Support NeoGAF

[Phoenix]

Once they go onto Intels pipeline they will at LEAST be updating when Intel annouces a new revision in their processor line. You'll be getting a LOT more updates.

Now if you NEED a machine, then sure go ahead. But if you're upgrading, you might as well wait.

 

[WordAssassin]

Well, I guess I may end up waiting then. But, say I don't wait, and get a Mac Mini, and then Apple brings out the Intel Minis....will they still support my old Mini, or will I be kinda shit-outta-luck for buying hardware they don't make anymore? (Kinda like how if I had a G4 iMac I'd be SOL and need to buy a G5 if anything went wrong)

Thanks for the advice guys.

 

[Phoenix]

Apple isn't discontinuing their G4/G5 products. There will definitely be software support as many developers will build fat binaries so that apps run on both platforms, but as people start optimizing for intel procs and such I would expect more and more devs to uncheck the fat binary mode. I would also expect that many of the cooler things (like Windows games running IN OSX) will do the same as they do now and come out for the new proc.

 

[Macam]

Well, I guess I may end up waiting then. But, say I don't wait, and get a Mac Mini, and then Apple brings out the Intel Minis....will they still support my old Mini, or will I be kinda shit-outta-luck for buying hardware they don't make anymore? (Kinda like how if I had a G4 iMac I'd be SOL and need to buy a G5 if anything went wrong)

Thanks for the advice guys.

You should be fine. Apple has to continue to support their PowerPC line of hardware for years after the Intel transition simply on account that not everyone's going to be jumping over immediately. If you're concerned about hardware support, Apple Care, which you can buy up to a year after you bought a Mini for example, will ensure support for 3 years. As for software support, universal binaries should take care of things for at least the next 3 years I imagine. My biggest concern with Apple isn't support, but just getting the best value for my buck, which often revolves around pinpointing exactly what I need and timing it alongside their special events.

 

[shantyman]

How often do you upgrade? If it is more than every 2.5 years you may as well buy. I'm using an almost 4 year old computer now (lampshade iMac). It performs like a champ, it just needs more memory.

 

[WordAssassin]

I don't upgrade very often. I'd used the same PC for like...gosh, I dunno, 4-6 years? Then I got my Acer tablet last year and ditched my desktop for it. I'd like to have a desktop again, though, and I'm over Windows so I want to get a Mac next. My Acer is filling up with shit that should be kept on a desktop, but I guess I can go for another few months before I settle on a new computer. Maybe in that time I could save up enough to buy a PowerMac.

As for how long I'd keep it, for as long as I could before I absolutely HAD to get a new one. SO possibly for an entire generation. If I can upgrade things like adding more HD space or RAM myself, I could go even longer, I guess. I don't play PC games, as I said I'd use it for "rendering" Flash animations and storing the comics and cartoons I'd make. (Which is why I'm eyeing the Mini, it's just powerful enough to do what I need, and it's got a nicely sized HD.)

 

[Deku Tree]

I say it's better to buy an end of the generation PowerPC Mac than to buy a brand new Intel Mac. It's going to take a while for all the programs you want to get running for the Intel machine and your going to suffer during that transition...

 

[Phoenix]

I say it's better to buy an end of the generation PowerPC Mac than to buy a brand new Intel Mac. It's going to take a while for all the programs you want to get running for the Intel machine and your going to suffer during that transition...

I have yet to see anything (outside of specialized OpenGL applications) ever having problems running "as is" on a MacIntel under emulation - running at least as fast as they go on the average 1.3-1.4 G4 mac. You won't be 'suffering' at all.

...


or so I have been told...

 

[WordAssassin]

Ok, fuck. The new iMac is pure sex and there's like, no way I can not get that. If I end up buying a computer this year, it's this one. Is it worth it, or do I suck it up and wait till June for the Intel iMac?

 

[Hitokage]

Ok, fuck. The new iMac is pure sex and there's like, no way I can not get that. If I end up buying a computer this year, it's this one. Is it worth it, or do I suck it up and wait till June for the Intel iMac?

Go for it. PPC based macs will still be the majority userbase for quite some time even after Mactels come out.

 

[Callo Merlose]

Can you move the new one's iSight or is it in a fixed position? It'll take a few years before the script kiddies ruin apple, so I'll upgrade to enjoy these last few seasons.

 

[WordAssassin]

Can you move the new one's iSight or is it in a fixed position? It'll take a few years before the script kiddies ruin apple, so I'll upgrade to enjoy these last few seasons.

It's fixed. It's just suck right into the "forehead" of the iMac.

Go for it. PPC based macs will still be the majority userbase for quite some time even after Mactels come out.

Slick. I shall have an iMac by year's end. *pumps fist* Yes!

 

[Macam]

Can you move the new one's iSight or is it in a fixed position? It'll take a few years before the script kiddies ruin apple, so I'll upgrade to enjoy these last few seasons.

Fixed position.

 

[norinrad21]

should i get the Ibook or the PowerBook? IBook is cheaper though

 

[shantyman]

should i get the Ibook or the PowerBook? IBook is cheaper though

iBook is better bang for your buck IMHO. Yo will not notice a hige difference between them.

Just buy lots of RAM.

 

[Tedesco!]

I still am going to try and wait for the upgraded G5... tired of waiting.......

 

[Phoenix]

should i get the Ibook or the PowerBook? IBook is cheaper though

iBook easily. The Powerbooks are not far ahead enough to warrant their large pricetag.