What is the latest version of OS X that will work on the flat panel iMac G4's?

Question

I am considering purchasing an older flat panel iMac G4 that currently has no OS installed on it. What version of OS X will work properly on it? would you put Snow Leopard (if possible) or an earlier version of OS X?

Thanks!

Answer 1

OS X 10.5 Leopard stops at the Intel processor switch, meaning G4 and G5 processors can't use 10.6 Snow Leopard, only the newer Intel processor Mac's can.



No worry, you can still get updates and use iTunes and whatnot mostly on 10.5. It's still a supported OS as a lot of Intel Mac's have 10.5 as well as a lot of G5 Mac's too.



Now I don't know exactly what iMac you have, what OS X version it will accept, but you can download the FREE MacTracker and find out.



http://www.mactracker.ca/

Answer 2

You forgot to mention which G4. Always tell us the processor speed. That is the best identifier for a Mac.



The iMac G4 was 700MHz, 800MHz, 1.0GHz, or 1.25GHz. You will run into a "brick wall" trying to install OS 10.5 (Leopard) on any Mac less than 867MHz processor speed. To get past that, install LeopardAssist, free, first link below. If you find it runs a bit slow on a 700MHz, install OS 10.4. That will be a bit faster not only because it needs less processor power, but also because the OS 10.5 retail installation has a lot of multi-platform code to enable using it with either PPC or Intel. In a sense, it is bloated from the kernel on out to allow it to work on both processor types.



Minimum System Requirements for OS 10.5.x:

* Mac computer with an Intel, PowerPC G5, or PowerPC G4 (867MHz or faster) processor

* 512MB of memory

* DVD drive for installation

* 9GB of available disk space

* Some features require a compatible Internet service provider; fees may apply.

* Some features require Apple's MobileMe service; fees apply.

Answer 3

It's difficult to know just what Mac you are talking about. If it is a PowerPC it had Panther installed originally. Specs would be most helpful but I suspect it would not support SnowLeopard and it's possible it may no support Leopard.



Can you find the Model number on it?



PS....the second link below is what Apple calls the iMac G4 (Flat Panel) and if this is what you are looking at...you should be able to tell from exploring the link, exactly which OS it can handle.

Answer 4

You forgot to say the processor speed. Specifications for OS 10.5: * Mac computer with an Intel, PowerPC G5, or PowerPC G4 (867MHz or rapid) processor * 512MB of memory * DVD power for installation * 9GB of to be had disk space if your PB is 700 or 800MHz, use LeopardAssist to permit putting in Leopard. Or else, go for OS 10.Four ("Tiger"). Apple does not present any version of OS X for download. Different web sites do not advertise any copyright program for direct download. Torrents are the common system to get around copyright legal guidelines and keep out of jail.