Trying to decide.. G4 or G5

Okay, so I'm trying to figure out what exactly I should do with getting a new to me (used) iMac. I found a bunch of G4's that are mint condition, but I'm not sure what great improvement it will be over the G3. But aren't they are a little more reliable? The G5 I'm looking at it is $75 and the CD drive doesn't work or something and the screen isn't as bright as it used to be, and I've seen some many that just have lines through the screen and failing logic boards and such. So I'm torn.

If you're looking for some sort of support (or advice)...you really should be more specific regarding the computers you're considering. Saying "G4's" or "G5's" is not very specific.

These could be:

- desktop computers like the G4 or G5 Powermac's
- desktop G4 Mac-Mini's
- desktop G4 or G5 iMac's

Since you mentioned something about a "screen" with the G5...I'm assuming the G5 is a G5 iMac...but still not 100% what G4 model you're talking about.

- Nick

They're both the all-in-one iMacs. The G4 being the one on a swivel arm and the G5 being the 17" non-isight model. So yeah they're both the iMac desktops..

tyler_hubbard20 said:

They're both the all-in-one iMacs. The G4 being the one on a swivel arm and the G5 being the 17" non-isight model. So yeah they're both the iMac desktops..

Click to expand...

From a performance standpoint I would definitely get the G5 iMac over the G4 iMac. But if you say that the specific G5 iMac has display problems…then I would skip it. I would also probably stay away from the G4 iMac well…it's just too old & slow.

But then it also depends on your goals for the computer…and the price. If the price is low & you just want to "fool-around" with this old computer…then get it. But if this is going to be someones "main" computer…then skip it.

- Nick

As Nick suggests give the G4 a wide berth. If the pocket runs to it, look for an Intel Core 2 Duo iMac which are reasonably priced. If things are tight go with the G5 and run OS X.5 Leopard on it.

I will always pass on an iMac G5...but G4 iMacs or quite sexy!