Im going to make the switch but which comp. is right for me????

[ioremac]

The reason I want to switch is two fold. First Im so sick of windows and my pc. The second reason is garage band. Im going to be using it alot and I want to know which computer will be best. Other than garageband I will use it for school work internet photos and mostly multi media stuff. Im not into pc gaming but the only game I will want to play is sims 2. I also have a few questions. Can I use my current pc mouse with my mac??? Will every website work well in internet explorer for macs?? Thats all for now.

[Stolid]

The reason I want to switch is two fold. First Im so sick of windows and my pc. The second reason is garage band. Im going to be using it alot and I want to know which computer will be best. Other than garageband I will use it for school work internet photos and mostly multi media stuff. Im not into pc gaming but the only game I will want to play is sims 2. I also have a few questions. Can I use my current pc mouse with my mac??? Will every website work well in internet explorer for macs?? Thats all for now.
You can use your mouse assuming its got a compatable port (usually USB) and web compatability has been pretty close to perfect in my experience, and on par with Opera (which I find is between IE and Mozilla and kin) with Safari.
What about portability? Do you want a laptop? Do you want to be able to upgrade later without tossing out the box?
My /base/ suggestion would be a low end G5 PowerMac; but thats assuming you want upgradability for your monitor/memory/etc and don't want portability. I'd wait for upgrades to the line if you do that; its starting to get toothlong and when they come out prices will drop or you can get more for the same amount. But give me more details and I can help more.

[ioremac]

You can use your mouse assuming its got a compatable port (usually USB) and web compatability has been pretty close to perfect in my experience, and on par with Opera (which I find is between IE and Mozilla and kin) with Safari.
What about portability? Do you want a laptop? Do you want to be able to upgrade later without tossing out the box?
My /base/ suggestion would be a low end G5 PowerMac; but thats assuming you want upgradability for your monitor/memory/etc and don't want portability. I'd wait for upgrades to the line if you do that; its starting to get toothlong and when they come out prices will drop or you can get more for the same amount. But give me more details and I can help more.


I Want a desktop that will be good for at least 2 years. I know in a few months apple will release a os for 64bit g5s but will g4s be surported still??. I dont think I will need to upgrade because in 3 years of owning my gateway pc I have only upgraded the harddrive and the only reason I did that is because the old one went bust.

[Capt Underpants]

I Want a desktop that will be good for at least 2 years. I know in a few months apple will release a os for 64bit g5s but will g4s be surported still??. I dont think I will need to upgrade because in 3 years of owning my gateway pc I have only upgraded the harddrive and the only reason I did that is because the old one went bust.

Well, if you aren't planning on upgrading anything, and are expecting the system to last 3 years, a G5 is the only way to go....

[ioremac]

Well, if you aren't planning on upgrading anything, and are expecting the system to last 3 years, a G5 is the only way to go....


I think the price is a little too much for only 2 years though. SO basically what Im asking is what will address my needs better a emac or imac.

[Stolid]

Yeah; a G5 seems about right for that. Lowend if your budget warrents it; but you'll know going in that you won't lose out if anything 64-bit only comes out (might run slow; but it will at least run); I doubt the OS will be 64b only but apps might start becoming so.

[ioremac]

Yeah; a G5 seems about right for that. Lowend if your budget warrents it; but you'll know going in that you won't lose out if anything 64-bit only comes out (might run slow; but it will at least run); I doubt the OS will be 64b only but apps might start becoming so.

Thats true so a 1.6 g5 might suit me right?? I wish apples monitors were cheaper though....

[Capt Underpants]

I think the price is a little too much for only 2 years though. SO basically what Im asking is what will address my needs better a emac or imac.

Honestly, I wouldn't buy either. Right now, if you are going to buy a G4 system, you have to buy a tower. It will be more upgradable in the future. Even though you may not think you will upgrade this machine, you may need to. Get a dualie G4 for 1599.00. You can upgrade to more HDs, processors (maybe), video cards, etc. Neither the iMac or the eMac have these capabilities. Is garageband dual processor aware? I have heard that it is overly hogging the system, so I would get the best you can. More RAM helps, too.

If 1599 is still too much, get the single version for 1300. JUst as much upgradability with just one less processor for the price of the 15" iMac.

[Stolid]

Thats true so a 1.6 g5 might suit me right?? I wish apples monitors were cheaper though....
Yeah; but if you can wait for the new G5s just for the better prices.
And remember, you don't HAVE to get an Apple display, anything with a DVI connector can be used (or even VGA with a DVI->VGA) -- so grab the dongle and you can use your Gateway monitor if you like it!

