Which mac machine should I buy?

[jc0481]

I currently am a student for computer science and have a pc (piece of crap) anyways and looking for a mac to buy really like the Imac G5 but also looking into used powerbook g4. I rarely will take it anywhere but I am leaning toward the Imac. What kind of questions should I ask myself to help with my purchase of the Imac? thanks

[Duff-Man]

Duff-Man says...the usual questions to ask yourself....budget - how much can you afford to spend of hardware and software....what kind of software do you want to use the computer for - high-end games or audio/video/graphics stuff or just basic internet/word processing/iTunes etc etc...once you/we know those things it is easier to help you with recommendations....oh yeah!

[JzzTrump22]

If you don't need portability, get the iMac. It is by far the best machine for the money. I wish I could buy one for my house, but i don't have the money right now.

[Chrispy]

If you don't need portability, get the iMac. It is by far the best machine for the money. I wish I could buy one for my house, but i don't have the money right now.

I second this.... if you just want portability and no external monitor get an iBook, if you want portability and an external monitor get a powerbook and if you want a desktop get the iMac.

[mariahlullaby]

I asked myself the same question a few weeks ago while shopping for my first Mac. I went with the PB because it was more upgradeable (I know that sounds weird, but I'll explain). If you're one to change computers every 2 years or so, the iMac has it's monitor built in, so if you sell it, you'll have to get a whole new monitor unless you get another iMac. If you're in college, the 12" PB would probably be perfect as it's VERY portable for class. I got my PB because I plan on getting an ACD soon (either a 20" or 23") to hook it up to; then, when I go to college next year, I'm going to buy a PowerMac to hook up to the monitor (I already have keyboard/mouse) and keep the PB for portable stuff.

If you think you're only going to have one computer for the next few years, the iMac is a heck of a deal -- very powerful. But the PB is a very capable machine for future uese (just max out the RAM; I haven't done mine yet and I get the beachball a lot, but only very briefly).

Good luck! I am sure you will be happy with whatever you choose :).

[Chrispy]

I got my PB because I plan on getting an ACD soon (either a 20" or 23") to hook it up to; then, when I go to college next year, I'm going to buy a PowerMac to hook up to the monitor (I already have keyboard/mouse) and keep the PB for portable stuff.

Mmmmmmm PowerMac G5 ;) I have to say I was blow away at how much faster the powermac G5 really was in comparison to anything I have used before. What a machine!

[javiercr]

I currently am a student for computer science and have a pc (piece of crap) anyways and looking for a mac to buy really like the Imac G5 but also looking into used powerbook g4. I rarely will take it anywhere but I am leaning toward the Imac. What kind of questions should I ask myself to help with my purchase of the Imac? thanks

don't they ask you to program in visual C++ , .Net or some other stuff that requires Windows for your computer science course?

if you don't need portability get the imac

[njmac]

Get the iMac. but I can't imagine not wanting portability. I guess its just me :p