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If you want a speedy, dependable machine for surfing the
internet, word processing, spreadsheets, and older games, a
Power Macintosh 6100,
7100, or 8100
might just be the machine of choice.
When looking at used Macintosh computer systems, be sure to look
into the first generation Power Macs. These are the PowerPC 601-based
computers introduced in March, 1994; the 6100, 7100, and 8100. These
can be fast, low-priced first or second machines for yourself or your
whole household.
Now that the G3 processor has been out for a bit over two years,
and with the release of the G4, some programs are starting to require
at least a G3, so some people are starting to sell their early
PowerPC 601-based Power Macs and Performas. However, for someone who
just wants a dependable computer for the internet, word processing,
spreadsheets, and older games, a PowerPC 601-based Macintosh might be
a good purchase.
It is not difficult to find one. You should be able to pick up a
basic Power Macintosh 6100 8/240 or similarly configured model for
less then $150. A 7100 might go for around $200 for a 16/240 setup.
An 8100 16/240 might go for around $250. Expect to pay more for
computers with more memory and a bigger hard drive.
Let's say you have purchased a used Power Macintosh 6100 with 8 MB
of RAM and a 160 MB hard disk with the original system 7.1.2 for
$150. In order to use the internet to it's full advantage, upgrading
the RAM, the hard disk, and the operating system are in order. The
reason this is necessary are the program requirements. Outlook
Express 5 requires Mac OS 8.1 and at least 8 MB of free memory, and
Internet Explorer 4.5 requires 11 MB of free memory. That is 19 MB of
free memory, and OS 8.1, which can use from 5-12 MB of memory by
itself, depending on what extensions, control panels, and fonts are
installed. That adds up to 31 MB. If you wanted, you might be able to
get away with 24 MB of RAM and virtual memory, but that would make it
painfully slow, so I recommend at least 32 MB of physical memory.
NOTE: Mac OS 8.1 can run on a 16 MB Power Mac with virtual
memory (VM) enabled, but will be far more efficient with at least
24 MB. Mac OS 8.6 is much more memory hungry -- don't even
consider it without at least 24 MB (and preferably more than 32
MB) of physical RAM. Mac OS 9 is a real memory hog that will only
run on a 32 MB computer if you have virtual memory set to at least
40 MB. Don't even dream of putting OS 9 on any Mac with less than
64 MB of memory. Each revision of the Mac OS improves virtual
memory; there is very little penalty for using it with OS 8.5,
less with OS 9, assuming you have a fast hard drive and enough
extra space for the swap space. Setting VM to 64 MB uses 64 MB of
your hard drive's space. DK, editor
In terms of a hard drive, you need at least a 700 MB hard drive at
a minimum, although bigger is always better. In fact, you may find it
difficult to find new drives under 1 GB (1,000 MB) in size.
In terms of the operating system, I find Mac OS 8.1 to be suitable
if you have 32 MB of RAM, but if you have 40 MB or more, OS 8.6 will
do.
If you purchased a faster power Mac, like an 7100 or 8100, you
might want to look into some upgrade cards. There is even a new G4
upgrade card for the 6100/7100/8100.
If you do own a 6100, I do not recommend spending too much money
on it, because there is only one upgrade slot. The internal video
supports thousands of colours at 640x480, and 800x600 with only 256
colours. It also uses 1 MB of system memory that is set aside for
video.
800x600 is the standard resolution for 15" monitors these days,
and 15" is probably the smallest monitor you want to buy for a
computer used for surfing the Web. Thousands of colours is really
necessary for viewing pictures on the Web.
With a 6100 you must compromise, and use 640x480 at thousands of
colours or 800x600 at 256 colours. In order to use larger monitors
with more colours, you must add a video card. If you add a video
card, the only free expansion slot gets filled up, and a processor
upgrade card cannot be installed. If you plan on installing an
upgrade card, I do not recommend buying a Power Mac 6100, but instead
go for a 7100 or 8100.
