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djmitch
Guest
I've only ever used Windows-based systems to this point, but I'm pretty much now sold on the Mac based on what I've intensively researched, read, and heard about over the past few weeks. My desire is to have a Mac system where, like Windows systems, the CPU is separate from the monitor. In the Mac world, this leaves me with a choice between the 1.42 GHz Mac Mini and the 1.8 GHz Power Mac G5 based on what I use computers for (see below).
After fiddling with the numbers, I reasoned that although this particular Power Mac's cost may be nearly $700 CDN ($1 CDN = $0.75 U.S.) more than the Mini, its actual value is probably only about $300 CDN more since the Power Mac has the faster hard drive and SuperDrive, faster processor, more programs and ports, huge expandability, etc. I based this on a price comparison of both systems containing 1 GB of RAM, an 80 GB hard drive, and a Superdrive. (I have a monitor, keyboard, and mouse already.)
I use my home computer mostly for the Internet, for Office applications, for gaming (not really intense 3D stuff, but some older 3D simulation games), and for some Photoshop LE work. Now although these sound like jobs that the Mini can handle easily, I'm concerned that its lack of expandibility (1 GB max. of RAM) and slower components (4200 rpm hard drive, 4x Superdrive, etc.) might hamstring me only a couple of years into the future. The Power Mac, however, is something that I should be able to keep for at least twice that long if I'm able to upgrade RAM, add another hard drive, etc. So longevity is one of my main concerns here.
All this has thrown me into a dilemma: I was initially sold on the Mini, but should I splurge as a first-time Mac user and get the Power Mac instead? That is, should I dip my toe or should I take the plunge?
Specifically, is the Power Mac too powerful for what I'll be using it for? Might I outgrow the Mini too soon, especially if my usage patterns change and I demand more power? Also, how long have you owned your Power Mac for, and how often do you feel the need to buy a brand new system?
So many questions -- I'm confused!!! Your thoughts on any of these is appreciated.
Signed, the :dummy:
After fiddling with the numbers, I reasoned that although this particular Power Mac's cost may be nearly $700 CDN ($1 CDN = $0.75 U.S.) more than the Mini, its actual value is probably only about $300 CDN more since the Power Mac has the faster hard drive and SuperDrive, faster processor, more programs and ports, huge expandability, etc. I based this on a price comparison of both systems containing 1 GB of RAM, an 80 GB hard drive, and a Superdrive. (I have a monitor, keyboard, and mouse already.)
I use my home computer mostly for the Internet, for Office applications, for gaming (not really intense 3D stuff, but some older 3D simulation games), and for some Photoshop LE work. Now although these sound like jobs that the Mini can handle easily, I'm concerned that its lack of expandibility (1 GB max. of RAM) and slower components (4200 rpm hard drive, 4x Superdrive, etc.) might hamstring me only a couple of years into the future. The Power Mac, however, is something that I should be able to keep for at least twice that long if I'm able to upgrade RAM, add another hard drive, etc. So longevity is one of my main concerns here.
All this has thrown me into a dilemma: I was initially sold on the Mini, but should I splurge as a first-time Mac user and get the Power Mac instead? That is, should I dip my toe or should I take the plunge?
Specifically, is the Power Mac too powerful for what I'll be using it for? Might I outgrow the Mini too soon, especially if my usage patterns change and I demand more power? Also, how long have you owned your Power Mac for, and how often do you feel the need to buy a brand new system?
So many questions -- I'm confused!!! Your thoughts on any of these is appreciated.
Signed, the :dummy: