New Intel iMac for graphics use???

[BearClaw]

I'm looking to buy a new iMac to use mainly for graphic design and the usual internet browsing / email stuff. I will be using the typical Adobe CS2 programs when I work (PhotoShop, Illustrator, InDesign etc.). No video editing however.

I've been waiting for the new iMac 20" to come out with the new Core 2 Duo chips, but I need a new computer very soon so I've been tempted to just buy the one out now. However after doing all the research I have found that the new Intel chips slow down the Adobe programs considerably compared to the previous G5 PowerPC ones.

So now I'm considering picking up a refurbished 2.1 ghz 20" G5 iMac PowerPC from VioSoftware.com:

http://www.viosoftware.com/Apple/iMac+G5+2.1+GHz+PowerPC+20"+LCD.html

Thus saving me a few hundred bucks, and then maybe getting an Intel iMac in the future when Adobe's programs are up par with the hardware.

Any suggestions? Could the potential upcoming iMac updates somehow resolve this problem with the software?

(BTW, I don't want a laptop or a MacPro, I'm pretty much set on an iMac)

 

[milozauckerman]

If you live near a Costco, my local one was blowing out 20" G5s a month or two ago, and they have a great return policy - return it any time within six months for a full refund, no questions asked.

 

[xfiftyfour]

Could the potential upcoming iMac updates somehow resolve this problem with the software?

It's not anything to do with the iMac itself, it's that Adobe isn't yet universal, so no, no iMac releases will resolve that. CS3 (whenever it comes out) will speed things up.

If I were you, I'd opt for a DP PowerMac G5 - you can get those for just a couple hundred more than you'd be paying for the iMac G5 if you scour for good deals - and they will be MUCH faster (and easier to upgrade the components, to keep it lasting longer).

Just my 2 cents, though.