[mrq201]

Ok.. I am a PC guy and never worked with a MAC before.

I have a Ibook POWER PC G3
Memory 256 MB SDRAM
MAC OSX Version 10.4.11

I believe it has 12GB of space left on the main hdd.. I am not that sure again, because I am not used to MACS

First question is the time will never stay set. Whenever I turn it on, it will tell me that the time is not set.
Secondly, I believe the battery is not good at all.. Whenever i unplug the power cable, it cuts off.
Are the two issues related??

I am thinking of upgrading the ram and the HDD in this MAC. Is it feasible or it it a lost cause?
I also want to upgrade the OS on it to the latest one. Is it possible or should I leave the OS as is?

Does it have an internal wireless card?? I am thinking it does not, but I am not that sure. How do I find out??

Does it uses the same type of ram sticks that is found in a windows laptop??

Thanks for all of your assistance once again...

[Advertisements]

ok, let's take this 1 step at a time.

1. Since the time won't stay set, and the battery is dead, i would hazard to guess that the unit sat unplugged for a long period of time, thus it is likely the CMOS battery is dead and will need replaced. Usually they are simple button cel type batteries and cost under $10. You can 'zap the PRAM' just to see if it helps, but most likely it will not (during start up, hold down CMD-OPT-P-R until you have heard 3 startup chimes, then release them and let the computer start normally)

2. adding RAM is a good idea. You don't say what model specifically, but i would suggest adding 512MB ($39 at www.datamem.com)if at all possible, as that would max it out.

3. i am fairly confident that the newest MacOS a G3 ibook will run is 10.4.11.

4. an Airport (802.11B) wireless card was an optional component. (they are selling for around $15-$30 used) Here is a link to airport install instructions so you can look and see if yours has one: http://www.ehow.com/...d-ibook-g3.html

5. the RAM in your G3 ibook is almost certainly going to be: 144 Pin PC100 CL2 SDRAM SODIMM

[fisheromacs]

ok, let's take this 1 step at a time.

1. Since the time won't stay set, and the battery is dead, i would hazard to guess that the unit sat unplugged for a long period of time, thus it is likely the CMOS battery is dead and will need replaced. Usually they are simple button cel type batteries and cost under $10. You can 'zap the PRAM' just to see if it helps, but most likely it will not (during start up, hold down CMD-OPT-P-R until you have heard 3 startup chimes, then release them and let the computer start normally)

2. adding RAM is a good idea. You don't say what model specifically, but i would suggest adding 512MB ($39 at www.datamem.com)if at all possible, as that would max it out.

3. i am fairly confident that the newest MacOS a G3 ibook will run is 10.4.11.

4. an Airport (802.11B) wireless card was an optional component. (they are selling for around $15-$30 used) Here is a link to airport install instructions so you can look and see if yours has one: http://www.ehow.com/...d-ibook-g3.html

5. the RAM in your G3 ibook is almost certainly going to be: 144 Pin PC100 CL2 SDRAM SODIMM