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Jeebs · Aug 9, 2003, 03:49 PM

I plan to replace my dual G4/450 with a G5, but am debating between the 1.8 and dual 2.0. I'm sure I'll see a difference in the second processor using Photoshop, but I spend as much time in Illustrator and more time in InDesign.

My dual 450 at home is much faster running Photoshop filters than the single G4/400 I have at work (both have 1G RAM), but it's only marginally faster in everything else. I'd expect a dual processor machine to multitask better, but iTunes still stalls when I launch other apps or access a hard drive.

Since most of the work I do is done for free for a non-profit organization, the cost difference is a real concern.

For these reasons, I'm leaning heavily toward the single 1.8 G5. Would others running similar applications (on a budget) agree? I'd appreciate any suggestions.

AssassyN · Aug 10, 2003, 01:37 AM

I'd simply buy what you can afford & don't overextend yourself (nor your wallet). Of course, the Dual 2.0 machine will multitask way better, escp. in Photo apps. such as the ones you mentioned. However, even the single 1.8 is a huge step forward from your current machine and the gigahertz & FSB increases alone should blow your current Mac's doors in. You'll be overly satisfied w/ either, I'm sure.

Jeebs · Aug 10, 2003, 03:29 PM

Thanks for the response, AssassyN. That pretty much supports my observations.

One thing I thought of may throw a curve into this, though. I periodically need to scan and color-correct slides. While I color correct and clean up one photo, I simultaneously scan the next one (FireWire CoolScan). Even on my dual 450, too much other activity can create a hiccup in the system and a streak in the scan. If a single G5 can't keep up with both the scanner and Photoshop opening, adjusting and closing files, that could add hours, or even days of work each month. Doh! The dual 2GHz is suddenly seeming worth the extra cost. If only there were a dual 1.8!

Eug · Aug 10, 2003, 03:35 PM

See this thread here.

If cost a concern, get the 1.8. It will blow away your current system, and it's a lot cheaper than the 2.0.

Jeebs · Aug 10, 2003, 04:18 PM

Thanks, Eug. Lots of info there.

DrBoar · Aug 11, 2003, 07:00 AM

Any G G5 is way faster then your dual 450. However if you really need a horsepower the dual 2.0 offers the most power/dollar. I would either
1. get the DP 2.0
2. get the SP 1.6
3. Upgrade to a faster G4. The "problem" here is that you have a DP and use PS. To get a gain in PS you will need a SP 1.2-1.4 or at least dual 800 MHz and that is a lot of money. With a single 400-450-500 G4 the 800-1200 upgrades for 280-500 dollars is a substantial improvement but not really for a dual 460 runnning SMP applications. Having a G4/400 myself I really do not feel sorry for you on that regard

Most of the time the low end tower has had most bang for the bucks and then the mid and high end have had more speed and features but also been far more expensive. If you can hang on to your current computer for 6 more months I expect the next revision of the towers to be either all dual ( like the next to last G4) or at least have a dual midrange (like the last real G4 line)

Eug Wanker · Aug 11, 2003, 08:33 AM

Originally posted by DrBoar:
I would either
1. get the DP 2.0
2. get the SP 1.6

Heheh, you came to the exact opposite conclusion I did about the G5. See my post here. I recommend the 1.8.

IMO, the 1.6 is a better solution overall than the dual 1.25, for most people. However, if you can spare a little more cash, I'd definitely recommend the 1.8 over the 1.6. A similarly spec'd 1.6 is only $150 less than the 1.8. (Mind you, if you can spare a LOT more cash, there is nothing wrong with getting the dual 2.0.

)