Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Fool to buy a G5 Imac from Costco?
- Thread starter jwp333
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Only thing that would give me pause is wondering what new and unpredicted program or device might be unleashed in, say, two or three years that will work much better with the Intel chip. Nice to be future-proofed when you can be. But maybe it depends on how long you anticipate using the machine you're about to buy. Surely it has a few good and healthy years to go. Savings versus the latest chip. You can't go right, you can't go wrong.
Further -- if you don't mind the not-the-very-latest-thing model, don't forget to look at the refurbished models at the Apple store online. 1.9 GHz 17" G5 iMac for $999, and deals on refurbished Intel models, too. You could have it both ways. I should get a commission for this.
I REALLY would go with the Intel model. The G5 model is great and all but if you can get the 17" Intel iMac for the same price I'd do that. The Intel iMac will last longer then the G5, plus you have the option to run Windows on it once you no longer want to use it for OS X.
I'm in Costco at least once a week and walk by these things wondering if I should pick one up. The deal is good, and it includes 3 years of AppleCare, which really makes it attractive.
Right now I'm running a G4 iMac that does everything I need pretty well, so I can't imagine that moving up to a G5 would be a disappointment relative to the Intel iMac. Some of us just don't need the latest and greatest device.
That being said, it also depends on your real need. If you don't have to have it now, I'd suggest waiting until the Intel version settles down and you can get the next generation of devices that are better supported by Universal Binaries. That's what I'm planning to do, given that most of my tasks, especially on my home machine, are limited to fairly basic functionality. Even my Photoshop endeavors are pretty harmless.
Right now I'm running a G4 iMac that does everything I need pretty well, so I can't imagine that moving up to a G5 would be a disappointment relative to the Intel iMac. Some of us just don't need the latest and greatest device.
That being said, it also depends on your real need. If you don't have to have it now, I'd suggest waiting until the Intel version settles down and you can get the next generation of devices that are better supported by Universal Binaries. That's what I'm planning to do, given that most of my tasks, especially on my home machine, are limited to fairly basic functionality. Even my Photoshop endeavors are pretty harmless.
Original poster here. Good point about the refurb price on Apple website. It is about the same. But if I had my druthers, I think I'd buy new.
One other thought came to me. If Leopard includes more 64 bit computing, might the G5 take the lead over the 32 bit Intel CoreDuo? Just wondering if that has been commented on.
One other thought came to me. If Leopard includes more 64 bit computing, might the G5 take the lead over the 32 bit Intel CoreDuo? Just wondering if that has been commented on.
This is the last beating of the refurb drum that I'll do but you might be interested in this forum:
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/195238/
And a friend of mine went that route and has been very happy with his machine.
In any case, thanks for the vicarious shopping experience.
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/195238/
And a friend of mine went that route and has been very happy with his machine.
In any case, thanks for the vicarious shopping experience.