[geeks] can't wait for Vista

[Mark Benson]

On 6 Nov 2006, at 22:20, Geoffrey S. Mendelson wrote:

> The problem with that is that many things are G4/G5 and Intel only.  
> 10.4 is
> G3 up, 10.5 will probably be G4 up

They don't usually drop support based on CPU - it usually falls  
around certain on-board features. Last time around it was DVD  
(although CDs are available on an exchange basis) and Built-in  
Firewire. This time rumors suggest 10.5 may require AGP graphics with  
at least 32MB video RAM to satisfy the demands of the Core Image  
support (and also to remove the need for legacy graphics  
compatibility). I have to say dropping G3s is probably *safe* about  
now but the fast ones still run 10.4 pretty well. It will likely  
retain support for 800MHz G3s and faster, but with cut down feature- 
set. Nothing solid has emerged from the beta seeds as yet, and it's  
never previously been confirmed until the release.

> 10.6 will probably be Intel only.

Unlikely. it'll probably be the last UB version. Hardware is usually  
actively supported in OS X going back *around* 4-5 years, slightly  
longer for Pro hardware and less for Consumer stuff *as a general  
rule*. 10.4 supports PowerMacs and Powerbooks made 1999 onwards and  
iMacs and iBooks made from about 2000 onwards. I expect a similar  
pattern, shifted forward 2 years, for 10.5, and again for 10.6, which  
leaves G4s and G5s still in the 10.6 timeframe.

> iLife 2006 is G4 only.
> I just went to upgrade Skype for my laptop and found out it's G4 up  
> and all I have is G3s.

Both require significant amounts of CPU horsepower. Most sub 1.2GHz  
G4s struggle with HD video, never-mind a G3. Also authoring DVDs with  
the effects I've seen in iMovie and iDVD 2006 would be painful in the  
extreme. For older machines iLife 04 is perfectly adequate, not to  
mention available cheaply second hand.

> What will be a big question is if it would be worth upgrading.  
> Already entire
> G4 machines are cheaper than a G4 upgrade.

Depends what other hardware is in your box. G4 upgrades are  
worthwhile if you have specialist kit in the box *with* the G3, or if  
like me you're a sucker and love your Blue & White too much ;o) Don't  
forget also that newer G5 machines don't support a lot of legacy PCI  
hardware, so there is a barrier to upgrading there.

> With laptops it's less of an issue. The batteries fail and become  
> too expensive
> to replace. I have more Wallstreet laptops (G3), that run 10.3 out  
> of the
> box and 10.4 with XPostFacto than working batteries.

I'll tell you something, I have a 2001 Powerbook G4 I rescued from a  
recycling place. It has no battery, and needed a hinge repair (which  
I did, pretty badly). It's been to hell and back, is totally beaten  
to crap, the screen is scuffed and it *still* works like the day it  
rolled off the production line. It's truly a joy to use. Oh and yes,  
I do run 10.4 on it :o)

-- 
Mark Benson

My Blog:
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