I have a 4-yr old G4 Powermac 667 with 1.25 Gb of Ram. Its been very useful for Photoshop and everyday internet use. But I'm thinking of getting a new G5 and demoting this G4 to be my spare computer. But I'm not sure that's the best thing to do with it. I might be able to trade it in against a Mac Mini and have that as my spare instead. The reasons why I might not want this G4 as the spare are:
1] A fan has been making odd noises for some weeks and at the very least the computer needs a service. That will cost some cash, just to get it to be a properly functioning 4-yr old Mac. That cash might buy me most of a Mac Mini. I might be able to do a trade-in with a dealer that is authorised to do refurbs and avoid the cost of fixing it up. 2] The fan noise is quite loud anyway when working properly. It is too loud really and I have to have the TV on quite loud to be heard easily over the sound of the computer- it is very noticeable when I turn the computer off and the whole house is quiet except for my booming tv. I don't know if the fan(s?) could be replaced with quieter one/s- I've never heard of this being done. 3} A spare computer for me is only needed for internet use and communication when my main computer isn't working - it doesn't need to be able to do Photoshop as well so it doesn't need a huge amount of memory, so a new Mac Mini seems like it could be just as good for that purpose, but also be quieter and take up only a tiny amount of space in comparison. I would probably go for the lowest spec Mini since it really only is an emergency-use computer to get me email and web, no real heavy duty use. Much as I love my Mac G4, it will be overkill as a spare once I get a G5. Can anyone see a flaw in my thinking- have I got my facts right? Is a Mac Mini really a quiet computer? Any other observations? TIA for any insights etc. -- Joe B. -- Mac UK is sponsored by <http://lowendmac.com/> and... 123Inkjets.com <http://lowendmac.com/ad/123inkjets.html> Support Low End Mac <http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html> Mac UK list info: <http://lowendmac.com/lists/mac-uk.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/mac-uk%40mail.maclaunch.com/> iPod Accessories for Less at 1-800-iPOD.COM Fast Delivery, Low Price, Good Deal www.1800ipod.com
