Upgrade input/opinions

[DumTech]

I've run into some frustrations with my trusty PowerMac 7100... Namely, I've gotten a little bit of freelance design work, but lack output hardware! From what I've been told, I'm fairly limited with this machine. No PCI slots, no USB (with no possibility for it, lacking the PCI slots) in a world where everything is USB...
I'm considering an upgrade to a beige G3, as I think that'll give me the best mix of increased capability and affordability (like a G3/233 128RAM/4GB HD). I think that should actually blow me away, considering the retro state I've been in... (Ask me about my Amiga with a 50 meg hard drive...)

Anyone with any further ideas or input? I'll also welcome printer (or multifunction - I love the HP Officejet G85, but am not sure about HP's Macintosh support...) recommendations.

Thanks to any and all who can donate 2 cents...
Matt

 

[Ecaboodle]

You could even try one of the other two G3 models.

They also made a 266Mhz model. How every the both of them do not have USB or Fire wire on board. You have to buy a PCI card for this. About 30 to 40 earth pounds, not sure about dollars.

Followed by the B/w G3 which has every thing that you would need on board. Two USB and Two Fire wire. But no SCSI. Adaptec 2906 cards is about 30 to 50 pounds.

I must say I did like the G3 266 model.

 

[newport]

I faced similar problems and minimum budget for my hobby!
My solution - a 9500/9600. Fast motherboard, will accept daughter cards, G3, G4. Has immense capacity for PCI cards, and is happy with USB, Firewire + you will still have floppy, scsi, cd support. These machines are probably the most flexible Macs ever made, and if you can find one they are usually reasonably priced. The 8500/8600 is also a good choice, I am told. Both were originally aimed at the top end of the professional graphics market

 

[DumTech]

Many thanks!I looked at some 9600 systems after reading the responses, and I think that might be a good course too... Definitely a plus to have all those PCI slots! I'm only looking at about a $100 difference between a beige G3 233 (or 266) and a 9600 though, so I have a tough decision to make... Thanks again for the input...Any printer/multifunction advice?Matt

 

[DumTech]

For the record, I went with a Beige G3/233 DT in the end... Other G3's were a little out of my range.

I have a SCSI ZIP already, so the onboard SCSI was a plus. Added a PCI>USB card already, and I was also glad to see a RJ45 ethernet jack on the back. My wife will probably get the 7100, so at least I don't have to buy another transceiver to keep everything on the network...

Thanks again y'all...

Matt

 

[michellette]

There are a number of HP Printers out there which have been re-badged for Apple (e.g. Stylewriters) so there's a good chance you will find a compatible model. Check out Apple's TIL (Tech Info Library)

http://guide.apple.com/au/categories/

 

[DumTech]

As it turns out, the cheapo printer (Lexmark Z12) we got for my wife to use with WebTV is sufficient for now. In fact, I'm rather impressed with it, considering it cost us less than $50.

Of course, my wife doesn't like the fact that I run off with her printer all the time now...

Going to check out the site you recommended for future reference anyway... Thanks!