Best PPC Computer

[SuperKerem]

What do you think is the best PPC computer?

Consider design, portabilty, reliability and speed. I can't choose between the PowerBook G4 and the Power Mac G5.

The iMac G5 and iBook G3 both look cool, but they are both unreliable, for example.

Anyway, what do you guys think?

 

[MultiFinder17]

iMac G4

My personal favorite is the iMac G4. I have a 15" original sitting on my desk still; it's modern enough to still be useful ten years on, and its design is still absolutely stunning. It's one of the first things people comment on when they first see my workspace. I don't think any company, even Apple, has yet to create a computer that comes anywhere near the eye-catching, breathtaking design of the iMac G4.

So far as power and reliability are concerned, probably the last air-cooled Power Mac G5s. For portables, for me anyway, it's the 12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4 all the way. I had one of those for a good while as my main laptop, and I loved the snot out of that little laptop.

 

[skateny]

My personal favorite is the iMac G4. I have a 15" original sitting on my desk still; it's modern enough to still be useful ten years on, and its design is still absolutely stunning. It's one of the first things people comment on when they first see my workspace. I don't think any company, even Apple, has yet to create a computer that comes anywhere near the eye-catching, breathtaking design of the iMac G4.

So far as power and reliability are concerned, probably the last air-cooled Power Mac G5s. For portables, for me anyway, it's the 12" 1.5GHz PowerBook G4 all the way. I had one of those for a good while as my main laptop, and I loved the snot out of that little laptop.

I agree that the later PowerBook G4s are outstanding, with the later G4 iBooks a close second.

Though I get why people love the design of the G4 iMacs, I just never liked them. When I look at one, I see a badly designed art-deco lamp.

In the end, you can't go wrong with the G4s/G5s with the fewest problems.

 

[BlueEagle]

Heres my run down

For design: iMac G4
Portiability: iBook G3"snow" & G412in" (fit in just about any bag I tried to stuff it in)

Reliability: Mac Mini (never turned it off for 7 years besides when the power would go out.

Speed: that would have to go to the G5 models (was blown away when I first used one)

 

[skateny]

Heres my run down

For design: iMac G4
Portiability: iBook G3"snow" & G412in" (fit in just about any bag I tried to stuff it in)

Reliability: Mac Mini (never turned it off for 7 years besides when the power would go out.

Speed: that would have to go to the G5 models (was blown away when I first used one)

I don't know. As was covered here on a recent thread, those G3 iBooks were plagued with problems. Much better off with G4 iBooks, for speed, power, and portability.

 

[BlueEagle]

I don't know. As was covered here on a recent thread, those G3 iBooks were plagued with problems. Much better off with G4 iBooks, for speed, power, and portability.

Oh I know they did but the one I owned really never had any issues. I did how ever have the good old logic board issue with the video card. This happened in 2007, I called apple about the issue at the time and they set me up an appointment at the store. I brought it down they sent it out, repaired the logicboard and also replaced the top bezel around the keyboard all for free. It was out of warranty for years. im guessing there was a recall on them of some sort. Got many years out of the little machine untill the display went in 2010. pretty good for buying it used off of ebay. Anyway for portibility it was great at the time.

 

[ChrisMan287]

I think a PowerBook G4 (later model) would be great for you. I absolutely love mine. It's reliable, portable and still quick.

 

[MisterKeeks]

What do you think is the best PPC computer?

Consider design, portabilty, reliability and speed. I can't choose between the PowerBook G4 and the Power Mac G5.

The iMac G5 and iBook G3 both look cool, but they are both unreliable, for example.

Anyway, what do you guys think?

The Power Mac G5 is not the most interesting design- Cube and G4 iMac are better. It is also very unreliable. I would say the PowerBook G4 is the best laptop and the iMac G4 is the best desktop.

You can't really compare Desktops to Laptops, though.

 

[Hallivand]

I'd place my vote on the last Titanium Powerbook G4 model. Just something about that design.. that screen....

 

[rjcalifornia]

What do you think is the best PPC computer?

Consider design, portabilty, reliability and speed. I can't choose between the PowerBook G4 and the Power Mac G5.

The iMac G5 and iBook G3 both look cool, but they are both unreliable, for example.

Anyway, what do you guys think?

iBook G4 1.2 Ghz I love it. It is portable, it doesn't need much space and it looks cool.

