What sort of discount would you expect on a G5 iMac

[j26]

I wandered into my local computer store today and saw a 20" iMac G5 2.1G sitting there begging to be bought. It's on special, but I still think it's a little overpriced.

I was holding out to get a Rev B Intel Mac, but ultimately, I don't need the ability to boot into Windows, all I want is a decently fast machine. In that case I might just get a G5 now, if I can get it for the right price. I want something to last for the next 4-5 years.

So I have a couple of questions.
1. Would I notice a huge difference between my beloved PB (specs below - slightly battered, but it merely adds character) and the G5? I'm keeping the PB btw. It will continue to be very useful for me in college well into the future.
2. Is the Intel iMac a lot better than the G5? If it is substantially better I might just wait a while.
3. Are we likely to see major revisions that would really put the G5 out of business.
4. What sort of discount from the price of an Intel iMac should the retailer be looking at? I get the feeling they may be open to offers to offload them. Percentage terms please - I live in Euroland where everything seems to be more expensive.
Lastly, just one question about using 2 macs together -
5. Is there a really easy way to keep them synced (or at least a fairly substantial folder with my notes)


To give you an idea on my usage
Internet, WP etc
Photos (not so much since I'm studying, but I plan to get into it in a bigger way over the summer) I have PS elements and the PB is slow enough with it (and you try editing a 3000x2000 photo on a 12" screen!)
Home video editing with DVD burning.
Not much gaming (Maybe Age of Empires 11, but that's about it).

Probably will do a bit of web design, and I will be building a site for collaboration with some other students next year.

 

[Demon Hunter]

.Mac is the best way to sync multiple Macs. The backup is nice, too. If you end up getting the G5, it's about $69.

 

[CanadaRAM]

G5 iMacs are not being discounted at all at dealers around here... they are selling for full pop.

 

[j26]

G5 iMacs are not being discounted at all at dealers around here... they are selling for full pop.

The 20" core duo is €1839 on the Apple website for Ireland, and I can get the G5 for €1599 (or maybe a bit less - it's all negotiable)
(Don't even think of converting them to dollars - you'll have a fit. )

 

[BlizzardBomb]

It would be a noticeable difference when you compare it to your PB because the G5 has a much better FSB and much stronger graphics card.

However, there is one issue I can think of. In 4 years an Intel Mac will have held its value much better than an iMac G5, so although they basically cost the same as each other today (sure its slightly discounted) you'll get less when it comes to sell the G5 on. I would also recommend the Intel because of the software side of things (guaranteed support in the future), for its better graphics card and the Core Duo's power (iMac G5 chokes on HD 1080p playback, Core Duo does not).

I doubt the next iMac update will be big, but who knows!

 

[FF_productions]

I doubt the next iMac update will be big, but who knows!

I sure as hell hope it's not big, I'm behind as it is!
(Rev A iMac G5)

 

[bah-bah'd]

I have heard a story here that someone just went to a costco and bought a 20" iMac G5 with Apple Care for $1299, or something like that. Call your costco's and get a great deal?

 

[j26]

No Costco's in Ireland.


I had a look at the sums
The Intel from the Apple website comes in (with the educational discount) at €1,945.45 for the computer, upgrade to wireless mouse and keyboard and the AppleCare

The G5 has iLife 5, so that would need to be upgraded (could wait until 7 is released though), and that with upgrading to the wireless keyboard and mouse at the cheapest price, and adding AppleCare would be €1,957.16.

The G5 acutally works out more expensive than the Intel!!!
(Only 12 quid, but all the same!!)

The resale value is an issue I hadn't though of - I'm still in the pc mode where a pc is basically worthless as soon as you load it into your car after buying it in the shop.

I think I'll wait for a while and see if Apple either (a) drop their prices or (b) give it a bit of an upgrade to make it an even better machine. I'd like one now, but I can wait. Surely there will be something by August(ish).

 

[SC68Cal]

The G5 is 64-bit enabled though, that's the one thing to consider, while the Intel iMac is not. and still not UB for adobe apps

 

[FF_productions]

The G5 is 64-bit enabled though, that's the one thing to consider, while the Intel iMac is not. and still not UB for adobe apps

Other than that, the Intel has the total advantage.

 

[techound1]

Alternatively, buy a 20" cinea screen (refurb, of course) and plug in your pb. That's the setup I just got (with ultra portable 12" pb) for web and print design and it is *heaven*.