Looking to buy a Power Mac G5 - some input please

Hello,
I have an older MacBook Pro 17" and a newer Imac I plan on selling. I want something good for video editing via FCP.
I have been looking at the Power Mac G5 but I am no computer expert.
I can buy an older used one with the following congif.
The G5 is about 3 years old (I'm told) but was almost never used (I'm told).
- Comes with 23" LCD
- Has a total of 5.5 RAM (added to original 512 config)
- Airport Extreme Card
- Leopard OS
- original box, manuals and disks
- Original order number: Dual 2.5GHZ SuperDrive M9457LL/A
- L2 Cache: 512K per processor
- Frontside bus: 1.25GHz per processor
- DDR SDRAM main memory: 512MB PC3200 (400MHz) Supports up to 8GB
- 8X AGP Pro graphics: ATI RADEON 9600 XT with 128MB DDR SDRAM
- Hard drive: 160GB Serial ATA; 7200 rpm
- Optical drive: SuperDrive (DVD-R/CD-RW)
- PCI slots: Three open full-length PCI-X slots: one 133MHz, 64-bit slot and two 100MHz, 64-bit slots
- Expansion: One FireWire 800 port, two FireWire 400 ports (one on front)
- three USB 2.0 ports (one on front)
- two USB 1.1 ports (on keyboard)
- AGP 8X Pro slot with graphics card installed, including ADC connector and DVI connector
- Bays: Two internal hard drive bays (1 occupied); one optical drive bay
Also Added
- Hard drives: 250GB Serial ATA
- Graphics: ATI Radeon 9800 XT with 256MB of DDR SDRAM
- Wireless Internal Bluetooth module with antenna & Bluetooth Wireless keyboard & mouse
- Display: Apple Cinema HD Display (23-inch flat panel) M9178LL/A
Question: Would this be a good computer for video editing?
What should I expect to pay for this complete configuration?
Thank you very much for you input!
Tammy

Using the website Mac2Sell, I get a value of about $1,400 for that config (not including the monitor).
While this machine could be just fine for video editing with Final Cut Pro, it does have several drawbacks:
1) Final Cut Pro 5.1.2 and above can leverage the graphics card for some effects (the FxPlug ones). The Radeon 9600 in this one is a very slow card, and won't provide much benefit for those effects, or for running Motion in general.
2) You'll need to add a separate hard drive if you're going to do editing. Perhaps you already have an external drive that you've been using with your MacBook Pro or iMac.
3) Since this machine is about 3 years old, it's out of warranty, even if it had AppleCare on it. So, any part failure would have to be replaced out of your own pocket, and this can get very expensive depending on the part.
For around $2,000 to $2,300 you could get either a refurbished Mac Pro or a brand-new entry level Mac Pro. Both would run circles around the G5 you're looking at. While I love my PowerMac G5, the Mac Pros are much faster, especially since the Mac Pros have at least four CPUs and the one you're considering only has two. Add a Dell 24" monitor and you'll have one great editing machine.

Similar Messages

Looking to buy my first Mac computer product. . .

Hey there Mac support users! I'm looking to buy my first Mac computer product, and I am currently caught indecisive between the 13in and the 15 inch Macbook Pro. I have been over the technical specifications of both, and I do not really want to push out the 1700$ it would cost to buy the 15 inch if getting the 13 would be just as effective for my purposes. And of course, here is some background info on me:
I am currently a college student (hooray education pricing), and am also a musician who plays guitar, bass, some keys, and does vocals.
I will be using the Macbook for some light gaming (Diablo III with friends, maybe some other stuff later), but I am specifically wondering about which version to buy as concerns Pro Tools and audio recording -- something I plan on getting into after purchasing the Macbook.
I am aware that the 15 inch has a more powerful processor able to handle more things at once, which may come in handy while utilizing Pro Tools. In addition, I have noticed that the 15 inch Macbook version comes with two built in 3.5mm jacks on the side -- one for audio in, and the other for audio out (as compared to the standard headphone jack of the 13inch model). I am curious to know whether having the two separate jacks would be ultimately beneficial for music recording, or would it simply be better/cheaper to buy the 13 inch and get an adapter for the headphone jack?
I guess, in sum, I am just looking for some pointers in the best direction -- which would be best for a musician using Pro Tools: cheaper normal/super version of the 13 inch? Or the more expensive yet powerful 15inch model?
Any help is greatly appreciated
Thanks!

