10-24-2004, 08:33 AM

I`m thinking of switching (sort of). I do alot of my work using the .net framework so I would not be able to get rid of my PC.

What I would like is a configuration were I can use my PC/Mac depending on what I`m doing. I was thinking of work like stuff on PC, and play on MAC - i.e. Emails, Surfing, Word processing, non-work programming.

I have toyed with a few different configurations. I like the Apple laptops but I would mostly be using in my bedroom so thought better getting iMac or Power Mac. The iMac looks excellent but would mean I would have to have 2 monitors on my desk. That leaves the Power Mac, I thought I could get a KVM and then switch between PC and Mac. This gives me the most flexibility.

Sadly the Power Macs are very expensive. I`m looking at the bottom end, a single processor 1.8. From the looks of it the dual processor machine isnt that much gain (yet) and is alot more expensive. This becomes more vital considering virtually all Macs need a RAM upgrade before taking out the shop.

What do you guys think? Would a single process power mac g5 1.8 be an okay investment? Or would it date too quickly?

Also does anyone else have a PC/Power Mac operating on a KVM, what mouse/keyboard would you use?

Thanks in advance for your comments/help

10-24-2004, 10:44 AM

For the things you want to do with your Mac, the single 1.8 PowerMac is more than enough. Actually, even the low end Macs (eMac and 12" iBook) would be more than sufficient.
There's a big difference between the new single 1.8GHz and the dual 1,8GHz: not only does it have a second CPU, but also it has a faster FSB (900MHz opposed to 600MHz), which makes overall system performance faster, without taking in count the second CPU.
The new single 1.8s performance is at thesame level than the 1.8 iMac G5, except that you can add twice as much memory, expandability and FW800.

But to be honest, for your needs, I would try to find a good used PowerMac G4. They are pretty fast, and cheaper than the G5. But it's all a question of what you want. If you want Apple's newest hardware it's the G5. If you don't want a too expensive switch, buy a used G4. Apple's don't get outdated as fast as PCs.
Some people still use old G4s or even G3s, and they do some quite demanding stuff with them...

10-24-2004, 11:34 AM

Originally Posted by Avalon

For the things you want to do with your Mac, the single 1.8 PowerMac is more than enough. Actually, even the low end Macs (eMac and 12" iBook) would be more than sufficient.
There's a big difference between the new single 1.8GHz and the dual 1,8GHz: not only does it have a second CPU, but also it has a faster FSB (900MHz opposed to 600MHz), which makes overall system performance faster, without taking in count the second CPU.
The new single 1.8s performance is at thesame level than the 1.8 iMac G5, except that you can add twice as much memory, expandability and FW800.

But to be honest, for your needs, I would try to find a good used PowerMac G4. They are pretty fast, and cheaper than the G5. But it's all a question of what you want. If you want Apple's newest hardware it's the G5. If you don't want a too expensive switch, buy a used G4. Apple's don't get outdated as fast as PCs.
Some people still use old G4s or even G3s, and they do some quite demanding stuff with them...

Thanks for your reply. I will probably use the Mac for video editing and programming too, will this still be okay? How much RAM do Macs generally need. I have read that 256 is a definete no no, would I be okay with 512 or shall I go for 1gig?

From the sounds of it 1.8 single processor would be enough for me, but a dual with its faster bus make give me more expandability in the future.

I quite like the design of the G5 and because it will be on my desk its added quietness over the G4 is a massive plus.

10-24-2004, 12:18 PM

Well for the noise reasons you mentioned, AND the fact that you'll be doing video editing with it, I'd say get the G5.

Apple's video editing software is extremely powerful, but you do need the horsepower to work with...

10-24-2004, 02:22 PM

The OS and the fact that resource doesn't need to be shared with virus and spyware apps is more than enough for me! :alien:

10-24-2004, 02:49 PM

I agree with aptmunich. Noise definitely is an issue on the G4 (I have one) and for videoediting, the more power you can get, the better it is.

