Is buying older Mac Pro worth it?

[marble157]

There is a 1,1 Mac Pro with a 30" monitor for $600 on craigslist. It would be for my dad and would be used mostly for excel and web browsing. It doesn't need to be a graphical powerhouse. His eyes aren't the greatest so the 30" monitor would be nice.

Is this a decent purchase or is this computer much too old?

http://lincoln.craigslist.org/ele/4556751799.html

 

[rickvanr]

Those monitors are amazing. Can't speak for the computer though, but my 4,1 is still chugging along like a champ though.

 

[brand]

From the usage you describe he would be much better served by a Mac Mini. Especially since the Mac Pro 1,1 is ancient.

 

[tele-fragd]

It'll work fine for what you've described, but I wouldn't underestimate the amount of electricity that thing chugs.

He'd be better off with a Mac Mini.

 

[marble157]

I'm really more interested in the monitor. Would a Mac mini drive a 30" monitor?

 

[fuchsdh]

I'm really more interested in the monitor. Would a Mac mini drive a 30" monitor?

What 30" monitor is it? Mac mini can drive a lot, but it depends on the specs of the monitor. If it's a 30" Apple Cinema Display it could drive it no problem, but it would need a dual-link DVI to displayport adapter (otherwise you're limited to half the resolution. And 1280x 800 on a 30" monitor would be huge even for your dad )

Displayport can drive at least a 1440p display so you should be covered for most monitors, as modern 27" top out at that resolution unless they're doing 4K.

EDIT: I'm an idiot, I just skipped over the link since it wasn't hyperlinked blue Yeah you'll need an adapter but it'll work fine.

In terms of monitors, though, I'm sure you could get a 27" screen that's as high a resolution, has a smaller profile and footprint, sucks less energy, and would look nicer, for a lot less—Newegg has a huge selection of 23-27" monitors for $100-200.

 

[marble157]

Ok thanks

 

[pertusis1]

Those monitors are beautiful, and cost about $600 without a computer. The 1,1 is nit worth much, though.

 

[marble157]

Those monitors are beautiful, and cost about $600 without a computer. The 1,1 is nit worth much, though.

That's what I was thinking. I was looking at the tower as a bonus. It seems like it's probably not worth it though.

 

[666sheep]

It's a great deal, even considering US prices. MP is capable of running 10.9 without a hassle (will need 10.9 compatible GPU, though). Add SSD and mentioned GPU and your dad will get an excellent machine for his needs.

On the other hand, you can easily sell the MP alone for $250, what will give you net cost $350 for ACD. These go on ebay for $400 - 450 minimum, so deal is decent no matter how you'd look at it.

 

[flowrider]

For what you describe. IMHO, the purchase would be a safe bet.

Lou