The "plug issues" typically plague only the 190/5300-series, mostly because of the tiny plug (which could break easily) and receptacle (whose solder joints would often break loose from the motherboard). The receptacle part was a relatively easy repair, as it simply requires a fairly straight-forward resoldering (after completely removing the logic board...).
I've never heard of any chronic power-related failures on the 3400 or any machine with that style plug (save for the WallStreet/PDQ). My 3400s are all in fine working condition, as are my 1400s and 2400s and the various G3s, though one or two machines needed to have the receptacle soldered down.
The ports on the 1400 are the same as the 5300, except for the fact that the 1400's expansion slot could hold either video or Ethernet solutions (others may exist, but aren't common), or be blank. The 5300 typically had a video expansion installed, or nothing. The 1400 often shipped with nothing occupying its expansion slot. I think I've only got one 1400 (a Japanese 1400cs/166) with an expansion, and it's an Ethernet card that I can't find drivers for...
Unless you currently have several expansions/parts or the inclination to upgrade a 1400 to a G3, or a fetish for that particular 'Book, I'd suggest pursuing a 3400, or even a WallStreet instead. I've purchased 12"/233MHz WallStreets for $10 on eBay before, which is less than you'll pay for a decent 1400, and 3400s have no real processor upgrade path so they'll often sell for less than a 1400.
I've never heard of any chronic power-related failures on the 3400 or any machine with that style plug (save for the WallStreet/PDQ). My 3400s are all in fine working condition, as are my 1400s and 2400s and the various G3s, though one or two machines needed to have the receptacle soldered down.
The ports on the 1400 are the same as the 5300, except for the fact that the 1400's expansion slot could hold either video or Ethernet solutions (others may exist, but aren't common), or be blank. The 5300 typically had a video expansion installed, or nothing. The 1400 often shipped with nothing occupying its expansion slot. I think I've only got one 1400 (a Japanese 1400cs/166) with an expansion, and it's an Ethernet card that I can't find drivers for...
Unless you currently have several expansions/parts or the inclination to upgrade a 1400 to a G3, or a fetish for that particular 'Book, I'd suggest pursuing a 3400, or even a WallStreet instead. I've purchased 12"/233MHz WallStreets for $10 on eBay before, which is less than you'll pay for a decent 1400, and 3400s have no real processor upgrade path so they'll often sell for less than a 1400.