The 1400s are fine machines, especially if they are the later 'extended' models. Max. notional RAM is 64MB, which is a kindness to them, and allows the most compatible OS, 8.6, to run well. OS 9.1 is possible, but takes some hoodwinking of the NuBus architecture, and then the game proves not to be worth the candle. Whether you can reach 64MB depends on the factory-installed (base) RAM card: 8MB or 16MB. If you don't have the latter, you cannot exceed 56MB total because the RAM expansion cards come in 16, 24 and 32MB as 'piggy-back' cards, or a single (and scarce) 48MB.
With the 48MB you have room also for an internal video expansion card, or an ethernet card (also scarce). Ethernet capability is more easily and cheaply achieved with a (say) Farallon PCMCIA card, which also leaves room for use of a NewerTech 16-bit MAXview video card for mirroring to an external display.
CPU upgrades to to 466MHz are available, but not cheap. 233MHz is useful, but not as rewarding as 400/466MHz. However, an extended 166MHz model is zippy enough with OS 8.6 for most purposes, and works well with Mozilla 1.0.2 on all but graphics-laden sites, especially with a 5MB RAM Disk for browser cache. For non-Web activity the 1400s are fine machines, and not cursed with 'intelligent' batteries as the PB 500 series is. New, compact AC adapters are available on eBay for less than USD20.
Up to 12x CD-ROM modules and FDD modules are available. The cs (passive-matrix) screens are tolerable, but the TFT (c, active-matrix) screens are direct replacements and much superior, even if less common. The 30-pin HDI port that you mentioned is useful for connecting SCSI externals such as HDDs and so on, and, with a special cable, allows use of the 1400s in Target Disk Mode as long as the internal IDE drive is not larger than 4GB. This drive-capacity ceiling is an irremediable limitation in the PB's ROM.
May you enjoy your new companion.
de
With the 48MB you have room also for an internal video expansion card, or an ethernet card (also scarce). Ethernet capability is more easily and cheaply achieved with a (say) Farallon PCMCIA card, which also leaves room for use of a NewerTech 16-bit MAXview video card for mirroring to an external display.
CPU upgrades to to 466MHz are available, but not cheap. 233MHz is useful, but not as rewarding as 400/466MHz. However, an extended 166MHz model is zippy enough with OS 8.6 for most purposes, and works well with Mozilla 1.0.2 on all but graphics-laden sites, especially with a 5MB RAM Disk for browser cache. For non-Web activity the 1400s are fine machines, and not cursed with 'intelligent' batteries as the PB 500 series is. New, compact AC adapters are available on eBay for less than USD20.
Up to 12x CD-ROM modules and FDD modules are available. The cs (passive-matrix) screens are tolerable, but the TFT (c, active-matrix) screens are direct replacements and much superior, even if less common. The 30-pin HDI port that you mentioned is useful for connecting SCSI externals such as HDDs and so on, and, with a special cable, allows use of the 1400s in Target Disk Mode as long as the internal IDE drive is not larger than 4GB. This drive-capacity ceiling is an irremediable limitation in the PB's ROM.
May you enjoy your new companion.
de