When do we bite the intel bullet?

[zen.state]

I use Intel where I have to, but I'll switch my PowerPC Macs to Linux before I toss them into a landfill.

In my experiences with a few different PPC Linux I would say none are faster than OS X 10.3-10.5. I have run Yellow Dog Linux, PPC Linux and Ubuntu on PowerPC and compared to X on the same machine I would rather use Mac OS.

Linux on PowerPC in only really logical if you need or prefer Linux over OS X.

 

[coral]

I can see the reason why people love the PPC models and still use them!

Me personally? Can't stand a minute with a PPC machine since i got my hands on a quad core intel with SSD and 16 GB ram. The performance isn't even comparable, it is so many times faster and more responsive. Recently fired up my G5 to transfer some files, a fresh OS install but DAMN the machine is so slow.

Speed is a dealbreaker for me and for the first time in a very long time, i find myself not waiting for OSX with every single thing i do.

 

[g4 powerbookboy]

OYYYYYYY! i will keep using my ppc macs for as long as they will function and when they quit functioning, i will look for a replacement ppc mac. no need for intel crap here. ppc is apple!!

 

[chrismacguy]

Speed is a dealbreaker for me and for the first time in a very long time, i find myself not waiting for OSX with every single thing i do.

This is the main reason I have Intel Macs as well, however it should be noted that if you run a PowerPC Mac with the correct combination of software (Older Versions) and external hardware/internal upgrades they can be incredibly fast. For instance my MDD with OS9 and Final Cut Pro 2/Mathematica 3 is amongst the speediest in terms of machines I own, especially for SD Video Editing, however for modern symbolic computation and HD editing (FCP6/Mathematica 6) it isnt possible to run it in any useful way. The same applies to 68K Machines, with System 6/7 and ancient office software (ClarisWorks 2.0/Office 4) most people could easily handle their daily needs (I even lasted a week doing basic office tasks + email on a Quadra 840av last year - it was fine, but I had to go back to something more modern for the internet and to handle what I actually do) perfectly fine.

As I said before, the only reason to upgrade is that your machine no longer does what it is you need technology to accomplish, be it in terms of computational power or design (My MBA is a case in point in terms of design - I needed the lightweightness, but CPU wise Idve been fine with a 133Mhz 603ev and OS9).

 

[WGoins88]

no need for intel crap here!

Ehh... I wouldn't go THAT far. PPC owners switching to Intel later on is inevitable.

Just like when the PowerPC 6xx owners switched to the G3/4/5.

I love my PPCs, but like I said... it's inevitable....everything eventually fades to dark and ends up in the closet or a undeserved fate... the trash (I could never do that!).

I'll continue to use my MDD until it's too old to load something as simple as a Yahoo main page, which with the way technology is, it may be as early as 2-3 years. Unless of course I happen across $700 to buy a new Mini.

I remember throwing out our 66MHz 486DX2 Packard Bell in 1999 because it was simply getting far too old and slow. 66MHZ and 8MB ram couldn't keep up anymore. We bought it new in 1994.

 

[Nameci]

The way I see it now, Intel Mac Owners will be biting the ARM bullet maybe in the next 3 years or so... do you thinks so?

 

[chrismacguy]

The way I see it now, Intel Mac Owners will be biting the ARM bullet maybe in the next 3 years or so... do you thinks so?

Definitely not. ARM isnt suitable as a desktop CPU architecture in comparison to Intel. Intel has a decade Id say, If you look at the CPU roadmaps for the next 3 years, ARM wont be anywhere near the performance of Intel CPUs - and since Apple sells lots of MacBook Pros and high-performance iMacs, they wont switch to ARM, not until it beats Intel, which wont happen till 2020 or so at the earliest if the roadmaps are correct.

 

[Nameci]

Who knows, it is just around the corner...

 

[iMikeT]

Im a one computer at a time kind of guy. I dove into intel in 07 with a macbook. I liked it but ended up selling. Been back with powerpc ever since. I love my current ibook. Got it for 100 and have invested 150 more. Right now im debating between adding a superdrive or removing the optical drive and adding a 2nd hard drive. Most likely an ssd for a start up drive. Thats 100-160 bucks that could bring my grand total to 410. Its not worth it from a resale standpoint obviously but when do we give up on ppc and move on for good? For the sake of conversation why do you all stay with ppc? Please no "it does all that i need" type answers. Real techies have a much closer connection to hardware than what it can do.

I have been wanting to go Intel for as long as I can remember. I have been unable to do so because of financial and other personal obligations.

 

[mr.steevo]

I just can't stand spending money on a computer though I could afford to buy any computer I like. My 1Ghz iBook was the first computer I ever owned. I got through college and university without buying a computer and only caved to buy the iBook ($1700) when my girl friend moved in and started school. She demanded and I complied.

My plan is to buy a mac mini when it is built with a quad core. I don't need a quad but I figure it will last a lot longer with four processors than with two. Besides, my iBook still works well at all the computer tasks I have.

 

[chungasarnies]

Just my 2 cents here.

I'm using the dual G5 (in sig) for heavy music studio stuff, often daily - we're talking 40 track Logic Pro, with a dual monitor setup, and it chomps through it almost entirely flawlessly. Admittedly I had to cram in all the RAM I had and add a WD Black drive but it's still formidable. Boots in about 15-20 seconds, shuts down in 7, even after heavy use.

My MBP doesn't do any of these things, although nowadays its the more practical choice in terms of updates etc etc.