Another G5? iMac or PowerMac

[wedgeseven]

Just need a little more insight. Looking to purchase my first Mac. I am debating between a PowerMac dual 2.0 or an iMac 2.1 20". Money is kind of an issue here but so is longevity of the machine.

A refurbed iMac 2.1 (G5) is going for $1299 at the apple store, with upgrading the ram I would looking at about $1500 total.

Power Mac dual 2.0's are going on ebay for about $1500 most of them having more around 1gb of ram already. In additon to the $1500 I would need a display as well which are going for around $600 total on ebay. So about a total of $2100+

I am looking for some extra input on which machine is the better deal.

I understand the iMac is a great machine and has the built in screen but my worries are the longevity and lack of upgrade ability.

Power Macs are also great but price with display is pretty killer.

What are your thoughts on advantages of one over the other and is it worth the extra 600 or so for a display for a longer life span?

 

[wedgeseven]

anybody have any insight for me, 30 some views no replies.

 

[Eidorian]

How badly do you need 20" on that iMac G5?

 

[wedgeseven]

I'm not a fan really of the 17" model. I have a 17" display right now and its just to small.

 

[Eidorian]

I'm not a fan really of the 17" model. I have a 17" display right now and its just to small.

The 2.1 GHz G5 is a great machine if you're looking for that big screen and a modest price point. It's also VERY QUIET too. One of my friends has the same 20" model and it was whisper quiet doing iMovie encoding when set to the Highest Performance.

The G5's have a lot more life than the G4's so it'll last you at least 3 years.

 

[plinkoman]

you could also spend an extra couple hundred dollars on getting a new intel iMac, which will most certainly have a good long lifespan.

but if you choose to go with the G5, you wont have too much to worry about, it will last for awhile, though it's anyones best guess when software will cease to be universal and become intel only.

 

[Keebler]

it will last as long as you let it

remember, this is a computer. it's pretty much outdated as soon as you buy it.

that said, there are folks using very old macs to this day and they function very well. sure, those old machines probably don't encode HD video, but your imac or powermac will for a long time.

if you don't need a machine for a business of video work, then get an imac. perfect for home use and hobby work. no need spending the extra on a powermac.

you'll love it!