Looking for a new mac

[Snapple Lover]

My powerbook G4 died recently and for the price of getting it fixed, I might as well get a new mac. I'm looking for macs in the 300 to 400 dollar price range. I've looked on ebay and I found a powermac g4 with dual 1.25ghz processors, will that be faster or slower than the 1.67ghz processor on my powerbook? Sorry if its a dumb question. Also, would it be worth it to spend an extra 100 bucks and get a powermac g5?

 

[RavingMac]

If you are looking for a desktop Mac, I would suggest stretching your budget and going for a new or refurb Mac Mini. Either would be a performance boost and give you a leg up into the Intel based world of Mac.

 

[Zurfyvision]

If you are looking for a desktop Mac, I would suggest stretching your budget and going for a new or refurb Mac Mini. Either would be a performance boost and give you a leg up into the Intel based world of Mac.

I agree with Razormac. The Mac Mini just starts at $599 new. If you are a student, or know somebody who is a student that could make the purchase, Apple offers a discount of $50. Personally, I try to steer away from buying computers on eBay, unless it is NIB (New In Box). You never know what you are getting until you have it in your hands.

If you want to go with the eBay option, check the seller's rating. Also, do they have a return policy/option? Are the install disks included with the machine?

 

[cwa107]

I'd agree. The PPC-powered machines have a very defined and finite lifespan. The writing is on the wall at this point. Don't waste your money look for an Intel-powered Mini. Even an Core Duo iMac might be able to be had for just a few bucks more.

 

[Trickster33]

I think you have to think about what you use it for.. a G5 is going to be a significant upgrade over your G4. They can be had in 1.6-2 GHZ flavours for less than the $400 that you are seeing. Call it $300.. Thats an amazing deal.

 

[Jamie-Jamie]

Try betamacs.com and macofalltrades.com for good refurbs. powermax.com is also great, with some of the best service around, but they're a little higher. eBay is for some reason everybody's go-to, but it's IMO a horrible way to buy.

 

[Snapple Lover]

thanks for all the replies. i would definetely buy a mac mini if i had the money but its gonna end up to be around 800 with a screen and all. i just need something basic to run photoshop, edit movies, and play some ocasional games. the 128mb of vram in my powerbook was fine for all my needs. il try going to the sites above and maybe il find some good deals. i want to know a bit more about the g5s, did they have any major flaws?

 

[djyaryar]

If you check your local Craigslist listings I'm sure you could find a g5 (i found some dual G5's in my area for less than $500). Definitely worth a check but make sure it works before you purchase anything. =D

 

[Snapple Lover]

just found something in my area.
Power Mac G4 dual 1.25-GHz processor & Apple Cinema Display
good deal?

 

[djyaryar]

definitely looks like a good deal. Although i suggest upgrading the hard drive or installing a new one because 80gb lacks the space you may need when you start installing photoshop and lots of pics.

 

[unixfool]

just found something in my area.
Power Mac G4 dual 1.25-GHz processor & Apple Cinema Display
good deal?

That's a good find there! If it were local to me, you'd have been ****** because I'd have tried to snag it up as soon as you posted it!