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ajh · Jan 18, 2006, 04:06 PM

Hi

I'm thinking of migrating from PC to Mac, I will be doing basic things like Web browsing, itunes, some light video editing etc

would an Intel Imac or a G5 be better? Would either last me for a couple of years?

Thanks

icruise · Jan 18, 2006, 04:26 PM

Both will last you for a couple of years, but if you're new to the Mac I'd say get the Intel. It's faster, has more features (DVI-out with monitor-spanning for an external monitor), and is more future-proof than the G5, should you decide to keep it longer. The main thing people are worried about with the Intel models is support for older software, but that won't be as big of a problem if you're starting fresh.

ajh · Jan 18, 2006, 05:10 PM

What about screen, will a 17" suffice?

Eug Wanker · Jan 18, 2006, 05:27 PM

Originally Posted by ajh

What about screen, will a 17" suffice?

Light video editing? 20" is preferred.

P.S. What software? If Final Cut then you'll have to wait for the universal binaries, coming out in March. If just iMovie, you're good to go.

ajh · Jan 18, 2006, 05:30 PM

yeah it will be just iMovie for the time being.

I don't really want to spend over a grand, so the 17" seems the best option.

ajh · Jan 18, 2006, 06:14 PM

How can I find out which programs I want to use on the iMac have a universal binary version?

Eug Wanker · Jan 18, 2006, 06:21 PM

Originally Posted by ajh

How can I find out which programs I want to use on the iMac have a universal binary version?

What software will you need?

What peripherals do you have?

ajh · Jan 18, 2006, 06:27 PM

Not got many peripherals, K750i and an Ipod video, that's about it.

Software, hmm stuff like AIM, MSN, AOL/Opera/Firefox

mduell · Jan 18, 2006, 06:27 PM

Since it doesn't sound like you'll need any legacy PowerPC-only software, I'd go with Intel.

Peabo · Jan 18, 2006, 07:02 PM

AIM comes packaged with Mac OS X, called 'iChat' which is universal. Firefox is universal and there are multi-messenger programs like 'Fire' that let you use MSN which are also universal.

Chimpmaster · Jan 20, 2006, 07:27 AM

In my opinion, it depends on your budget and what you intend to do with your machine.

If you are looking at the 20" models, I'd definitely go with the new intel model, not so much for the cpu, but for the 256MB video card.

If you are looking at the 17" models, they are practically the same in terms of features and performance. Look at price here. If you can get a better deal on the G5, go for it.

I personally have a 17" G5 imac, and I am thrilled with it. It doesnt worry me at all that the intel machine came out 2 weeks after my purchase. From all ive read there is almost no difference in performance under tiger (OS 10.4) applications, and the G5 will perform better in some areas, with the intel better in other areas.

as for screen size, 17" runs at 1440x900 which is plenty for the average user who intends to work in photoshop, office, imovie, iphoto, final cut express etc. 20" is a luxury and if you can afford it, go for it.

wowway1 · Jan 20, 2006, 08:25 AM

I played with the Intel yesterday, and it's QUICK. I'd go that route.

Betox · Jan 20, 2006, 09:54 AM

Originally Posted by Chimpmaster

From all ive read there is almost no difference in performance under tiger (OS 10.4) applications....

Yes there is a difference in performance, especially in all iLife and iWork applications. Here are the first lab tests comparing the iMac Intel Core Duo/2GHz to the iMac G5/2.1GHz :

http://www.macworld.com/2006/01/feat...est1/index.php

The Intel was significantly faster in all tests!

GoldenHammer · Jan 20, 2006, 06:15 PM

I am considering the 20" iMac but wondering if my Photoshop and Office X can work on the new Intel iMac?

demibob · Jan 20, 2006, 06:19 PM

^ it should all work but its suggested you dont use rosseta for some powerpc programs

tricha6 · Jan 20, 2006, 06:22 PM

Well, I got the G5, but money played a large factor.

Amazon is offering a $150 rebate on 20 inch iMac G5. Furthermore, by buying through Amazon I avoid a 8.25% sales tax which Apple would charge me. So either I could afford a 20in G5 from Amazon or a 17in Intel from Apple.

I went to the Apple store and used both, and yes, the intel felt a little more snappy, but barely. I certainly noticed the difference in monitor sizes more than I did processor performance. Plus, using non-native apps, I actually noticed a big difference, so I figured I'll get the speed for Photoshop and the bigger screen. In three years when I am ready to give up this machine, I'm sure Apple will have some blazing new machine that puts all of this to shame (of course they'll have newer, "better" software to slow it all down, also).

GoldenHammer · Jan 20, 2006, 06:27 PM

Originally Posted by demibob

^ it should all work but its suggested you dont use rosseta for some powerpc programs

Glad to learn that, by the way, speed is not the most important in my case, I like reliability, would the G5 still a better choice at the moment? or at least for the next couple of years?

kristians · Jan 20, 2006, 07:00 PM

Originally Posted by ajh

Hi

I'm thinking of migrating from PC to Mac, I will be doing basic things like Web browsing, itunes, some light video editing etc

would an Intel Imac or a G5 be better? Would either last me for a couple of years?

Thanks

Hi!
I migrate to Mac about a month ago, i'll take iMac G5 17", and thats more then i'll need!
At work i got a PowerMac with 23" Cinema, its too big!
Its too much free workspace!