Charles:
I'm not surprised at the attitudes that you were addressing. This list has been historically conservative in it's view towards using modern Macs. I've seen it before...people who still insist on using their 7600's and then complaining when it won't do such and such.
I *do* like my older Macs, I have a beige G3 266 that can run 10.2.6 rather well (can't upgrade it beyond that because I don't want to add a video card) and I have a Mac Classic that is my 'museum piece'. I like to just power the Classic up from time to time just to remind myself how far the Mac has come.
Personally, though, I can't imagine using either one for regular daily use. They are just too limited in what they can do. Can't hook the iPod to the G3--no firewire...although I could add a card, it comes down to why bother? My iMac that I am typing this on now works *well* but I can already tell that it's usefulness is coming to an end. I like games. When I was a PC user, I was HORRIBLY ADDICTED to gaming. Now that I've decided that the Mac will be my platform I had to give up some of my addiction. Where is this leading? My latest game of choice is Command and Conquer Generals; it's really cool! Problem is that when I try to run it with more than 1 opponent, the iMac starts to slow down and the game becomes annoying. What that tells me is that a 1 gig single processor iMac with 1 gig RAM isn't the computer to be playing it on. I see the G5 dual 2 gig in my future...probably within the next 2-3 months. And yes, I can afford it.
I believe that most of the attitudes come from the source of this email list....lowendmac. While the list is great, I'm not a lowendmac kind of guy.
Tim
P.S. I'm in South Florida, could you send more info on the user group you belong to?
On Jul 10, 2004, at 6:43 PM, Charles Martin wrote:
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
For most people, the cost of a new computer is simply not worth the cost.
If that were actually true, PC sales would plummet.
A new G5 will run you several thousand fully loaded, and the others, while significantly cheaper, still cost a pretty penny.
I can't agree with this either. A G5 is not intended for "newbie" type home use, it's a professional machine -- meaning you have some use for it in mind that will earn back its keep. For most people who actually have a need for a G5, the cost is trivial compared to the earning potential. For those who buy it as a toy, obviously they can afford to.
Comparing the entertainment value of, say, an iMac that you hold on to for, let's say, four years (around $1500/4 = $325/year average cost) to almost anything else of comparable value (car, cable television, restaurant meals per year, etc) shows that the home computer -- even an "expensive" one -- is a bargain for anyone outside those who simply use it as a email station and typewriter.
I don't think that holding on to a computer for year after year is a problem at all.
*sigh* Who said anything like this? Not I -- I simply suggested that the pace of technology has shortened the useful life of a business Mac from around five years to around four years. Almost everything you buy, from cars to sofas, wear out and must be replaced from time to time. The more you use something, the sooner you're likely to need to replace it. Equally so, the further you exploit/rely on/grow with your computer, the sooner you are likely to feel the need to move up. I really don't find this a bizarre notion at all as some seem to.
If all you do with your computer is check AOL and play Solitaire, then a good home computer is going to last you a lot longer than someone who, for example, edits video professionally. Is this really that shocking a revelation?
In fact, i think it's extremely prudent. What matters is that the computer handles the tasks it needs to, and i have little patience or understanding for businesses who plan obsolesence so they can create more revenue.
I can't think of many businesses that *don't* plan obsolescence into their products, planning for more revenue. Are you still playing your music on vinyl? Still buying your movies on Betamax? Still watching the same TV you had as a child? Still driving your first car?
_Chas_
Exterminate all rational thought.
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