Any uses for an old Mac G4?
I have an old Apple 12in PowerBook G4 sitting in a cupboard. It's way behind the curve, PowerPC-equipped - no good for Snow Leopard, in other words - and the battery's had it.
Everyone I know who I'd would have passed it on to in the past has, by now, got a more capable machine.
But it seems a shame to chuck it away.
So, Reg readers, has anyone got any sensible - Moderatrix, please take note - suggestions as to applications I can set this apparent antique - it's only six - to?
COMMENTS
Media server
I second the suggestion to use it as an iTunes server. But I would add TwonkyVision, so you can stream iTunes content to DLNA/UPnP devices, like in my case, a Denon AV receiver and a PS3. If you want to save a few quid, use open source alternatives like OpenSUSE PPC Linux, MediaTomb and daapd.
PPC
Sometimes people need a PowerPC computer for development, tests or builds (e.g. Debian build farm). Funnily enough, battery is typically irrelevant to such uses. If you don't have such needs, why keep an outdated crap around? Just sell it on eBay and invest money in something more up to date, less noisy and power hungry.
Charity!
Hi,
I know a charity in South London who run music projects for primary school children and vulnerable adults. They are desperate for any kind of laptop (or even desktop), as their computers date back to the early 90s.
So how about giving it to charity? Their website is: http://www.pegopera.org
Geeky greets!
T
You can still get batteries, I think
So why not just use it? OWC probably sell a battery for them if Apple don't.
Uses for a G4 Powerbook
Assuming you have the Airport (wifi) card installed:
- plug in a USB printer and you have a wireless print server (under sharing in system preferences)
- plug in a USB modem and you have a wireless Internet server (under sharing in system preferences)
I do both on my 10 year old Pismo Powerbook running 10.4. You can also install VNC so you can remotely manage the laptop from another computer.
