Thinking of switching ??!!

Discussion in 'Mac Basics and Help' started by Smokebeast, Mar 21, 2006.

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  1. Smokebeast, Mar 21, 2006

    Smokebeast macrumors newbie

    Smokebeast

    Joined:
    Mar 21, 2006
    Location:
    Bristol (UK)
    #1
    Hey guys

    Hello to everyone first time on here!!!

    Recently realised that i have a high spec pc that i dont use to play games here it is below.

    A64 3500+
    1 gig Ram
    ATI X850XT PE
    DFI Mobo
    80gig HD

    Main reason being i've got a 360 :cool:

    But i spend allot of time on the net. I dj so am always recording sets etc. Moving into production this year. Something i've always wanted to do. Ben djing for 4 years and feel its the next step. Got my midi controller and have been tinkering with Ableton and Reason.

    I also play about with photoshop from time to time and also do abit of web design. Been using Concept management systems (moonfruit) but just came across rapidweaver. Is it good?? Heard of Dreamweaver

    So obviously the idea of moving to a Mac has sprung up.

    Now looking at the power mac Dual G5 probaly the lowest one and upgrade when needed. I would like some graphical power to maybe play the odd stratagy game Rome Total war or BFME 2 if thats possible.

    I heard you can't buy new graphic cards for these systems but can actually flash the bio on pc cards and use them!!

    Or should i wait for the new intel based one to come out seeing i'm new??

    Hope you can help
    S

    P.s feel free to add me to your xbox friends list ;)
     
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  2. Abulia, Mar 21, 2006

    Abulia macrumors 68000

    Abulia

    Joined:
    Jun 22, 2004
    Location:
    Kushiel's Scion
    #2
    Well, that depends on how serious you are on switching. :)

    I switched about 1.5 years ago but I had a plan. I took small steps, first with an eMac to make sure I liked the Mac platform. Then later, the iMac G5. Unfortunately I had problems with the iMac (DOA) and returned it. Then I got the PowerMac.

    I LOVE the PowerMac. If you're used to "serious" hardware and computers, the PowerMac is the machine for you. It's solid, a thing of beauty and design, and is a processing beast. It's also the only Mac that you can expand.

    Intel vs PowerPC: The future is very clearly Intel for Apple and the PowerMac Intel replacement should be out by the end of the calendar year at the latest (probably in Sept). Personally, I'd wait; an investment in a PowerMac (G5) at this time might come with a lot of buyer's remorse when the Intels come out.

    On the other hand...a G5 PowerMac has a lot of processing power and you'll likely get several years of use out of it. Plus, all the Pro apps are not dual binaries yet, which means until Apple releases the Intel versions, they only run well on the G5s. Thus, if you need Pro apps now, the G5 is your only "serious" option.

    If I might suggest, a refurb might be a good solution and the best of both worlds. Get into the Mac now at a decent price point, have full capabilities and power until the Intels come out, then upgrade with a minimal loss. (I've been amazed at how well Macs keep their value.) Refurb machines from the Apple Store come with full warranties and are often shipped better-equipped than listed.

    Sorry for the longness! :)
     
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  3. Eidorian, Mar 21, 2006

    Eidorian macrumors Penryn

    Eidorian

    Joined:
    Mar 23, 2005
    Location:
    Indianapolis
    #3
    Intel + Refurbished from Apple = WIN

    My next machine is going to get refurbished. I'm never paying full price again. (Even with my education discount.)
     
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  4. MrTchMan, Mar 21, 2006

    MrTchMan macrumors member

    Joined:
    Aug 16, 2005
    Location:
    Utah
    #4
    I would wait until the new intel Powermac are released. I think you will be a lot happier. If you want to try a mac to get use to the software. Buy a refurb or check the marketplace.
     
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  5. Abulia, Mar 21, 2006

    Abulia macrumors 68000

    Abulia

    Joined:
    Jun 22, 2004
    Location:
    Kushiel's Scion
    #5
    Didn't someone post today that the UK Apple Store had some pretty impressive (30% off) deals on refurbs at the moment?
     
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  6. Eidorian, Mar 21, 2006

    Eidorian macrumors Penryn

    Eidorian

    Joined:
    Mar 23, 2005
    Location:
    Indianapolis
    #6
    If you want to try before you buy a refurbished G4 Mac mini from the Marketplace here or Apple's refurb store will be the best option.
     
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  7. Smokebeast, Mar 21, 2006

    Smokebeast thread starter macrumors newbie

    Smokebeast

    Joined:
    Mar 21, 2006
    Location:
    Bristol (UK)
    #7
    Cool thanks for the replys!!

    Well my flat mates going to give me £600 for my pc. So i can add about £300 so a budget of £900

    There are some G5's in the refurb for that and Ebay has a few too. There seems to be alot of scammers though :(

    If i were to get this: £900 in the refurb store.

    Dual-core 2GHz PowerPC G5 processor
    1GHz frontside bus per processor
    1MB L2 cache per core
    512MB memory (533MHz DDR2 SDRAM)
    160GB Serial ATA hard drive
    16x SuperDrive (double-layer)
    Three open PCI-Express expansion slots
    NVIDIA GeForce 6600 LE with 128MB GDDR SDRAM

    Would that be a good start??

    I probably would add some ram and upgrade the graphics if possible.

    Would get a mini mac to try but wouldn't be able to afford the intel powermac, when it comes out. Unless they will be cheaper than the PPC ones:confused:

    Also would this be faster than my current set up??

    Anyone got a Tv card thing in theres?? I'm liking that option too. I know you can do it with pcs. but never thought of it till now!!

    One more. Will microsoft (doubt it) be making something that will allow the 360 to hook up with Macs??

    And what software.....:D
     
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