Hi Ziatheral, and welcome to the forums!
You've asked a lot of really good questions, and I'll do my best to be helpful.
For starters, you'll need to know that Pro Tools requires a 7200 RPM hard drive. Your standard off the shelf Mac ships with a 5200 RPM drive, so you will need to custom order a machine to meet specs.
Pro Tools is not yet officially qualified to run on Mountain Lion, although some users report it runs ok for them. It will take Avid a while to release an up-to-date version of Pro Tools.
You can NEVER have too much screen real estate. I've run Pro Tools on a 27" monitor, and even the 15" screen seems tiny by comparison. You get better graphics on the 15" monitor, too.
When recording, most artists use some kind of breakout box for mic preamping and monitoring. It's cool to think that the built in inputs and outputs will work, and in some cases they will, but that method is far from how pro recording is done. Many people like the Apogee Duet 2 for this:
http://apogeedigital.com/products/duet2.php
Personally, I'm kind of cheap, and if you're not going to be using MIDI, I like the Mackie Blackjack. I can at least afford one of those more easily:
http://www.mackie.com/products/onyxblackjack/
You have some time. It'll probably be a month or two before Pro Tools is ready to run on Mountain Lion. Keep looking. Do your homework. Don't just take somebody's word for it (including mine). And write if you have any more questions. The community is here for you.

Hi, I would like to buy a power mac G4 quicksilver and install the latest hardware i.e. i5, SSD etc., is this possible?

Hi, I would like to buy a power mac G4 quicksilver and install the latest hardware i.e. i5, SSD etc., is this possible?

Intel i5 processor upgrade? No way, no how with the OEM PPC board.
The "Latest" hardware that can be used with the original G4 motherboard is imited to used 7445/7447/7448 3rd party processor upgrades (all obsolete), PCI expansion, AGP graphics (only used as all are obsolete), new IDE drives (capacity support dependant on model year) and PC133 memory.
SATA and SSD can be used, but only with PCI SATA controllers or the specially configured IDE modded SSD from OWC.
PCI controllers will get you about SATA 1 data rates. The adapted SSD on IDE won't get beyond 60 MB/s.
You could use the case and put a mini ITX or micro ATX board in to support the i5. Of course you could then run Windows 7. If you want to run OS X, discussion ends here and begins your use of Google and searching for "x86" and "Hackintosh".

Buying a Power Mac G5 DP 1.8GHz Dual with a PPC 7450 Processor???

I just purchased but have not received as of yet a Power Mac G5 DP 1.8GHz Dual PCI-X 1 GB 160 GB. In the Details it is stated: "1.8 GHz DP PPC 7450 (G5) x2 RISC Processor."
A friend of mine mentioned that the PPC 7450 is a G4 processor but it might have been used in what is referred to as a G 4.5 PPC. That the true G5 processor should be a 970 fx processor!
Can someone quickly confirm one way or the other. The machine might ship to me tomorrow (Monday) and I will tell them not to ship if I have been misled.
Thanks much for a quick response.
Gregorrr

If it's a Power Mac G5, then the description that it's a PPC 7450 is wrong (a G4). G5's are 970.
Since it is hard to mistake a G5 for a G4 Power Mac, and G4's did not have 1.8 GHz processors (unless it has a third party G4 upgrade) or PCI-X, it is likely that you are getting a Power Mac G5.
I've never heard of a "G4.5" description. Apple sold G4 Power Macs up to 1.42 GHz in the curvy plastic case, and then sold G5 Power Macs in the squarish aluminum case. You can't put a "G5" PPC in a G4 Power Mac, and you can't put a "G4" PPC in a G5 Power Mac.
But it wouldn't hurt to contact the seller to verify that it's a Power Mac G5 (huge aluminum case).

Looking to buy a new Mac, which is better Mac Air or Pro?

I currently own a 13.3inch LED-backlit widescreen notebook Mac book pro from 2011 and am looking to upgrade. I'm in my last year of high school and will be starting college next year. I'm really into photography, and use my computer for all my notes and assignments in class. SD card slot is prefreable. Really lost as to what I should get, not looking to spend over $1,500.00 (roughly, open to ideas). Is it worth buying an 11'inch basic? If so how can I connect my SD card? ANY help is very appreciated:)

