PowerBook 190 from eBay

[Scott Baret]

Yes, I just completed a massive downsizing project. Yes, I told myself I wasn't going to buy any new Macs unless I spring for a new MacBook Air.

However, I've had some difficulties with my vintage monochrome PowerBooks, which get used for tutoring. There is a thread in the PowerBook section about their screen problems. Since I'm not sure just how fixable any of them will be (I haven't had a ton of time to look at them), I decided to go ahead and get this little gem.

It powers on, works flawlessly, and is in great physical shape. I'll update when I receive it.

Surprisingly, it went for $30 with only one bid (mine). Given the love we've expressed for the 190 in recent weeks in the PowerBook forum, I'm surprised nobody else jumped on this one! b:

 

[Scott Baret]

The PB came today!!! I'll post pics later, but I finally got some specs.

-40MB physical RAM

-500MB hard drive

-Cardbus 56K modem

I think I'll be installing 7.6 on it, probably Word 5.1 too. Not sure what else I'll get on this little gem, but it sure is in mint condition. It even had the "Ready for PPC Upgrade" sticker on it. (I've since removed it but did snap a photo of the machine with the sticker on, plus I saved the sticker). Cleaned it off with some Techspray and am ready to put it into use.

With the 150 looking at least salvageable at this point, I'm thinking of fixing it and using this 190 as a word processor on the go. It's light, it works well in the sunlight with its display, and it runs quiet. I'll keep the 150 for the kiddos and perhaps thrust an old SE into service alongside it too--I just don't want to risk ruining such a beautiful laptop! (I still have that 140 too, and I'm thinking of swapping its screen and guts with the 170 parts I have laying around; I'd just need a new display cable for it and I'd be set).