My first mac was an iBook G3 500 Mhz. Yes, those were prone to failures, but mine survived a storm :O

Go with the PowerBook 12"

 

[Ariii]

In terms of design, I'd say the iBook Clamshell is the best machine .

 

[SuperKerem]

Cool! The design for the Power Mac G5 was so good, they haven't changed it in 10 years!

 

[SuperCyborg]

What do you think is the best PPC computer?

Desktop- PowerMac G5 Quad or PowerMac dual core 2.3.
Laptop- PowerBook G4 Titanium models

The iMac G5 and iBook G3 both look cool

Two of the worst computers Apple ever made.

 

[iDutchman]

iMac G4. Hands down.

I have an 17" iMac G4 1Ghz 2GB RAM running leopard on a small SSD. I love this thing. More than my retina MBP.

By far the best design wise Apple computer.

I also had the iMac G5 20" (non iSight) and never had problems, so this is a close second for me. So easy to upgrade that thing.


I miss those days when Apple computers were real special. And I got just pop the iMac G5 open and thow in something new. Now, man.. It's still cool and all, but I guess the nostalgic factor keeps me using my iMac G4 from time to time.

 

[rjcalifornia]

I forgot the iMac G5

I bought one for my sister. It came with the box, DVDs and more. They love it! The screen size is just perfect. The design is awesome, it saves space and best of all, it is very very fast!

 

[seveej]

What do you think is the best PPC computer?

I remember my first encounter with a G3 (Beige, tower). After half a year on a Quadra 660AV, a PPC 6100/66 and a PPC 4400/160, the G3 just blew me away... I later "downgraded" to a PPC 9600 and that was a nice machine as well.

Designwise, I really appreciate the G4 iMac, although I admit I have no "poweruser" experience with it. IMNSHO experience Sir Ive more than compensated for his earlier crime (the TAM) with the "lamp".

In some ways the G5 PM is quite revolutionary. After the "wind tunnel" debacle of later G4 PM's Apple acknowledged the need for "thermal planning", and (as some have noted) it has proven a sustainable approach.

My personal favorite, a machine which always makes me feel warm and cuddly, is nevertheless the 12" G4 PowerBook. I've had one myself (powerused it for some 20 months) and although the "oomph" just is not suitable for today's me, I've repurposed a number of them for acquaintances. In fact one specimen is right beside me, waiting to (come christmas eve) become my mother-in-law's first ever computer. The form and composition of the components (screen, top case) and the well balanced nature of the package just is so right.

RGDS,

 

[wobegong]

iMac G4 for design by a mile
Mac Mini
PowerMac G5 because its beautiful and powerful (in its day), for looks alone you could say PM G5 and Mac Pro because they look the same outside but open them up and the G5 extends its detail to the bits you don't see as well more than the MacPro IMO.

 

[macz1]

"Sawtooth" Powermac G4.

They were very reliable, expandable (RAM, AGP GPU & HDDs) and nicely designed. They had also a handle on each corner of the case, which makes them four times as portable as an iBook G3

 

[ihuman:D]

An iMac G4 17''/20'' 1.25GHz with maxed ram (Wish I had a 20'' one, I have a 17'' - beggars can't be choosers though!).

 

[Nameci]

Powermac G5 for the thermal zone design, iMac G4 for aesthetics, the TAM for being ahead of its time.

Powerbook G4, for having a good thermal design. The fans barely turns on.

 

[MisterKeeks]

Powermac G4, for having a good thermal design. The fans barely turns on.

Unless you have one of the models that earned the wind tunnel nickname.

 

[Nameci]

Unless you have one of the models that earned the wind tunnel nickname.

Changed it... what I mean is Powerbook G4.

 

[Lil Chillbil]

it kinda makes you wanna lick it

 

[ybz90]

At this point in time, if you don't already have a G5 or specifically want one, I'd avoid getting one if only for the power consumption. That said, they are fairly tanky and well built, except the early WC models, which should be avoided. I'm biased, but i love the PowerBook G4. Just installed my SSD, it is totally silent for most usage. Literally, no drive sounds, no fans, nothing. The fans almost never even spin up now that I've redone the thermal paste.

 

[wobegong]

IBM Blue Gene?

Assuming Apple only..

iMac G4 for looks
Mac Mini for being the first useable (discrete!) Media Centre
Powerbook G4 for being so well designed its basic format is fully visible even in Macbook/Pro being sold today.
PowerMac G5 - Same as above but with a beauty that extends to the inside as well (and fast in their day).