05-08-2012, 11:30 PM

Originally Posted by pigoo3

You're right. As long as nothing changes...then the same computer, running the same software, the same OS version, working on the same files and file sizes...then that older computer should work just fine.

But in reality things do change:

- folks install newer versions of programs (which are more complex)
- new OS versions are installed
- the internet gets more complex (including online gaming)
- folks want to run newer and more sophisticated games
- file sizes get larger (especially photos and graphics)

...so...newer & faster computers are needed to keep up with changes in the software and internet industries. And vice-versa...when faster & more capable computers are developed...the software & internet industries develop products to take advantage of that extra computing power (which consumers eventually then find they cannot live without).

It's a two-pronged cycle that feeds off of each other.

- Nick

That's 100% accurate; But If you adapt properly; there's no need.

A)Yes, You will want to use newer, more complex programs. But again, this goes back to my (some may call it idiotic) Mindset of "If it works, Don't Change it"... similar to the ideology of "If it's not broken, don't fix it"

B)New OS versions... Not really too necessary... Again- going back to my "If it works, Don't Change it"

C&D)Sure, The internet will get more Complex. Sure, Gaming will get more complex. But You don't NEED to depend on the internet 24/7. Sure, In this day and age, it seems like everyone is online all the time, but think-- Do you really NEED to use it that much?
You spoke of online gaming- for a gamer; No doubt you'll need to upgrade your machine to support the new, more sophisticated games. But for someone who may not do Gaming or Go on the internet all that much, It's not as important. Especially in the case of games; I'm perfectly content with playing games offline... you know, the way most games originally were?

E)Photo Sizes get Larger. You got me there. But does everything need to be in HD? Remember... there used to be a wonderful time... When everyone had Black and white TVs, CRT... 10 channels...
Oh wait... too far back.
Haha... I will say you got me on this one. But still; if you're not working with the Newer, HD, HQ, Video Graphics stuff, It's perfectly fine. (But who other than me is doing THAT? ...nobody? exactly.)

Of course computers are going to become more advanced, and people are going to create new programs; It's not simply because of Being more advanced, It's also because people like money.

When I said that it functioning the same "whether that's good or not, your call" because yes, technology moves on, and before you know it, the power macintosh you bought in 1996 for thousands is worth $15 and Can barely do anything a modern computer can.

But like, For example, If your a student who uses a computer for the one, sole purpose of typing up reports, you don't need to upgrade.

I know what you're thinking- "Who would use a computer Just for typing"
See, that's the thing... we've become so dependent on Machines for everything... games, Internet, Jobs, etc. You don't NEED a computer for all those things.

I guess I'm Just stuck in the past...

05-08-2012, 11:51 PM

Originally Posted by OlderMacUser

I guess I'm Just stuck in the past...

Yes...everything you said I can identify with. But you have to realize that all that rational works for you from your perspective.

From someone else's perspective what you said about:

- newer complex programs
- new OS versions
- time on the internet
- photo sizes
- etc.

...they might totally disagree with...because they grew up in a "different world"...with different expectations.

I don't know how old you are (you may even be younger than me)! But I'll try and give you some "change" examples that you might identify with better.

When you grew up (or were much younger) you may not have had:

- cell phones (but you probably have one now)
- cordless phones in your home (but you probably have them now)
- remote controls for your TV's (but you have them now)
- microwave ovens (but you have one now)
- automobiles when you were young may not have had (as standard equipment) power windows, air conditioning, AM/FM radio (or no radio), an automatic transmission, etc. But I bet that the car you drive now has most or all of these.

None of these things are NECESSARY...but you & I have them none-the-less! We could all survive without remote controls, cell phones, cordless phones, microwave ovens, and automobiles without automatic transmissions, air conditioning, and power windows...but we have them anyway. Heck...we could get along driving Model T Fords if we had to...or riding a darn horse to get to work!!!

The same thing applies to computers & computing. We could all survive using 5-10 year old computers, computer software, and old OS versions...but why should we...if there's newer stuff available that's "smarter", more efficient to use, more feature packed...and basically does things that 5-10 years ago we wish computers could do...and now they actually can do them!

