Need a decent PowerBook (603 or G3)

[Gil]

I just need something that I can use at school, without worrying about it getting damaged or anything like that. I was thinking along the lines of a 3400C, or even a PowerBook G3. I've never had a PowerBook before, so I really don't know what is the ideal system to buy. I'm looking at those WaveLAN cards, which I've heard work in a PowerBook. Is there anything to watch out for with those?

My only real needs are:

-decent RAM (128 or more)

-1 gig hard drive

-floppy/CD drive (those swap out or something?)

-battery/AC adapter (A good 3-4 hours, if at all possible)

-Mac OS 8 or 8.5 should suffice

Any input would be appreciated.

 

[Unknown_K]

Batteries are going to be an issue since only brand new ones (on wallstreet G3s anyway) do 3 hours and used ones that still work will likely get you an hour or so.

You can use 2 batteries at a time on a wallstreet.

Wavelan cards are limited in encryption protocol (just WEP and depending on the model wavelan you get no encryption, 64bit or 128bit).

PRAM batteries are pretty much toast by now also (meaning if you remove the battery without the PS being connected it will not turn on again with the battery installed without connecting it to a power brick).

How much were you looking to spend?

 

[Gil]

No more than $50, if thats even possible.

Will WaveLan silver work with WEP?

 

[Unknown_K]

Yea, I use a silver and a bronze. You also need to make sure the hinges on old G3 laptops are good.

 

[Gil]

Well, if things turn out as planned, I will have a Powerbook 1400c (166mHz 64 RAM) and a Lucent WaveLAN silver.

*me hopes school's WiFi allows WEP*

EDIT: ...which is good since after further research, everybody raves about the 1400.

 

[Christopher]

What about the Duo or 2400?

 

[Gil]

If things fall through with the 1400, I'll consider it. Seems like there are a ton of resources out there for the 1400, but to my understanding, most of them apply to the 2400 as well.

 

[Unknown_K]

I like the Wallstreets, have 5 of them.

 

[sambapati87]

You can't use a wireless card on a Duo -- no slots. Great choice otherwise though, you can recell the battery for about $30.

 

[Gil]

You can't use a wireless card on a Duo -- no slots. Great choice otherwise though, you can recell the battery for about $30.

Oooh, how do I do that?!

The one I'm looking at also comes with lots of accessories, and is only 3 miles from where I live! No shipping!

 

[Gil]

Fail. Plan B...

 

[steve30]

If you would like extra speed and battery life, I would recomend the G3. I used to have one, which didn't cost me too much, and the single battery would last a good few hours. As nice a machine as my 1400 is, even with a G3 upgrade, it is not as fast as the Wallstreet.

 

[Gil]

True, but I would like to use OS 7 (which can't happen on a G3)