So the lure of buying a Mac has finally overcome you and you’re going to take the plunge. The only problem is that when you start to look at machines there are to many to choose from. Do you pick new or used / refurbished, Power Mac, iMac, eMac, Mini, G3, G4, G5... argghhh..
Hopefully this article will help you through that decision.
As with all machines, Mac or Intel based… whoops.. non-Mac Intel based, you should get what you need, not what’s “cool†at the time. Think about what you want to do with the machine, weather you’re going to want to upgrade in the future and how much you want to spend. Just because it might be tempting to get dual processor 2.7Ghz PowerMac G5, doesn’t mean you need it.
Here’s the deal, there are basically three processors you’re going to be dealing with; G3, G4 and G5. All of them will run versions of OSX up to 10.4.1, which is the most current at the time of this article.
A bit about the processors:
In the interest of compatibility I would recommend going with a G4 or G5 as the G3 is getting aged.
However, if you’re just using the machine for email and browsing the web, a G3 iMac is a good machine.
The G4 is a 32 bit processor and will allow you speeds up to 1.42Ghz – These machines are more than sufficient for the average user.
The G5 is a 64 bit processor and will allow you speeds up to 2.7Ghz – These are more for gamers, advanced to power users and developers. This may be overkill if you just want an internet machine, email, word processing, etc…
A little about the machines:
Mini – Most inexpensive Entry level G4 based machine. Very small and compact and does not come with a keyboard or mouse.
eMac – Most inexpensive All-in-one entry level. This resembles the G3 style iMacs. They resemble a CRT monitor, but contain the display and machine ‘All-in-One’.
iMacs – These machine are available in G4 or G5 (or G3 listed above). These are mid-priced all-in-one, mid-level machines. The G4 have half circle base and an ‘arm’ with a flat screen monitor attached. The G5 iMac basically looks like a flat screen, but is the entire machine.
These machines are excellent machines for the average user that is not going to want to add internal drives, upgrade the video card, etc. External drives can be added via the USB2 or Firewire ports.
PowerMac – As with the iMac, these are available in G3, G4 or G5. These machines are higher priced and are for the pro user, developers and gamers. These are in a tower case that allows you to add extra PCI-X cards as well as extra drives and memory. If you’re looking long term and don’t want to have to buy another computer for many years, this may be the way to go.
Processor upgrade path:
History has shown that PowerMacs definitely have the most processor upgrades available for them. Of course you can’t upgrade the bus speed, this is basically how fast the data moves around the machine, but you can increase the processor speed with some of these upgrades.
Some of the G3 PowerMacs can be upgraded to G4. Some of the G4 PowerMacs can be upgraded to faster G4 PowerMacs.
Recommendations in a nutshell:
Mac Mini – Average user that has a USB keyboard and mouse and an existing monitor and does not mind limited upgrade options
eMac – Average user that wants an all-in-one machine for day-to-day computing and does not mind limited upgrade path
iMac – Above average user that wants a little more computing power in a sleek, compact design. Still limited upgrade, but with the G4 model you probably won’t have to worry about upgrades for a while and with the G5 model you’ll be able to hang on to that machine for a few years.
PowerMac – Power user, developers and gamers. This is the kingpin as far as expandability, upgradeability and longevity.
Conclusion:
Get what you need. Don’t get sucked into buying the latest and greatest, you may be wasting your money. Really take the time to think about what you want to do with the machine and make your decision based on that.
No matter which machine you decide on they’re all excellent and you won’t be disappointed with any of them.
Alternatives to new machines:
Used machines – These machines are available throughout the net at forum sites and auction sites like Bid4Mac.com.
Refurbished – These machines are available through Apple and carry the same warranty as the new machines. This is a great way to save some money while still having the warranty of a new machine. I’ve ordered several refurbished items from Apple and have never had a problem with them.
