She doesn't need anything fancy, just something to run her games. Currently, all of her games (that we own) and pretty much anything in the store still runs on OS 9, so for the moment I am not too worried about OS X. However, I suppose that, down the road, it might be nice if it *could* run OS X, but I'm not sure.
What I've been looking at is:
PowerMac 5500/225: $59.49 @ Megamacs.com
Beige G3 AIO: $80-129 @ebay.com
iMac 333MHz: $240 @ baucomcomputers.com
Which of these do you think would be the best deal? I've been struggling with this one (and sparring with my wife over it) for a week, and figured a second opinion would be nice. I am leaning towards the 5500 (because its really all she needs to run her games currently), but also like the upgradability of the AIO (leaves the future open). She (wife) likes the iMac because its "cooler", and that machine also ensures compatibility with Panther.
And yes, I am aware that buying of eBay is dangerous, but I do plan on being as cautious as possible (no wires (PayPal/CC only), only users (stores) w/high ratings (yes, I know, that can be "fixed", but still), etc). I wouldn't buy a more expensive computer off of eBay, but I am not as worried about $100. That said, what do you think? Also, on the latter two machines, can anybody testify to how OS X runs (Panther (those who have it) or Jag), just so I can have a ball-park idea if it is even worth considering them for? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated...
What I've been looking at is:
PowerMac 5500/225: $59.49 @ Megamacs.com
Beige G3 AIO: $80-129 @ebay.com
iMac 333MHz: $240 @ baucomcomputers.com
Which of these do you think would be the best deal? I've been struggling with this one (and sparring with my wife over it) for a week, and figured a second opinion would be nice. I am leaning towards the 5500 (because its really all she needs to run her games currently), but also like the upgradability of the AIO (leaves the future open). She (wife) likes the iMac because its "cooler", and that machine also ensures compatibility with Panther.
And yes, I am aware that buying of eBay is dangerous, but I do plan on being as cautious as possible (no wires (PayPal/CC only), only users (stores) w/high ratings (yes, I know, that can be "fixed", but still), etc). I wouldn't buy a more expensive computer off of eBay, but I am not as worried about $100. That said, what do you think? Also, on the latter two machines, can anybody testify to how OS X runs (Panther (those who have it) or Jag), just so I can have a ball-park idea if it is even worth considering them for? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated...
