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mister790
2.2k
Asked
Finding a use for a PowerBook 190
I'm trying to figure out what to do with an old PowerBook 190 that I've recently resurrected. I thought I might use it as a barebones writing machine, but the keyboard's pretty terrible. I've fixed it up with an ethernet PC card and can hook it up to my network, but there are very few websites that can be viewed very well with OS 7.5.5.
I considered trying to make it into a digital picture frame, but it only has a black and white screen.
It could be fun to use it as a headline news ticker, but I can't find a barebones site or program that will work with the system.
Any thoughts/sugges
Edited by: Matt Newsom ( )
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mister790
2.2k
Answered
Accepted Answer
Answering myself here -- hope that's permitted.
All my poking around hasn't turned up any news ticker software that will work with OS 7.5.5. But I have found a few text-only or very graphics-light news sites that the computer's able to handle. Namely:
Probably not enough for me to actually keep the computer on my desk, but it's a small start.
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QEII Student IT
3.7k
Answered
We have a 150 and it is no use within a school environment anymore, to us it is a museum piece. It looks cool on display next to a 2008 iMac.
As for tickertape, the only thing I can think of would be to play a movie or a slideshow with text scrolling across, but I am interested to hear what anyone else has to say.
Another thought, According to MacTracker, the PowerBook 190 can run Mac OS 8. Maybe upgrading to that would give enhanced functionality?
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rj713
39.1k
Answered
I'm not certain to what use you can find for the old warhorse but have included a URL to a site with old and not so old software for older machines. Ralph
Another site with software for older Macs is http://www.jagshouse.com/cds.html#sw Hope you find something useful. Ralph
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rab777hp
13.6k
Answered
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wlewisiii
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They still work very well as a basic word processor. Put something like Word 5.1 on it and it will still work very well. I would hate to try and do statistical analysis on it, but for 75% of non internet uses around the house, a 68030 or 68040 machine still has plenty of horsepower and there are some fun old games out there if you look just a little bit.
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If you pry the keys off the keyboard and drill small holes in them you can make cool earrings for women with some cheap parts, as well as keychains.
If you're willing to dive deep enough into the bowels, RAM chips and circuit boards with holes drilled in them can make cool keychains as well.
