Help, I've never owned a Mac before

[triciachesney]

I am wanting to buy a MAC. I have found this one on ebay, does not seem too badly priced to me,but I don't know how to gauge since I have never owned one. Can someone look at these specs and let me know what it's worth so I don't bid too much? I WOULD REALLY APPRECIATE IT!!!

Product Family: iMac
Memory (RAM): 1.5 GB
Processor Type: PowerPC G5
Hard Drive Capacity: 80 GB
Processor Speed: 1.8 GHz
Operating System: Mac OS 10.4, Tiger
Processor Configuration: Single S
creen Size: 17 inches
Condition: Used

17" single G5 1.8ghz processor
1.5GB RAM
superdrive
80GB hard drive
OSX 10.4.10
GeForce FX 5200 graphics card
Airport card included
Bluetooth
power cable, keyboard and mouse included
USB 2.0 and 1.1
Firewire 400
http://support.apple.com/specs/imac/iMac_G5.html for complete specs
comes with Final Cut Studio 2, Microsoft Office 2004, iLife 06, Adobe Photoshop 7.0, Toast Ti 6, iWork 06 and more

 

[petvas]

The G5 is an obsolete model, so I wouldn't buy it! Having said that and if you want to bid for it, then try not to give more than 400$...

 

[hologram]

I can't tell you what it's worth, but I can tell you this is a last-generation PPC Mac, before they moved to the Intel processor. If you're new to Mac and want a computer that will last for a long time, it would probably be better to get a new (or newer) one with an Intel processor.

There's a lot of software bundled with the one on eBay, but you'll probably have to stick with the versions that are already on the machine, because it's likely that any updates will be for the newer Intel processor and might not run on a G5.

Then again it depends on what you want to do with it. If you just want a computer for email, web browsing, writing letters, etc. and you don't care about adding new software or doing anything more heavy-duty over the next few years, it might be fine.

 

[dan7592]

Power pc's are becoming more obsolete, so try to get an intel imac. Some programs are made specifically for the intel imacs and will not work on a power pc imac.

 

[aliquis-]

Power pc's are becoming more obsolete, so try to get an intel imac. Some programs are made specifically for the intel imacs and will not work on a power pc imac.

But on the other side some apps are PPC only aswell, and most new apps are universal binary so they will run anyway. I guess?

But yes, maybe a stupid buy, 17" is a little small and fx5200 isn't hot in any way =P

 

[pknz]

I can't tell you what it's worth, but I can tell you this is a last-generation PPC Mac, before they moved to the Intel processor. If you're new to Mac and want a computer that will last for a long time, it would probably be better to get a new (or newer) one with an Intel processor.

There's a lot of software bundled with the one on eBay, but you'll probably have to stick with the versions that are already on the machine, because it's likely that any updates will be for the newer Intel processor and might not run on a G5.

Then again it depends on what you want to do with it. If you just want a computer for email, web browsing, writing letters, etc. and you don't care about adding new software or doing anything more heavy-duty over the next few years, it might be fine.

Last Generation PPC?

I think this is the Revision A G5 iMac.

FX5200 then Radeon 9600 then iSight iMac?

 

[mrbolano]

The G5 is an obsolete model, so I wouldn't buy it! Having said that and if you want to bid for it, then try not to give more than 400$...

You need to do a little research on ebay. There are tonnes of these PPC models out there at the moment due to the transition to Intel and some great bargains to be had. Search for similar models and watch what price they go for. Ask yourself how much you are willing to pay.

Also, consider what you need this for and how long you intend to have it. If it's for internet and word processing then it will suit you fine. No need to go intel unless you intend to do some fairly CPU intensive stuff like RAW files in photoshop of DVD ripping and burning then maybe you should look at an Intel option.

Don't listen to people who crap on about it being obsolete either. This is still a very good computer.

Its about finding a computer that suits your needs not just the latest and greatest.