Best iMac G5 Deals

2008.05.05

Low End Mac Reader Specials

Memory To Go Special: MacPro 8 Core Memory 4GB kit $192 / 2GB kit $109. MacBook Pro / MacMini / iMac Intel Core2 DUO 2GB $44 1GB $23--Free shipping available.

Download Typestyler, still the Ultimate Styling Tool for Internet, Print and Video Graphics. Works great in Classic with a Native OS X Version on the way. Free Tryout: www.typestyler.com

LA Computer Company: LA Computer Company: Specials on AppleCare, Apple Displays, MacBooks, iMac's, MacBook Pros, Laptop and iPod accessories and more. Apple A/C Adapters for laptops starting at $25.00 Call 1-800-941-7654 or Click Here.

Other World Computing: Performance SATA Drives up to 1.0TB from $54.99 Replace, Upgrade, Add SATA to Mac Pro, PowerMac G5, iMac G5 & even PowerMac G4(with PCI SATA Card) Specials: 400GB from $99; 500GB 7200RPM from $99; 750GB & 1.0TB In Stock now!

Mac users can finally play Party Poker for Mac. Not only that, they can also learn how to play PokerStars for Mac.

Laptop Hardware Provided by TechRestore - Overnight Mac & iPod Repairs.

Compare products like desktop computers, laptops, and LCD TVs side by side! All the information and reviews to make the best purchasing decision for a new cell phone GPS products or MP3 players. The Ciao network makes searching products easy for you.

MacPro Memory 667Mhz With Apple Spec Heat Sink 2GB Kit $ 90 / 4GB Kit $140 / 8GB Kit $278 Click to Maximize your Macs...

Got an iMac? Join the iMac email list.

For those who still need the classic Mac OS or depend on PowerPC applications, the G5 iMacs can be a much better choice than the newer Intel-based models. Intel Macs don't support Classic mode without performance robbing third-party emulation, and PowerPC apps are run through Rosetta, which increases memory requirements and is less efficient than a true PowerPC Mac. The new Leopard OS doesn't support Classic Mode at all; emulation is your only option.

All 17" models have a 1440 x 900 display, and the 20" iMacs have 1680 x 1050 screen. The 1.6 GHz model and the 2005 17" 1.8 GHz model shipped with a Combo drive; all other G5 iMacs include a SuperDrive. The 1.9 GHz and 2.1 GHz iMacs have built-in iSight.

Apple introduced the last iMac G5 in October 2005. These iMacs have built-in iSight, Radeon X600 graphics, and dual-layer SuperDrives on both models. The October 2005 iMac G5 is a is slightly thinner and lighter than its predecessors. For our take on the value of the upgraded models, see The October 2005 iMac G5 Value Equation.

Apple introduced the first Intel-powered Mac at the January 2006 Macworld Expo, the iMac Core Duo. According to Apple, the Intel Core Duo is 2-3x as powerful as the single-core G5 at the same GHz rating. For our comparison of the iMac G5 to the Intel Core Duo models, see The iMac 2006 Value Equation: Intel Changes Everything. In brief, we saw the iMac G5 as overpriced in comparison to the Core Duo models at the same price.

Mac OS X 10.5 "Leopard" is supported on all G5 Macs with at least 512 MB of RAM and the ability to run the DVD-based installer.

Refurbished iMacs are a real steal when available from the Apple Store (free shipping, too). Apple refurbs include the same one-year warranty as new units, and we find the iSight models to be the best deals of the bunch.

For those who don't need G5 power, a used iMac G4 is a viable option ($300 and up), as is the heavier CRT-based eMac. Early G5 iMacs can run Mac OS X 10.3; later ones require 10.4 or later.

Best Used iMac G5 Prices

HOT 17" 1.6 GHz Combo, $499, MegaMacs
HOT 17" 2.0 GHz SD, $595, Apple Palace
17" 1.9 GHz iSight SD, $799, Mac in the Box
HOT 20" 1.8 GHz SD, $699, Mac in the Box
20" 2.0 GHz SD, $769, DV Warehouse
20" 2.1 GHz iSight SD, $889, Baucom

Best Mac OS X Prices

Recent Memory Prices (per module)

PC3200: 256 MB, $10; 512 MB, $14.99; 1 GB, $35.99
PC4200: 512 MB, $18.99; 1 GB, $23; 2 GB, $37

Used Macs usually have a 90 day warranty. 802.11g AirPort Extreme WiFi standard on all configurations except for the 1.6 GHz model, so we only note models where it is not included.

