So I want to get a mac now...

[unreal]

I was in the city today to attend the UCL Open day, and my iPod earphones were broke (only the right earphone was working). So since it's basically really near Oxford Circus I went to the Apple shop to get them replaced under my warranty. I have been to the Apple shop before, but this is the first time I got to play with a Mac.

I primarily used the Powermac G5 with the keyboard and Cinema display (omg 30" of pure eye candy) and it's really good productively, and I can see why all the pros use it now.

So thats it, I want a mac. Theres three possibilities, the mini, powermac, or powerbook... I don't want a normal mac because I have a nice screen here, as well as some nice screens my dad can spare me.

My first and only ever laptop died a few months back, so maybe I should get a powerbook? But the mini is far cheaper, and perhaps more convinient... but is it quick enough for real time audio production? And a powermac G5 would be the ultimate with my Dell screen, and I know it can kick ass but for that sort of price I can get a powerbook? Oh what to do

Lol sorry about that but I just thought I needed to say it.... what are your thoughts?

[kempez]

I love the PowerMacs. Used my mates G5 dual 2.2GHz (I think) one with 2gb RAM; for a while (he went away and let me look after it at Uni (UCL as it so happens ). It was smooth and enjoyable. That's why my Winblows install looks so much like a MAC now

Oh - did you have fun at UCL?? Great Uni - can't praise my time there enough

[~©~]

The PowerMac G5 is probably overkill for most people & it has a 700w PSU, so if your “environmental” you may want to sick to a MacMini, and as for the PowerBook mmm very nice, but very overdue a "decent" update.

[unreal]

I've been reading around and apparently the G5's are FAR faster than the mini's - and I know that's expected, but I'm wondering how slow the mini's are? I've also been looking at some of the newest G4 2nd hand laptops on eBay USA, they seem relatively cheap compared to here. But I might consider getting one here if I'm eligible student discount.

Oh and UCL seemed pretty nice SOOOO many fine ladies went today, so I'm all for that
You had good experiences with it then?

[~©~]

Som people have made MacMini's into HTPC's so they can't be that slow,

Thinking of buying a MacMini myself.

[tommylittleboy@]

The mac mini is perfectly fine as an HTPC....obviously its not spectacular performance, but I personally keep a lot of my media on mine and its just fine for that. It'll run Tiger with ease....the mini is not as crippled as some may think, its a great little machine. Obviously its not really made for design etc, but for home media, yes

[kempez]

Oh and UCL seemed pretty nice SOOOO many fine ladies went today, so I'm all for that
You had good experiences with it then?

3 great years of UCL mate. Had a great time. Great people, amazing social life (centre of London: what more could you want), loads of fit women (especially when you go out in the city: fit rich women!!! ). The Union is quality, loads of cheap beer/booze

They also have an amazing academic reputation and great sports/social life too

If you're going into halls: go to Ramsey Halls: its quality. Great socialising and 5mins from Uni

[Spud1]

I'd go for the powerbook or even iBook if you can get one.

I recently picked up a nearly new 1ghz/786meg ram iBook off ebay (US) for 400quid delivered, total bargin I know you can get decent powerbooks for around 700 too - but if you go the ebay route watch out for the dodgy auctions, there are LOADS of fake powerbook auctions - many more so than for PCS so read everything even more carefully than usual, and if possible ring the seller. Just search for powerbook on ebay and you will see what i mean ;/

[unreal]

OK thanks a much people

I will probably get a powerbook if anything then, on the whole for me it just seems far more sensible. And thanks about UCL, I would seriously consider going there since I only need one tube ride to get there

Whoa all these things to think about...