2006 mac pro worth it?

[kenny87ky]

So I am contemplating buying a mac for some reason. I really want to try one and haven't used them since elementary school, which was 15+ years ago. I knew the mac pro was out of my league and was not designed for the average user, but I notice that the 2006 versions have hit the $550-$600 mark for the lowest prices I've seen.

I'm not a laptop lover, so it was between this an imac, or mac mini. I know its outdated, but considering the prices I thought for an average user who prefers desktops it may be worth considering, I mean if people are paying $600 for a new mac mini this has got to be worth that much I would think?

But I am not certain, perhaps its worth the extra for a newer imac or something?

So, is this worth considering for someone wanting to take a look at the mac but doesn't really need the raw power of the latest offerings, honestly I am better suited for PC, as the most intensive things I would do is gaming and everything else is easily handled on this 2.10Ghz dual core intel laptop I am using with integrated graphics and 4 gigs of ram. If I ever get back into gaming I will build me a windows machine, but at the same time I would still like a mac to try at least once in my life, I am sure I am not the only windows guy who still like to use a mac now and then.

 

[derbothaus]

Everything in Apple's current lineup is faster now than than even the dual 3.0GHz Mac Pro 1,1.

A 2.3GHz i5 (MacMini base) scores around 5800 in Geekbench. All models get faster from there.
A 1,1 Mac Pro nets you 3700-5400. If the model advertised is the 3.0GHz one it may be worth it but don't do the 2.0GHz. It is literally 2x 2.0GHz Core 2 Duos. You'll probably want to install an updated graphics card as well. The Radeon HD5770 works even though it is listed as unsupported.

 

[DustinT]

The iMac is such a great system. I'd go that route unless you've already got a high end monitor, keyboard and mouse. They are really, really nice. Not to mention faster and more power efficient than the old Mac Pro.

 

[kenny87ky]

hmmm...considering the imac should I get a new one or try to save $300 or more and go for a 2010 model? I have noticed one issue I have with the newest ones is the non replacable HDD, this could be a problem because whenever I go to let go of one of my computers, weather I sell or give it away, I always trash and replace the HDD, never trusted myself to completley wipe it.