Gemini Indecision - can you cure me?

[keewaydin]

I'm not a mac newbie, but this is my first post, anywhere, ever.

Anyway, I get the following deal through work:

50% toward the cost of a computer (up to total $1250 subsidy) every two years. If I buy a laptop, I'd be eligible for an additional $300 outright for external display, keyboard, etc.

So, obviously, I'm itching to take advantage of the deal. Basically, I'd like to have a speedy desktop and adequate laptop in rotation (or possibly two laptops?). So, to take maximum advantage of the subsidy, I'd have each in a 4 year replacement cycle.

Currently, I have an 867MHz 12" PBG4 (640MB RAM; 40 gig HD) and a long-in-the-tooth Sawtooth PMG4 (originally 350MHz, upgraded to 800MHz; 896MB RAM; 120gig +13gig HDs; Superdrive, stock ATI rage128; 15" Samsung SyncMaster display) both running Panther.

I'm leaning toward a 20" iMac. But then again, a mini with a 23" ACD would give me a great display and cheap CPU replacability (of the retire it and start over variety). Of course a low-end dual core PM looks tasty, too; or a refurb DP PM. Or perhaps I should wait for a rev A intel PB plus a display. And maybe I should consider resale residual value. These are tough times for a Gemini.

My typical needs aren't too processor intensive: some photo/video but it's not my livelihood. But I also want to avoid the spinning beachball of death when the machine is late in its replacement cycle. So, basically, what would you do?

Thanks.

 

[plinkoman]

i'd go for the powermac and a display since your powerbook isn't THAT old just yet, and then in two years you'll be able to get a real nice rev B or later intel powerbook.

thats what i would do if i was in your situation, and seeing how you get 50% toward a computer, i really wish i were in your situation

 

[FFTT]

I have to agree.

Your PowerBook is still a great little machine for actual portable needs
so I'd concentrate on replacing your desktop.

The 20" iMac would cover your overall needs quite well at a reasonable price, but there's nothing quite like a PowerMac for performance and expandibility.

If you're spending 40+ hours a week in front of a display, I would consider
the Apple 20" ACD, or the Dell 24" 2405FPW

If you decide to replace your PowerBook, you'll be amazed at the performance of the new 12" iBook.

The added cost of the new 12" PowerBook is only warranted if you simply
must use the DVI output.

No matter which model you choose, I'd plan on adding a 1 GB stick of RAM.
OS X thrives on RAM.

 

[budugu]

I'm not a mac newbie, but this is my first post, anywhere, ever.

Anyway, I get the following deal through work:

50% toward the cost of a computer (up to total $1250 subsidy) every two years. If I buy a laptop, I'd be eligible for an additional $300 outright for external display, keyboard, etc.

First of all where do you work? Anyway my advice is to get a 17" Powerbook. Since your requirements are not that high. just take the maximum advantage of the rebate! 17" stock = 2500. Now over that you will have the 300$ for monitor/ mighty mouse etc. The new 17" is atleast twice as fast than any of your machines (and can act as both desktop and a laptop). Keep the old 12" for mobility or just sell that too to reduce the gap! . sell the sawtooth and you can even get a 20" LCD panel to go with!