Is it worth it?

I was browsing my school's surplus store, and I saw a PowerMac G5 tower with dual 2Ghz, 3 GBs of RAM, and 250GB hard drive for $400. Is that worth it? I do have my current MBP that's listed in my signature, so I don't really need another computer, but I guess it would be nice to have another as a backup, especially since I know these things last forever. And could I upgrade it if I do, like the RAM, and graphics card?

I would get it.

$400 is too much for that computer. $250-$300 would be better deal...and more in line with what many are selling for on e-Bay. You could upgrade the ram & hard drive. As far as the video card...yes you can upgrade it...but it depends on what it has currently.

HTH,

- Nick

400? That's twice as much as I would pay for it now. Unless it was in PRISTINE condition and came loaded with media apps.

Ok, i'll see how much I can work it down then, but if I can, is that a good computer to have?

mknabster said:

Ok, i'll see how much I can work it down then, but if I can, is that a good computer to have?

Click to expand...

If you can get it for $250...yes. If you have to spend more...then looking for a used "Intel Mac" may be a better choice.

You mentioned that this Powermac G5 could be a good back-up computer. Since your main computer is a MBP...because the Powermac G5 is not capable of using OS 10.6 (no Intel cpu)...there may be things you do on your MBP that you can't do on the G5.

So unless the Powermac G5 would (as a backup computer)...only be used for internet surfing & e-mail...some of the apps. on your MBP (if your MBP had a problem) may not run on the G5.

Just something to consider,

- Nick

Too dear for mine unless it is a late 2005 model Dual Core with DDR memory and PCI-E slots. Save up[m and put it towards an Intel machine, an iMac or a mini, or maybe the ultimate a Mac Pro!