13" Air with 8gig of RAM
11" Air doesnt have a SD card slot. Ive owned both 11 and 13" Air, still have a 13", and also a current pro.
If as you said you plan on much photo editing, then definitely get the 13"
The NEW macbook Pro and Air are extremely close in form factor
The newest macbook Pro is essentially a larger macbook Air with Retina display and options for speed in increasing prices up to an independent graphics and quad core processor.
both Air and new Pro now have PCIe SSD and permanent RAM.
The Air is the lightweight portable form factor, fast to boot and shut down, but with longer battery life than any of the macbook pro in 13"
Now the new macbook Pro and macbook Air are extremely close in form factor and nature.
both have 802ac wifi
both have permanent RAM, no superdrive
both are slim profiles and SSD
The only real differences now are (in the most expensive Pros) faster processors and quadcore processors and top end model autonomous graphics, also HDMI output on the new macbook Pros!. ....and of course the retina display
both are now "very good for travel"
DETAILED bench tests between the new AIR and the new PRO here:
http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2013/11/how-to-choose-13-inch-macbook-air-vs-13-i nch-retina-macbook-pro/2/
Other than features the form factor of the Air and Pro are VERY close now,....so now its merely a matter of features and price more than anything.
You need an external HD regardless of what you get for backups etc. Drop into an Apple store and handle both and make your choice based on features, such as Retina or non-retina, .... both at a distance now look like the same computer.
The Pro weighs more, ....but nowhere near what it used to just a month ago on the older macbook Pros
The NEW macbook Pro is a different creature entirely than the older macbook Pro, .....the new Pro is thicker than the Air, but id frankly call the NEWEST Pro a "macbook Air with Retina display" , or
Maybe a “macbook Air PRO with Retina display”
Instead of Air vs. Pro now,.....its really a smooth transition from Air to pro without comparing say, 2 different creatures, now its like contrasting a horse from a race horse (rough analogy)
Either one in 8gig of RAM (preferably)... the 4gig upgrade costs very little, the I7 you will notice only 15% faster on heavy applications over the I5, and NOTHING on most APPS.....I5 has longer battery life.
As you see below, the non-Retina 13" AIR is 82% of the Macbook with Retina display in resolution
there is no magical number of pixels per inch that automatically equates to Retina quality.
http://www.cultofmac.com/168509/why-you-might-be-disappointed-by-the-resolution- of-those-new-retina-display-macs-feature/
A huge internal SSD isnt a game changer for anything, you need an external HD anyway
what you WONT READ on Apple.com etc. is that the larger SSD are much faster due to SSD density
"The 512GB Samsung SSD found in our 13-inch model offers roughly a 400MB/s increase in write speeds over the 128GB SanDisk/Marvell SSD"
http://blog.macsales.com/19008-performance-testing-not-all-2013-macbook-air-ssds -are-the-same
Here is an excellent video comparison between the 11” I5 vs. I7 2013 Macbook Air.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDqJ-on03z4
http://www.anandtech.com/show/7113/2013-macbook-air-core-i5-4250u-vs-core-i7-465 0u/2
I5 vs. I7 performance 13” Macbook Air 2013
Boot performance
11.7 I5 ……11.4 I7
Cinebench
1.1 I5….1.41 I7
IMovie Import and Opt.
6.69 I5….5.35 I7
IMovie Export
10.33 I5…8.20 I7
Final Cut Pro X
21.47 I5…17.71 I7
Adobe Lightroom 3 Export
25.8 I5….31.8 I7
Adobe Photoshop CS5 Performance
27.3 I5…22.6 I7
Macbook Pro ports:
Macbook Air (13") ports:

I am looking to buy an imac but have some questions...

Is it possible to use "windows only" software on any mac? I have some photo editing software that I use that is windows only.
Thanks!
Kari

As Duane mentioned yes you can use Boot Camp which is part of Leopard to boot your machine to either Leopard or Windows. Again as Duane mentioned you will need a license of Windows to do it. By using Parallels or VM Ware's Fusion these allow you to run Windows inside of Leopard, again you need a license of Windows to install. Personally I use Fusion, the performance on my iMac is faster than my new new Windows notebook supplied from work. The main advantage of Parallels or Fusion is you don't need to turn off your machine and reboot into a different OS.
Depending on the Windows software you are running you may find a Mac equivilant and rather than investing in Parallels or Fusion you can invest in that and run everything in Leopard's native enviorment.
If you have a Apple store close by drop in and they can show you exactly what I've described.

I'm looking to buy a used Mac Pro, and want to know if its a 64bit architicture that will take the latest OS and could be used for development work... how can I tell?

