[Dave N]

My work computer (see sig) is getting a little long in the tooth, and I would like to upgrade it sometime in the next year or so. I use some genetic analysis software that is OS9, so obviously the new Intel Macs are not an option for me. I would like to buy a G5 iMac before they disappear, but am wondering just how long Apple will keep them around. I kind of thought (actually was hoping) that they would be closed out and discounted when the new Intel iMacs came out, but I guess that's not the case. I called the Apple Gov't/Business line and the rep told me that they were "offering people a choice for a while" but didn't have any information beyond that. Has anyone else heard of when they may be phasing the G5's out?

[discotronic]

Since the iMac G5 doesn't boot into OS 9 will you be able to use the program in the Classic environment?

[harrisjamieh]

You should be able to, I was always under the impression that you could run all OS9 programs under classic.

[elvis2000]

Originally Posted by Dave N

My work computer (see sig) is getting a little long in the tooth, and I would like to upgrade it sometime in the next year or so. I use some genetic analysis software that is OS9, so obviously the new Intel Macs are not an option for me. I would like to buy a G5 iMac before they disappear, but am wondering just how long Apple will keep them around.

My guess is the G5 iMac will continue to be available, though I don't know and doubt they are still in production. In my opinion, the G5 iMac is still the "right choice" for those that want to use pro apps and other current packages NOW. For those that want to play a part in the beta-test and like being on the "bleeding edge", and don't mind suffering through growing pains, then the intelMac is the the way to go!

The rest of us will watch from the sidelines (and wait for the updates mini).

[Will C]

Originally Posted by harrisjamieh

You should be able to, I was always under the impression that you could run all OS9 programs under classic.

There are exceptions, some apps (often games) written for OS9 will not run in classsic. I have an old 'Scrabble' game that will not run under classic.

[iREZ]

why not upgrade your powermac with a dual cpu upgrade? it'll cost a third of the price of a new G5 iMac, work faster with apps that recognize dual processors (ie. photoshop) and will still be able to run os9 apps natively, if im not mistaken. i would definitely upgrade until the entire mac lineup has changed to intel and actual third party applications are released :shrug: just my opinion.

[Dave N]

I'm currently running the OS9 program under Classic because there is a lot of cut/pasting between it and Office -- so no problems there. The applications I use are not processor intensive, so I was just thinking that a new computer now should give me a nicer machine to last another 4-5 years or so. The newer version of the software I'm running has migrated to Windows, so I'm sure they'll never bring it back to Mac. Any the newer versions probably wouldn't work with the equipment I'm using anyway. I suppose I could give my Quicksilver an upgrade, but it sure would be nice to get rid of that maze of wires under my desk, along with the 19" CRT monitor that's sitting on top...

[baw]

Wish they'd lower the price. I want to purchase a G5 iMac.

[Eriamjh]

Originally Posted by baw

Wish they'd lower the price. I want to purchase a G5 iMac.

Ditto. If the Intel iMacs are 2x faster, how can they justify selling the old ones for the same price? Only someone who HAS to have a PPC would buy it, but that still doesn't justify the price (not to me).

[baw]

I'm also kind of skeptical of Apple's "3x" faster claims after all the Intel bashing Jobs did when the G5 processor first came out.

[harrisjamieh]

1) They claim 2-3 times faster, and looking at some benchmarks from photoshop, it runs 1 and three quaters faster on an intel iMac than on a 2.1 ghz G5 iMac - and thats under rosetta! so imagine what native speeds could be.

2) When the G5 first came out (2002?), Jobs was comparing to the P4, which at the time, was a pretty poor processor, and Intel's main line. The G5 was much more efficient that the Pentium 4. Now, though, Intel seems to be slightly abandoning the P4 (and I doubt we will see a P5), and working on new chips - enter the Core Duo. This chip is more efficient than a G5, and has much lower power consumption, AND is much cooler running. The grounds under which Jobs 'bashed' the G5 are pretty much gone, as Intel is now leaps ahead of where they were with just the P4 back in ~2003

[Mojo]

I am also contemplating getting a G5 Imac, since I expect them to be discounted once the new iMacs become readily available. Discounts through university bookstores are particularly good when it comes to discontinued models.

From what I have read, the speed increases are not as great as Apple says they are. And non-native apps run slowly in Rosetta. Apparently the MacBook runs very hot, even hotter than previous models.

I'm not thrilled with having to update a bunch of applications; I am still using Photoshop 7 and it serves my limited needs quite well.

More here: http://weblog.infoworld.com/enterpri...acworld_0.html

[baw]

Originally Posted by harrisjamieh

1) They claim 2-3 times faster, and looking at some benchmarks from photoshop, it runs 1 and three quaters faster on an intel iMac than on a 2.1 ghz G5 iMac - and thats under rosetta! so imagine what native speeds could be.

2) When the G5 first came out (2002?), Jobs was comparing to the P4, which at the time, was a pretty poor processor, and Intel's main line. The G5 was much more efficient that the Pentium 4. Now, though, Intel seems to be slightly abandoning the P4 (and I doubt we will see a P5), and working on new chips - enter the Core Duo. This chip is more efficient than a G5, and has much lower power consumption, AND is much cooler running. The grounds under which Jobs 'bashed' the G5 are pretty much gone, as Intel is now leaps ahead of where they were with just the P4 back in ~2003

I've always been skeptical of Apple's marketing claims and Steve's RDF. Hopefully once these new iMacs get into the users hands this week, we can get an idea of speed gains there are.

[His Dudeness]

Originally Posted by baw

Wish they'd lower the price. I want to purchase a G5 iMac.

I've got a 17" G5 iMac that I would like to sell. Email for specs:

ctt1wbw@cox.net

[Will]

Originally Posted by elvis2000

My guess is the G5 iMac will continue to be available, though I don't know and doubt they are still in production. In my opinion, the G5 iMac is still the "right choice" for those that want to use pro apps and other current packages NOW. For those that want to play a part in the beta-test and like being on the "bleeding edge", and don't mind suffering through growing pains, then the intelMac is the the way to go!

The rest of us will watch from the sidelines (and wait for the updates mini).

I am not a Mac expert but I don't buy a new car the first year it comes out especially if it has a new engine. When I first heard the iMac Intel was available, I thought I had screwed up having just bought my new iMac G5 20".

I am not in any speed competion with another computer so the speed numbers aren't that important to me. This machine is a lot faster than my Dell Pentium II, it has Mac OS X, and most important it is a Mac! (My first - finally)

I'll just happily learn how to use it and the programs and tweak it the way I want. I don't want to play a part in the beta-test and don't like being on the 'bleeding edge', and do mind suffering through growing pains, so my G5iMac is the the way to go for me!

[blindemboss]

Damn decisons! I just spoke to an Apple rep and they said they would take back my iMac G5 even though I was outside the 14 day period. But they would charge me a restocking fee which would amount to $129.

Or if I kept the G5, they would knock $60 off the price of iLife 06.

So, basically if I send it back and pay $129, I would obviously get iLife with the purchase of a new Intel Mac.
I wouldn't mind the new one...but with all the recent stuff over sluggish speed, I don't know what to do.
Plus using mainly Adobe apps (Illustrator in particular), it may be a while before we see any Universal software from them.

[Mojo]

Sounds to me like the G5 is a keeper. Don't be beguiled by the new iMacs, unless you are willing to accept what comes along with being an early adopter.

[quiklee]

what's the new price on the old G5 with iSight?

[typoon]

I acutally got to play with one of the intel iMacs. All I need to say is DAMN! it's FAST! Even for a 1.83GHz. Loading iLife Apps felt much faster on that then on the G5 iMac.