What's the best way to acquire a cheap iMac G3?

[Ari]

I've always wanted an iMac G3, and with the acquisition of a free Mac Mini I think I want to get a slot-loading BlueBerry or Ruby iMac. On eBay, they're ridiculously expensive, and there's okay prices on CraigsList but they're all too far away from me . Any ideas on a cheap way to pick up an iMac G3?

I live in Chicago, by the way.

[Charliemac]

Just keep a look out really. Prices seem to be on the rise at the moment, however that said, I just picked up a job lot of four 'may or may not be working G3 iMacs', just a month ago.

Three worked with new batteries, (Snow, Lime, Blueberry, all firewire slot loaders), the last one (no firewire), booted a couple of times but the display died. I have a replacement display so will transplant it one of these days.

Gave

[MisterKeeks]

Pretty much what Charlie said. I just got a Graphite off Craigslist for $10, but I had to wait for 6 months before I found one.

[DieHard]

Call your local recycler... you can usually pickup a CRT based iMac G3 for $10 to $20 Fully Working.... Super Easy upgrade by replacing the PATA Hard drive with a quiet 120GB Seagate or WD and Upgraded RAM while your at it to at least 512MB.

If you can afford and find an iMac G4 "Lampshade" LCD Model (2002 800 MHz. or Less) you will own a Mac OS 9 rocket !

[Ari]

Call your local recycler... you can usually pickup a CRT based iMac G3 for $10 to $20 Fully Working.... Super Easy upgrade by replacing the PATA Hard drive with a quiet 120GB Seagate or WD and Upgraded RAM while your at it to at least 512MB.

If you can afford and find an iMac G4 "Lampshade" LCD Model (2002 800 MHz. or Less) you will own a Mac OS 9 rocket !

Thanks! I now have a list of recycling centers near me. Here's the URL:

http://www.dupageco.org/EDP/Waste_Recycling_and_Energy/1549/

I've never attempted to pick a computer up from an electronics recycling center before. Do I just stop by there and pick one up? Also, which centers look like the best?

Thanks !

[DieHard]

They all operate differently...call them first to see if they sell directly to individuals, via eBay, or if they have some incredible auction, etc. 

Also, you can ask them when and where is there next collection event; I have bought many macs in the past by scoping out a "big" recycling event and asking people before they give it away for free, "Hey you want $10 bucks for that....my kid can still use that old iMac" and Voila... they hand you a good machine for the price of 2 happy meals.

[Ari]

They all operate differently...call them first to see if they sell directly to individuals, via eBay, or if they have some incredible auction, etc. 

Also, you can ask them when and where is there next collection event; I have bought many macs in the past by scoping out a "big" recycling event and asking people before they give it away for free, "Hey you want $10 bucks for that....my kid can still use that old iMac" and Voila... they hand you a good machine for the price of 2 happy meals.

:O I'm going to do that.

Thanks !

[Charliemac]

Woo hoo!

Just bagged a boxed immaculate Flower Power for

[doc_retro]

Ari,
    You've been given some good advice.  Cheap, as in $10-20, iMacs exist and can be found.  I live in mid-Michigan, too far to be of help,but I am the volunteer IT support for my wife's parochial school and we still have a few of these.  As newer computers enter the lab,the old lab computers displace the remaining G3/G4s in the classroom, and I sell or give them away. (Funds are returned to the school.)
    Like I say, too far to be of use to you, but I offer this as an example.  There may be schools with these to give away or sell, cheap.  College salvage yards are also a possibility.  I've had good luck there, as well.
   I wish you well - you'll be surprised at how readily you'll get one of these, perhaps without even having to pay for it.  Happy computing!
-Doc_Retro

[supernova777]

are you guys using these imacs for midi?
i think only the imac 233 thru 333mhz models are compatible with the (near impossible to find now) stealth port mod for imacs

[supernova777]

i just saw a few of these in a local shop for 30$ each covered in dust with boxes piled on top of them..
2 x imac DV blue - u can get one of these for almost free