Need a mac under 500

[cmm]

I only use VLC, Office, Adium, and Firefox. How low of a system can I go? I don't have a lot of cash, but I need a 10.4 running mac.

 

[zap2]

A G4 would be fine..not the fastest, but if your looking for a work about computer, for low amounts of cash, and G4 would be fine.

Maybe a G4 Mini(You would need a screen), and G4 iMac(a 1.25Ghz one) or if you might be able to find a Core Solo mini for a steal...assuming you have a screen to go with it

 

[Fearless Leader]

a powermac g4 or powerbook g4 could be bought off ebay for those prices and would be great for what you need. also a mac mini, either a g4 or intel.

 

[cmm]

What pb g4 could I get for 500?

 

[extraextra]

What pb g4 could I get for 500?

A lower-specced 12". I doubt you'd find a newer revision (1.5GHz) for $500, I think the cheapest I've seen is closer to $600.

 

[Eidorian]

A lower-specced 12". I doubt you'd find a newer revision (1.5GHz) for $500, I think the cheapest I've seen is closer to $600.

I still see people trying to sell the first 12" model for $700.

Try for a mini if you don't need something portable.

 

[cmm]

I do need something portable. Could I be satisfied with a 667 g4 15" powerbook g4. I do need airport, but not airport extreme. How much ram would I need?

 

[Eidorian]

I do need something portable. Could I be satisfied with a 667 g4 15" powerbook g4. I do need airport, but not airport extreme. How much ram would I need?

512 MB minimum and make sure you get a Radeon in it.

 

[Fearless Leader]

http://cgi.ebay.com/Apple-Mac-Power...8QQihZ017QQcategoryZ14909QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

if its this one i like it. Should be a great computer, if the cosmetics don't bug you. Also the keyboard marks should only be visible with the monitor turned off. 512mb is ok for you 768mb or 1g is better though. I would recomend a pcmia wifi card over airport though. Better range and it would be cheaper. Trouble is finding one though

# Video: ATI Mobility Radeon 7500
# VRAM: 32 MB

would be the video card on that pb.

 

[Lord Blackadder]

Finding a good portable for $500 shipped might not be that easy...I think a used Mac Mini (or maybe an older PowerMac G4) is a better bet.

If you are looking at getting a PowerBook G4, don't get the one with the Rage Mobility GPU - get at least the one with the Radeon. 512MB-1GB RAM is necessary for decent performence. An iBook G4 would probably be a better buy than the "TiBook" PowerBook unless you really want that bigger screen.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Apple-Mac-PowerB...QQcmdZViewItem

if its this one i like it. Should be a great computer, if the cosmetics don't bug you. Also the keyboard marks should only be visible with the monitor turned off. 512mb is ok for you 768mb or 1g is better though. I would recomend a pcmia wifi card over airport though. Better range and it would be cheaper. Trouble is finding one though

Be careful on that one - that screen could cost hundreds to fix if it dies, and since it's already problematic that is a distinct possibility.

 

[cmm]

That one is too expensive. How are the tibooks in terms of reliability?

 

[Lord Blackadder]

They have cosmetic problems (easily dented cases, flaky paint) but are pretty reliable component-wise.

For the same money you can get a faster and more rugged iBook G4 with a smaller screen but better video card.

 

[cmm]

I'd really like the higher res screens, though.

 

[Passante]

How about a refurb from Apple

Apple Certified Refurbished Mac mini
Refurbished Mac mini 1.25GHz
1.25GHz PowerPC G4
256MB DDR333 SDRAM
ATI Radeon 9200 with 32MB DDR video memory
40GB Ultra ATA hard drive
Combo drive
DVI or VGA video output
Learn More
• Save 25% off the original price $499.00
Your price: $379.00

Refurbished Mac mini 1.42GHz
1.42GHz PowerPC G4
512MB DDR333 SDRAM
ATI Radeon 9200 with 32MB DDR video memory
80GB Ultra ATA hard drive
Combo drive (DVD/CD-RW)
DVI or VGA video output
Built-in AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth
Original price: $599.00
Your price: $519.00

 

[cmm]

Which would be perfectif I could get a good LCD to go with it. Ideas?

 

[miles01110]

Which would be perfectif I could get a good LCD to go with it. Ideas?

You could get the cheaper refurb Mac Mini and find a good 19'' LCD for $200.

 

[cmm]

What LCD would you recommend?

 

[Eidorian]

The Core Solo Mac mini should be around $500. ($519 the last time I checked).

I'd suggest a 17" Samsung LCD. You can usually find with around $149-169 and with DVI inputs.

 

[briansolomon]

If your local CompUSA still has the 1.42 GHz PPC mini with Combo drive they are currently selling for 349.99...not available for online order...must be instore