Well I'm looking to pick up a used Mac to both learn on and possibly switch over from pc. I don't know a lot about them, but have had enough issues of late with my computers that I'd like to at least test out the Mac side. This computer selling for about $260. I believe I willnhave to get a keyboard and mouse. Do you need Mac specific keyboard and mouse or will the ones I have work?

PROCESSORS: Dual PowerPC 970 G5 1.8 GHz

MEMORY: 2048MB (2GB) DDR RAM

HARD DRIVE: 700GB SATA

OPTICAL DRIVE: SuperDrive (DVD Burner)

VIDEO CARD: nVidia GeForce FX 5200 w/ 64MB VRAM

 

That's an old PowerPC, stay away, a lot of current Mac programs will not work with it. Look for Intel Mac.

 

Yumcha is an Apple expert. He'll post his knowledge sooner or later...

 

It's worth it if all you want to do is play the original version of Pacman. (joking)

This mac will definitely do the basics for you, internet, word processing. It can be a good work horse. Just don't expect anything with high throughput demand such as HD movies/streaming or any graphics demanding programs.

In regards to the keyboard, USB? They should work fine. In terms of switching from PC to Mac.. No comment On a PC I can drop linux on your hardware and make it fly.

 

Get a used Mac Mini with an Intel processor for a little more coin.

 

I agree with the others. Don't get anything with less than a Intel Core2Duo. 24" Core2Duo imacs are nice, as well as the core2duo minis. the biggest problem with older macs is the max ram that they support. Depending on which one you pick it may only take 4GB max.

 

Great starting machine to get into the Mac realm. Been wanting one for a number of years to use as a simple server. The latest is friggin' awesome.

 

That rig will not run Lion and is on the "old", non-intel hardware. As Ken mentioned, spend a few bucks more and get a mac mini.

 

I'll have to figure out what to do I guess. Once I get towards the $500 mark, I'd rather put that money towards a new machine. Is a Mini more limited than one of the all in one 21 or 27 inch iMacs?

 

<~~ New Mac User. I have a MacBook Pro and Love it to Def. I will never go PC again!!!! Its very worth the money I paid IMO, Save up and get a Real Deal

 

Some difference between mini and imac are that the hard drive in the imac will be faster. The imac will usually also have a better graphics card. If you pair the mac mini to a cheap monitor the imac's display would also appear to be much better. They use nice displays in the imac.

 

Like the others have said, the Mac you're looking at is pretty obsolete. Apple has totally gone away from any PowerPC Macs and really doesn't support them anymore. Personally, I'd save up and get at least a more recent Mac (ie Intel based one). Check out the Apple Refurbished Store as they often have some good deals.

 

Thanks guys. I'll look at the refurbished machines. I am guessing they are that much cheaper then new. I think I might want to save up a bit before making the switch. I was hoping to just mess around first before spending a lot on a new machine, but it looks like it may not be possible. I have lots of experience with iPods and iPads, but very little with Macs, so I am hoping it all goes smoothly. I will say that 27" iMac is damn sexy. Was checking one out when I stepped into Best Buy while the gf was doing her Home Goods shopping.

 

You sound like some guy I know trying to save money doing a whole home audio install.

 

I actually don't mind spending the money. My biggest concerns are:

A) I will hate the setup of a Mac. While I love my iPad, there are things that frustrate the hell out of me with it.

B) That all the software I use will run fine on it. I guess installing VMWare and Windows is an option of course.

For me, the reason to start off with a cheap system is simply to learn and make sure everything works before leaping in 100%. If it gets too costly to get a used system, it will just make a lot more sense to just buy a new system, or as suggested, possibly one of the refurb units directly from Apple.

 

That computer is old. I would pay $200 for it. But I wouldn't buy it to be honest. I know i just contradicted myself.

 

IMO computers get outdated so quickly that it makes little sense buying a used one.

 

I think you may be worrying a little too much. I was primarily a windows only guy myself but after apple switched to the intel chips and with bootcamp working so great I made the switch. Initially I was still using XP via bootcamp until I felt I was ready to make the switch but then I got frustrated and forced myself to only use osx and haven't looked back. Granted I don't run bootcamp on my MacBook pro anymore I have win7 installed via bootcamp on my iMac. Other than a couple programs on windows that i use I am able to do everything I need in osx if not more in a much easier fashion since it is so helpful to have the underlying unix architecture at my disposal. Dont get me wrong, there are things about macs that infuriate me, but not as bad as it was back when I was primarily using windows. A good developer uses every tool in there arsenal regardless the brand, that's the way I look at it. Each software package/OS has it's strengths and weaknesses. With a mac you get all of them at your disposal.

Iirc correctly you do graphic design and web programming which is up my alley too, you'll be fine.

Forgive me for any typos. I typed this post from my iPad.

 

No idea about used macs, but this is pretty much how I feel about the pricing on new macs. Don't get me wrong I think they are great, but I can't see how apple gets away with charging so much.


lmXdx.png

 

The Mac Pro is a sexy beast.

