which is a better buy?

[djbreal57]

alright
my iMac G4's monitor busted and we are not willing to pay however much the problem costs (right now im on an external monitor with the iMac G4)
the guy at the genius bar told us its not even worth trying to replace the parts since it will be expensive
so heres my dilemma:
should i get an iMac G5 17-inch 2.0 GHz
or a Mac Mini 1.83 GHz and Keyboard,Mouse,Monitor?
its a hard decision
because the iMac can run windows and stuff
well please give whatever suggestions or advice you have
thank you :]
-Brent

 

[NotFound]

An iMac G5 will not run windows.

 

[balamw]

What are you looking to spend on this machine?

The Intel based iMac C2D 2.0 GHz starts at $1199 while the 1.83 GHz Core (not 2) Duo mini is $799.

Do you have a monitor you intend to use with the mini? Otherwise you'll probably want a $200+ monitor which makes the real price difference $200.

The iMac gives you some features not available in the mini, though both will run windows.

1) dual montor capability
2) faster, larger 3.5" drives.
3) Core 2 Duo for future 64 bit OS/applications.
4) Non-integrated graphics.

If you want to save money have a look at the refurbs availble from the Apple store online.

B

 

[pknz]

An iMac G5 will not run windows.

Well it will through Microsofts now discontinued Virtual PC, but the speed in which it runs is pathetic.

 

[Chundles]

What are you looking to spend on this machine?

The Intel based iMac C2D 2.0 GHz starts at $1199 while the 1.83 GHz Core (not 2) Duo mini is $799.

Do you have a monitor you intend to use with the mini? Otherwise you'll probably want a $200+ monitor which makes the real price difference $200.

The iMac gives you some features not available in the mini, though both will run windows.

1) dual montor capability
2) faster, larger 3.5" drives.
3) Core 2 Duo for future 64 bit OS/applications.
4) Non-integrated graphics.

If you want to save money have a look at the refurbs availble from the Apple store online.

B

He said iMac G5, not the Intel models.

The iMac G5 will run Windows through VPC7 and it will suck hard and be very slow.

An Intel iMac will run Windows as will the Mac mini you were looking at - all current Macs, actually all Intel-based Macs can run Windows at native speeds. Anything based on a PowerPC such as the iMac G5 you mention will run Windows at speeds closer to that of an asthmatic ant with some heavy shopping via emulation through Virtual PC 7.

Get an Intel iMac or the Mac mini if you can.

 

[Abstract]

If I were you, I'd get the Mac Mini, but I'd wait for them to be upgraded to Core 2 Duo because I think the Mac Minis are a ripoff at the specs they have now.

Reason: You had an iMac G4, the LCD breaks, the computer itself still works, but because of the broken LCD, you need to get an entire new computer? From this experience, doesn't it suck. Personally I wouldn't care, since I don't expect computers to last me more than 3 years anyway. I need speed for my photography habit, and I wouldn't mind getting a 20" iMac if it lasts me 3-4 years.

However, for your situation, I'd get the Mac Mini + an external LCD so that if the LCD breaks, you can just get a new one.

 

[DarkNetworks]

iMac G5? Not the direction I would recomend. Virtual PC itself is a pain to run, and I mean it seriously. I would go for the Mac Mini if the G5 vs Intel Mini is what you're comparing here.