Using iMac G3 as DVR and Music Server?

[Angelus520]

I've been reading some of the forums on using a cheap Mac as a DVR for recording purposes only as well as a music server. I found an iMac DV400 w/ 128MB RAM, 13GB HDD, and supposedly a DVD drive for $150. There's also an iMac G3 700 w/ 256MB RAM, 60GB HDD, and a CD-RW for $350. I have an extra 500MB RAM stick to put in either so that's not an issue. I'll be using an external 400GB Seagate drive for the files.

I know neither system will playback HD video but all the forums say the older ones work fine for simply recording.

I talked a friend into buying a DV400 last fall when her HP died and she's been more than happy with it for Word and Web stuff. Just wondering if I could maybe get more use out of the 700 since it has a bigger HDD.

Just looking for suggestions.

 

[macbaseball]

I would get a tower. I wouldn't use a G3 iMac because the screen would be on all the time.

 

[echeck]

I'd go for the 700, just a better machine and would be more reliable for what you want to do with it. Of course the 700 is $350 and for another $150 you could get a mini.