iMac vs. PowerMac

[d.garcia.long]

I am looking to buy a new mac after Macworld, but I need some help. I know this is done often around here, but what better place to ask than those who know best?

I will mainly be using a computer for home/office use. I will do some light graphic design, light editing on Final Cut, and DVD Authoring on DVD Studio Pro. Do you think the iMac will suffice, or will I need a PowerMac? I obviously like the iMac price and space efficiency better, but what will get me far?

Thanks ahead for taking the time to help me out.

 

[asencif]

It should be ok for everything you listed there especially if it's light Final Cut Pro. DVD Studio Pro is a bit of a memory hog, so getting at least 1.5GB RAM is a must. Also, if you do decide on getting into more of Final Cut and need/like to upgrade your computer then a PM is best. Watch for Macworld just in case there is a new iMac released. Not that likely and the PM is even less likely anything will happen as far as updates go.

 

[FFTT]

The iMac should cover your needs for light DVD work although any heavy rendering would be better on a PowerMac if you're concerned more with
production.

You may need to eventually add an external HD for the iMac if your projects start taking up too much HD space, but that's all I can think of.

Buy your extra RAM third party at either OWC, Datamem of Crucial.

 

[dukebound85]

heres a thread that could help you out

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/169799/

 

[adk]

Imac will be fine. Save yourself some money.

 

[chicagdan]

You can't go wrong with either ... look for the best deal. I was all set to buy a PowerMac last week, but spied a $1399 2.1 GhZ iMac demo at the local Apple Store (it was a window display, which is the lightest use imaginable for a demo), so I grabbed it. Great machine, outstanding display and I don't care what Apple announces Tuesday, I couldn't be happier with it.