[Hanul]

I own a PowerBook and a PC and would like to replace the PC with a stationary Mac. Until yesterday I was into the 17" iMac G5, but with the introduction of the single-CPU PowerMac, I'm not that sure anymore.

The price is almost the same with specs nearly identical. For around EUR 1.800 (edu) I would get either an iMac or PowerMac with 512MB RAM, 160GB HDD, SuperDrive, AE and BT. I guess there is no performance difference between the machines. What I get more on the iMac side is the very good wide-screen display. On the PowerMac side I get the possibility to upgrade, a better graphics card (ATI 9600 XT, 128MB), more expandability and some small goodies like Gigabit ethernet (which I don't need because of WLAN) and FW800 (have no peripherals for it).

I already have a 17"-TFT, but wouldn't mind to sell it, if I choose the iMac.

What are your experiences with the possibility to upgrade and expand the system? I upgraded my PC with a better optical drive and more RAM, but I doubt I have to on either the iMac or PowerMac. Is it better to have a expandable system "just in case"?

[drive-thru]

It depends on what you are going to be using it for. If it's just for general computing (email, web, office) then the iMac would probably be the better value (takes up less space and gets you a great display included). If you are going to be using the mac for games or any intensive apps, like a lot of graphics/film work then the Powermac would be the better choice as you would benefit from upgrading the graphics card. The iMac should be fine for the occasional iDVD and Photoshop stuff, and if this is the most tasking stuff it is going to face then simple RAM upgrades should keep it going well into the future.

[Hanul]

I'm going to use it for both general computing and FCE and Garageband. My PowerBook's G4 867MHz (640MB RAM) cannot handle may tracks in GarageBand.

I think, both the iMac and the PowerMac will handle the tasks with the same performance, because CPU, Frontside Bus, RAM and HDD speed are the same. Does photo and video editing depend on the graphics card? Upgrading RAM and HDD is easy on both systems. Maybe the lifespan of the machine's parts is better on the PowerMac, because it is better cooled.

[Mafia]

i think you'll be fine with system. but i would definitely upgrade the ram fairly quickly. fce and garageband will fill sluggish with less then a gig of ram, imo. the only think i don't like about the imac is the graphics card. but if u can deal with it then go for it. btw the imacs screen is beautifal.

[Macola]

Both FCE and GarageBand will benefit greatly from a dual CPU, so keep that in mind.

[eddiecatflap]

i'd go for the pmac 1.8

the fact you can upgrade the videocard and screen is a clincher , imho

[Randman]

From a person pov, sounds as if the iMac will serve your needs better.

[P]

The difference is expandability and space. If you need the expandability (switch the graphics board and add PCI boards) today or in the short- to mid-term, get the PowerMac. If not, the iMac is a nicer deal - takes up much less space, the screen is gorgeous and you get to sell the old one (or keep it, and do spanning).

[UnixMac]

FCE & Garage Band... PM G5. Dual processor if possible, but certainly not an iMac, especially when you can get the low end PM for the same price (almost).