I understand what you are saying and it makes sense. I just wonder about being stuck with the same graphics card and a small (as in physical size) hard disk. Honestly my 1ghz athlon is fast enough but I have gone through several graphics cards and different hard disks. I am by no means a hardcore gamer, but since OS X offloads to the graphics card this seems like it might be an issue. Im really torn between a mini and a nice dual g4 ( probably in the dual 533 range.) I am just wondering what the different trade offs would be going to a mini.
I can think of a few: Limited RAM upgrade, only one slot... Hardwired Graphics Card Limited to 1 2.5 inch hard disk Optical drive has limited upgrade path Now, the big question is raw performace as far as bus speeds between the two, processor cache etc. I really would prefer a Tower so I can tinker, but its really hard to argue with 500 dollars for a brand new machine. Anyone have further insights?? -----"G-List" <[email protected]> wrote: ----- To: "G-List" <[email protected]> From: Bruce Johnson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent by: "G-List" <[email protected]> Date: 01/26/2005 18:21 Subject: Re: Mac convert - wondering which desktop is right for me. On Jan 26, 2005, at 3:16 PM, <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > I purchased a g3 700 iBook 6 months ago and have been very happy. With > the > tax return coming I am looking to purchase a desktop to replace my > aging > 1ghz athlon. The new mac mini has caught my eye because I love its > pricepoint. Only thing I do not like is its limited upgrade path. I > have > noticed that people can squeeze years out of a powermac, yet the iMac > etc. > seem to fall behind quickly. > There are thousands of iMacs toiling away out there; you're seeing people *talk* a lot about their Powermacs, but in truth, the vast majority of macs, both PowerMac and iMac never get upgraded at all. > Seeing as how I have a limited budget im looking for recommendations. I > don't want to spend more than 600-700 dollars if possible, yet I want > as > much machine as I can get. The dual g4 machines seem pretty > interesting, > but will they be fast enough to enjoy for years to come? I am pleased > with > my iBook but I want something to do video editing, photoshop and > various > college projects. My opinion is that for that kind of money, get the fast Mini. The advent of the Mini, if it takes off (as it shows every indication of doing) this is going to put huge downward price pressure on things like G4 upgrades. I'm not sure that the upgrade sellers can compete and stay in business. (It's also going to put serious downward pressure on used mac prices, too, though that may take some time to materialize.) A dual G4/1.2 GHz upgrade at OWC is as much as a mini, and while dual processor systems do speed things up it's not a clear-cut 2X advantage. Plus you're spending some money on a Powermac that's almost guaranteed to be lower powered than the Mini to start with...with your budget, maxing out a Mini will keep you in business for a while to come. True an upgradeable system does offer a longer lifespan, but it's not as long as you might expect...as they age, the compromises made to get them up to corrent performance standards will be harder and harder to take, and for $600 you're not getting anywhere near top of the line to start with. > -- Bruce Johnson University of Arizona College of Pha rmacy Information Technology Group Institutions do not have opinions, merely customs -- 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/> iPod Accessories for Less at 1-800-iPOD.COM Fast Delivery, Low Price, Good Deal www.1800ipod.com -- 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/> iPod Accessories for Less at 1-800-iPOD.COM Fast Delivery, Low Price, Good Deal www.1800ipod.com
