<SNIP> From: "Thomas Baker" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "G-List" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Wednesday, May 19, 2004 3:13 PM Subject: A used G-Mac for a gift--but which model?
> I 'd like to buy a second hand Mac for a relative, and I could use > recommendations what to look for (I'll probably get it off Ebay). Thomas, Everyone else has added their input, so I'll throw in my two cents worth. I went through this same dilemma two years ago. I had three Beige G3's in my home on DSL LAN network. The first purchase (for myself) was a Digital Audio G4. At the time of purchase it was 533 MHz. I did way to much research, and decided that the 133 MHz bus speed was difference that would carry this "used" Mac through the length of time required for a good return on my investment. The DA came from an original owner, and still had an active Applecare warranty. I paid $700 two years ago for a 1.5 year old computer. Seemed to be a sound investment. I try to set a baseline of 4 years of use on a purchase before technology outpaces the capabilities of the system. I have been very happy with the DA. The technology is stable and it keeps pace with OS X.3 very well. I have invested in a 933 MHz chip upgrade ($189), additional memory , and a Pioneer 106D DVD-+/- drive. I sold off the G3's ( both my daughters and mine)and purchased B&W's for my daughters. After using OS X, they were not happy with OS 9 any longer. While the B&W is a great, stable machine and has many upgrade choices, I find the 100 MHz bus speed to be a little limiting depending on application usage ( cpu intensive apps like Photoshop, DVD writing, etc). If your brother just uses dial-up internet access the B&W would be fine. If he is looking to "get creative with the photo's, it would be worth it to get the fastest "used" Mac he (you) can afford. In the long run he'll get a longer life span. The serial printer issue is going to be difficult without adding a card. Finding one supported is OS X will be even more difficult. A nice USB photo quality printer can be had for just over $100 in most cases anyway. I would purchase a least a 400 MHz G3 (rev 2 B&W) or a 350 G4 (AGP). Here are a few eBay links. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=14911&item=4132647502&rd=1 http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=14911&item=4132633552&rd=1 http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=14912&item=4132604910&rd=1 http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=51034&item=4132570299&rd=1 http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=14912&item=4132512627&rd=1 http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=51034&item=4132462889&rd=1 -- G-List is sponsored by <http://lowendmac.com/> and... Small Dog Electronics http://www.smalldog.com | Refurbished Drives | -- We have Apple Refurbished Monitors in stock! | & CDRWs on Sale! | Support Low End Mac <http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html> G-List list info: <http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml> --> AOL users, remove "mailto:"; Send list messages to: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To unsubscribe, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> For digest mode, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subscription questions: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Archive: <http://www.mail-archive.com/g-list%40mail.maclaunch.com/> Using a Mac? Free email & more at Applelinks! http://www.applelinks.com
