I got mine (w/ Radeon 9600) on monday, installed an additional 1GB, but since it has been an extremely busy week for me, I still have not had time to test it properly. Anyway, here are my first impressions:
The machine feels very snappy to normal usage. I had before a TiBook 667 at home and I use an AluBook 1.33 at work and the difference is quite noticeable. Opening the programs means seen one or two bounces at most.
Under normal usage, i.e. browsing, itunes, email and so on, the machine feels very smooth.
Noise. Noise is a BIG issue for me. I enjoy silence and have a very quiet appartment (with views to a fjord, of course!). I had to sell my iMac G4 after 4 months because I could not stand the sound of the fan 50cm away from my nose. I also borrowed an iMac G5 from a friend to test it, and although very silent while idling, the noise while doing something intensive was irritating. You are supposed to use the computer, not just look at it!! The TiBook had probably spoiled me, it has been a wonderful computer and virtually silent for two years!
The PowerMac is noisier while idling than an iMac G5, I would say. I can perfectly hear it from across the room. But then, this level remains constant all the time (at least, for the moment). I find this much less annoying than the iMac. I have enclosed it in a noise absorbing case (basically a custom made case that does not cover either the front or the rear panels, to keep cooling working!) and then it is extremely silent.
All in all, I am very happy with this PowerMac!!!
