Contemplating a Mac...

I was thinking about getting used. Doesn't have to be fancy but I'd like it to run a current OS and allow me to brows and email and not clock for hours to get form one app to the next. (I have no issues with adding memory).

My question is what would be a good minimum starting base. Trying to go as cheap as possible, but still get a decent representation of the Mac OS and overall feel. So would a faster G4 work or would Should I stay G5? Or what?

Also, are there any specific machines that should be avoided since buying used?

Thanks!!!

What's your budget? That would be a good starting point for us to recommend an appropriate machine.

If you want to run Leopard, and your getting a g4, make sure its faster than 867Mhz. For the best leopard experience, I would recommend a g5 or intel. Go with intel if you want to keep your computer compatible with future apple OS's

I'd like to spend no more than $350 (not including any potential memory upgrade. And if I like it possibly get some use out of it. That may be asking too much, so if I do like it I may sell it towards a newer model.

you might consider getting a machine that can only run tiger then, just to get a feel. Tiger happens to be a rock solid OS in its own right. G4 or G3 should work for you.

Yeah, it certainly doesn't have to run Leopard. However, that OS looks sweet, I'm sure Tiger operates the same, just may have less features

I have a G4 PowerMac that is currently running Leopard. I am looking to sell it if you are interested I can get you the specs. I would recommend running Tiger as Leopard is a little slow but it is still very usable.

What about something like this?
http://cgi.ebay.com/EMAC-1GHz-512MB...yZ111418QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

babarnette said:

I have a G4 PowerMac that is currently running Leopard. I am looking to sell it if you are interested I can get you the specs. I would recommend running Tiger as Leopard is a little slow but it is still very usable.

Click to expand...

Sure, PM me if you'd like.

I will tomorrow. It's not hooked up right now and it's almost 1am where I live.

TxNoob said:

What about something like this?
http://cgi.ebay.com/EMAC-1GHz-512MB...yZ111418QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Click to expand...

I personally like that Emac a lot. Only thing is I hope it comes with the Install DVD of Tiger at least. I would upgrade the RAM to 1GB also. It would not be a bad first Mac to get used to OSX especially with what you are planning on doing on your Mac.

I would wait though for Babarnette's PM. See what kind of deal he will make with you. He is a very good user here and I am sure will be honest with you unlike some unknown on Ebay!

I thought about buying used/refurbished before buying my new MacBook. I'm glad I didn't because I absolutely love it and by buying a brand new model, I've ensured that I won't have to upgrade for quite some time.

Granted, not everyone can afford a brand new machine, but IMO, if you can swing it, do it!!

Here is a link to the PowerMac G4. The monitor is already sold.

http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=97261&highlight=sale+power+mac

I am also contemplating a mac but really all I want it to do is connect to the internet with wifi G and run a few windows programs and KDE programs. They include: (KDE) Amarok, Kopete, K3B: (Windows)RPG Maker series, Rosetta Stone. How much ram, and processor power would I need? Is it the same as a PC or can I get away with 600mhz

Use Adium X instead of Kopete. Amarok 2 will be natively available for OS X, and I'd assume the same for the upcoming K3b.

I just switched over to using Adium today instead of the Mac MSN client.

Love it! Much nicer than the Mac MSN Messenger!

I think the eMac would suit your needs just fine. I might also check into prices of the iMac G4, and G5.

Okay, I picked up an Emac locally. 1.25Ghz G4, 512MB Ram 80GB hard drive, and a superdrive. Comes with OS X Tiger and MS Office for $150. No CDs or manuals, but hoping to sell a new copy of Windows XP to fund a copy of OS X

To late to start playing now but I have 2 questions.

1. Are there good working more cost effective alternatives to Airport Extreme wireless? I'm looking at a usb model by ASUS that seems to have pretty god reviews for 10.3 and 10.4 but apparently no drivers for 10.5 Leopard.

2. The memory is PC2700 DDR (333mhz). I would like to upgrade from 512MB to 768 or max out to a 1GB. As above, are there any reliable alternatives to getting directly from Mac?

Thanks!!