IMovie/iDVD  hardware recommendations, please

Hi all,
I've recently started trying to convert our home videos to DVD. I have a G4/DA, 533, w/ 256MB RAM running OS X 10.3.9 and iLife '05, and a FW camcorder.
My first attempt using iDVD's One Touch DVD feature resulted in an estimated completion of over 24 hours. Since I have several dozen tapes to convert, I thought I'd pick some brains here and see if I can get it down.
My first thought was faster hardware, but I can't afford a new Mac Pro with 8 cores .
I've looked at a CPU upgrade, like this: http://www.newertech.com/products/maxpower48.php , which would give me a 1.8 Ghz for <$400.00.
Alternatively, I have a line on a G4 MDD dual 1.42 Ghz machine that might go for approximately the same price. I'm also aware of a G5 dual 1.8 that's being replaced in a couple of weeks.
Does anyone have any recommendations (either these or anything else) for what I am doing? What about an iMac? How would those handle this task? Does the small size of the iMac (or mini?) have a problem with exhausting heat?
What would give me the greatest bang for the buck? Should I just max out the RAM and stay with what I have?
Whatever I go with, I'll probably also upgrade to Leopard. Does the new(er) versions of iLife offer any advantages for simple video-2-DVD conversions with maybe a little iMovie menus and such thrown in?
TIA!
Paul.

You may be better off just purchasing a new Mac Mini. Or even one of the previous generation models used or refurbished. Considering the money you'd pay for an upgrade, Leopard, and iLife. Plus even with the CPU upgrade you'd be running at a slower bus speed. A new intel Mac would be much faster, especially dealing with video editing with iMovie.
I use iMovie on my intel iMac from 2006 and it runs great. Any modern intel Mac will run iLife perfectly, there's no need to go out and get an 8 core Mac Pro haha. A Mac Mini would be a good bet, although you may want an external hard drive for faster speeds and more storage.
Message was edited by: Daniel Matarazzo

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