Which Mac for Parents?

[LOZL]

Since they have obviously not realized the full potential that the modern computer has, and are only running programs with meager processing needs, I'd direct them towards a refurb iBook G4.

 

[sysiphus]

I'd get them a Core Solo Mac Mini. It'll be plenty enough power for basic tasks. I look at it this way: if a Sawtooth G4 350mhz with 512mb of PC100/32mb original Radeon is enough for my parents, then a brand-new Mini should do the trick for yours...

 

[Mernak]

heres another vote AGAINST the iMac. firstoff i would like to say that i love the imac, we have a G5 at home, but i can think of lots of better uses for the $500, now if they didnt already have a display, and stuff, then it would definatly be better to get the iMac. As for the laptop vs mini, i would prefer the laptop myself, perfectly content with mine(and it not even too new, look in sig.), but either way you go it should be good. and for the backup hard drive, the laCie refurbs seem like a good price(i suggest the 160GB LaCie MINI HD FW 7200RPM 8MB (RECON) for $109)

 

[zap2]

refub iMac, it more money over all but the screen will be so much nice(and mouse and keyboard) and the speed can only be a good thing, and your folks won't run into any Rev A problems(i mean the Mac Mini is a 2x Rev A, Apples and intel new stuff)