G5 iMac or G5 PowerMac?

[MacFanUK]

I know I've mentioned about getting a G5 iMac on the forum before and some very helpful members suggested I got a Mac Mini instead, however, my ideal setup has changed so looking for some more advice please.

Basically, what I want to end up with are the following:

1. A main computer (either a 24" iMac or a Mac Pro) - this will be used for majority of my work, such as graphic design, video editing (only light), and web development.

2. A 'test computer/server' (preferrably OSX) - this will be a kind of test bed for any PHP/MySQL I write. Maybe also act as a print server for the other office machines.

3. A laptop to take to clients, etc - this would likely run Windows via parallels or something so I can also use it to test stuff in IE.

Now as I have said before, one of my friends has got a 20" G5 iMac (2GHz, 2GB Ram, 250GB Hard Drive), and he's looking for £300 - Mac2Sell values this at £290.

However, I've just seen a Dual 1.8GHz PowerMac G5 on ebay with 1GB Ram, 160GB Hard drive for £280 (which Mac2Sell values at £170), which although looks nicer, I'd either have to use an old 17" screen or buy a new screen.

Which would you say is the better buy and which will be a better machine for the 'test/server' machine?

 

[300D]

If you need any kind of windows use, any G5 won't work.

 

[MultiFinder17]

The PowerPC machines are still more than decent machines with plenty of life left in them. However, do realize their limitations:

1. They will not run any future versions of Mac OS X - they're stuck at 10.5.x
2. They're getting on in years now - the newest ones are hitting their third birthday

If you're still okay with getting a G5, I'd go for the Power Mac. They offer far superior performance to the iMac G5. Plus, they're much more expandable, allowing the machine to grow with your needs over time.

 

[MTI]

With the Power Mac, you won't have a totally useless machine if the GPU or LCD conk out.

 

[Lukeyboy01]

With the Power Mac, you won't have a totally useless machine if the GPU or LCD conk out.

but the imac is cheaper than a powerbook

 

[LouisBlack]

Definitely the Powermac. It's got two processors, room for much more RAM, two HDD bays... Yeah you might need to buy a monitor but it'll last you so much longer than the iMac.

Depending on its age the iMac's screen might have dimmed over time. A new monitor could be needed anyway.

 

[MTI]

but the imac is cheaper than a powerbook

What's a powerbook got to do with it?