Food for thought,

- Nick

05-09-2012, 04:25 AM

I don't mean to be blunt, but people who adhere to the "if it works don't change it" motto should really steer well clear of technology generally, since it's about nothing BUT change. Constant amounts of small change and periodic disruptive change.

Hanging on to older technology that's well past its prime works -- at least for a while -- the simpler your needs are. Nothing wrong with that in and of itself. But most people use the platform of "what works" to raise themselves up, try new things, experiment a little. We should be so afraid of "failing" now and then, it usually leads to learning and growing.

I work with older folks than me every day and I'm delighted to see that most of them are still interested in expanding their horizons. I'm not saying a set way of working isn't productive or worthwhile, but I'd hate to think of what I'd do with myself if I ever got to a point where I was satisfied with everything.

05-09-2012, 02:45 PM

Wow, I didn't know I'd start a debate! Hah!

The outdated-ness definitely matters to me, as my intention for the G5 is to be a workhorse for my graphics freelance, fast Internet would be a must (I'd be sending and receiving large files), and I'd also want to run no less than CS5 on it, as that's what I have on my Asus, and I'd want things to be compatible.

Ten-hour battery life. That sells me right there, haha.

Unfortunately, it looks like I'm going to have to play the waiting game and post on Craigslist, with the risk that the MacBook could get sold away. Silly me, I tried calling several computer stores, including the Apple Store, and none of them would take it—except for a little shop that estimated $20!

So Craigslist it is. I kinda want to highball it and post it for $300, but maybe that's excessive...

05-09-2012, 02:59 PM

It's better to post high on Craigslist and get talked down then start low and get that, if you do.

05-09-2012, 03:06 PM

High-balling it is, then. Just wanted to make sure I wasn't shooting myself in the foot, hah.

05-09-2012, 04:30 PM

Originally Posted by MondoBoss

Now, recently, a friend of mine has offered to give me his 2010 MacBook 7,1 A1342... for $500 minimum.

Originally Posted by MondoBoss

Unfortunately, it looks like I'm going to have to play the waiting game and post on Craigslist, with the risk that the MacBook could get sold away.

Didn't you say a "friend" has this MacBook you want? If so...why can't the friend hold onto it for you??

Originally Posted by MondoBoss

Silly me, I tried calling several computer stores, including the Apple Store, and none of them would take it—except for a little shop that estimated $20!

So Craigslist it is. I kinda want to highball it and post it for $300, but maybe that's excessive...

You've already been told (earlier in the thread) that this Powermac G5 is only worth around $150...and that's if it was 100% working!!! I've seen Powermac G5's like yours sell for as little as $100 on e-Bay...100% WORKING.

You're trying to sell a Powermac G5 with NO HARD DRIVE (which also means no OS)...which means it could be worth less than $100...but you're going to ask $300 on Craig's List. I'm confused!!!

Lots of luck!

- Nick

05-09-2012, 04:37 PM

Originally Posted by pigoo3

Didn't you say a "friend" has this MacBook you want? If so...why can't the friend hold onto it for you??

I should clarify, he posted his intentions publicly and I showed interested. Then he reached out to me and we talked, but feeling as indecisive as I was, I told him if someone more enthusiastic came along, then to sell it.

You've already been told (earlier in the thread) that this Powermac G5 is only worth around $150...and that's if it was 100% working!!! I've seen Powermac G5's like yours sell for as little as $100 on e-Bay...100% WORKING.

You're trying to sell a Powermac G5 with NO HARD DRIVE (which also means no OS)...which means it could be worth less than $100...but you're going to ask $300 on Craig's List. I'm confused!!!

Lots of luck!

- Nick

Hmm, very good point...

...$200! Haha

05-09-2012, 04:51 PM

Originally Posted by MondoBoss

...I told him if someone more enthusiastic came along, then to sell it.

That wasn't a very good idea.

$500 for this 2010 MacBook is a VERY VERY good deal...which means it should sell fast (I would buy it in a heartbeat if it was in good shape). Of course if you really don't want a MacBook...then no big deal.

- Nick

p.s. Regarding the Powermac G5 with no HD & no OS. Remember...this is a 6-9 year-old computer. With it priced right...folks aren't going to be knocking down your door to buy it. Price it too high...and the few folks that may be interested in it won't even contact you...thus...and unsold computer.

And since you got this G5 for free...you shouldn't be "greedy"!