[ghost180sx]

Coming from a guy who uses an LC475, a QS G4 2002 and a MacPro1,1 daily, I don't know why you don't!

The best feature of the older G4 macs is OS 10.4/10.5. They are UNIX, and you can compile or use built in unix utilities every day. For word processing, it's got you covered. You can export to PDF and print nearly anywhere. I prefer older versions of Adobe software, as I'm not locked into their stupid subscription fees and have no need for their newer features. I can use VNC apps to remote access nearly every machine I have on my network at a very good speed. Developer tools are free and there are plenty of packages out there that get you new versions of dev tools on that machine. The only thing stopping people from using them is the effort to actually using them. I think it's worth it when you can pick them up for next to nothing on the second hand market!

[SuicideK]

That MDD G4 has plenty of power for running 10.4/10.5 and OS9 apps. The worst thing about the MDD (from anyone who has owned one) is the fans. They are substantially louder than most Macs. If you plan to use it regularly then 1). Change the fans 2). Put it in another room :-D

[commodorejohn]

Additionally, if you're only going to run OS9, change out the dual-CPU module for a single-CPU one, if you can find it. Drastically cuts down on heat issues and helps with the fan noise.