I have the specs but it doesn't say much about the processor apart from its an Intel Xeon 2 x 2Ghz... any help appreciated!
Model Name:                            Mac Pro
Model Identifier:                      MacPro1,1
Processor Name:                    Dual-Core Intel Xeon
Processor Speed:                   2 GHz
Number Of Processors:          2
Total Number Of Cores:         4
L2 Cache (per processor):      4 MB
Memory:                                  4 GB
Bus Speed:                              1.33 GHz
Boot ROM Version:                 MP11.005C.B08
SMC Version:                          1.7f10
Serial Number:                        CK********PZ
Craig
<Personal Information Edited by Host>

current market price for that box is in the US$600 range. If they are looking for more than that, the stealing is going the other way.
That system will be good for software develeopment for a VERY Brief time. The new 10.9 Mavericks (announced but not yet shipped) is likley to obsolete the last version of xCode you can run on it.
You really should look for a 2009 or later for best Value.

Looking to buy a new mac pro will there be a i7 version?

I have an iMac 24" and looking to get a mac Pro as my needs have changed.
I have compared an iMac and 2.66GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon "Nehalem" processor ( two (friends) side by side and I have to say there is nothing in it, my initial thoughts were the Imac has better graphics and seems faster using Photoshop and final cut.
Does anyone know if they will make a i7 version (non xeon) and if the price will drop as the Mac pro seems to be so very expensive since the introduction of the i7 Imac in the region of £800 I'd say.

http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/specialdeals/mac/mac_pro
No, Mac Pro = Xeon, and there is quad 3.3GHz BTO $1200 extra.
You were looking at 2009 Mac Pro? sounds like 2006-7 model possibly.
Whether you need more hard drives and memory then an iMac Core i5 is up to you.
http://www.amug.org/amug-web/html/amug/reviews/articles/intel/macpro-2009/
http://www.barefeats.com/imi7.html

Looking to buy a new Mac Pro...

Here is my desired configuration:
Mac Pro ($13,949.00)
Two 16x SuperDrives
500GB 7200-rpm Serial ATA 3Gb/s
32GB (8 x 4GB)
Apple Wireless Keyboard (English) + Mac OS X Accessory kit
Two 3.2GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon (8-core)
Apple wireless Mighty Mouse
NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT 512MB (Two dual-link DVI)
Apple Cinema HD Display (30" flat panel)
AppleCare Protection Plan for Mac Pro (w/or w/o Display)
Now here's my question:
32GB of RAM from Apple is $9600 (which we all know that Apple charges a premium for RAM)
Is this memory just as good as apples???
http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Other%20World%20Computing/64FB4MPK32GB/

For what it's worth, I actually prefer the Dell monitors to the Cinema displays. Price difference aside, they have a much brighter screen even though the same LCD panels are used in both. It means you have a much greater overhead for the long term. You turn down the brightness to start and are able to increase it over the years whereas my Cinema Displays have required maximum brightness almost from the beginning and then they get dimmer over the years, requiring a backlight replacement about 3 years into their life. (If users have never gotten a backlight replacement they won't actually see the dimming but is is significant.)
The downside of the Dells is that they aren't nearly as elegant but I've always put function over form unless there is very little difference.

3 more problems to fix, before RE-submit to Mac Store ( some idea please )

Hi .
I submit 4 times the same app, to the mac Store, 3 months trying this......and always say the same.
please some body help me what exactly i have to do to fix this ?
here ( blue text ) is the apple text when reject. ( really need help ):
/////////////////// down here ////////////////
2.2
Here is how we found this bug:
The 'Entrar' button on the main application window may be confusing to users. Please make the requested changes in the screenshot of the Application Description as well.
2.30
The application accesses the following location(s):
/dev/shm
This issue appears to be related to the use of a third-party framework. As a courtesy, we are providing an exception to this violation for this version of the app. Once the issue is resolved by the owner of the framework, you will need to update your app and submit a new binary. Apps that continue to report this 2.30 violation after the framework is updated may be subject to rejection.
2.31
In order to continue reviewing this app, we require additional information.
This app uses one or more entitlements which do not appear to have matching functionality within the app. Please describe how and where the app uses the following entitlements by adding your comments to the Resolution Center. You will not need to upload a new binary to provide this information.
Apps should have only the minimum set of entitlements necessary for the app to function properly. If there are entitlements that are not needed, please remove them and submit an updated binary. You will need to Developer Reject the app to upload an updated version.
com.apple.security.assets.movies.read-write
com.apple.security.assets.music.read-write
com.apple.security.assets.pictures.read-write
com.apple.security.files.downloads.read-write
com.apple.security.files.user-selected.read-write
This review was conducted on an iMac running OS X 10.8.2

