DO the last generation high rez 15" Powerbooks need a special OS?

#1 Wed, 18 Nov 2015 - 22:52 DO the last generation high rez 15" Powerbooks need a special OS? — #1

I got a mint working A1138 Powerbook G4 with the higher resolution screen. The unit works fine with OSX 10.4.11 that's installed on it, but I want to wipe it. Anyway the 10.4 CDs I have that work fine with my older Powerbooks seem to not work (starts loading then just quits doing anything). I tried using the same CDs on an external firewire drive and it does the same thing so its not the internal superdrive.

So do I need a specific install DVD or CD?

#2 Thu, 19 Nov 2015 - 00:31 DO the last generation high rez 15" Powerbooks need a special OS? — #2

Minimum is 10.4.2, probably needs a 10.4.3 disc for best results.

#3 Thu, 26 Nov 2015 - 04:54 DO the last generation high rez 15" Powerbooks need a special OS? — #3

Apple made Install Disks specific to certain models. But like White Falcon says, 10.4.2 or 10.4.3 are your options for 10.4, and then the upgrade to 10.4.11 would be simple. You can also try 10.5.

#4 Thu, 26 Nov 2015 - 05:10 DO the last generation high rez 15" Powerbooks need a special OS? — #4

I have an original retail OS 10.5 DVD but don't use it on anything since 10.4.11 seems better for PPC (and I don't have an Intel mac).

Ended up just deleting the old user (along with his data) and doing a new user. Will have to hunt down some Powerbook 10.4.3 DVD's (or did they come in CD only?).

#5 Thu, 26 Nov 2015 - 05:13 DO the last generation high rez 15" Powerbooks need a special OS? — #5

Loaded up with RAM and a newer more modern HD, I'd take 10.5 on a late model Powerbook any day - I find it smoother and more modern overall.

#6 Thu, 26 Nov 2015 - 06:43 DO the last generation high rez 15" Powerbooks need a special OS? — #6

You can put it in FireWire target mode and use an older machine to boot the 10.4 disc, then run all the updates. Once it's updated, it'll boot on the newer hardware.

I also recommend Leopard. Safari on Leopard is much more modern than Safari on Tiger.

#7 Thu, 26 Nov 2015 - 16:46 DO the last generation high rez 15" Powerbooks need a special OS? — #7

The one I have for my G4 17in PB is a DVD.

And in upgrading it - I would put in a large PATA/ATA SSD in it. They run much faster on it. And a lot cooler!

#8 Mon, 21 Dec 2015 - 22:34 DO the last generation high rez 15" Powerbooks need a special OS? — #8

I've tried 10.5.8 On the 15" version of that same machine, worked like a charm.

Does that have a 7447A or one of those special 7457/7448A CPU's?