I have the chance to purchase a G4 Powerbook with a view to using the upcoming MorphOS 3 on it, Ive followed a buyers guide that was posted in an Amiga forum and everything checks out, the PowerBook is a 1.67Ghz 2GB Ram and the model is 5,8 with a 1440X900 screen... Its going for £230 which I thought was reasonable, except it looks like the palm rest above the super drive has possibly been stepped on in the past as the whole area on the right hand side has flex in it when pressed on and the superdrive slot is deformed on the top edge. On closer inspection there are two small notches in the drive slot near the center suggesting it has been twisted back open with a screw driver. I had took an audio CD with me to check the drive, it loads the disc and I was able to view the AIFF icons but cant play the disc due to a lack of itunes so quicktime refused to operate. So Im just wondering what other peoples opinion would be as I just cant make my mind up wether to buy it or not.
The aluminium along the front edge is no longer flush with the grey plastic edging trim hence the flexibility, there was also a screw missing on the right hand side and the two screws left and right at the top of the keyboard appear to be loose. I hope Ive described this in enough detail to make sense.

[ Edited by Dazx 14.01.2012 - 11:48 ]

The last couple of 17" 1.67 on ebay went for less than that, undamaged, that's far too much for a 5 year old damaged Powerbook, in my 'umble and all that.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/300643269988?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

15" one? Maybe try an offer?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/110806209575?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:VRI&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2661

Unfortunately I dont use ebay, and when buying hardware I prefer to see it in person and price wise compared to others I have seen on Gumtree etc its about average :)

Sometimes waiting is the best course. I am fortunate to have two (5,8)'s waiting for 3.0.
In the months waiting, I have used the CD drive only with system installs and hardware checks. There are DIY videos to repair the powerbook and the drive replacement is the "easier" of the fixes. Replacement drives are plenty . The PowerBook has been around six plus years and many of the bugs have been reported along with their fixes :) Google the Powerbook. Stephen's advice is well taken. You better shop around!

Thanks to both of you for your comments, I posed the question on another forum and a reply there was also of the opinion that it is a little spendy to splash the cash on, so Im just going to let this one go and wait to see what else is available, cheers :)

I think you made a good choice. Wait for the right one, there are plenty of G4 PBs to be picky.

I know your buying face to face but check out my newbie guide for some pointers:

Newbie PB Guide

Or
http://dreamolers.binaryriot.org/powerbooks.html

Or

https://morph.zone/modules/newbb_plus/viewtopic.php?topic_id=8042&forum=11#88875


[ Edited by osco 14.01.2012 - 08:47 ]

Many thanx for the input everyone, I have since left an offer of £160 on the table with an absolute max of £180

Ended up buying an Amiga A1200 instead lol :D