Im new!

Hi Folks

Im not really a switcher as such, i dont mind Windows too much, its 'ok' And i dont profess to love Apple with all my heart either

I have always used a PC, and last time i ever used a mac was at school.

However, id quite like to purchase an older version (IE cheaper) mac and run latest software on it, just so i have the option of both mac and PC. This way i can learn more about the Mac and its appeal

Since i intend to keep my PC and because im not sure ill actually like the mac that much, i dont want to rush out and buy a brand new Mac Pro, only to perhaps sell it on for a huge loss! This is why i wanted to purchase an older version to start with at least.

From my initial investigation, i think a dual core G5 wouldnt be much over £500, and should be well up to running the latest version of the OS

Any comments?

(PS - i know i said i dont 'love mac with all my heart, but im not a troll!)

Welcome to the Mac Forums.

However, id quite like to purchase an older version (IE cheaper) mac and run latest software on it, just so i have the option of both mac and PC. This way i can learn more about the Mac and its appeal

Click to expand...

Then you said....

From my initial investigation, i think a dual core G5 wouldnt be much over £500, and should be well up to running the latest version of the OS

Click to expand...

In order to run the latest software and the latest version of OS X (Snow Leopard) you will need an Intel machine. The G5 is a PPC machine and can only run the latest iteration of Leopard (10.5.8). Any software which is for an Intel only will not run on a G5.

Look for a used Intel machine instead.

Hi,

I agree with chscag re used intel, have a look on Gumtree. Your in the UK here is a link
intel Mac - London - Classifieds

For messing around with, I'd get a used Mac mini or Macbook. I know the typical PC users usually prefer a tower machine, but PowerMacs and Mac Pros are comparatively expensive...

£500 is way over the top for a G5. Suggest saving money and put it towards an Intel model that will run the latest operating systems, and Windows 7 at the same time as a bonus. Being a Mac Pro man, that is what I would suggest.

The Mac's will definitely run more expensive than the Windows PC but its worth the money

chscag said:

Welcome to the Mac Forums.

Then you said....

In order to run the latest software and the latest version of OS X (Snow Leopard) you will need an Intel machine. The G5 is a PPC machine and can only run the latest iteration of Leopard (10.5.8). Any software which is for an Intel only will not run on a G5.

Look for a used Intel machine instead.

Click to expand...

Aptmunich said:

For messing around with, I'd get a used Mac mini or Macbook. I know the typical PC users usually prefer a tower machine, but PowerMacs and Mac Pros are comparatively expensive...

Click to expand...

Thanks for the advice so far. This is the kinda stuff im looking for.

Tower machine would be nice im sure, but i dont really need it. Im only looking to make an initial foray into the world of Mac, so i dont need a hugely expensive machine. I have a fairly well specced PC that i use for gaming, so the mac is going to sit alongside that on my desktop and just be used to browse websites and such. I also have an Iphone so i will explore the sync and connectivity there too.

I think a used mac mini might be the way forward. Even if i dont get to run to very latest OS X im sure it will give me some idea.

if you are going to buy one, look for

intel processor (preferably dual core+)

2gb+ RAM

install discs included (important!)

any mac with at least this spec will run admirably, aswell as being able to run 10.6, and 10.7 when it is released, with ample performance and room for upgrades.

if going for an iMac bear in mind the HDD is not easily removed, so upgrades are difficult.

I personally in your situation would go for a MBP or mini.

If there is an Apple store near you, I think this is the first port of call.
There you can get a feel for the newer machines, the hardware and software, and then if you check out some older machines, you can see what the tradeoff is.

ie. for the portables, you are getting great quality build, sleek OS, and amazing trackpads, as well as beautiful displays, and with iMacs, you are getting a neat package with amazing displays.
Mac minis are a a good cheap alternative for one who has a display, and just wants a Mac to run OS X.