Buying a new computer can be difficult. This article will help make
it a little bit easier.
So what is considered old? Well, someone doing video editing can't
use a 6100/60. However,
someone who needs the Internet and word processing may be perfectly
happy with that 6100. Here is how I will break it down:
| Use |
Macs considered too old |
| word processing/spreadsheets |
128K/512K/512Ke |
|
email, light Internet
|
IIcx, LC II or older
|
| email, general Internet |
Quadra/Centris or older |
| email, intense Internet |
120 MHz 603e or older |
| light image editing |
120 MHz 603e or older |
| general image editing |
210 MHz G3 or older |
| intense image editing |
Anything G3-based or older |
| video editing |
300 MHz G3 or older |
| intense video editing |
anything G3-based or older |
Hopefully this list helps a little bit. If you know where your
machine is on the list, see if it matches the needs that you have. If
not, it may be time for a new one. What kind of computer to get?
If you have absolutely no idea what you want and are open to
anything, there are a few questions to ask yourself.
First, what do you plan to do with it?
If you plan to do anything with graphics, you will want a Mac -
preferably one of the new
G4 models. If you want just basic Internet, email, and word
processing, you may actually do well with a used machine, perhaps a
beige G3. If you want a
new machine, the $799
iMac might be perfect.
Second, do you already have software for the platform you are
considering?
This question doesn't matter too much anymore. If you buy a Mac, you
will be able to run Virtual PC to use your Windows applications. Most
older Mac applications will still function in Classic mode inside of
Mac OS X.
Third, how much do you want to spend on a computer?
One of the most important things is what you are willing to pay for
a computer. The $799 iMac is a very nice deal, and the $999 version an
even better one. However, if your budget is less tight, you have a
couple of options.
The 733 MHz G4 sells for $1,699 plus the cost of a monitor (roughly
$400 if you buy an Apple). So, a G4 with 128 MB of RAM and a 15" LCD
monitor will cost you $2,100 or so. This is perfect for those who work
with Photoshop, Illustrator, and other such applications often. This is
also a good machine for people who like upgrading their computer.
However, if you want something less expensive, you can get a very
nice 600 MHz iMac for $1,199. This allows you some room to buy a
printer, scanner, or additional monitor.
Also, don't be fooled by cheap PCs and high MHz ratings. They
typically are poorly made, very slow, and already outdated.
One last comparison to antique radios (if you don't know what I am
talking about, take a look at last week's
article). Cheap PCs are like Japanese transistor radios were in the
60s. You could buy a Japanese set with ten transistors for $15, or you
could buy an American set with seven transistors for $30. Assume you
know nothing about radios - 10 transistors sound better than 7, right?
And $15 sure sounds better than $30. However, the Japanese company
isn't going to tell you that their radio only uses 6 transistors in the
radio design - the other four are just there to make it a 10 transistor
radio! Also, the case is made of inferior material to the American
model, and the radio has poor sound reproduction and is not very good
at receiving stations.
Now think of the 1960s Japanese radio as a cheap PC and the American
radio as the iMac. The PC has a high MHz rating and costs less than an
iMac. What the PC company isn't telling you is that the 700 MHz PC runs
slower than the 500 MHz iMac! Also, the case is poorly designed when
compared to the iMac, and the operating system loaded onto it is
inferior to the iMac's.
Since this is Low End Mac, I won't talk
about buying PCs right now. I assume if you are reading this you are at
least thinking of a Macintosh.
Lastly, do you plan to upgrade your computer often?
Buying the G4 gives you a very upgradeable computer. The G4 has room
to use an additional hard drive, up to 1.5 GB of RAM, four PCI cards,
and possibly a processor upgrade in the future. If you have upgraded
your existing computer considerably, the G4 might be a better choice
for you. If you are still running a 6360 with 16 MB of RAM and System 7.5, an
iMac might be the better option.
One last tip: Buy all the RAM you can afford to. With RAM prices
this low, there is no excuse not to have at least 256 MB of RAM in your
new computer. Check out ramseeker for prices.
Next week I will talk about how to maintain your new computer, what
software you might consider buying for it, how to move files from your
old computer to your new one, and more.