usamau03 wrote:
I submit 4 times the same app, to the mac Store, 3 months trying this......and always say the same.
Then why keep submitting the same app? The last thing you want to do is make yourself known in such a way.
please some body help me what exactly i have to do to fix this ?
The 'Entrar' button on the main application window may be confusing to users. Please make the requested changes in the screenshot of the Application Description as well.
What does the 'Entrar' button do? How would a user know to click it? What happens whenn clicking on it? Have you seen any other apps that behave the same way?
I think Apple is just asking you to make some circles and captions on your screenshots telling users why they need to click 'Entrar' and what happens when they do.
The application accesses the following location(s):
/dev/shm
This issue appears to be related to the use of a third-party framework. As a courtesy, we are providing an exception to this violation for this version of the app. Once the issue is resolved by the owner of the framework, you will need to update your app and submit a new binary. Apps that continue to report this 2.30 violation after the framework is updated may be subject to rejection.
What 3rd party frameworks are you using? Apple is telling you that they are cutting you some slack this time but you need to get it fixed.
This app uses one or more entitlements which do not appear to have matching functionality within the app. Please describe how and where the app uses the following entitlements by adding your comments to the Resolution Center. You will not need to upload a new binary to provide this information.
Apps should have only the minimum set of entitlements necessary for the app to function properly. If there are entitlements that are not needed, please remove them and submit an updated binary. You will need to Developer Reject the app to upload an updated version.
com.apple.security.assets.movies.read-write
com.apple.security.assets.music.read-write
com.apple.security.assets.pictures.read-write
com.apple.security.files.downloads.read-write
com.apple.security.files.user-selected.read-write
Why do you need these entitlements?
Apple isn't actually rejecting your app here. They are:
1) Asking you to update your screenshots to explain how to use the app
2) Telling you there is a problem with one of your 3rd party frameworks. They are accepting the app as is, but you need to track down and fix the problem.
3) Asking why you need these entitlements. They aren't saying you can't use them, you just need to justify why you need them.
Essentially, Apple is giving you a break and asking you to meet them halfway. You will probably need to make significant changesto future versions of your app, but they are trying to help you get your app in the store for now.

Maybe making the switch from AVID to FCP, would like some input please.

Happy T-Day to all. Would really appreciate any thoughts on this. I have many questions and need some answers from folks who are not always pushing AVID ( my vendor) I am a one man shop and use all Apple apps (LiveType, Motion, etc.) but have always stayed in my comfort zone with AVID Xpro and MOJO. Am thinking of going to Media Composer but after a few days of consideration and a trip to an Apple store, I may do a complete turn around and commot to FCP. Recently made the move to HD with the Sony XDCAM HD system. Here are my questions...plese be patient, this is a major move for me.
1. If I purchase a new Intel G-5, will the internal SATA drives be OK for 35MPS HD?
2. What AJA card or product should I buy so I can view HD SDI on a client monitor and output HD to a Sony XDCAM HD F-70 Deck?
3. What graphics card should I order on the new machine?
4. Can I use the FAM ( File Access Mode) to tranfer content?
5. Any other considerations when ordering the new Intel machine?
I know I have many questions, but I really believe it is time for me to make the move. Any help would be really appreciated. Thanks again.
Tdub

1. Yes, but just. You'd only get 1 stream. Faster drives would allow you to do more than one layer of real time playback. You could stripe more than one internal sata and get the job done that way.
2. Kona LHe will do this, however you'd gain the ability to upconvert and cross convert the video to just about any format with the Kona 3.
3.The X1900. Motion and some effects in FCP will take advantage of it... down the line FCP is likely to rely more on the GPU is an educated guess of mine. the top of the line card is faster, but not enough to substaniate the price if you're working in Video. If you were working in 3D CAD environments, then the top of the liner would be the best choice.
4.I don't use XDCAM here, so I'm presuming that you're talking about a transfer mode with that. I'm pretty sure FCP 5.1.2 added this capability. Might search the COW on this term in the FCP forum there. http://www.creativecow..net.
5.Working with HD and MPEG streams would leave me wanting the fastest of the three machines. You'll want 4 gigs of RAM, but it's less expensive from other than Apple. I know just how scary it can be to move to a new platform, and did exactly as you are contemplating when FCP 2 arrived. I've never looked back. Hang here once you get started, and we'll help you with the transition. There is a book out there in the pro training series from Apple/Peachpit on ediiting on FCP if you're coming from Avid. I'd recommend you get that book. Will ease the transition no doubt.
Hope you make the jump!
Jerry

Powershell "RunAs" causing recycle bin issues. Would like some input please.

