Can anyone help me decide which computer I need...

Question

I do intensive video/audio/and photo imaging processing on my computers. My boss is going to get me a new computer and I'm trying to decide between a MacBook Pro and G5.
I need:
FW 800
graphics card capabilities for Motion and Aperture
Audio input
DL burning
My real question I suppose is the Macbook Pro as good of a machine as G5. I want a machine that is FAST and reliable. The portability of the Macbook is a plus, but the reliabilty/compatibility of the G5 is also a plus.
I also am afraid to get a G5 because it may be obsolete sooner than we imagine. But so would the MBP.
So, can I have some thoughts on the performance values on both machines. This would be my main computer for all my video/audio/photo editing. Thanks alot...

Answer 1

At this point, as long as you are talking about a PowerMac G5, the G5 will be a more reliable performer.
Most likely, it will either outperform, or perform comparably to the MacBook Pro.
If you are in need of something that will do the job without all the returns to the store, then you are probably better off with a G5 (don't get an iMac G5 though - they are even more trouble).
But, you are right to be concerned about life-span when it comes to PowerPC vs Intel.
The Intel architecture is definitely the way of the future now. And, there will come a day when developers will care less about backwards compatibility. So, we will likely see a day when something will be released only for Intel.
Who knows how far off that day is. But, it will likely come eventually.
Apple last updated the PowerMac G5 in December. So, they are going to be nearing their average replacement cycle pretty soon. I would suspect that by Fall or Winter that we will see a new replacement for the PowerMac based on the Intel CPU's.
But, if you have to buy now, then you are choosing between two basic concepts:
1) MacBook Pro: CPU with more support going forward. 32-BIT CPU instead of 64-BIT. Reliability problems, and lots of early design issues. You could get a good one, or you could spend all your time in the repair shop. All repairs will have to be done by Apple.
2) PowerMac G5: CPU with no future support. Will likely be supported in software for at least another year or two. 64-BIT CPU, and very powerful. Proven design, and greater reliability than the MacBook Pro. Also, fully serviceable. The only component you can't really replace with after-market parts is going to be the main logic board.
So, in the end, you have to choose between the solid and reliable performer who's future is unsure, and the unreliable first-born who's future is assured but may spend all it's time being fixed.
I'm not sure if this helps. But, maybe it will give you some thoughts to help with your decision.
If it were me, I would eliminate the 15-inch MacBook Pro immediately from the equation.
Then, consider that the 17-inch comes with FireWire 800 (instead of having to add it on as you would with the 15-inch model).
The 17-inch has so far had fewer complaints than the 15-inch model had in the same amount of time following it's introduction. But, the 17-inch may have also seen far fewer sales in this same time period due to price (and the fact that many of it's potential buyers probably already have a 15-inch).
To be honest, I don't know for sure which route I would go. I personally had two iMac G5's that gave me a lot of problems. These were iMac specific issues. They were not G5 issues, but rather issues unique to the design of the iMac.
I sold them, and have decided to wait until a reliable Intel machine ships to purchase my next replacement. At this point, I am watching for an Intel PowerMac.
But, if I were forced to buy today, it would be a very tough call.
I would avoid all iMacs. And, I wouldn't want the current MacBook Pro or the Intel Mini. So, I'd be stuck between purchasing something I didn't want or something that might be obsoleted faster than I'd like.
It's a tough one.
How tied into product availability are you?
Do you need to be assured that you can always run the latest titles? Or, are you going to be using the same programs you buy today for the next 3 to 5 years?
If your software upgrade cycle is fairly long, then I might be inclined to suggest going with the proven PowerMac G5. Just get the most powerful one you can.
If your software upgrade cycles are shorter, then I would probably consider (with a mental struggle) the idea of getting a new Intel based system. And, then try to pick the least problematic of the bunch. At this point, that would appear to be the 17-inch MacBook Pro. But, only time will tell if it has the same issues as the 15-inch. Right now it's good appearance could be due to lower sales volume than the 15-inch in the same time period.
One additional thought, is whether the programs you use or need will be available in Universal Binary form in the near future. If not, then they will perform slower on the MacBook Pro than they will on the PowerMac G5.
Hopefully my thoughts are helpful. It's a tough spot. But, I know some people can't put off a purchase until the outlook improves.