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TICKET ARCHIVE -> PowerPC G4 runs slow

alexhyman - Dec 26, 2007 - 4:33 pm

I have a PowerPC g4 12" notebook, 1.5Ghz with 512 MB DDR SRAM, running Tiger 10.4.10 and it's ridiculously slow (to the point that it's more or less only good for a paper weight). We do very little with this computer...mostly word and some excel and web browsing. The major problem pertains to using it with wifi. It shows full strength from the access point but loading pages takes forever. I have another 12" unit that's very similar spec wise which performs better along with a 15" one but all three have basically been dogs as far as wifi. My beat up dell laptop blows them all away when using the same wifi connection. But the one I'm writing about is a disaster...I know some people will say that 512 MB of ram isn't enough but for the work we're doing I would think it should at least provide reasonable performance. One inclination I had was to do a complete new install on Tiger as well as all software programs. Please advise on how best to address this. Thanks.

earthsaver - Dec 26, 2007 - 8:23 pm

Rather than reinstalling Tiger, I would download and install the 10.4.11 combo update and repair permissions after you restart. And, if you're not leaving your PowerBooks on and awake at night, I'd use Onyx or a similar utility to run UNIX's periodic maintenance routines.

For sure, PC laptops are likely to make better wireless connections because they are made of plastic and aluminum often produces a significant amount more interference—even though the PowerBook antennas alone are covered with plastic instead. Still, there's a known difference here. Upgrading the antenna with one of QuickerTek's products or an Edimax nMax card would make a difference, too, or sometimes just turning the computer physically is enough.

Also, though your use is minimal, memory is cheap and overall interface response will be significantly faster with an upgrade.

- Ben