[ioremac]

Yeah; but if you can wait for the new G5s just for the better prices.
And remember, you don't HAVE to get an Apple display, anything with a DVI connector can be used (or even VGA with a DVI->VGA) -- so grab the dongle and you can use your Gateway monitor if you like it!

• Dual 1.25GHz w/ 2MB L3 Cache per processor
• 256MB DDR333 SDRAM (PC2700) -1 DIMM
• 80GB Ultra ATA drive
• Optical 1 - Combo Drive (DVD/CD-RW)
• Optical 2 - None
• ATI Radeon 9000 Pro dual-display w/64MB DDR
• Apple Studio Display (17" flat panel)
• 56K internal modem
• Apple Pro Keyboard - U.S. English
• Mac OS - U.S. Englis

$2,298.00


How are apples pro speakers?? Also what would be the advantages of dual processors?? I might get a g5 it depends if my parents are willing to help.(I plan to start working starting may)I dont know I just want a great computer that will provide enough power for my needs.

[Capt Underpants]

•
How are apples pro speakers?? Also what would be the advantages of dual processors?? I might get a g5 it depends if my parents are willing to help.(I plan to start working starting may)I dont know I just want a great computer that will provide enough power for my needs.

Dual processors make multi-tasking much more efficient. Also, if you are using apps that are multi-processor aware, it will speed things up. The dual G4 versus Single G5 has been discussed many times before on these boards. Search for it and read up. You should find some interesting info.

[Sabbath]

Guys not everyone can afford a G5.

If you want the computer to last a couple of years you will be fine with pretty much any new mac (as long as you bump up the memory). Sure faster would be better but if you havent needed to upgrade your current PC for 3 years except for when it broke, then I'm assuming speed isn't the be all and end all.

An emac would suit your needs fine and be a lot cheaper than a G5 and monitor. An iMac would also be good, they are very pretty machines especially with the 17 or 20" screens. The G4 towers are a reasonable deal as already mentioned too, if you require upgradability. Maybe we'll even see a G5 iMac before you buy, although I wouldnt bet on it, then the choice would be a no brainer. Or it may well be worth your while to wait for the next G5 revision and pick up one of the current G5s nice and cheap. I'd take a look at the computers in your price range and see what appeals to you, then ask for more specific help if you need it.

Additionally you really need 512Mb of memory in my opinion for any mac running OS X so be sure to budget for more memory (its much cheaper to buy elsewhere and install yourself than order from Apple).

Good luck

[Stolid]

Guys not everyone can afford a G5.

If you want the computer to last a couple of years you will be fine with pretty much any new mac (as long as you bump up the memory). Sure faster would be better but if you havent needed to upgrade your current PC for 3 years except for when it broke, then I'm assuming speed isn't the be all and end all.

An emac would suit your needs fine and be a lot cheaper than a G5 and monitor. An iMac would also be good, they are very pretty machines especially with the 17 or 20" screens. The G4 towers are a reasonable deal as already mentioned too, if you require upgradability. Maybe we'll even see a G5 iMac before you buy, although I wouldnt bet on it, then the choice would be a no brainer. Or it may well be worth your while to wait for the next G5 revision and pick up one of the current G5s nice and cheap. I'd take a look at the computers in your price range and see what appeals to you, then ask for more specific help if you need it.

Additionally you really need 512Mb of memory in my opinion for any mac running OS X so be sure to budget for more memory (its much cheaper to buy elsewhere and install yourself than order from Apple).

Good luck

Everyone has their own philosophy, and all we have to go on is our own. I, for example, buy the absolute /top of the line/ but keep the system far far longer than most people. So I tend to suggest something a bit higher than most people will need for their tasks because of the reason I purchase that way -- you're always surprised at something you end up throwing at the system and wish you'd gotten TotL when you got the system. Plus I've made it a matter of course to suggest new architecture's (viable of course) when they're out. 64bit /will/ break compatability in the future if people take advantage (in other words, compile it with 64-bit expectation). Mac is, at the same time, famous for legacy support and famous for requireing the latest and greatest. I don't expect it to be that 'every program will require G5s in a year' by any stretch; look how many programs no longer release/support OS9. Heck; some Apple apps require 10.3 now. Architecture changes work the same way, and are more expensive to 'correct'; so it'll take a /really/ tight requirement or knowledge of short-term (less than a year) for me to suggest the G4 right now. I might be wrong; but you still get a better machine. "Safe than sorry" I suppose.
Save for a little while longer, get the new architecture and be safe. It is, of course, his money but he asked for suggestions and that's my thoughts.