Bout RAM, well, 256MB isn't enough. I mean it works, but way too crappy. The minimum I would suggest for comfortable use would be 512MB. But as you mentionned video editing, go for at least 1GB. Here again, as video editing is very RAM hungry, the more you can get, the better it'll work.
So it's only a question of budget...
By the way, the dual 2GHz has the advantage of accepting up to 8GB...in case 4GB isn't enough :cool:

10-24-2004, 03:29 PM

Originally Posted by Avalon

I agree with aptmunich. Noise definitely is an issue on the G4 (I have one) and for videoediting, the more power you can get, the better it is.

Bout RAM, well, 256MB isn't enough. I mean it works, but way too crappy. The minimum I would suggest for comfortable use would be 512MB. But as you mentionned video editing, go for at least 1GB. Here again, as video editing is very RAM hungry, the more you can get, the better it'll work.
So it's only a question of budget...
By the way, the dual 2GHz has the advantage of accepting up to 8GB...in case 4GB isn't enough :cool:

My video editing will only be home videos etc and things I archive off my sky plus box.

I cant imagine ever wanting 8gig that must be required for some really specialist hardcore stuff.

As for budget, I dont have much of one and I really dont NEED a MAc but I spend alot of time on computers and for some reason feel compelled to get a Mac. I think it will rebuild my enthusiasm for computers again....

10-25-2004, 12:44 AM

Do it. Make the switch. I just made it myself and it makes so much sense. I'm kicking myself for not doing it sooner.

10-26-2004, 05:49 AM

I have finally decided to get a Power Mac and will also get myself a new TFT and a KVM so that I can switch to PC when I need to do my .net development.

I will be ordered my Mac later today or tomorrow morning the only thing I havent decided is what to get. Its a really tough decision.

At the moment I have been shifting from one machine to another. I`m thinking for my first Mac a single 1.8 Power Mac would be sufficient. It is at a decent price point and seems like it will be fast enough for what I want.

However I`m still tempted by the dual 1.8, it should obviously stretch further, be quicker and last longer but is it worth an extra £400? Then on the other hand for a bit more the dual 2 has PCI-x, more RAM and an acceptable Hard disk. If I got a 1.8 I would definetly be upgrading hard disk and RAM anyway.

But then there is the 2.5 which is only a bit more than that and is quite a large step faster, it would definetly last a long time and might even run VirtualPC fast enough for me to not need to KVM with pc. Oh god, help me.

Please can you convince me that the single 1.8 is enough neye:

10-27-2004, 05:57 AM

forgive me I have sinned .

I ended up ordering a Power Mac dual 1.8 with 1gig memory and 160gb hard drive and bluetooth.

My first Mac.

I cannot wait

10-27-2004, 08:57 AM

Well done, let us know how you get on when it arrives!

Oh and be patient...

10-27-2004, 01:54 PM

i ihave just made the switch myself i had a intel pentuim 4 2.4ghz windows xp YUCK i now have an ibook g4 1.2ghz onley 128mb ram b that is going to b sorted soon and i have to say i would never go back to a windows system

10-28-2004, 02:54 AM

Originally Posted by rlcoach

forgive me I have sinned .

I ended up ordering a Power Mac dual 1.8 with 1gig memory and 160gb hard drive and bluetooth.

My first Mac.

I cannot wait

You are forgiven... :cool:

You did the right thing. :robot:

10-28-2004, 11:15 PM

Sinned? My son, you WERE sinning with that demon OS you were running. Welcome to the RIGHT side, my son. Come in and reap the rewards that will be bestowed upon you. You are now one of the chosen ones.

Did anyone show you the handshake yet and tell you the secret word?

Welcome home.

10-29-2004, 10:13 AM

Good work, man! A PowerMac, wow!

My 1.33GHz PowerBook runs about 2x faster than my 2GHz PC, so I can't even begin to imagine what a 1.8GHz MONSTER would be like! Keep us informed, and congrats again!