Desktop Macs

[digitaldean]

I am consulting for a client. He is going to start a new publishing business and is going to need some new PowerMacs.

Do I bother recommending getting new G5s knowing that new Intels are coming this year? (and that the software will eventually be going to Intel)

Don't want him spending tens of thousands on computers that, while still powerful, will be phased out in the next 12 months.

I am recommending the MacBook Pros since he is presently on a 2nd Gen iBook for a notebook Mac. Even in Rosetta, he'd be light years ahead from where he is now.

 

[kretzy]

I would tell him to wait until the end of the year to see the entire Intel Apple line-up. In the mean time the MBP should suffice.

 

[p:ro]

The dualcore G5's will last for a while - I wouldn't get a MacBook Rev.A for sure!

He wants to buy new a new desktop Mac NOW - without spending thousands of $ for new software liscences aswell - I bet. So using the software he has now, why should he use them on a crippled (Rosetta) Intel Mac, if he can get PowerMacs / run his software natively and be happy for years...

That Intel Hype is way to big sometimes - PowerMacs G5 will do a professional job for sure.
"phased out" - I don't think most Designer/Architects/Photographers/etc. invest every year into new systems - specially not software. The Intel PowerMacs Rev.A will be phased out too in 24 months...

Go for PowerMacs G5's and discuss the software issue with your client.

http://www.barefeats.com/mvdcpc.html

if he has the money for Quads he will be save for a while - Duals are still great! Competetive

 

[digitaldean]

Thanks!

Appreciate the feedback.

Anyone else who wishes to chime in, please do!

 

[Blue Velvet]

I would never recommend laptops (MacBook Pros or not) for publishing unless portability was the no. 1 concern. Otherwise, you're just throwing money at the wrong solution... better to get PMs with generous RAM and with good 21"+ CRTs for cost-effective design.

PPC will be supported by Apple for another 5 years, possibly longer by most major software vendors. CS3 will be a universal release -- not Intel-only, same with Quark.

Encourage him to get some refurbed PM G5s and he'll be in business straightaway and earning money with current releases of all major apps.

I'm not worried about being able to support our dual 2.5s here at work for the next 3-5 years.

 

[p:ro]

Encourage him to get some refurbed PM G5s and he'll be in business straightaway and earning money with current releases of all major apps.

That's the only way - there are a lot of them out there for your client!

I wanted to mention the timeframe of 3-4 years - but thought that no0ne would listen anyway to a macrumors newbie =.= It's only the games, which get more demanding nonstop - not the software.
PowerMacs are made for work and they will work!!

Intel Mac Hype shouldn't concern professional at all.

 

[tveric]

If your client needs machines RIGHT NOW, I'd get the PowerMacs and forget about the Intels. As the previous poster said, the PPC will be supported for quite some time yet. If they can wait a year, then wait for the Intel Mac "pro" desktop line.

I just bought a laptop to replace my aging 667 PB, and it wasn't a tough choice - with stuff like Photoshop running at half-speed on the MacBook Pros, and no sign from Adobe that they plan to show us an Intel version of PS in the next year, I went with the 12" Powerbook. The Intel Macs will be a good purchasing option, but not for at least a year, unless you plan to use exclusively Apple software.

 

[twoodcc]

I would tell him to wait until the end of the year to see the entire Intel Apple line-up. In the mean time the MBP should suffice.

i agree. unless you have to have the new systems right now

 

[i.Feature]

Quite a few companies/resellers lease equipment. I would probably set up a short term lease on the computers. This has a few advantages.

1. you can try out a variety of machines to see which fits the company the best. imac or powermac.

2. leases are better tax write offs than purchases. (at least here in Canada)

3. When new equipement (intel boxes) come out. You get to upgrade with little if any substancial increase in price,

4. Most leases have end of lease purchase options. While this may seem like paying more over the life of the machines the business would actually be better off through tax exemptions.

 

[_bnkr612]

The CPU shouldn't matter at the end of the day. You can still run a successful business with some Quicksilvers and 17" monitors, running 10.2.

It's your ability to be successful without depending on what type of CPU you use is more important.

But to answer the question, get some refurbed PMac G5s. They will be respectable for 4-5 more years. Buy some iPods too, clients need to see progress, might as well show it on the little screeny.

Good on ya.