07-02-2007, 01:26 PM

I've been wanting a mac forever but just can't afford to get what I want. I'm asking you mac gurus for some help. I'm so tired of my pc that I can no longer stand it. I think it would be best to buy a used mac system to fit my budget for now.
Here's what I used my computer for. I'm very much into photo and video editing. I also like music as well. Apple's Garage Band sounds very interesting.
Anyway, what used machines out there would be good for my needs and still be a good value? Is there any to avoid? You guys and gals are my first step.
I'd appreciate any feedback.

Herbie

07-02-2007, 01:28 PM

Um...Switcher forum, not anything goes.

And www.apple.com

go to the store and look at the refurbished products.

That and the classified sections here or on any large apple forums.

07-02-2007, 01:29 PM

Originally Posted by herbiemac

I've been wanting a mac forever but just can't afford to get what I want. I'm asking you mac gurus for some help. I'm so tired of my pc that I can no longer stand it. I think it would be best to buy a used mac system to fit my budget for now.
Here's what I used my computer for. I'm very much into photo and video editing. I also like music as well. Apple's Garage Band sounds very interesting.
Anyway, what used machines out there would be good for my needs and still be a good value? Is there any to avoid? You guys and gals are my first step.
I'd appreciate any feedback.

Herbie

It might help if you tell us what your budget is. This way we can help you get the most "bang for your buck".

07-02-2007, 01:51 PM

Well, ideally, I'd like to spend as little as possible. I'm not sure (used wise) what would be good to choose from so I'm not sure what they are going to cost me. How about $500 or less for a used system? Like I said, I'm totally new and you guys are my first stop.

07-02-2007, 01:59 PM

Originally Posted by herbiemac

Well, ideally, I'd like to spend as little as possible. I'm not sure (used wise) what would be good to choose from so I'm not sure what they are going to cost me. How about $500 or less for a used system? Like I said, I'm totally new and you guys are my first stop.

Does it need to be portable - or would a desktop suffice? $500 will buy you a fairly decent Mac mini, but I'm not sure how well that would suit your needs.

07-02-2007, 02:36 PM

Desk top will be fine. I can spend more but wanted to leave room to purchase software. Just give me some advice on what would be a good used buy and I can go from there.

07-02-2007, 02:47 PM

I would try a used iMac G4 (1Ghz or better), at least 512MB of RAM and a 40GB or better hard drive. You can upgrade the memory yourself fairly inexpensively and buy an external firewire hard drive for video editing chores. Keep in mind that this won't be a blazing fast system, but it should keep you around $500. Check out http://www.macofalltrades.com, they stock quite a few used, older systems.

07-02-2007, 08:28 PM

Quick question with your photo and video editing needs herbie, how much and what kind of editing do you do? Cause if you're editing HD footage, you need a rig that costs way more than $500, unless your doing home movies and stuff like that.

07-02-2007, 09:54 PM

Originally Posted by Village Idiot

Um...Switcher forum, not anything goes.

And www.apple.com

go to the store and look at the refurbished products.

That and the classified sections here or on any large apple forums.

Are you a complete numbnutts? His post has EVERYTHING to do with the Switcher Forum.

07-02-2007, 10:03 PM

Originally Posted by Title27GT

Are you a complete numbnutts? His post has EVERYTHING to do with the Switcher Forum.

This thread was originally in the "Anything Goes" forum and was moved here. Its OK. Small misunderstanding.

07-03-2007, 12:24 AM

Originally Posted by leecho7

Quick question with your photo and video editing needs herbie, how much and what kind of editing do you do? Cause if you're editing HD footage, you need a rig that costs way more than $500, unless your doing home movies and stuff like that.

Well, just home video for now. I'd love to one day make the HD jump but I'm just a starving artist for now.

07-03-2007, 04:16 PM

How about this one? What would be a fair offer?
http://tampa.craigslist.org/sys/363934492.html

07-03-2007, 04:31 PM

Why would the vendor mention pixels when the thing has a CRT?

There's no mention of system-install disks. Without them, you're up the creek when something goes wrong with the software.

OS 10.1 is buggy and unstable, and fewer and fewer OS X apps will run under it. Last I heard, OS 9 sells for $3 on ebay.

07-03-2007, 04:40 PM

Originally Posted by herbiemac

How about this one? What would be a fair offer?
http://tampa.craigslist.org/sys/363934492.html

I honestly doubt the OP lives in Tampa.

07-03-2007, 06:37 PM

Originally Posted by herbiemac

How about this one? What would be a fair offer?
http://tampa.craigslist.org/sys/363934492.html

It's a little high - and he's a little too vague about what versions of which software. I think you could do better from a company that sells refurbished, used Macs.