... The Rev A iMacs have the flakiest ram configurations I have ever seen. They just don't read it correctly. Some will see 512, Apple says the max is 384, I once spent hours trying to get one to simply deal with 256. There is no rhyme nor reason and for that alone I would stay clear. Jaguar was flaky, those iMacs are flaky, I think you are going to get real annoyed.
But yes it can be done, again it can theoretically can run Panther.
As far a Rev A or Rev B, the easiest way to tell is to run System Profiler and check the video card specs. Rev A had 2 megs of vram, B had 6.
iRye
07-21-2008, 11:44 AM
Yeah, i'd stay away from the iMac. See if you can pickup a cheapo screen at a garage sale or something and save up for a mini.
dtravis7
07-21-2008, 11:58 AM
It can run panther but on the 233 it was very slow.
BlueBell
07-21-2008, 01:04 PM
Yeah Panther on my clamshell iBook ain't exactly a pile of fun, you're definitely right.

Is there any reason why I shouldn't go with 10.2? I've never used it, is it more unstable then 10.3?
iRye
07-21-2008, 01:48 PM
I hated Jaguar. I just didn't like the feel of it.
dtravis7
07-21-2008, 02:30 PM
Well then you can try Leopard on that 233! Should FLY! :D

To me it's not a matter of liking or disliking. It's what will run and be semi useable. I would much rather run 10.2 than any version of Mac OS9.
BlueBell
07-21-2008, 02:40 PM
Well then you can try Leopard on that 233! Should FLY! :D

To me it's not a matter of liking or disliking. It's what will run and be semi useable. I would much rather run 10.2 than any version of Mac OS9.

I hear ya, you couldn't pay me to go back to OS 8/9. :cool:

10.2 it is then. Now I just need to buy it and some RAM and I'll be set.

Well, one last question: I've heard you need to update the firmware to upgrade the OS, does this apply going to OS X from OS 8?
dtravis7
07-21-2008, 03:56 PM
The early iMacs HAVE to be the latest firmware or OSX will do strange things like a blank screen that will never again come back! Funny thing is you need OS9 to update the firmware. I was lucky and my 233 was up to date as was my 333 Grape. That has the better video with more Video RAM and faster CPU and runs Panther pretty well.
BlueBell
07-21-2008, 04:14 PM
Eep. So I need to install OS 9 before I can install 10.2?!