Apple Power Macintosh G4 (Z03W) Mac Desktop

Update to the below review; I have now had this machine for 3 years and simply love it. So far it has lived up to all expectations and have had zero problems. Do not forsee a need to upgrade for some time.


This review is about the G4 dual 1 Gig processors with Superdrive, 80HD 768ram.
I bought this machine from Mac Mall and was very pleased with the experience I had with them. Their People are very knowledgeable about the products they sell. I was able to track shipping on the web and it arrived when promised.
The machine was packaged very nicely and everything was there.
It came with an adapter to plug in my old style monitor. I like the keyboard a lot and really like the mouse. I wasn't sure at first but the biggest plus is that there is not a ball to clean and get gummed up. the red glow from the beam is cool too!
I have G3's and a lot of Software and hardware that I wanted to use. This machine loaded with both operating systems, is perfect for that. I put the TV card from a G3 in and that works fine in one of the 4 slots. I did purchase a USB card because of all the toys hooked to the machine. I put a USB Zip, Epson scanner, Epson printer and a titanium Floppy drive for the Mavica camera.
I have found that a powered USB hub did not cut it as the periferals were not properly recognized so I went with the internal and everything works like a charm. So far all of my software has been OS9 compatible so I run that a lot. As cash permits and over time new OSX software will catch my eye and I see this machine being used for a long time. Let's face it, the G3's will be going for a long time.
Opening the machine is as simple as popping the latch. It can be locked with a cable or padlock or some sort of security device to keep hands out if that is a concern. There is room on there for 4 PCI card, 4 memory slots and 4 hard drives. It is really a marvel if you think about it. Easily the most upgradable machine yet.
OSX seems very stable. In a month it has only locked up once. I do wish the keyboard had a power key, maybe it does but in all honesty I have not read the book that came with the machine. I have been meaning to but my free time has been spent on the machine instead of reading about it.
From the elegance of the packaging to the set-up and usage without a manual, this speaks well of apple products. I almost switched to a windows machine so I would have more software choices. This was my only reason to want to change and I decided that just wasn't enough of a reason to give up a stable, first class, fun machine.
One down side is there is not a port for serial items or SCSI items but I am pretty sure a card can be added to deal with these inconveniences. I have to figure out a way to use my older laser printer.
I have played with iphoto and just upgraded to the newer version yesterday. That is a very easy to use program that makes it easy to e-mail, crop, organize, etc.. your pictures.
A book I read summarized the new OS as a picture of the old OS, but it is just that, everything about it is new and improved.
So far I have had a very pleasing experience with this machine. All new and different but still very Macintosh. Great for creativity.
Over the years I have not had a regret with the Apple line. It is a good home computer that is very versatile.