should i go with a pro model next time

It depends on how much you want to spend, but it sounds like you use the computer much like I do and for that it seems the consumer models are your best value. The eMac, iMac, and iBook are all excellent computers. They are marketed as consumer models, but I bet there are more then a few pros out there that are using them as well. You know that would be an interesting question on here to ask...Who uses an Apple consumer model for professional work? I think you will be happy with the money you have saved, dollar for dollar the i and e models off a lot of value.

 

jef, It sounds to me like a consumer level machine would suit you just fine. If you got along with an iBook for 3 years a high level iMac would suit you nicely. Both the eMac and iMac are good deals since they have G4s and you could still use the iBook as a portable if you wanted.

 

Hmmm...

If you want your machine to last a while...I would go pro.

I think that a tower still has a place in all homes. Its expandible so you can put the new "firewire 2" or "usb 2" in it. You can have 5.1 speakers. You can put bigger, better monitors.

Its faster, IMO better looking, and more expandible.

These are my problems with consumer line comps...

The iMac- Screen is ok for a newbie user, but just too small even though its a LCD. The Graphics Card is a POS IMO. Speakers suck on em, but you can get different ones. Very very fradgile. No expandiblity, slower than pro, and sh*tty sound.

The eMac- Well, for the price, its a nice machine. Only thing I can complain about is the fan problem I have heard, the size, and the weight. Oh yea, get external speakers. As for expandiblity, same as the iMac.

iBook- I like the iBook. If you are getting a laptop, expandiblity must not matter THAT much to you. Nice graphics for a G3, and the sound still sux. Small screen, sh*tty rez, and slow processor.

For the things you are doing, if you wanted a consumer, I would get an eMac. Now, if you want to get a used computer or refurb. I would get the PowerBook G4. No problems with that!!!

 

I think that when the prices drop on the 1 ghz powermacs after MWNY.

That would be the best tower for your needs for a long time to come.

I think that the pro line is the only way to go and I think that they last longer.

PRO all the way!

 

Whatever you decide to get, get a G4 processor. I would say that if you get the tower, get the mid level one. As it stands now, the low end model doesn't have any L3 cache. The L3 cache makes a huge difference in the system performance. The mid level tower also has other things to offer, such as a longer usable life span.

 

I can't adopt you sadly since you seem very nice.

But I can give you the advise to buy a TOWER and it will last you longer and you will get more productivity in the last years of its live.

I know money can be an issue , but productivity is also.

If you buy after MW, it won't cost that much more for a good DP 1 giger...YUM!

And as you said you already have the monitor,, I think that the decision is obvious....

 

The biggest advantages to going to the Tower are:

1. Upgradeable graphics card.
2. CPU on a plug-in card.
3. Spare spots for internal HD upgrades.
4. Easier access to internals.
5. Multi-monitor support.

The towers have generally had a long service life with Mac users, and right now they're the only Macs with CPUs and video not soldered to the motherboard.

 

if you have to get a new computer now i would say get a G4, either the iMac, eMac or even a tower, but stay away from the iBooks. they're still alright, but not in the long term.

or, if you can wait, there might be a G4 iBook just around the corner...
just hold out for a little longer and keep your eye on the rumors.