powerpc powermacs are over-priced and over-rated. just buy the cheapest intel mac mini and then go to newegg.com and buy a faster core duo chip. you can buy a dual core 2.16 and replace the crappy single core 1.5 and have it work perfectly. intel macs are alot like pcs as in you can upgrade them yourself. the performance of the G4 powermacs are shabby in comparison to that fast 2.16 core duo.
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Worth buying G4 refurb at this stage?
- Thread starter londonweb
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jamesi said:
Sounds a great idea. What am I actually looking for on a PC reseller's site like newegg.com? (I am entering a new area here where things are not so familiar) Appreciate your advice on this.
My Local shop is having an offer for the iBook 12" (brand new) which equates to about 12% off the price. That's even lower than what the student discount offers.
I have been waiting to purchase a Mac, hoping that they would release an Intel version of the iBook, or whether I should splurge for the MacBook Pro. Also been reading mixed reviews about whether to wait or buy. I understand that most software makers might move towards Intel-native coded programmes soon.
I would use my Mac for Photoshop, maybe dabble a bit with Garange Band Pro, and some Video editting. But more for Photoshop, Web Design and PHP programming.
Should I wait? Or Should I just splurge on the MAcBook Pro or settle for the iBook?
Well, I just read that MacBook might be coming soon. But someone did point out to me that a new Intel MacBook might not be all good. Some apps don't run native yet. Some advised me to get the iBook G4 first, max out the RAM, and wait maybe 2 yrs or so before changing. Hmm... I'm torn apart on a decision
I have been waiting to purchase a Mac, hoping that they would release an Intel version of the iBook, or whether I should splurge for the MacBook Pro. Also been reading mixed reviews about whether to wait or buy. I understand that most software makers might move towards Intel-native coded programmes soon.
I would use my Mac for Photoshop, maybe dabble a bit with Garange Band Pro, and some Video editting. But more for Photoshop, Web Design and PHP programming.
Should I wait? Or Should I just splurge on the MAcBook Pro or settle for the iBook?
Well, I just read that MacBook might be coming soon. But someone did point out to me that a new Intel MacBook might not be all good. Some apps don't run native yet. Some advised me to get the iBook G4 first, max out the RAM, and wait maybe 2 yrs or so before changing. Hmm... I'm torn apart on a decision
Be sure all your hardware works with Intel.
I have a Samsung printer that doesn't play nice with Intel.
Sure I can print from Windows, but it is better in OS X.
I have a Samsung printer that doesn't play nice with Intel.
Sure I can print from Windows, but it is better in OS X.
xy14 said:
Wrong!! Where'd you get that information? Man, I hate when people make blanket statements as fact without backing it up with valid reasons. Information like that is useless.
Anyhow, in my opinion it's hard to predict exactly, but PPC software will take longer than 2-3 years to phase out considering Apple is STILL selling Powermacs and will probably continue to sell them until the end of the year. Jobs said they would continue to support PPC for the years to come. My best GUESS based on the 68k to PPC transition (it took 4 years) is 4 to 5 years. Some 3rd party developers might stop sooner, but with millions of PPC computers in use, that's a big chunk of business to just throw away until the Intel machine reach saturation.
OK, I made a prediction too, but did you notice how I supported my assumptions with solid reasoning?
dferrara said:Photoshop Suite test, Macworld...
MacBook Pro Core Duo 2GHz: 2 minutes, 41 seconds
14-inch iBook G4 1.42GHz: 1 minute, 49 seconds
One last hurrah for G4!
You are comparing Apples to Oranges. Single vs Dual processor ad different speeds. Considering that, the iBook did pretty well! I could be unfair just like you are and post comparisons of the Quad vs the Macbook Pro. Which one do you think would win? Would it be fair?
THX1139 said:
I agree.
It makes sense. That gives newly purchased PowerPC Macs a long, supported life.What? That was my point. The iBook destroyed the MacBook Pro.
You could wait for the new MacBook that is supposed to come out..
Generally, I'd stay away from PowerPC stuff now. Although the switch-over will be gradual, remember that once Intel becomes the norm and they stop selling PowerPC-based hardware, the PowerPC support will be a burden to Apple. Will they be supporting it as well as they support Intel at that stage? Maybe, maybe not. That's a gamble.
Anyone care to add their 2c in about how the 68k fared around year 3 or 4 of the transition to PowerPC? I wasn't on Macs then. It would serve as a good indicator.
Generally, I'd stay away from PowerPC stuff now. Although the switch-over will be gradual, remember that once Intel becomes the norm and they stop selling PowerPC-based hardware, the PowerPC support will be a burden to Apple. Will they be supporting it as well as they support Intel at that stage? Maybe, maybe not. That's a gamble.
Anyone care to add their 2c in about how the 68k fared around year 3 or 4 of the transition to PowerPC? I wasn't on Macs then. It would serve as a good indicator.
After much careful thought, here's my decision based on my current situation:
I have a G4 powerbook, and a windows machine on my desktop which I want to retire. I think a Mac Mini is a good and cheap solution for me (my pc is a bit of a dinosaur so compared to that the G4 will fly- it's all relative, right?), and I'll probably only use it for a year or so and then upgrade to whatever Apple is producing then (because of course, this time next year I'll be rich). Bearing in mind there are plenty of PowerPCs still on sale I can't see Apple phasing out proper PowerPC support before then (famous last words).
So in conclusion...I'm going to buy G4.
Thanks again for all the comments
I have a G4 powerbook, and a windows machine on my desktop which I want to retire. I think a Mac Mini is a good and cheap solution for me (my pc is a bit of a dinosaur so compared to that the G4 will fly- it's all relative, right?), and I'll probably only use it for a year or so and then upgrade to whatever Apple is producing then (because of course, this time next year I'll be rich). Bearing in mind there are plenty of PowerPCs still on sale I can't see Apple phasing out proper PowerPC support before then (famous last words).
So in conclusion...I'm going to buy G4.
Thanks again for all the comments
londonweb said:
Good for you - I'm planning to pick up a 12" powerbook myself in the near future.