[Capt Underpants]

Guys not everyone can afford a G5.

If you want the computer to last a couple of years you will be fine with pretty much any new mac (as long as you bump up the memory). Sure faster would be better but if you havent needed to upgrade your current PC for 3 years except for when it broke, then I'm assuming speed isn't the be all and end all.

An emac would suit your needs fine and be a lot cheaper than a G5 and monitor. An iMac would also be good, they are very pretty machines especially with the 17 or 20" screens. The G4 towers are a reasonable deal as already mentioned too, if you require upgradability. Maybe we'll even see a G5 iMac before you buy, although I wouldnt bet on it, then the choice would be a no brainer. Or it may well be worth your while to wait for the next G5 revision and pick up one of the current G5s nice and cheap. I'd take a look at the computers in your price range and see what appeals to you, then ask for more specific help if you need it.

Additionally you really need 512Mb of memory in my opinion for any mac running OS X so be sure to budget for more memory (its much cheaper to buy elsewhere and install yourself than order from Apple).

Good luck

Since he just listed a Dual G4 and a Monitor for 2300.00, I am guessing 2300 is within his price range. Now tell me, why would anyone buy a computer that is slower, and will be outdated more quickly when they can afford a faster one? He says he will be using GarageBand alot. Does anyone know if GaregeBand is dual processor aware? If it is, there is no doubt a dual G4 will be the way to go. If it isn't, a single G4 will due. The iMacs and eMacs only have a max of 1 GB of RAM. Right now, OSX needs 512 to run optimally. You said this yourself. Add future apps on top of that and multitasking and you are up to a gig of RAM. The G4 towers ARE more future-proof than the iMac or eMac. The G4 proc. is already getting outdated, so you might as well buy the best that you can afford.

[evil]

another thought is to spend rougly 1000 dollars on an emac
save the money and have a computer that will definately be able to do what you want it to.

[sworthy]

I don't know if you mind a refurbished tower, but check out apple's special deals section. Sometimes you have to wait for availability, but I recently saw G5 1.6 for only 1399.

[ioremac]

Guys not everyone can afford a G5.

If you want the computer to last a couple of years you will be fine with pretty much any new mac (as long as you bump up the memory). Sure faster would be better but if you havent needed to upgrade your current PC for 3 years except for when it broke, then I'm assuming speed isn't the be all and end all.

An emac would suit your needs fine and be a lot cheaper than a G5 and monitor. An iMac would also be good, they are very pretty machines especially with the 17 or 20" screens. The G4 towers are a reasonable deal as already mentioned too, if you require upgradability. Maybe we'll even see a G5 iMac before you buy, although I wouldnt bet on it, then the choice would be a no brainer. Or it may well be worth your while to wait for the next G5 revision and pick up one of the current G5s nice and cheap. I'd take a look at the computers in your price range and see what appeals to you, then ask for more specific help if you need it.

Additionally you really need 512Mb of memory in my opinion for any mac running OS X so be sure to budget for more memory (its much cheaper to buy elsewhere and install yourself than order from Apple).

Good luck

Yea any mac I buy will come with 512mb of memory. I really want this mac for music creation purposes and for common stuff. My budget will be whatever gives me more bang for my buck. The g5 prices would not be bad if it included a monitor.

[ioremac]

Since he just listed a Dual G4 and a Monitor for 2300.00, I am guessing 2300 is within his price range. Now tell me, why would anyone buy a computer that is slower, and will be outdated more quickly when they can afford a faster one? He says he will be using GarageBand alot. Does anyone know if GaregeBand is dual processor aware? If it is, there is no doubt a dual G4 will be the way to go. If it isn't, a single G4 will due. The iMacs and eMacs only have a max of 1 GB of RAM. Right now, OSX needs 512 to run optimally. You said this yourself. Add future apps on top of that and multitasking and you are up to a gig of RAM. The G4 towers ARE more future-proof than the iMac or eMac. The G4 proc. is already getting outdated, so you might as well buy the best that you can afford.


One gig of ram wow. Im really behind the times. Im only using 64mb of ram in this system and its a pretty fast computer to me.

[Capt Underpants]

One gig of ram wow. Im really behind the times. Im only using 64mb of ram in this system and its a pretty fast computer to me.

I was speaking of RAM needs maybe 2 years from now, which is when you will still be needing this system. If you are going to continue your music creation wants, then the more RAM, the better. You must be running Win98.