I developed a script to assist our UserAdmins with creation of AD user accounts and create home folders on the server shares. I am encountering an issue with the recycle bin becoming corrupt when the user first logs in. This script must be run
with an elevated account with permissions to the shares. I also noted a change in the way the recycle bin is displayed in the share.
The home folder is created using:
New-Item -ItemType Directory -Force -Path $directory
If I log into my machine as my elevated account and run powershell/powershell_ise, all is well. The recycle bin displays as "Recycle Bin" with the correct icon image
However, if I log into my machine with my non-elevated account and select "Run as a different user" for Powershell or Powershell_ISE and use my same elevated account from above the users receive "corrupt" recycle bin errors when logging
in or viewing the recycle bin properties. Additionally, recycle bin is now listed as "$Recyle.Bin" and is using a folder icon. This issue is resolved by removing the users AD account from the home folder permissions and re-adding it with
identical permissions.
I see this behavior using Win8.1 x64 as well as Win7 x64 Enterprise.
On another somewhat relevant topic, when launching Powershell_ISE with "Run as a different user" it often freezes and must be forcibly closed. Could be relevant, could be coincidence.
I appreciate any input you may have regarding this issue.
Thanks,
Jeff

I'm trying not to come off as combative, but I feel you are misunderstanding or I am not being clear. The recycle bin is auto-created when the user first logs into the machine as is are the sub folders to the parent folder. All of the desktop.ini files,
recycle bin folders and various other user profile objects are created upon first login by that user inside of the folder created in the PowerShell script. Prior to this the user admins were manually creating the same parent folder with their elevated
accounts. Given the isolated conditions in which it works vs when it doesn't there is no indication that permissions are causing this issue.
I'll try to explain why the issue, I believe, lies with PowerShell.
1) Launch a PowerShell session from the current logged in elevated account
2) Run the script
3) Users home folder is created
4) Upon user logging in for the first time the user profile objects are created in the home folder on the share
5) No issues with recycle bin
vs - from the same machine, same script
1) Launch a PowerShell session with "Run as different user" context using the same account from above
2) Run the script
3) users home folder is created
4) Upon user logging in for the first time the user profile objects are created in the home folder on the share
5) Recycle bin is corrupt and icon is wrong
The only thing that changes between these 2 scenarios is the way in which PowerShell is run.
It's the same computer, the same test user account, the same share, same GPOs and AppSense policies.
Scenario 1 is run from elevated account logged into local machine
Scenario 2 is run from non-elevated account with "Run as different user" context using the elevated account
I know I'm sounding like a broken record but it doesn't make sense AppSense or GPO or even folder permission would cause an issue when the folder is being created using the same account in both situations.

Need some spec help looking on buying mac pro

Hello
I have been looking at getting a Mac for quite some time now I have used Windows all my life and I'm tired of it. I happen to have my birthday coming up and I have all this holiday money set aside for a mac pro. Here is my problem I only have around $800 so I cant really get an Intel Mac but I'm easily in the range for the Power Mac. I'm mostly going to play World of Warcraft and do iLife, iWork, and use Adobe CS3 when I get the cash. I'm a little scared though to buy a Power Mac because everything is going to Intel should I be worried. Also should I look for something else instead or just keep waiting for more money I have a 27' TV that supports HDMI and VGA and I would like to have a Mac I can upgrade because I'm going to College here in two years.
Thanks for all your help in advance

I would suggest to you to get a macmini.
its in your budget, and can run all the apps you mentioned.
In two years, you'll still be able to get something for it if you decide to upgrade to a macpro.
what kind of powermac were you looking at?

