Older B&W G3 OS 9.1 advice?

[Another1]

I'm a long time Apple guy... but my latest Mac is a B&W G3/400 running OS 9.1. I don't use it much lately because (sadly) the much faster PC I use cost me a fraction of the price to build.

Right now I'm not ready to buy a new Mac and upgrade to OS X but I wanted to get your opinion on using my older Mac for my new 30 gig ipod due to arrive in a day or two. My two options are to use the OS 9.1/itunes on the Mac or use one of a variety of options on a speedy PC.

I am NOT trying to make this a Mac vs PC war would just like to get candid feedback on pros and cons of using an older Mac for ripping and ipod. My concern above all is speed to RIP and actually I may even have hard drive issues so is there really THAT compelling of a reason to use the Mac if I'm stuck with OS9?

[caterinka]

I think your biggest issue will come in with the firewire card for synching. Do you have one in either your G3 or your PC?

[eustacescrubb]

Then, too, remember that OS 9 will only support iTunes 2, which means no Smart Playlists, OTG playlists, or AAC support.

[Another1]

My B&W does have firewire built in.

I could upgrade to OS X but I would have to remove the Voodoo 5500 graphics card that seemed much faster than a stock graphics card because last time I tried OS X it didn't like the voodoo.

My PC has an audigy with built in firewire and I believe I have a converter (4 to 6 pin) if needed.

If I convert the B&W to OS X won't it be very slow - if its primary purpose is for itunes and ipod? Or do you think it is worth it? ...a slight bit off topic but if those upgrades for $200-$300 to put a G4 on top of my G3 will really make a difference I might consider it but don't want to waste $ if I really need to upgrade the Mac...

[eustacescrubb]

Jaguar might not have an issue with the graphics card. If you're just using the g3 for iPod/iTunes purposes, it should run plenty fast enough.