[ioremac]

I was speaking of RAM needs maybe 2 years from now, which is when you will still be needing this system. If you are going to continue your music creation wants, then the more RAM, the better. You must be running Win98.


Yep Im running 98 but I had win me but that was a living hell working with me so I decided to downgrade to 98 second edition.

[Capt Underpants]

Yep Im running 98 but I had win me but that was a living hell working with me so I decided to downgrade to 98 second edition.
I don't blame you... I had ME, but instead of downgrading, I upgraded to XP.... Had to add some more RAM, but overall, it was worth it.

[Stolid]

Yeah; I run both 98 and XP on my PCs. ME was a disaster - tried to be NT without having NT. Bad idea.
I find 98 is better *IF* you knew how to run it; XP is better for 'just working'.
So I run 98 on my performance-oriented PC, XP on my laptop. Unfortunatly 98 drivers are really not showing up anymore. Ah well.

[0s and 1s]

Yep Im running 98 but I had win me but that was a living hell working with me so I decided to downgrade to 98 second edition.

Don't yah mean you upgraded to Win90SE?? :p


Win ME was such a horrible experience. Ugh...

[CubeHacker]

For what you want to do, it sounds like an iMac or eMac would suit you fine. However, keep in mind that the Sims 2 has not been announced for the Mac platform yet, and if it does, it will have pretty high system requirements, and most likely wouldn't run well on either of those systems.

[ioremac]

Well now I have some questions. SOme may seem stupiud buit I have never touched a mac in my life so Im pretty much a virgin so to speak. I have sort of noticed that the osx doesnt have a start button so how will I reach the programs that are not in my dock?? Also I might use the normal apple mouse so how can I get right clikc to work?? Is there a control panel so to speak?? Does a mac have to worry about spyware??? Thats all for now I guess.

[ioremac]

For what you want to do, it sounds like an iMac or eMac would suit you fine. However, keep in mind that the Sims 2 has not been announced for the Mac platform yet, and if it does, it will have pretty high system requirements, and most likely wouldn't run well on either of those systems.

I doubt they wouldn't release on the mac platform since its pretty well know that ea games cares about their profit margins alot. Has for system requirements Im pretty sure my tnt2 graphics could handle it since ea games wants to make everyone could play this game. If it doesnt come to the mac Im pretty sure it will be ported to consoles sooner or later. Since im a console gamer I really dont care much for 100fps Im fine with a stably 30fps.

[Stolid]

Well now I have some questions. SOme may seem stupiud buit I have never touched a mac in my life so Im pretty much a virgin so to speak. I have sort of noticed that the osx doesnt have a start button so how will I reach the programs that are not in my dock?? Also I might use the normal apple mouse so how can I get right clikc to work?? Is there a control panel so to speak?? Does a mac have to worry about spyware??? Thats all for now I guess.
Use the finder - its sorta like explorer. You have one big directory called 'Applications' for launching just a program; you can also launch it via opening the file you want to work with through your home directory (a la My Documents or ~/ in Unix)
Right click == option-click but is rarely /required/ - just conveniant
Control Panel does exist - it looks like a light switch for an icon.
Spyware is a concern anywhere but just like Windows its damn easy to avoid by watching what you install

[JasonL]

Right now on the special deals section of the applestore site I'm seeing new 1.8 (SP) G5 systems with SuperDrive selling for $1899. I'd think that that might be just the thing for you. That way you have something that will last a while, have quite a bit of upgradability and still be fairly easy on the wallet. Good luck.

Jay

EDIT: also, I don't know if you are a student or not; but if you are don't forget to price out your systems with the educational discount...it saved me almost $500 on my PB and its related accessories, software, etc.

[Sabbath]

Everyone has their own philosophy, and all we have to go on is our own. I, for example, buy the absolute /top of the line/ but keep the system far far longer than most people. So I tend to suggest something a bit higher than most people will need for their tasks because of the reason I purchase that way -- you're always surprised at something you end up throwing at the system and wish you'd gotten TotL when you got the system. Plus I've made it a matter of course to suggest new architecture's (viable of course) when they're out. 64bit /will/ break compatability in the future if people take advantage (in other words, compile it with 64-bit expectation). Mac is, at the same time, famous for legacy support and famous for requireing the latest and greatest. I don't expect it to be that 'every program will require G5s in a year' by any stretch; look how many programs no longer release/support OS9. Heck; some Apple apps require 10.3 now. Architecture changes work the same way, and are more expensive to 'correct'; so it'll take a /really/ tight requirement or knowledge of short-term (less than a year) for me to suggest the G4 right now. I might be wrong; but you still get a better machine. "Safe than sorry" I suppose.
Save for a little while longer, get the new architecture and be safe. It is, of course, his money but he asked for suggestions and that's my thoughts.