 

macs rule...make the switch, you will have zero regrets

 

The same way BMW and Audi get away with charging so much.

<---typing on 21" iMac

 

PowerPC is done. Even now, the first-gen Intel Macs (2006/ Core Duo) are on their way out since they aren't supported in the latest version of OS X (Lion). Hell, any program that was originally designed to run with PowerPC won't even run in Lion(Apple took out what's called Rosetta). Really, get something from 2007 forward with a Core2Duo. I bought a Mac mini last year and it serves/d me well. I use past tense since my MacBook Pro absolutely destroys it in terms of components and the mini kinda just sits now on my desk for some casual use since it does actually seem slow compared to my MBP (I won't go into geek mode and discuss specifics ). But if you aren't looking for much, a mini gets you Apple design, a way into OS X, and not much room getting taken up on your desk .

 

Get a macmini, a wireless mouse & the apple bluetooth keyboard. Use the system with your current LCD monitor & printer...done.
It should come with Snow Leopard which is fine to use now. Get familiar with that for a few months before Lion arrives in stores then upgrade to that.

I bought a MM back in 08 to use as a media center in my home. The computer ended up being my all around work horse...
At the time, the C2 Duo 2.0GHz was the fastest offering selling around 800-900 bucks.

I bought a core solo 1.5GHz on Ebay for 300, swapped the processor to a T7400 2.16Ghz Core 2 Duo, upgraded the DDR2 Ram to 2GB (max) and put in a 7200RPM 250GB hard drive.
Total cost out the door was about $675ish for me & that included the HD TV receiver I bought for my computer to watch & DVR TV...

I'm telling you these machines are beasts. Even my now older Intel Mac Mini can still chew thru apps without slowing down or crashing ( I'm using my Mac right now to write this haha)

Best computer decision I've ever made.

If you decided to go the same route, you can probably do it for close to half the cost I paid now since its 2011.
Checkout my threads on 123macmini forums for more info

1. T7400 Processor Swap

2. HDTV Tuner Upgrade

 

 

lol @ mcflyguys post.

i have built my own computer for $1100 and it shits on that $3000 mac pro. hahaha i didnt realize how much apple was overcharging their stupid customers

 

I own an iMac, Macbook Pro and a Mini (among other Apple goodies) but their Mac Pro is just ridiculously priced. My Hackintosh was HALF the price for the exact same parts of a Pro. I even put it all in a nice Pro case

 

not hating on macs but i havent reached that point in my life where id rather pay for form rather than function. they are beautiful pieces of machinery no doubt about that, but for the price id rather get something that would give me more performance for my money

 

I love the Mac pro case. Such a beautiful design that blends form and function. It looks like air flows right through it.

 

Core Duo is supported for the latest Lion OS


http://www.apple.com/macosx/how-to-buy/
"Your Mac must have an Intel Core 2 Duo, Core i3, Core i5, Core i7, or Xeon processor to run Lion. Find out if your current Mac has one of these processors by clicking the Apple icon at the top left of your screen, then choosing About This Mac."

 

Correct, Core Solo's are NOT supported on Lion, such as the 1st Intel Mac Mini.

 

What does Lion give you that the older OS does not?

 

Speaking of macs, I just found this on Craigslist and the guy says I can pick it up in the AM. Its a black Macbook from about 2007

Specs:Hardware Overview:
New Battery with receipt, 240GB Hard Drive
Model Name: MacBook
Model Identifier: MacBook2,1
Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo
Processor Speed: 2 GHz
Number Of Processors: 1
Total Number Of Cores: 2
L2 Cache: 4 MB
Memory: 2 GB
Bus Speed: 667 MHz

Comes with power cord


For $300 Cash. Good first mac to mess around with?

 

Core 2 Duo is supported, not Core Duo.

 

Ok, just bought a Mac Mini on eBay. Had to act fast as the auction was ending. Ended up paying $450. Hopefully I didn't overspend. The specs listed are:

Processor: Core 2 Duo 2.26 Ghz

Memory RAM: 8 GB (DDR 3)

Graphics: Nvidia Geforce 9400 , 256 MB (Shared with main memory)

Hard Drive: 160 GB

DVD -RW

OS: Snow Leopard

Original box and Software included


The Core 2 Duo and the Ram is what attracted me to this auction. Priced out on Apple.com for something similar (although had bigger hd), was twice the price. So is this a good deal?

 

Sounds like a great deal to me and now you can upgrade to lion if you ever choose. I've been thinking about getting rid of my ancient desktop and switching to a mini. Let us know how you like it.

 

Thanks. I'll definitely report back once I get it.

 

Is there anyway to know if this machine has bluetooth built in? I would like to get an apple wireless Keyboard and Mouse

 

Looks like you got the late 2009 model. Yes it has the bluetooth.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mac_Mini

 

Thanks Doopstr. Some good info there. I guess I will order a wireless keyboard and mouse. I am not sure if the computer comes with the video adaptor so I might have to pick one of those up as well. Overall would you say it is a decent deal?