Right now I have a Mac mini (see sig) and I thought about doing some moderate-heavy photo editing (learning how to really use Photoshop and Aperture). When I was using Aperture or Photoshop, my mini seemed like it was a little laggy for doing the graphics. I may be coming upon the opportunity to get a PM G5 soon (Not sure what specs it would be at the moment, but it would be <$200 and fully upgraded, but not sure what Rev./ model it is). With my mini, should I even bother with the G5, or should I wait a while and eventually just get a Mac Pro or iMac at some point?
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Power Mac G5: Should I Bother?
- Thread starter MaxMike
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Well, I am buying a new MacBook Pro next year (for 1st year of college) and was wondering if maybe for the price, if I should even bother with getting a G5. Just since it can only run versions of software that are a step back (Photoshop CS4, and Aperture 2)
I'm not really sure of the specs right now. I believe it is from 2004-2005 and it would cost about $150. Just didn't know if a G5 is worth bothering with since the PPC architecture isn't really getting any further updates from Apple and it can't use a lot of newer programs like my mini can. But I would think that the graphics power of a G5 is miles better than the 9400M in my mini
Actually, $150 is a steal. If you have the cash in hand and it's in good condition, I would do it.
You could probably just get a really good 15" MBP, which would be able to do all you'll ever need. However, $150 for a G5 is a pretty good deal too 
If it's less than $300, and at least a Dual 2.3, go for it. If not, just wait and save up for a newer, intel mac.
Don't pass on it for $150. If nothing else, try it out and sell it for 2x that later on to help fund your new Mac. Personally, I really like G5's. Space for 2 internal 3.5 drives and tons of RAM is a nice change from the Mini.