With LCD iMacs hitting the $100 range, it is time for me to retire my 1999 G3 iMacs in my outbuildings. They are very handy for iTunes and using the web but are pretty slow.

Although the outbuildings are heated and insulted, I only run the heat when I am in there. As a result, they will get pretty cold and during the summer can get rather warm. The CRT iMacs never had a problem.

Also, I would not mind moving an older LCD TV in one out building too.

Do these LCD panels handle the cold and heat okay?

Also, I can get a G4 iMac for about $50-75, G5 iMac for about $125, and a first generation Intel 17" iMac for about $175-200. Is it worth the extra money for the newer ones?

LCDs can handle below zero temps for storage. Like any electronics though they should be a minimum temp to run, and of course condensation while warming up.

Thanks I'll keep that in mind - just kidding

The G4 are too slow for a lot nowadays. I would get the Intel model, not just for the great speed bump but as you have seen besides software limitations, most is Intel only anymore, internet has it's hiccups now on PPC. G5 can go to Leopard. The late 2006 models were the Core 2 Duo and can run Lion, the first two 2006 Core Duo models are stuck on Snow Leopard.

Make sure the LCD display doesn't have any lines when lit up, both the G5 and early Intel models had problems with that. Apple replaced them under an as needed recall.

Cute. What's this cold weather you speak of he says.

Its 75 F, is that cold enough -

Okay, double middle fingers.

Did I make myself clear?

I found a late 2006 Core 2 Duo that should work for pretty cheap. Did the lcd problem hit the late 2006 model?

W860xxxxxx serial line.

As little as you'll be running them I wouldn't worry as long as they are solid by now.

I really lucked out on two newer iMacs. One was a G5 but needed a hard drive...$25!

The other is late 2006 Core 2 Duo for $125 that did not have mouse and keyboard but looked new and had the good serial number for the LCD.

I placed the Intel one in my fitness room. I have it running Lion and is a HUGE improvement over the G3 iMac. I will have it running my outdoor wireless speakers in addition to iTunes and a fitness log (which I have seven years worth of data to transfer!). I still have the QuickSilver running 24/7. I probably will be moving in an old LCD TV next:



In my barn/workshop, I placed the G5. I mainly use it for iTunes and to use the internet when needed. It is also quite an improvement over the G3...at least I can surf rather fast. I updated it to Leopard. The issue I ran into there is a lot of Apple's PPC items are no longer supported via software update (like iTunes) and I had to download them separately:



The old (literarily) but heated and drive in workshop:



I also am able to use Remote Desktop to update and control these as needed...a nice benefit when doing lots of updates at once.