General questions on buying a new Mac...

hey guys, i am looking to buy a new mac in the next year or so. i currently have the powerbook g4 from when i went to school and its running very slow these days and i couldnt upgrade past leopard because of the processor. anyways, im wondering what you guys think as far as laptops go, im not very savy when it comes to this stuff but it seems the macbook pro is the best of the best when it comes to laptops, especially as far as apple goes.
one of my main questions is about how far this laptop will take me, i was very upset about my powerbook not being able to go further than the leopard upgrade. does apple offer anything as far as being able to upgrade for x amount of years? its an expensive piece of equipment and im just wondering what the life expectancy is for something thats $2,500 lol. is apple planning on unveiling a new macbook pro with an even newer processor that is gonna outdate the current intel based?
would i be better off buying the computer tower and monitor that way i can replace things if they get outdated? i have no experience in that but i have heard that when it comes to upgrading a laptop its near impossible compared to a tower that you can open up and change things out?
what do you guys think? any tips would be great, im kinda torn because of the money and i wanna make sure im making the best investment i can and one that will last me as long as it possibly can. like i said guys, im not up to date with tech news so if you guys can help me out i would appreciate it.
thanks again

gconley wrote:
im wondering what you guys think as far as laptops go,
Well there has been some changes, Intel processors with integrated graphics that are lousy in performance (scores only 11) and no dedicated video cards.
So watch out the MBP your buying (usually the 13") doesn't have "only Intel HD 3000 graphics" or it will be hot and lousy at 3D games.
The higher end 15" or 17" antiglare screens are your best options for longer use and performance (can 3D game online for about 1.5 years before a upgrade hobbles you) Score 35-45 on Cinebench, as they also have a dedicated video card and you can turn off Graphics Switching in Energy Saver to run off the video card all the time. (nice)
seems the macbook pro is the best of the best when it comes to laptops, especially as far as apple goes.
It's all that Apple carries now, no more MacBooks, unless you want to count the 13" MBP as a MacBook which it's more like that than a "Pro" machine.
I'd advise the anti-glare screen option on the 15", so you can see the screen anywhere like your present machine. The new ones with nicer looking glossy screens are a pain to use, may hurt your eyes, headaches etc.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_X0wo6dIsMU
one of my main questions is about how far this laptop will take me
MacBook Pro's now are lasting about 4 years with about daily use with care, lesser of course with no care.
AppleCare is a must, so figure another 10% for that and tax. $100 case and a $100 external drive for backup (you really need two)
does apple offer anything as far as being able to upgrade for x amount of years?
No, you have to buy each new OS X version and upgrade all your third party software and go through lots of pains doing so.
I can give you this expereince, your good to upgrade the OS 2x, after that you should stop.
10.8 is being released this summer, I would wait a few months afterwards when it comes on new hardware, you will be glad you did. 10.7 is not working out right, 10.8 is going to fix things we hope.
its an expensive piece of equipment and im just wondering what the life expectancy is for something thats $2,500 lol.
4 years, $700 a year.
is apple planning on unveiling a new macbook pro with an even newer processor that is gonna outdate the current intel based?
We cant' speculate on future Apple hardware, but I gave my advice about 10.8 above.
would i be better off buying the computer tower and monitor that way i can replace things if they get outdated?
Yes that would be a much more cost effective method, however this is the problem.
You would have to buy the MacPro Tower and you could change the hard drives, RAM and monitor, but you can't get any video card upgrades for them.
Once your three year AppleCare ran out and your video card died, your bummed. So much for that plan.
Also Apple has increased their OS X release cycle (like because 10.7 was so bad) but you don't get security updates unless your on the last two operating systems in circulation.
So your 10.4 and 10.5 machines are currently insecure online, and 10.6 will also be when 10.8 is released this summer. So Apple gets you to force upgrade that way.
what do you guys think? any tips would be great, im kinda torn because of the money and i wanna make sure im making the best investment i can and one that will last me as long as it possibly can.
I'll give you my honest opinion being a lifelong Mac user.
Get a Windows 7 64 bit 3D gaming tower, 4GB of RAM expandable to 8GB or even 16GB and a decent power supply.
Why?
1: Because Microsoft supports their OS version for 10 years with security and stability updates.
2: Because you can get video card upgrades as well as hard drives, optical drives, RAM and external devices like monitors etc.
3: You'll have more software to choose from, and especially 3D games.
4: Microsoft provides free Security Essentials anti-malware,
5: When you get the machine, you make System Restore Images, DVD's and boot disks to restore your own system pre-malware and immedialty Windows Update and make new ones.
Case in point, my friends XP Tower has lasted him 10 years, he paid $1200 for it new, for $120 a year.
Sure he's had the OS replaced a few times, I've done it for dinner once or twice. Others did it for a case of beer. Cant't beat that!
In the last 10 years with Apple I have spent over $9,000 in their hardware for 3 computers that I've used myself, in fact I'm looking at my dead 4 year old 15" MBP right now which the video card failed a few months outside the 4 year recall notice.
https://support.apple.com/kb/TS2377
That's $900 a year and 2 of them are laptops, one was the PowerMac G5 that Apple decided they were not going to support the 10.5 OS anymore so it made a bad decision to keep it, despite it being almost as powerful as most Mac laptops today. I could have kept that one, but with no OS X support, what can I do?
So if you toss $1600 into a 3D gaming tower, that's $160 a year verses $700 a year with the MBP AND you can upgrade it. You can replace the video card or hard drive or anything else that fails! Not so with a Mac.
http://www.cbscores.com/index.php?sort=ogl&order=desc
Let's face it, you and quite possible me now, are in not Apple's target market anymore, you need to save money and Apple no longer offers any longterm value like they used to.
Microsoft has fixed Windows with Win 7, it's not that bad actually provided you get a good machine and a decent quality monitor. The security of Windows 7 is better than OS X now and on top of that, you can reinstall the entire boot drive yourself easily if you make advanced preparations.
Also Win 7 doesn't look as bad as before, the Aero glass is pretty neat. It's made a lof of Windows users happy. Still though OS X is a much nicer OS that Windows, but the thing with Windows, it stays the same. Apple changes OS X almost constantly, 10.7 last summer, 10.8 this summer!!!
So I know this is going against everything my avatar is, but I don't want you to throw your money away if you really need to hold on to it.
I know times are not good, Apple has billions upon billions they don't need your money. Save your money and get what you need that just does the job.
I don't drive around wreacking $200,000 sports cars and I don't expect you too neither.
http://www.cpubenchmark.net/high_end_cpus.html

