On Jul 28, 2011, at 11:17 AM, Cliff Rediger wrote: > I've been monitoring discussions on Apple's OS progression > and the changes in hardware requirements. > > Since I'm running a Mini G4, I feel I'm rapidly receding into > antiquity. > > The main issues are CPU speed > and the ever increasing number of cool 10.5+ only apps. > > I've lived with the speed thing because my WiFi ISP speed has been > limited. However, now they've increased their bandwidth, so I can get > up to more commonly reasonable internet speeds. > > Here's my OS/software criteria: > > **Accept that Classic is no longer an option (run separate machine if > necessary) >
Or Sheepshaver, or keep the G4 mini around for this purpose. > **Want to retain PPC apps for now, so need Rosetta and apparently can > only max at 10.5 OS 10.6, actually, which is much better than 10.5 for an Intel-based mac. > > **Cannot afford to change/upgrade my HDs to GUID. > Only the boot drive needs to do this. > **Would like best video card/system possible > This requirement is in minor conflict with... > ** Assume a Mini is most affordable option > ..this requirement. Within these constraints, the best option is the next-to current generation of Mini. They run 10.6. they've got the best performance of all of them. Any intel-based mini will blow the socks off your current G4, the one you get is determined by the size of your pocketbook... On the other hand, also look at early gen Intel Macbooks. Macbook Pros, and iMacs; the Core Duo versions will rapidly depreciate in value because they're incapable of running 10.7. Since your requirement to run Rosetta is in place, they'll do admirably, as all run 10.6.8 just fine, and will also be a dramatic improvemnt in performance over your G4. They also have better video than the Mini's do. On the gripping hand, a Hack is also a possibility, they can be quite inexpensive for a high-performanse system...at the cost of some to a lot of geekification working it out and getting it running, as in ording the parts and putting it together and shouting "it's ALIIIIIIVE!!!! BWahahahahahaaaa!" when it first boots up :-). While building your own frankemMac out of PC parts isn't the daunting challenge it used to be, it sure as heck isn't as simple as a real mac. -- Bruce Johnson University of Arizona College of Pharmacy Information Technology Group Institutions do not have opinions, merely customs -- 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
