What to buy

[jmrpage]

Hello All
I have some questions that I just can’t answer . My current pc desktop has finally died after 5 misserable years ( the nasty 4 letter brand ) . I am looking into buying a mac and am currently looking at the I mac G5 17 inch 1.6 and 1.8 and don’t know which one to buy . I use my computer for internet , e-mail , quicken , some word prosssesing , burning cd’s , and editing photos and video . I would like to have a dvd burner but it is not a live or death thing and I could purchase an external burner later . For my needs do I need the 1.6 or the 1.8 , I will be upgrading the ram to at least 512 I just don’t want to regret my decision . I had thoughts of buying the e-mac but I think that will end up being too outdated too quickly . What are everyone’s thought’s , I just hate to make a major mistake and will have to keep whatever I buy for the next 3 to 5 years like I did when I bought my desktop that has been nothing but major problems . Thanks for your input in advance

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

If you're really worried about being outdated, you might want to consider an entry level PowerMac with a cheap 3rd party 17-19" LCD. It will last you longer and be much more upgradeable than the iMac (and you will be able to do all the upgrades yourself).

The 1.8 GHz PowerMac (which has a Superdrive) cost excactly the same as the 17" iMac with a Superdrive, both at $1499. Additional 256 MB RAM will be needed in both (but adding more later will be easier on the PowerMac), but you have to get a screen for the PowerMac. 17" start round $200, but are also replaceable, unlike the iMac's screen which you, quite litterarly, are stuck with...

Go for a entry level PowerMac... but you might consider holding on for a little while, as they are approaching end of cycle (http://buyersguide.macrumors.com/) and then there's Tiger that's coming sometime soon...?

[iGary]

I'd go with the 1.8 iMac, although the above recommendation is solid - consider it. I just love the form factor of the iMac, but if long-term expandability is a must, the PowerMac is the way to go.

You won't notice much in the way of speed with the 1.6 and 1.8 - we have one of each in my offices.

But you will want to add at least a 512mb stick to the existing 256 - Crucial has it for about 70 bucks. You really need at least 768 mb of RAM to take advantage of the processor IMHO.

Be careful on both potential purchases: although the PowerMac front has been quiet, iMac updates have been murmuring around.

Good luck.

[leekohler]

PowerMac all the way. I've had my G4 desktop for close to 5 years and plan on keeping it another 2. I've maxed the RAM, upgraded the video card and processor. I did all those upgrades gradually over the years and it's still great. The iMac isn't very upgradeable-go for the PowerMac. :)