On May 26, 2010, at 8:42 AM, Mathieu Malaterre wrote:
Hi there, For a toy project I am looking for a big endian machine where I could run debian on it (of course!). I tried using qemu + a powerpc image but running a C++ compiler / linker was extraodinarly slow. G5 is just way to expensive for me. If possible I would like to avoid having to buy a used machine on ebay. Can I find something in the range [1000$ - 1500$] ? Thanks a bunch !-- Mathieu
Take a look here: http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Apple/PMG4MDD125/Apple PowerMac G4 Mirrored Drive Door Dual 1.25GHz G4, 512MB RAM/120GB HD/DVD-R/ATI Radeon 9000 AGP Video.
Perfect for Debian. US$350. I'd recommend upgrading the RAM to 2 GB (max for the box) and installing a USB-2.0 card (the MB has only USB-1.1) which might add a couple of hundred dollars to the price -- still within your stated range.
I've bought stuff from them before (in fact, a similar machine) and been very happy with the results.
The 1.25 GHz G4 processor is roughly the equivalent in compute power to a 2 GHz Pentium, so it's a pleasingly quick little machine.
Enjoy! Rick