Other machines that might not be considered "first generation"
power Macs, but depend on 40-66 MHz PowerPC 601 processors, are the
PowerPC-upgraded Quadras. These machines would be the Quadra
700, Quadra 800, Centris
610, Quadra 610, Centris
650, Quadra 650, Quadra
900, and Quadra 950 with an
Apple or DayStar PowerPC upgrade installed. (These upgrades are rare
on the used market. Don't buy a Quadra expecting to find one.) These
machines can be good buys if you do not attempt to spend too much
money on purchasing them, as they cannot be upgraded any more then
they already are, and they cannot run Mac OS 8.5 or higher.
If you need a machine with more upgrade capabilities, PCI slots,
and a daughter card, a first generation Power Mac may not be for you.
I would recommend a used 7500,
8500, 7300,
or 7600. Any of these can handle a
500 MHz processor upgrade, two or more internal hard drives,
accelerated video cards, and more. Because of this, they are much
more expensive than the first generation Power Macs.
If you just want a capable, low priced computer, look for a Power
Mac 6100. If you demand some upgradeability, look for a 7100 or
8100.
I purchased my Macintosh Performa 6115 CD used two years ago and
quickly found that it did not have enough capabilities for me, so I
settled for a Power Macintosh 8100/80. I am very happy with all it's
features, including the Apple HPV (High Performance Video) card
capable of displaying up to millions of colours at 800x600 and
thousands at 1024x768.
If you are thinking about purchasing a used Mac, be sure to look
for early PowerPC-based systems. They can be great deals at the right
price, but take into the consideration the limits of whatever model
you choose to look at.
Adam Robert Guha was
brought up on a Mac Plus, tested
on a Performa 5215 CD, and fine tuned
on a Power Mac G3/233 DT. He has worked
with the Mac II series, as well as LCs and early Power Macs, such as
the 6100. He currently own several
68030 machines, including some interesting models like the Colour
Classic. At school, many of the Mac-owning teachers ask for
assistance. He has upgraded and reinstalled software on 15 computers
at school -- and counting (mostly late 68K Macs and early Power
Macs).
Have a question to ask Mac Daniel & Friends? Visit our
staff page and pick an expert.
Recent Mac Daniel columns
Making Macs listen and obey, Evan
Kleiman, 8/21/00. A brief introduction to using Speech Recognition
to control your Mac.
Macster on the iMac, 8/14/00.
There are some problems with Macster on the iMac. Evan explains
how to work around them.
Upgrading a Power Mac 7500, Chris
Lawson, 7/28/00. A look at memory, video, hard drive, and
processor upgrades for one of Apple's most upgradable Power
Macs.
Not sure if you should upgrade your old Mac or replace it? Check
the index to see if we've already addressed
your problem recently -- and look in the
archive if it's not in the recent columns. If not, visit our
staff page for the names of several people
who may be able to help you.
Elsewhere on Low End Mac
Quadras still useful,
Adam Robert Guha, Apple Archive, 8/25. Although showing their age,
Quadras remain very productive computers.
Linux for PowerPC, Eric
DeStefano, Mac Metamorphosis, 8/24. Linux for PowerPC is fairly
mature -- and a good introduction to the Unix core of OS X.
PlayStation in a Mac,
Anne Onymus, Rumor Mill, 8/24. Rumor is Sony has developed
PlayStation2 on a PCI/AGP card, thrown in hardware DVD decoding,
and then added totally outrageous 3D drivers using the Emotion
Engine.
Born Again: It Works!,
Dan Knight, Online Tech Journal, 8/23. Yes, you can run Mac OS 8.1
on some 68030-based Macs.
QuickCam + PowerBook = Webcam,
Manuel Mejia Jr., Mac Daniel, 8/23. How to set up an older Mac (in
this case, a PowerBook 145) with a QuickCam and use it as a
webcam.
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Mac is an independent publication and has
not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Apple
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individual companies and are hereby acknowledged.
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