I completely agree with your logic and wish I could shop that way. I merely wanted to point out that other options are viable as well. A lot of mac users tend tohis g have a lot of money and hence recommend top of the line stuff (Im neither saying you have a lot of money or recommend the stuff incorrectly). Its just there are other options, for those of us who simply cannot afford a G5 (I'm a student and have no ability to save for longer as my ability to save is negative during term time!). I didn't want us to mislead this guy, give people all the options and they'll make the best choice for themselves.

[rdowns]

Well now I have some questions. SOme may seem stupiud buit I have never touched a mac in my life so Im pretty much a virgin so to speak. I have sort of noticed that the osx doesnt have a start button so how will I reach the programs that are not in my dock?? Also I might use the normal apple mouse so how can I get right clikc to work?? Is there a control panel so to speak?? Does a mac have to worry about spyware??? Thats all for now I guess.

You can put any program you want in the dock. You can also put a folder (directory) in the dock with aliases (shortcuts) to any applications and/or files you want. You can also access your Applications folder through the Finder or there are many menu bar programs (icon sits atop the screen and is always available to you) to make launching apps easy. I use TigerLaunch.

Macs support two button mice but Apple doesn't make one. While not required, I find a two button with scroll wheeel preferable. To right click on a Mac, you hold down the control key while clicking.

Spyware and virii are pretty much non issues on a Mac.

[blackfox]

It has been posted that PM revisions are to happen at the end of March
...and while I always take these with a grain of salt, the single G5 (1.6 and 1.8) should be quite a steal after that...and I would go with a CRT monitor (at first), I have always found them to be superior to LCDs anyway (w/ the exception of looks and eye-strain)...I do not recommend G4 systems at this point...
(BTW It has been *rumored* that display revisions are upcoming also, if true, in a few months you may be able to get the now-current 17" LCD for less than $500...but that is just a speculation) Good Luck mate...

[hulugu]

Well now I have some questions. SOme may seem stupiud buit I have never touched a mac in my life so Im pretty much a virgin so to speak. I have sort of noticed that the osx doesnt have a start button so how will I reach the programs that are not in my dock?? Also I might use the normal apple mouse so how can I get right clikc to work?? Is there a control panel so to speak?? Does a mac have to worry about spyware??? Thats all for now I guess.

Is there an Apple Store nearby, or a CompUSA? Or even a college computer store? If yes, go there and play with the machine for a while. Just to answer your questions: the Finder (open by clicking on the HD icon) or click on GO on the top of the screen and choose Applications, or hit Cmd-Shift-A. There's more flexibility and options to do this. Mice, they work very similarly to Windows, while Apple ships machines with 1-button mice, you can use just about any aftermarket mouse, including MS's Intellimouse, and all the buttons, scroll wheel, etc. will work.
The equivalent to the Control Panel is a white box on the dock with the Apple symbol and a light-switch labeled System Preferences.
I'm not even sure if Spyware exists for the Mac, someone here might know, but it is rare if at all. Also, IE for the Mac is a mediocre program, but you can use Safari (which comes preloaded) or DL Netscape, Firefox, etc.
I can't say it enough, go play with one and ask questions of the sales people: mess with the Finder, use iTunes to go to the iTMS, just fiddle with the System Preferences, etc. You can learn from us telling you, go mess with it.
Also, with regard to which machine you should get, decide on your budget, the high and low. Then make a decision about whether you need expandibility or convenience or portability. I see you want a powerful desktop and frankly I think the Powermac is a lot of bang for the buck, and I believe they will be upgraded on March 23. This means two things, number one more powerful machines, but number two older machines will come on sale from Powermax.com and Smalldog (just to name two resellers, you can also check out the Refurb site on Apple.com) to you may be able to find a G5 1.6 or a Dual 1.8 for less. Use your old monitor until you feel like getting a new one and you get a very powerful machine with a lauded chip that has a long future with lots of expandibility (MIDI cards, etc.) that you may need if you get serious about GarageBand and want to do more.
If you want a smaller machine with an integrated screen get an eMac and save your money for a guitar, etc. but understand that any integrated machine has its limitations and you may be in the market for a new machine in a year-or-two.
Either way, Macs rule, good luck.