ibook, panther and 96MB RAM

[e.mkeene]

> I ask because I'm running Panther on the same iBook, but at the moment
> chugging a long with only 96MB...

Any computer trying to run Panther on 96MB RAM HAS TO CHUG. The fact it 
is even chugging is miraculous. It should just tell you to get lost 
instead. {Huge difference in behavior between Macs and PCs given awful 
working conditions   8? ) OS 9 on the clamshells chugged with only 96 
MBs of RAM. I know, I tried to use it to file online reports and it 
would take hours. As soon as I maxed the
RAM to 160 (top possible at the time) it was a happy camper.

How much you should invest in the laptop depends on your future plans 
for it and how long you will keep it. If you plan to run Panther on it, 
more RAM is an absolute requirement but don't get a small chip, get as 
much as you can afford, 256MB at a minimum and be sure to install the 
firmware upgrade before you install the extra RAM. Panther will work 
more happily on ac than with 96MB of ram.

If you plan to keep the ibook for a year or two, RAM and a new battery 
(if you need portability) will be essential. Between the 2, given 
Panther in the mix, RAM is the most crucial purchase.

If your primary use of the ibook is typing and a lot of mousing, the 
clamshell is still the gold standard for comfort. I have finally made 
peace with the icebook keyboard by using a PodiumPad to keep the 
pressure of the hard edge off my wrists. But using the trackpad a lot 
is really tough on the thumb and wrist with the icebooks and snowbooks, 
even the 14" doesn't change that much.

There are people who have money and people who are rich.
--Coco Chanel