[corp miler]

I am a graphic designer looking for suggestions on a system. I spend most of my time using Quark 5 (classic), a little time in Photoshop CS and even less in Illustrator CS. I have been using a 400mhz DP G4 and a 1ghz ti Powerbook. I’m looking at getting a new(er) desktop and replacing my 20” CRT with new or used equipment. Budget wise, I’m not driving a fancy car and don’t eat at places that require reservations. I’m looking for suggestion on where the big increases are with the applications I use. Do I need a dual processor? Do I need a G5? Should I get a cheaper processor and put money towards RAM? What about the new Mini; is that worth considering? Are the Apple displays worth 25% extra over a Viewsonic and other brands? Any advice is appreciated, but please explain a bit. Thanks.

[omar96]

depending on the size of the files you're working with, I'd probably stay away from the Mac mini...it's got a slower hard drive and can only accommodate up to 1GB of memory. Both of those will affect large graphics files, in terms of opening them, and if they're really big, in terms of hard drive swapping when you run out of memory.

Apple's Cinema displays are beautiful, but when you can buy a Dell 2001FP for $600 (as low as $450 if you keep your eyes on slickdeals.net), that's probably the route I'd go...

[MichiganRich]

Here's what I would do with my money, because I've already done it over the past two years and I feel kinda smart about not blowing BIG money...

I second the Dell display idea. I bought the 20" widescreen last month, and I love it. I already owned a 19" Dell 1900FP Ultrasharp from a couple years ago. They are just better values than any of the Apple display offerings right now. Either of the 20" ones are great monitors, square or widescreen, 2001FP or 2005FPW. What do you think about maybe treating yourself to a new display first, to give your eyes a treat? It'll feel like a splurge while you're deciding on what machine to get to replace the DP. Don't get a mini, it's just not right for you long-term.

Are dollars the biggest deal for you right now, or is power in the long term more valuable?....

[corp miler]

omar96, the Quark files are usually around 5-10 MB, but the PS files can be over 100 MB with layers. My Powerbook runs fine, but does start to slow a bit with larger files.

MichiganRich, I don’t want to waste my money on a system that is more than I need, but also don’t want to skimp (sounds like the mini would be that). I have no problem with used equipment, especially if there is AppleCare included. I’ve used the 800mhz DP G4 and was very impressed with its speed.

What is a better system, an entry 1.8 G5 with minimal RAM or a used G4 800-1.2G DP G4 with over a gig? My guess is the cost difference is about $1000 (a display).

As far as displays, I like the Dell suggestion. Contrary to my budget, this is where form exceeds function. The Apple displays are eye candy. They’re sweet looking. The 23” is especially nice. I’ve looked at the 23” and like that you can put your menus off to the side. Again, maybe I can find some one who needs to get rid of theirs and go used.

[sworthy]

Dell just announced a 24" lcd (with the same resolution of apple's 23" -- and for only $1200, though again, I'm sure it can be had for much cheaper.

link

[MichiganRich]

Corp, it's kinda pointless to say that you don't want to waste your money on something thats more than they need. Have you ever heard someone say that they wanted to?

Sounds like you're just gonna chase your tail for a while, good luck....

I deleted the rest of my post because of rampant sarcasm.

[Agent69]

Personally, the think that the cheapest nice combo right now is the dual 1.8ghz with Radeon 9600 and the HP L2335, which is a 23" LCD that is pretty much identicle to Apple's except that it is $1599.00 and it comes standard with a three year warranty. The L2335 was reviewed in this month's Macworld and it rated above Apple's 23" ACD.

[Inocense]

I am going to agree with Agent here..

Go with the Dual 1.8 G5 and increase RAM up to atleast a gig to start off with. Don't get the G4.. The technology in the G5 chip is far superior to the G4 processor.. And the RAM isn't EXTREMELY expensive.. Check RamJet.. Prices are as follows at this point...

512mb $109
1Gig $199
2Gig $389

I have the dual 1.8 G5 and I love it.. Runs Photoshop CS like butter with 1 gig..

No problems keeping image browser up while working on a file with numerous other programs open..

But stick with a G5 and stick with a dual processor..

I can't help ya with the monitor.. I have a 19" Viewsonic that I have been happy with.. I am not too too picky about my monitors though..

BUT.. Someone from this forum is selling his used 23" Apple Cinema HD display for $1,000 I think.. Ya might want to contact him and see if you can work something out.. milien (at) pop.net

Also check out pricewatch for really good monitor prices as well as ecost and newegg...

Also.. Apple has Apple Certified Dual 1.8 G5's out now for $1,699.00... Same warranty as new and I purchased a certified and have had no problems or complaints about it..

Good Luck!

[corp miler]

Thanks for all the input. Sound like the 1.8 DP G5 is the best bang for the buck. I'll have to check out RamJet -- much cheaper than Apple's prices.

MI Rich, I was answering your question. And to answer your last, yes, I know a lot of people that choose to buy more than they need and acknowledge it. I'm not one.

[stpstrn]

Originally posted by Inocense:
I am going to agree with Agent here..

Go with the Dual 1.8 G5 and increase RAM up to atleast a gig to start off with. Don't get the G4.. The technology in the G5 chip is far superior to the G4 processor.. And the RAM isn't EXTREMELY expensive.. Check RamJet.. Prices are as follows at this point...

512mb $109
1Gig $199
2Gig $389

I have the dual 1.8 G5 and I love it.. Runs Photoshop CS like butter with 1 gig..

No problems keeping image browser up while working on a file with numerous other programs open..

But stick with a G5 and stick with a dual processor..

I can't help ya with the monitor.. I have a 19" Viewsonic that I have been happy with.. I am not too too picky about my monitors though..

BUT.. Someone from this forum is selling his used 23" Apple Cinema HD display for $1,000 I think.. Ya might want to contact him and see if you can work something out.. milien (at) pop.net

Also check out pricewatch for really good monitor prices as well as ecost and newegg...

Also.. Apple has Apple Certified Dual 1.8 G5's out now for $1,699.00... Same warranty as new and I purchased a certified and have had no problems or complaints about it..

Good Luck!

the ram is whats confusing. with student discount i can upgrade to 1 gig of ram from apple for the additional 200.00. at ramjet 1 gig is 199. apple will screw you with memory costs if you were to buy memory by itself but how so when you are configuring a computer. i am buying my powermac tomorrow and this is my main concern. i need ram RIGHT AWAY for illustrator work. if i overnight 1gig from crucial its 140+18overnight. meaning apple is only 40 more than crucial.

[Lateralus]

Please keep all advice seeking to your existing thread.