Should i get this G5

Question

Its an imac G5
Specs are:
G5,17in monitor, 1.8ghz, 512Mb RAM, 160Gb HD, 80 i Radeon 9600 graphics processor with 128Mb, as new, also contains Quark Express Art package, as new.
I can get it for £420 ( dont know what that is in dollars)
I am a complete Mac newbie, never owned one, but i want one for film editing, as i am 16, and an aspiring film director ( original i know )
I will be running adobe flash, after effects, and Final cut pro.
Will this mac satisfy my needs?
Many thanks
Barney

Answer 1

Hello,
I wouldn't do it.
The price you quote comes out to about $798 U.S. Dollars. So, we'll call that $800.
That is really at the very top of the value range for that machine. Even if it has never been used, that price is in the high range.
There were a lot of problems with the first 2 iMac G5 revisions. And, from your description, it sounds like this is the second version. While better than the first version, it did still have a lot of problems and failures. So, I would approach it carefully. It may be one of the ones that will run forever. Or, it could be one of the ones like mine that spent more time in the shop than on my desk.
But, ignoring quality issues, the price is still high.
You can get a refurbished dual-core Intel 1.83 GHz system from Apple for $949 (£499). That system uses the newer Intel processors, has two processors compared to one, and has fewer reliability issues. And, it comes with a 1-year warranty from Apple that is exactly the same as the warranty you get with a new computer. You can even get AppleCare for it if you want.
Refurbished iMac 17-inch 1.83GHz Intel Core Duo
512MB (single SO-DIMM) 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM
160GB Serial ATA hard drive
Slot-load 8x double-layer SuperDrive
ATI Radeon X1600 graphics with 128MB GDDR3 memory
Built-in AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth 2.0
Price: $949.00
I don't know what refurbs are available in the U.K. Apple Online store, but I think the price you are considering for the other machine is too high in comparison.
And, if you wanted the latest Core2Duo processor, you can get those new machines starting at $999 (£525). Those machines have the lower performing / less powerful Integrated Graphics though. So, if you must have a more powerful graphics adapter, then you should consider a refurb CoreDuo or the higher-end Core2Duo.
But, consider that the current price for the level of iMac you are talking about is $1199 (£631). And, that model has now been replaced 3 times with better revisions. So, it's retail value is diminished considerably.
Also, if you will be running the types of programs you mention, you should also consider getting whichever machine you buy upgraded to at least 1 GB of RAM (2 GB would be best).
I hope this helps.
Let us know if you have other questions.
P.S., if you'd like, go ahead and click the "Helpful" or "Solved" buttons on any of the posts / replies above if you feel they were helpful or adequately answered your question.