I'm still holding on to my 14" ibook 1Ghz G4 (bought in August 2004) - maxed RAM, Combo Drive, AirPort card, no bluetooth, no camera, 40GB hard drive, only one working USB port, battery practically worthless, and now that I'm no longer a student, the squinting at the laptop gets to me. It likes to give me that beautiful parasol whenever I try to run, say, more than two programs and also when I'm streaming video for some reason.
In those four years: Intel macs! Wireless mice and keyboards! Death of the Combo Drive! Windows capability...basically, I've been run over by the wheels of change.
Oh yes, my point. New minis and imacs are quite tempting, but I am not sure which would fit my long term needs, or whether a refurb would do just as well (or better) for less money. I plan on using my next computer for another 3.5-4 years, and I'd like to be able to keep up for that time span. I'm mostly a recreational user - watching video online, basic photo editing stuff, word processing, maybe using the thing as a DVR (mini) or second TV (imac). Sometimes I might want to play a computer game (more like Spore than a complex shooter). Occasionally I might do some desktop publishing things or use Dreamweaver. l would probably install Windows, as well, just in case.
I work at a university and qualify for the education discount. I also have an iphone, which meets my portable needs, and an HDTV.
Halp?
In those four years: Intel macs! Wireless mice and keyboards! Death of the Combo Drive! Windows capability...basically, I've been run over by the wheels of change.
Oh yes, my point. New minis and imacs are quite tempting, but I am not sure which would fit my long term needs, or whether a refurb would do just as well (or better) for less money. I plan on using my next computer for another 3.5-4 years, and I'd like to be able to keep up for that time span. I'm mostly a recreational user - watching video online, basic photo editing stuff, word processing, maybe using the thing as a DVR (mini) or second TV (imac). Sometimes I might want to play a computer game (more like Spore than a complex shooter). Occasionally I might do some desktop publishing things or use Dreamweaver. l would probably install Windows, as well, just in case.
I work at a university and qualify for the education discount. I also have an iphone, which meets my portable needs, and an HDTV.
Halp?