Unless otherwise noted, there is no surcharge for credit card purchases, and shipping is often (but not always) included. Vendors are listed in alphabetical order.

Store refurbished items may vary. Prices may be limited to quantity on hand. Not responsible for typos. Please email any corrections or additional sources with competitive prices toa Dan Knight .

Buying through some of these links benefits Low End Mac. Buying at these prices benefits you.

2004: 17" 1.6 GHz, 1.8 GHz, 20" 1.8 GHz. Bluetooth and AirPort Extreme optional. nVidia GeForce FX 5200 Ultra graphics with 64 MB. 4x SuperDrive on 1.8 GHz models.
May 2005: 17" 1.8 GHz, 2.0 GHz, 20" 2.0 GHz. Bluetooth and AirPort Extreme standard. ATI Radeon 9600 with 128 MB. 8x SuperDrive on 2.0 GHz models.
Oct. 2005: 17" 1.9 GHz, 20" 2.1 GHz. Built-in iSight. ATI Radeon X600 graphics with 128 MB. 8x dual-layer SuperDrive on both models. PCI Express architecture. No modem.

US Dealers

17" 2.0 GHz SD, 512/160, $595
20" 1.8 GHz SD, 512/80, $750
other configurations listed

20" 2.1 GHz iSight SD, 1 GB/250, $889

17" 1.6 GHz Combo, 512/80, $589
17" 1.8 GHz SD, 512/80, $599
17" 2.0 GHz SD, 512/160, $729
20" 1.8 GHz SD, 512/160, $699
20" 2.0 GHZ SD, 512/250, $769

17" 1.9 GHz iSight SD, 1 GB/160, $799
20" 1.8 GHz SD, 512/160, $699
20" 2.1 GHz iSight SD, 1 GB/250, $899

17" 1.8 GHz SD, 256/80, $850
20" 1.8 GHz SD, 256/160, $1,050

17" 1.8 GHz SD, 512/80, $777.77
17" 1.9 GHz iSight SD, 512/160, $997.77
17" 2.0 GHz SD, 512/160, $977.77
20" 2.1 GHz iSight, 512/250/SD, $1,177.77
Apple Remote, $17.77

20" 2.0 GHz SD, 2 GB/250, Leopard, iLife 08, AppleCare, $899

30 day warranty

17" 1.6 GHz Combo, 256/80, no APX, $499.49
17" 1.8 GHz SD, 256/80, $689.99
17" 1.9 GHz iSight SD, 1 GB/160, APX, $849.99 ($779.99 with case damage)
17" 2.0 GHz SD, 512/160, APX, $729.99
20" 1.8 GHz SD, 512/160, no APX, $749.99
20" 2.0 GHz SD, 512/250, $879.99
20" 2.1 GHz iSight SD, 512/250, $999.99
lots of other configurations listed

Power Max - 17" - 20"

17" 1.8 GHz SD, 256/80, keyboard and mouse, $679
17" 1.9 GHz iSight SD, 512/160, APX, no keyboard, $779
17" 2.0 GHz SD, 512/160, APX, no keyboard, $819
20" 1.8 GHz CD-RW, 512/250, APX, no keyboard, $739
20" 1.8 GHz SD, 512/160, APX, keyboard and mouse, $789
20" 2.0 GHz SD, 512/80, APX, no keyboard, $859
20" 2.1 GHz iSight SD, 1 GB/250, APX, no keyboard, $899
many other configurations listed

Prices reflect 3% cash discount.

17" 1.6 GHz (?) Combo, 512/80, OS X 10.4, $647

17" 1.8 GHz Combo, 256/80, $899.95
20" 2.0 GHz SD, 1 GB/160, APX, BT, $999.95

We also track the Best iMac G4 Deals and the Best Mac mini Deals for those who don't need G5 power. For more power, see the Best iMac Core Duo Deals.

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