Help in Making Decision....

[jdogg707]

I am currently looking into getting a Mac desktop and need some help deciding what to buy. I have a pretty potent Windows desktop for gaming, and have no need for a laptop as my Powerbook works for my mobile needs, but I would like to use the Mac desktop as my every day machine. Mainly surfing the web, iChat, E-Mail, basic photo editing through iPhoto, office, etc. I like using OS X more than Windows (Duh!) and that is why I would like to run both a windows box for gaming, Access, and Visual Studio; while having an Apple desktop for my every day stuff. I would like to be able to tkae advantage of Tiger, while also having a machine that will run well for the next two years or so. I don't want to spend anymore than I have to, but want to get a good machine to meet my needs. I do not want an iMac as I will be running both my PC and Mac off of my Dell 2005FPW, and do not have room for another monitor. I will be using a KVM for the USB keyboard and mouse switching. I have a set of Logitech Z-5500 Speakers I will be connecting to the Mac via Optical Connection. Here is what I can come up with:

*Note all prices are using the EDU discount

PowerMac G5 Single 1.8GHZ
600MHZ FSB
256MB RAM
80GB Serial ATA Hard Drive
ATi 9600XT 128MB
Combo Drive
Apple Keyboard and Mouse

Apple Price: $1278.00 - $100 Rebate = 1178.00 + Tax

Upgrades: 1GB Corsair RAM (2x512) $77.99, Westen Digital 160GB SE SATA $89.00

Total Price: $1,434.45 (Including 7% Sales Tax)
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PowerMac G5 Dual 2GHZ
1GHZ FSB
512MB RAM
160GB Hard Drive
ATi 9650 256MB Video Card
Combo Drive
Apple Keyboard and Mouse

Apple Price: $1754.00 - $100 Rebate = $1654.00 + Tax

Upgrade: 1GB Corsair RAM (2x512) $77.99

Total Price: $1,854.77 (Including 7% Sales Tax)

Thanks for the help!

 

[wdlove]

If you can afford the extra $400 dollars, then I would get the G5 dual 2.0. That way you get more RAM at better price. The large hard drive will also be nice.

 

[jdogg707]

It's not necessarily the money, but I just don't know if the extra $400 is worth it?