[dwd3885]

I was looking at these two computers. I think I am going to buy a pc and mac, since I need a PC for some things. So instead of buying the single G5, i might get one of these. Now I can find them for around the same price on ebay. Which one would be better? Upgradability would be the Dual G4, but since I would already have a pc, would the mini be a better secondary computer?

[mduell]

Unless you're really tight on space, go for the dual G4; faster, cheaper to upgrade, and more upgrade potential (multiple full size desktop hard drive and optical drive).

[nJm]

I'd also get the Dual G4 for the upgrade path. At least you can stick in a decent video card and HDs. The mini's video card is a Radeon 9200 which isn't Core Image compatible, and having 2.5" HDs is quite limiting. Unless you don't mind ending up with firewire enclosure.

[Kenneth]

Yes. I'm very happy with my DP G4 1.25Ghz (FW800) since Feb/2003. I'm not sure what's the price range for the dual G4 on eBay, but it's a solid machine.

[monkeybrain]

I've got a Dual 867 G4 and I'm not sure about the 1.25 model, but mine is very noisy (this is even after the extra-noisy power supply was replaced). So if it's peace you're after I'd get the Mini, that's what I want - just waiting for the official upgrade.

[MichiganRich]

The DP would hold the mini down and smother it as far as power is concerned.

[brother337]

I actually have a 1.42 Ghz mini at home and a dual 1.25 powermac at work. The mini actually holds up because I installed an internal 7200 rpm drive in it, but overall, the dual 1.25 powermac outperforms.

If you're doing mulitmedia (video/graphics) then the dual 1.25 is far superior as quicktime related renders now fully utilize both processors.

[Big Mac]

I'm a big believer in dual processors, but G4s (both SP and DP) still fetch a pretty penny on eBay. I considered one for a backup machine but ultimately decided a mini made more sense. If I could have found a DP or even an SP for a decent price, I probably would have jumped. But with a new mini from the reseller you have 1) a new Mac; 2) a warranty; 3) new versions of Apple's bundled software 4) the possibility of a pleasant surprise (finding a 1.5GHz mini in the box labeled 1.42). You also don't have to worry about the reputability of the previous owner.

[icruise]

I agree that the Dual 1.25ghz G4 is probably a better computer in most respects, but why are we even making this comparison? A quick check of completed auctions at eBay seems to indicate that the Dual G4s are going for around twice what a Mac mini costs. These aren't in the same price range and aren't really targeting the same user base either.

And I also agree with Big Mac about the wisdom of buying a new computer over a used one. Basically, unless you really think you need the extra performance that dual processors will bring you, or unless you want to use multiple displays, I'd get the mini.