hi,
Here are some tips concerning the Imac G3:
As everybody says, go for the slot-loading if you want a decent usable machine, the quicker the better... and i don't think this will show on price tag.
Concerning this price tag, i think you can find something from nothing to 50/65 $ (except maybe for some unusual colors such as "Dalmatian" or the "Flower power")
For the above price, you will probably find a complete unit, including mouse and keyboard and maybe the original software.
I you go ahead, keep in mind that an upgrade to X will need a firmware upgrade first (from Mac Os 9.1 or above) ... the CRT screen will go black if not done properly (but this is quite easy to do anyway... the upgrade not the black screen)
Once this done, you can go for a bigger HD, more ram and X install.
Concerning wireless, you need an adapter and the original airport card (this can be sourced via Ebay but will be quite expensive).Usb sticks are the affordable option as some are quite cheap (the D-link DWL-G122 is one of those, if you find the Mac Os supported one) and will be far better.
The other option is ethernet, except if wireless is mandatory, as this is standard.
The G3 is prone to power supply failures, you should be aware that the power supply is located near the CRT tube, meaning this is quite difficult to remove and to fit back again.
Moreover, you should discharge the CRT first.
this is due to the fanless building of the G3, the Flyback transformer is the first to go.
One again, try to find one which has been pampered, and not one of those running 24 hours a day and 7 days a week (school ones or internet facilities)
You will probably find one for free soon, as those are quite heavy and bulky, if you are not in a hurry
I found my first, one evening in a street corner, complete with mouse, kb and software (Mac Os 9 cd was stuck in the drive) half an hour later it was up and running :b&w:
I was given 3 afterwards, one was missing the HD and the remaining 2 were suffering from the FBT failure, so remain confident but be careful.
Here are some tips concerning the Imac G3:
As everybody says, go for the slot-loading if you want a decent usable machine, the quicker the better... and i don't think this will show on price tag.
Concerning this price tag, i think you can find something from nothing to 50/65 $ (except maybe for some unusual colors such as "Dalmatian" or the "Flower power")
For the above price, you will probably find a complete unit, including mouse and keyboard and maybe the original software.
I you go ahead, keep in mind that an upgrade to X will need a firmware upgrade first (from Mac Os 9.1 or above) ... the CRT screen will go black if not done properly (but this is quite easy to do anyway... the upgrade not the black screen)
Once this done, you can go for a bigger HD, more ram and X install.
Concerning wireless, you need an adapter and the original airport card (this can be sourced via Ebay but will be quite expensive).Usb sticks are the affordable option as some are quite cheap (the D-link DWL-G122 is one of those, if you find the Mac Os supported one) and will be far better.
The other option is ethernet, except if wireless is mandatory, as this is standard.
The G3 is prone to power supply failures, you should be aware that the power supply is located near the CRT tube, meaning this is quite difficult to remove and to fit back again.
Moreover, you should discharge the CRT first.
this is due to the fanless building of the G3, the Flyback transformer is the first to go.
One again, try to find one which has been pampered, and not one of those running 24 hours a day and 7 days a week (school ones or internet facilities)
You will probably find one for free soon, as those are quite heavy and bulky, if you are not in a hurry
I found my first, one evening in a street corner, complete with mouse, kb and software (Mac Os 9 cd was stuck in the drive) half an hour later it was up and running :b&w:
I was given 3 afterwards, one was missing the HD and the remaining 2 were suffering from the FBT failure, so remain confident but be careful.