- 2000.04.06
If you want a speedy, dependable machine for surfing the
internet, word processing, spreadsheets, and older games, a
Power Macintosh 6100,
7100, or 8100might 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 640 x 480, and 800 x 600 with only 256
colours. It also uses 1 MB of system memory that is set aside for
video.
800 x 600 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 640 x 480 at thousands of
colours or 800 x 600 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 800 x 600 and
thousands at 1024 x 768.
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.
Further Reading
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 him for assistance. He has upgraded and
reinstalled software on 15 computers at school - and counting
(mostly late 68K Macs and early Power Macs).
