I posted hear earlier about my laptop issues:
[forums.macresource.com]

Well, I just came across a 12" G4 iBook for sale. It's a 1 gHz model, with Airport Extreme, 512 mb RAM, and combo drive. He says it's in excellent condition with no scratches, no dead pixels and a reasonably fresh battery (although my iBook battery is nearly new and can be used with this one.)

I think I can get it for around $325. Is that a decent deal? I wish I could get one for less but that doesn't seem likely. Any issues I need to look for in the G4 iBooks?

Thanks,
Michael

If it's in good condition, I think that is a fair price. I believe that StingMe was selling his for more than that and they were a little beat up (having been used by HS students for 3 years). You can bump the RAM on that to 1.25GB for about $40, which will make a big difference. It has 256MB soldered on and likely has a 256MB stick (PC2700 SO-DIMM).

It will run Tiger easily and I think Leopard goes okay with the RAM maxed out. It probably has a 40GB hard drive.

the 14" screen & G4 processor make it worth $325 if the battery is decent. even better if it includes the original software CDs and/or box.

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its a good deal

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incognegro
the 14" screen & G4 processor make it worth $325 if the battery is decent. even better if it includes the original software CDs and/or box.

Unfortunately, this is a 12" iBook.

Michael

Some of those iBook G4s have an issue where they'll freeze up after a period of use due to failing solder joints on a particular chip on the logic board. If you are looking at that iBook in person, try launching Chess.app and run a couple of computer vs. computer matches to stress test the machine.

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magicmikey

Unfortunately, this is a 12" iBook.

Michael

Nothing unfortunate about it. I've had both the 12 and 14" versions and IMHO, the 12" one is/was way better. Sharper screen, smaller and lighter. That being said, yes, I agree that the price is good. I just sold (month ago) my 12" 1.33 for $600, still had 4 months of Applecare, however.

Good luck.

oops missed that

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The reliability thing is making me nervous! I swore off iBooks after the G3 I have flaked out but this G4 seems tempting. The price is right and he says it's in fantastic condition.

I really am not in position to spend much more than this so it may be the best option. I just hate to have another iBook fail.

Michael

It's a good deal. Stingme's iBooks, the ones that were left, had CD-ROMs.
12" is preferable to 14".
Good advice about launching the chess app.
It's a crapshoot but the alternative is a PC, or a $1,000 macbook.

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Black Landlord
the alternative is a PC, or a $1,000 macbook.

or a <$700 MacBook... ;)

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StingMe

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Black Landlord
the alternative is a PC, or a $1,000 macbook.

or a <$700 MacBook... ;)

Original coreduo with cracks?

Yep - Core Duo 2GHz, 2GB, 60GB, AE, BT, SD, etc.

I just sold my G4 iBook for $499. 768MB RAM, 40 GB drive, and a case.

Sounds like a good deal. I chose the 12" over the 14" because of the size, and felt that it was lighter and easier to carry as a student.

the only thing I didn't like about the iBook G4 was that with my kick-butt Keynote presentations, it's couldn't drive the transitions on the external monitor smoothly. I upgraded because of that limitation to a MacBook Air.