What to purchase?

[DJTJ]

Hi everyone. I am in the market for some new toys, and am torn on what to buy. I mainly use the computer for surfing, photos, etc... Nothing really intensive. I have a couple of different options.

I was thinking of getting a mac mini (Late 2005) and a 23" cinema display. Was wondering if the "new" ones support core imaging in tiger.

Or I was thinking of a 20" imac. Awesome machine, but I really like the 23 display.

Or, save some cash, buy a 23 or maybe 30 monitor, and use my 15 inch powerbook (1.25, 1 ghz ram) as a computer. I was a little worried about doing this tho, because I keep my "desktop" on all the time, and was worried about the pb running hot with the lid closed.

Any suggestions would be really appreciated, as everyone seems to have good opinions on this site.

Thanks!
Tj

 

[katie ta achoo]

Hmm... The PowerBook, if it gets too hot will shut itself down. You can even just keep it open if you're that concerned about heat.

If you don't need a 2nd computer, I think that would be the way to go. I'm not sure if the 1.25 GHz 15" PB can drive a 30" screen, though.. check on that.

It CAN do 23", and that's a pretty big, sweet monitor already. 30" would be massively huge, as beautiful as it is. It may be a little big for your use.
I'm 5'8"ish, and I feel about 4 inches tall when I'm near it.

a 20" iMac is SWEET. There's not that HUGE of a difference between the 20" and 23" IMO. You'd also get a built-in iSight and front row. Sounds like a pretty nice toy!!

If I were you and had the cash to drop, I'd get the iMac...

 

[aquajet]

Or, save some cash, buy a 23 or maybe 30 monitor, and use my 15 inch powerbook (1.25, 1 ghz ram) as a computer. I was a little worried about doing this tho, because I keep my "desktop" on all the time, and was worried about the pb running hot with the lid closed.

I wouldn't worry about it. Apple designed the PowerBook to function with the lid closed.

I was thinking of getting a mac mini (Late 2005) and a 23" cinema display. Was wondering if the "new" ones support core imaging in tiger.

The Mac mini uses the Radeon 9200, which doesn't support Core Image. Even the elusive updated models with 64mb VRAM still use the 9200.

If you can live without the mobility of the PowerBook, than the iMac is the best choice IMO. It is a superior computer in every way.

 

[iPhil]

Hi everyone. I am in the market for some new toys, and am torn on what to buy. I mainly use the computer for surfing, photos, etc... Nothing really intensive. I have a couple of different options.

I was thinking of getting a mac mini (Late 2005) and a 23" cinema display. Was wondering if the "new" ones support core imaging in tiger.

Or I was thinking of a 20" imac. Awesome machine, but I really like the 23 display.

Or, save some cash, buy a 23 or maybe 30 monitor, and use my 15 inch powerbook (1.25, 1 ghz ram) as a computer. I was a little worried about doing this tho, because I keep my "desktop" on all the time, and was worried about the pb running hot with the lid closed.

Any suggestions would be really appreciated, as everyone seems to have good opinions on this site.

Thanks!
Tj

Hey TJ,

I just checked apple site on your computer, Hopefully you'd said (1Ghz processor, 1.25Gb of ram 15" PB) If thats your PB specs..

Then the answer "no" on the 30" Monitor.. the 30" panel needs a dual link dvi connection and 128MBs of Vram .. but the 23" panel will work with your PB..

iphil

 

[PieMac]

I've had my 15" 1.67 Ghz powerbook hooked up to an Apple 20" display for months now with no problems at all and I never turn it off. I've found that since getting the display, however, I am much less portable with my Powerbook as I've gotten addicted to the larger screen (plus I do a lot of photo editing and it really makes a difference with this). I've been toying back and forth with selling both and going with the new iMac but when it comes down to it, I love the sleekness of the stand alone display plus I love having the option to be portable if I choose or need to...it really is the best of both worlds. Maybe if they ever come out with a G5 mini, I'll pop for one...of course, a G5 powerbook would be ideal too.

 

[ipacmm]

I would buy the iMac, it will be a lot faster then the Power Book and everything is all in one on it.

 

[iPhil]

I've had my 15" 1.67 Ghz powerbook hooked up to an Apple 20" display for months now with no problems at all and I never turn it off. I've found that since getting the display, however, I am much less portable with my Powerbook as I've gotten addicted to the larger screen (plus I do a lot of photo editing and it really makes a difference with this). I've been toying back and forth with selling both and going with the new iMac but when it comes down to it, I love the sleekness of the stand alone display plus I love having the option to be portable if I choose or need to...it really is the best of both worlds. Maybe if they ever come out with a G5 mini, I'll pop for one...of course, a G5 powerbook would be ideal too.

There won't be a G5 mini nor a G5 PB..

1) The Mac mini is an entry-level Mac, so it'll slim to no-way of a Mini G5

2) On the PB issue of G5, its the ' Heat Issue ' hence why PM G5's are water-cooled.. And Form-factor of PB G5 would bulky and UN-Godly ugly.. IMHO

iphil

 

[bob909bob]

What about a 17 inch Imac? I know the screen is probaly smaller than what you want, but since you don't do anything that intense on your computer why not? It will also last you longer than the mini and is also much faster than your PB.

Also think about this. Your PB would be almost as fast as your mini. In this regard your not really taking much of a step up and unless your putting 1gb of ram in your mini maybe a step down and if your don't get one of the new "unofficial" updated minis your definiltly taking a step down from your PB.

 

[PieMac]

There won't be a G5 mini nor a G5 PB..

1) The Mac mini is an entry-level Mac, so it'll slim to no-way of a Mini G5

2) On the PB issue of G5, its the ' Heat Issue ' hence why PM G5's are water-cooled.. And Form-factor of PB G5 would bulky and UN-Godly ugly.. IMHO

iphil

I know the reality is that there won't be a Powerbook G5...the next will be Intel powered...I was just saying this metaphorically. As for the Mac mini-I doubt we'll see a G5 anytime soon, but I definitely think it's possible. Apple has a habit of surprising us.

 

[iPhil]

I know the reality is that there won't be a Powerbook G5...the next will be Intel powered...I was just saying this metaphorically. As for the Mac mini-I doubt we'll see a G5 anytime soon, but I definitely think it's possible. Apple has a habit of surprising us.

The Mac mini is 'maybe' to high-end G4 not low-end G5..
Thats IF PBs gett low-power G5 say below 100 watts @ peak ..

But i think that Mac mini will be 1 of first intels out by June '06 thats MY guess, But ONLY Mr. JOBS knows whats coming out in June '06 for 1st Mactels...

Why i said the Mac mini 1st on intel list, its what Jobs said during WDC '05
Intel-PMs in by June '07 so im thinkin' that Apple would start the Intel Transfer with Mac Mini 'Cause its 'Low-End' Mac..

iphil