06-21-2006, 06:08 PM

Windows user here, looking to give macs a chance. I'm enthralled at the cool things you can do with macs, namely the out-of-the-ordinary hacks, like the Smackbook video and the new stuff with the keyboard backlights going to the music and stuff. I always thought computers should be more fun than just a grey box.

That being said, I want to foray into Macs, but I need a cheap (sub-$500) intro price. I just don't have the dough to go full-fledged into it without knowing I'm going to stay. I don't necessarily need the backlight and whatnot, I know it can be done, I'm more interested in the opportunity to get a few weeks or months just to play around in the OS.

Here's what I use my computer most for:

1. Music
2. Web browsing
3. IM
4. supplement to my cellphone (Nokia N80) (HAS to sync or I just can't justify it at all)
5. Storing and organizing digital photos and whatnot

I don't really use any office apps as much anymore, now that I'm done with school.

I have a USB Bluetooth dongle on my laptop right now, will that work with a Mac just like it does with Windows, or does that vary between dongle manu.?

Any suggestions as far as minimum system requirements would be great, obviously I want to be able to run the newest version of the OS. Also any suggestions as to what system to look for on Ebay or wherever else would be greatly appreciated. I saw ya'll have a BST forum, I'll keep an eye out in there as well.

Thanks in advance for the help.

06-21-2006, 06:15 PM

If you have a monitor you can get the Core Solo for $599.00 and if you are a student then with a student discount it is even cheaper, $579.00. So it is close to what you were looking for.

If you don't have a monitor you can get a cheap LCD from any electronic store near you.

06-21-2006, 06:58 PM

Plenty of used imacs around, I got one (iMac DV) for $10... not exactly bleeding edge, but for $10 I can't complain...

06-21-2006, 07:47 PM

Or you could get an imac g4.. go for the 1.25 ghz model. Built in LCD screen, and easy to use. Its perfect for what you need it for! Fast enought for all the tasks you want to accomplish, yet not too expensive..

06-21-2006, 08:07 PM

For the entry price you are interested in a used iMac is likely your best bet. Go with a G4 or a G5 - all of the software will run "native" vs. interpreted like a lot of it has to be on the newest Intel Macs. If you want to try out the Mac experience, you want to do it at "full tilt" or you will come away with the impression that they are slow (which they are most definitely not!). You also get serious COOL factor with an iMac, which is also a part of the Mac experience. Enjoy!

06-21-2006, 08:46 PM

For under $500, you are not likely to find very many G4 systems. You are definitely not going to find any G5 systems for under $500.
You will however, find plenty of G3 systems. These are great and run OS X just fine. Make sure to max out on the RAM with a G3 and you should be fine.
eBay and other auction sites are your best bet.
G3 iMacs and iBooks are likely going to be the best choice, so keep an eye out for one of them.
Good luck!
:black:

06-21-2006, 09:25 PM

I'd say if you have a monitor/keyboard/mouse, go with a used g4 mini. I've seen plenty of the Rev A. (w/o AE or BT) go for around $350. I'm sure you can find one with integrated BT and AE for closer to $400/$450. I'd say max out the ram and you have yourself a great 'starter mac'.

06-22-2006, 09:28 AM

Definately go used. eBay has lots of used macs of various generations and conditions. There are also several retailers who sell used macs, but they tend to be overpriced. (the upside to buying used retial is the return policy is better than ebay.) Here are some online used mac stores:

www.macofalltrades.com
www.wegenermedia.com
www.baucomcomputers.com
www.4daystar.com
www.powermax.com

06-22-2006, 10:32 AM

Used mac mini G4 with airport and bluetooth will easily be obtained for around 500 dollars US. Check out eBay, my friend had that exact mac for months and it was a great computer. He traded it for an iBook.

06-22-2006, 11:25 AM

Used is the only way here, while the mini Solo is great you don't want to spend to much cash on something you may regret.

06-22-2006, 11:33 AM

Thanks for the feedback, and the links. I'm confused still with the processors and whatnot, and coming from Windows, a bit appalled at the amount of RAM these systems have. I have heard though that Macs don't require as much RAM as Windows. That first link from above (thanks, btw) has a G3 iBook for $250. Here's the specs:

System configuration:
12-inch iBook
500MHz G3 processor
320MB RAM
30GB Hard Drive
CD-ROM Drive
2- USB ports
1- Firewire port
56K modem
Ethernet port
Battery/Power adapter

Other than not having wireless (not a huge deal for a starter/tester like this) is there any reason why this would be a bad choice? The website says it's preloaded with OS 9.2.

1. How close/similar is that to the latest OS?
2. How much would it cost to update that to the newest OS?
3. Would such a system even RUN the newest OS? (When answering this question, please keep in mind what I'm using it for. It's no use to me if it runs, but SLOWLY, as that's my main complaint about my Windows laptop)

I think I'd rather have a laptop, as I don't currently have an extra monitor. Thanks for the mini suggestions, though. Thanks again for being so helpful guys. Mac users sure are friendly!

06-22-2006, 11:42 AM

Originally Posted by Rcadden

That first link from above (thanks, btw) has a G3 iBook for $250. ...
Other than not having wireless (not a huge deal for a starter/tester like this) is there any reason why this would be a bad choice?

...ummmm

Originally Posted by D3v1L80Y

G3 iMacs and iBooks are likely going to be the best choice, so keep an eye out for one of them.

:black:

Originally Posted by Rcadden

1. How close/similar is that to the latest OS?
2. How much would it cost to update that to the newest OS?
3. Would such a system even RUN the newest OS? (When answering this question, please keep in mind what I'm using it for. It's no use to me if it runs, but SLOWLY, as that's my main complaint about my Windows laptop)

OS 9 is nothing like OS X.
You can find copies of OS X 10.3 for around $50 or so on eBay and the like.
As long as you max out the RAM, you won't have any problems with the OS running slow or sluggish on that machine.

06-22-2006, 01:10 PM

My wife has an iBook G3 500MHz with 256MB ram and OS X 10.3. It's a stable, setup, but not that fast. The more ram the better. Don't bother with OS 9. Almost nobody uses it anymore. Get OS 10.2 or higher. The main thing the ibooks have going for them is the small footprint. You can add wireless for about $70 on ebay. To see full specs and comments on lots of used models check out www.lowendmac.com, and www.everymac.com. FYI you can run linux on the dual usb ibooks quite well (and its free!).

06-22-2006, 01:45 PM

Depending on your budget you might look at a used G4 mini, it will be allow you to accomplish all of your needs without having to pay a premium price for a new computer

06-22-2006, 02:13 PM

Emacs have great performance per dollar