New to Mac

[cgratti]

About to buy a MAC, want some input on what to buy.
To be mainly used for Graphic Design work: Photoshop, Illustrator, Quark, and InDesign. And some DVD ripping and the normal email, web surfing.

I have it narrowed down to 2 systems.

The 20" Imac G5 or the Dual 1.8 Powermac G5. Both will have at least 1 GB RAM when ordered. The problem I have is that I heard that the Imac's Superdrives go to the crapper after about 3-4 months. (Anyone else hear this?)

Anyone with an Imac give me some input on how they run? I would love to save the extra money an go Imac if they will run all the apps smoothly, but will spend more to get a Powermac. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

[jackieonasses]

Originally Posted by cgratti

About to buy a MAC, want some input on what to buy.
To be mainly used for Graphic Design work: Photoshop, Illustrator, Quark, and InDesign. And some DVD ripping and the normal email, web surfing.

I have it narrowed down to 2 systems.

The 20" Imac G5 or the Dual 1.8 Powermac G5. Both will have at least 1 GB RAM when ordered. The problem I have is that I heard that the Imac's Superdrives go to the crapper after about 3-4 months. (Anyone else hear this?)

Anyone with an Imac give me some input on how they run? I would love to save the extra money an go Imac if they will run all the apps smoothly, but will spend more to get a Powermac. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

My friend has an iMac (with good feedback) And has had his with no superdrive problems. Depending on how long you keep it (or if you have a display or not) you should get the Powermac. It has expansion capabilities and is much faster (being dual and all)

kyle

[Patmian212]

If you have the extra casj i would definitley go powermac.... Powermacs are faster, they have alot of expansion possibilities and it will last you longer then the imac... Oh and remember if you don't have a display you dont need to buy apple there are alot of displays which are cheaper and will do just fine.

Go Powermac!

[iGary]

I'd buy the PowerMac for the expansion possibilities, especially if you already have a monitor. If not, there are (as stated above) many monitor options.

I had considered buying an iMac to replace my PowerMac G4, but I'll wait till I can afford the PowerMac - I already have a 20"ACD and like the ability to expand.

My .02

[StylePower]

Yes, PowerMacs are really fast, but for his use, that would be waste of money. You don't need that extreme power for graphic- and webdesign.

[Blue Velvet]

Originally Posted by StylePower

Yes, PowerMacs are really fast, but for his use, that would be waste of money. You don't need that extreme power for graphic- and webdesign.

Are you kidding?

When distilling a 400+ pg CMYK catalogue for repro, I need everything my work 2.5 dual can throw at it... or any extensive billion-layered press-quality Pshop work.

Damn the torpedoes... give me more speeeeed.

[thekaiser]

It just comes down to money in my mind. If money is no problem go for the best you can swing comfortably. Otherwise, look at what money you have and just do the best you can with that. Either option will be awesome and I guarantee will put a big smile on your face.

[Converted2Truth]

I agree, buy the best you can afford. The only way i sacrifice upgradablity is for mobility. The iMac is something i'll never buy (for myself).

[sjpetry]

Originally Posted by cgratti

About to buy a MAC, want some input on what to buy.
To be mainly used for Graphic Design work: Photoshop, Illustrator, Quark, and InDesign. And some DVD ripping and the normal email, web surfing.

I have it narrowed down to 2 systems.

The 20" Imac G5 or the Dual 1.8 Powermac G5. Both will have at least 1 GB RAM when ordered. The problem I have is that I heard that the Imac's Superdrives go to the crapper after about 3-4 months. (Anyone else hear this?)

Anyone with an Imac give me some input on how they run? I would love to save the extra money an go Imac if they will run all the apps smoothly, but will spend more to get a Powermac. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

Get the iMac with 1GB of aftermerket Ram.

[mullet]

I'd say PowerMac... When you're a pro, use what the pros use

Power, RAM, and extra expandability is key in a professional environment.

[aricher]

Originally Posted by StylePower

Yes, PowerMacs are really fast, but for his use, that would be waste of money. You don't need that extreme power for graphic- and webdesign.

Silly statement - I guess it all depends on the level of work you're doing. I work every day with Photoshop files that are at least 1 GB in size - huge Point-of-Purchase displays. I've had layered Photoshop files as large as 5 GB. Let me tell you - you wouldn't want to be pushing that kind of file around on an iMac with 1 GB of RAM.

I would highly suggest getting a PM over a iMac any day if you have the extra $$. I would also suggest getting at least 2 GB of RAM in any machine if you are doing heavy Photoshop work. Just my 2¢.