Time to replace iMac G5/2.1 20-Inch (MA064LL/A)

[dyusem]

During the last few months my iMac (MA064LL/A) has developed an intermittent problem which causes it to go to sleep. This occurs at completely random times and under various operating conditions. After doing some research I suspect it could be the cable that connects the logic board to the optical drive (or what else?) but no amount of intervention has alleviated the issue.

I really do not want to invest in this machine any more time and money primarily because the OS is stuck at 10.4.11 and I'm unable to stream Netflix content, as well as utilize many programs at once so I've decided to purchase a new iMac.

The obvious choice is the current 21.5" model (MC508LL/A) however the yellow tint issue is somewhat disconcerting. I will head over to the Apple store and check out the screen quality but I was wondering if the screen of the previous model (MB950LL/A) exhibits the same yellow tint issue or is that model a completely different beast?

The Apple store has refurbished examples of the late 2009 model so it looks like I can get into one fairly reasonably and benefit from the normal warranty.

My use of the iMac is primarily for photo editing (CS3) and surfing the web. My primary computer is my business laptop (Sony VAIO).

Any and all direction regarding the yellow tint issue and if it affects the refurbished model that I'm looking at (as well as any other buying direction) is greatly appreciated in advance!!!

 

[Paulywauly]

Dont worry too much about the yellow tint issue, some people obviously had it quite bad but reports that has died off alot.

I bet majority of people out there never even spotted the yellow tint until they were asked to look for it anyway. I have the same model and it's only slightly noticeable along the bottom when it's booting up (white screen)

Itll blow the socks off the screen on your G5 but remember if it isn't too your liking you can always send it back

 

[dyusem]

Paulywauly, thanks for the feedback. I'm assuming that your late 2009 model utilizes the same screen so it is probably best for me to purchase the i3 machine vs. the Core 2 Duo.

I hear you about making the G5 seem unworthy but the G5 has been a trooper and I'd like to fix the issue so at least I can find a good home for it and realize a few hundred dollars out of the computer.

It is very unlikely that I'd send the new iMac back to its maker!

 

[huntercr]

WHy is the OS stuck at 10.4.11? You can install Leopard on a G5 just fine. In fact, you'll get considerable speed improvement because of the expanded use of the GPU in 10.5 ( I just gave up my Dual G5 1.8GHz last month )

But if I were you I'd give the new 27inch i5 3.6GHz machines a good look. That's what I bought to replace my G5 ( ironically it cost half the price of my original G5 )

They're more expensive, but the screen is just amazing quality wise ( from my lay perspective ) and the performance is excellent.

Look how long you've used your current iMac ( assume you bought it new ). Spending the money on the 27inch will be well spent over then next 4 years.

 

[dyusem]

WHy is the OS stuck at 10.4.11? You can install Leopard on a G5 just fine. In fact, you'll get considerable speed improvement because of the expanded use of the GPU in 10.5 ( I just gave up my Dual G5 1.8GHz last month )

But if I were you I'd give the new 27inch i5 3.6GHz machines a good look. That's what I bought to replace my G5 ( ironically it cost half the price of my original G5 )

They're more expensive, but the screen is just amazing quality wise ( from my lay perspective ) and the performance is excellent.

Look how long you've used your current iMac ( assume you bought it new ). Spending the money on the 27inch will be well spent over then next 4 years.

Hmmmmm...I was unaware that Leopard can be used with the G5! Jeez, I'll purchase a copy and see if that rectifies the issues. Should I purchase 10.5 or a later version?

I'm not going to even look at the 27" or I suspect that I will want it

The 21.5" will be just fine; I've got my eyes on a couple of expensive camera lenses so I need to be prudent

And yup, the G5 was purchased new and it is so noce to have the current crop of iMacs become so reasonable in cost!

 

[biggd]

Make sure it'll be upgradeable to lion!

 

[Paulywauly]

Paulywauly, thanks for the feedback. I'm assuming that your late 2009 model utilizes the same screen so it is probably best for me to purchase the i3 machine vs. the Core 2 Duo.

I hear you about making the G5 seem unworthy but the G5 has been a trooper and I'd like to fix the issue so at least I can find a good home for it and realize a few hundred dollars out of the computer.

Yeah its the Core 2 Duo version, there were more issues with them back then and it felt a little like playing russian roulette going in to buy one after reading threads on here lol

The screens are the same spec but i'd imagine their quality control has been up'ed or the manufacturing has changed slightly as people don't mention screen issues anywhere near as much.

If possible i'd recommend going for the i3 over the refurb C2D, better cpu and graphics for not much more.

oh and i wasnt dissing your G5 i swear, good luck getting it sorted!

 

[dyusem]

Yeah its the Core 2 Duo version, there were more issues with them back then and it felt a little like playing russian roulette going in to buy one after reading threads on here lol

The screens are the same spec but i'd imagine their quality control has been up'ed or the manufacturing has changed slightly as people don't mention screen issues anywhere near as much.

If possible i'd recommend going for the i3 over the refurb C2D, better cpu and graphics for not much more.

oh and i wasnt dissing your G5 i swear, good luck getting it sorted!

I concur; I will be purchasing the newest model and I know that you only have great respect for my old iMac (lol)

I'll report back when I pull the trigger on the new machine and after I find a copy of Leopard and see if that makes the G5 presentable on the used car lot.

Cheers!