[fatweesle]

Hi Everyone,
I am new here! I am looking into getting a mac to use for final cut pro. What mac would you recommend? I am a student so I don't want to spend a ton, but I am looking at the entry level G5 1.6ghz or a dual G4 1.25ghz. I know there is a lot of hype saying the G5 is faster and thats what I was told at the apple store, but I want to get the best bang for the buck. Which do you think is best setup? Thanks so much!

Rob

[scottiB]

G5 1.6

One reason (among others that you'll get):

Max RAM = 4GB

While you may not max it now, you can in the future, and FCP (and OS X) loves memory. Plus, the memory bandwidth is far greater (higher, faster, whatever) in the G5.

On a small note, having front USB, FireWire, and headphone ports would be really, really convenient. I have a G4 DP800 and would love to have that option in day-to-day use.

I'm sure others will give you more reasons, but this is a start. Welcome.

[tr]

welcome fatweesle!

hey, just thinking..i'd go for the G5 in your situation, but do you think you could spare an extra $400 for the 1.8 Ghz? i ask because i think it's a better deal. for $400 more you get:

faster processor (1.8 vs 1.6)
faster frontside bus (900mhz vs 800)
double/faster the RAM (512 DDR400 vs 256 DDR333) expandable to double the amount (8GB vs 4GB)
double the HD space (160GB vs 80GB)

i think the 1.8 will give you the best bang for the buck out of the G5 models. plus, i'm thinking that the lowend G5 is going to go the way of the Yikes G4, that is, it will probably be phased out.

i know $400 is a lot of cash, but i think it will be well worth it. geez, i remember paying $2400 for my first mac, a G4 450! and it's still working great for me today!


tr

[scottiB]

In addition, the DP 1.25 G4 Apple currently sells lacks FW800.

I agree with tr about the 1.8 G5--if you can squeeze it.

I'd budget for a second HD and adding at least a GB of memory to whatever you purchase.

Take advantage of edu discounts on Apple software.