On Jan 1, 2010, at 9:24 PM, Kasey Smith wrote: > > On Jan 1, 2010, at 9:59 PM, kimtoufectis wrote: > >> I'd like help in choosing an older Mac. I entered Macdom six months >> ago via an original blueberry clamshell iBook G3. Beyond an iconic >> product design, I've appreciated the simplicity and reliability of >> freedom from Micro$oft (I use a PC at work). I've enjoyed stretching >> it about as far as a 300 MHz processor can go (maxed out RAM and >> upgraded to OS X 10.2.8) but I'd like to be able to streaming low-fi >> video and use current web browser features; seems like time for >> something more. >> >> A bit about my computer usage: I am fairly non-tech; when my work >> Wintel machine fails an expert comes to fix it. At home I'm on my >> own; I like simple. My iBook serves mainly as a netbook: I use >> Gmail, >> Google Docs, and Google Reader for productivity and news, and >> Pandora, >> GrooveShark, LaLa, and Playlist to stream music. I don't make much >> use of social media, and real-time isn't a trend I have not had much >> interest in or need for (so far). I've tried Chrome with extensions >> on a Windows machine and think it could meet virtually all my routine >> computing needs. I even contemplate getting a netbook and >> migrating it >> to ChromeOS as a next step (maybe using JoliCloud and EyeOS until >> that's easy to do). >> >> Searching online showed me that for the $250-500 cost of a netbook I >> could step well forward in power with a used iMac (functioning >> MacBooks seem out of that pricerange). The architect in me >> appreciates the compact, elegant designs of both the G4 and G5 iMacs, >> and depending on age and screen size I find both in a tolerable >> $250-500 price range. Whatever I buy, I'd like to use it for a long, >> long time (this iBook turned 10 recently, and as a complement to a >> more capable desktop I want to continue to use it for light browsing >> for more years). >> >> With that as background: >> >> (1) What should I expect as the performance delta between the G4 and >> G5 in light usage, and does it justify the extra cost? Is the G4 >> advanced enough to serve me for several years, or will I soon need to >> step up again soon to keep up with internet trends? >> >> (2) I find OS X 10.4 on most G4s and 10.5 on more G5s; any >> guidance on >> which OS is most useable with each processor? >> >> (3) I'll need wifi but it isn't always installed; is it hard for a >> non- >> technical end user to install? Is a USB wifi router worth >> considering >> instead? >> >> (4) Given that I'm mostly okay with the 12 inch iBook screen, a 17 >> inch screen seems adequate; any great reason to go larger? >> >> (5) Wikipedia tells me there's variation in processor speed and >> features even within the G4 and G5 lines; faster and newer generally >> cost more. How important are the upgrades (700 v. 800 v. 1250 v. >> 1600 v 1800 v 2000 MHz? webcam? ambient light sensor? iSight?) and >> are they significant in choosing a machine I can use for the next >> several years? >> >> (6) Are there other Macs I should consider, (I don't want a CRT eMac, >> but maybe a Mini?) and if so why? >> >> I'm eager for your feedback-- > > I recommend an iMac G4 or a Mac Mini. I wouldnt go with an iMac G5 > because of how inefficient the G5 chip is. A G3 900MHz iBook > wouldn't be too bad either if you can find one for a good price. My > first Mac was a 333MHz iMac G3 (a little older then your iBook > actually.) > I own about one of every model made and if I could only have one it would be my G4 MDD dual 1.0 2GB 10.4.11 with a Cinema display and iSight cam. And for a PowerBook my MBP 2.4 4GB 10.5.8 but that's just me.
John wtmm -- You received this message because you are a member of G-Group, a group for those using G3, G4, and G5 desktop Macs - with a particular focus on Power Macs. The list FAQ is at http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml and our netiquette guide is at http://www.lowendmac.com/lists/netiquette.shtml To post to this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/g3-5-list