Power Mac G5 Dual 2.5 - Move Hard Drive to another G5??

Hi,
I'm using a Power Mac G5 Dual 2.5 w/ OS 10.5.8 with my Pro Tools 7.4.2 HD3 rig, 2 internal hard drives and tons of external FW hard drives. It's being hinky with me (every time I reboot/restart the Mac, I have to take the side cover off or it won't boot; wierdest problem ever), and being that I don't want to plunk down thousands of dollars on a new Mac and all new Pro Tools equipment, I'm hunting E-Bay for an exact duplicate of my Mac, of which there are plenty. Since PowerPC architecture is long dead, they are dirt cheap. No reason not to have a spare.
My questions are:
If I buy another Power Mac G5 Dual 2.5 machine, and swap the hard drive it comes with, and use my already functional hard drive (with the OS, Pro Tools and all related plug-ins installed), and move over my Pro Tools cards and 8 GB of RAM to the new(er) machine, will it boot up and work without me having to reformat/reinstall everything?
I also see numerous Power Mac G5 Dual 2.7 machines out there as well. What are the chances of doing the same as question 1 with this? I know the processor is different, but would my already formatted and functional hard drive care? I don't think this will work, but I have to ask.
If Question 2 is even possible, would upgrading to a Dual 2.7 even be worth it as far as noticeable speed improvement? Superior Drummer, EZ Drummer and EZ Keys are all real time plug-ins that need the Mac's processor/memory to work. They don't use the Pro Tools cards to work. So, would getting that extra 200 Mhz of processor power even matter?
The reason I ask is that reinstalling the OS and Pro Tools is not the issue; 4 hours and it's done. BUT, reinstalling Superior Drummer, EZ Drummer,and EZ Keys, along with the mountain of expansion packs, will literally take several days of work. If I could just plop my old hard drives and 8GB of RAM into a newly purchased G5 Dual 2.5 or 2.7, and not go through that, it would be AWESOME.
Thanks for any feedback on this.

Just got done making the transfer to the "new" Dual 2.7 G5 I bought off E-Bay. (yes, on Christmas Eve, because....well.... I have no life). Worked dead, solid perfect!!! I'm grinning from ear to ear right now.
I had to reset some pref's in Pro Tools (not an issue), Just got done running Pro Tools through its paces, and it works perfectly. All plug ins run (had to re-authorize Superior Drummer and some related plugins because it detected the change in system serial #, again not an issue). Other than that, it worked like it always has. I loaded every third party plug-in I could find, and every third party program I could find, and so far everything works without any issues. Only exception is Team Viewer locks up when I try to close it (have to Force Quit), but I couldn't care less right now. I use that twice a year if that, and just to have someone help me remotely.
Thanks for the info and help. This made my Holidays.

Looking to buy a Power Mac G5 - some input please

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for