Buying My First Mac

Hi, I have never bought a Macintosh computer before but I want to play around with this Operating System now. I know a little on how to use it (training on the job and we need to know the basics), so I want to get one where I can learn more on how to using it.I will basically be using this for general work and testing. Maybe going online even. But all my regular work will most likely be done on the regular desktop PC until I get more familiar with the Mac OS.So, my questions are:1. How fast of a processor should I get? I want the iMacs (eMacs?) that just have the monitor (built-in system). Are those good? Either the slide CD tray or the no tray is ok with me. I want to have Mac OS 9.2 or higher installed on this machine if possible. So a more decent processor is probably best (don't like the lag ).2. How much memory/RAM should I get? I probably won't be doing anything heavy-duty, but want to have a decent/usable Mac for several tasks once I know how to work it a little more.3. Will the Mac have access to my wireless DSL router? I assume I need to get one of those wireless cards for the Mac? How much do those run for and if I don't want to use wireless for the Mac, can I plug the ethernet cable into it?4. I see the new Mac towers. Are those the only one that have the faster processors? I'm asking because the iMacs and eMacs that I'm working on currently at the workplace are around 400Mhz only.5. Any sites out there for Mac beginners? Maybe some tips and tutorials just to get me started?Thanks in advance.

Well, welcome to the Mac. It's a pretty nice stay, though limiting at times, but overall I wouldn't choose to go back. It's sort of like Hawaii, I guess.The largest factor when choosing a Mac is how much you want to spend. If your wallet is endless, I can set you up with the fastest Mac around no problem. However, if you're more budget-minded, or you don't need a screaming demon, then there are a few other things to consider.If you need/want a built in monitor, you're limited to the iMac/eMac or laptop world. iMacs come in three varieties, all dependant on the type of processor. The original iMac has a G3 processor, or Pentium II equivalent. It's the classic design that looks like a snail shell. Next is the iMac G4, which given the name, includes a G4 processor. The added benefit is that it also comes with an LCD screen instead of a CRT (though you always want CRT if you're in graphic design). Finally, you have the iMac G5, which is the latest and greatest and includes a G5 processor.Another route to go is with the eMac, which is essentially a 17" classic iMac with a G4 processor. I'm using one right now (not my full-time Mac), and it's great for just about everything that doesn't require a ton of speed.You never mentioned laptops, so I won't go into them. Let's just say though that Apple makes some nice portable machines.Okay, so now that everything's laid out, here's what I'd expect to pay for them:1) Original G3 iMac: $100-350, depending on processor speed. I managed to get one for free, but I could pick up a nice 500mhz for at most $350. The original machine (233mhz) can support up to OS X 10.3 (though I have 10.4 Server on mine), so it's a nice learning tool. Slow, but functional. I wouldn't pay anything over $100 for the original.2) iMac G4: Depending on the speed, I would expect around $650-$1100. That's a tad high, so you might get it for less. People seem to like these machines quite a bit. Some more than the G5 version.3) iMac G5: $1000-1500. Go with this only if you want speed. Why? Read below.4) eMac: $500-800. Probably the perfect all-in-one price wise, as you get a solid machine that can do everything for a nominal price. Sure, I can't play Doom 3, but I have no need to.5*) Bonus machine: Mac Mini + CRT: $500 (new) + $50 for the CRT. A very comparable package to the eMac, but with an external monitor. The nice thing is that you get a smaller footprint, but with all the processing power. And you get to choose the monitor size.Okay okay okay, so I haven't answered your questions yet. Here we go:1) Processors: the G3 is far outdated now (think Pentium II), and so I'd recommend a G4. The G5 is still over-priced in my opinion, but the G4 still performs quite well.2) Get as much ram as you can afford. I'm running 512 in the eMac, and it's rather nice. OS X requires at least 256, so anywhere above that is acceptable.3) All Macs built in the last 8 or so years have come with a NIC (ethernet) card installed. However, you'll need an "airport-ready" computer to access wireless networks. Older machines use Airport cards, newer ones use Airport Extreme (802.11g). Look to see what the requirements are. The eMac uses Airport Extreme, as do the iMac G4 and above. Sadly, the iMac G3 is out of luck wirelessly (but has an ethernet port).4) Tower Macs (PowerMacs) always contain the latest and greatest. The latest towers sport dual G5s running at 2ghz to 2.7ghz. However, anything above 800mhz or so will work fine for learning.5) Try looking around at Macworld or MacAddict (just add .com to both). Buy a magazine from each and take a look. Most of the time they're geared towards new users. On the web, Apple's site has some good info on OS X and how to use it. Generally, I like to follow my college's motto of "learn by doing."That's basically about it. With Macs, you're only limited by your wallet. Just choose by your needs and price and you'll be fine.

If you're getting a desktop, then don't bother with the wireless card unless you want to add a hassle.I worked for a while supervising a college computer lab (that had both macs and PCs) and my superviser forced all employees to use macs because he found that we were adept at answering PC-related questions but not good with the macs. After a while at an eMac, I didn't mind it at all and the X11 package is great if you need X windows and ssh (which you can't get both at once for free on a PC). Recently we upgraded some macs to the new tower G5s, and while I was impressed with how quickly they booted, I was not pleased with how often they crashed (much more often than with previous macs or PCs).Enjoy your mac.

Thanks for the replies. Great details Soleg. That sure jogs the mind a little. Yeah, I don't really need a very powerful machine. Just want to learn the Mac a little since I want to learn the OS a more.I will probably go with the G3 and get a longer ethernet cable (since I never use it much - all laptop and desktop PCs are wireless here).I have two more quick questions.1. I'm not sure what programs (like word processing or spreadsheet program) come with the Mac (probably Mac OS 8.6), so is there any sites that have freeware/open-source programs for them? I know a bunch of sites for the Windows side, but don't have a clue on the Mac-side.2. If I want to run certain files (word document, excel spreadsheet, maybe some music files), will they run properly if I get it from the PC and use it on the Mac? How about inserting a music CD into the Mac?Thanks again. I will begin looking for the G3 Mac now and see what deals I can get.

It's Soleq, with a Q.Anyhoo, so if you just want a basic setup so you learn the OS, it makes sense to get a machine that'll run OS X instead of 9 or below. No need to learn previous generation stuff that doesn't apply anymore.In that case, go with an iMac G3 that has built in Firewire. That'll allow you to install and boot 10.4 Tiger without having to bypass a specific installer restriction. Like I said above, I'm running Server 10.4.2 on my iMac G3 233mhz, but in order to do that I needed to pull the HD out (harder than one may think), plug it into my G4, install from that, then reinsert the HD back into the iMac. Took a good portion of the day to do it. I believe a 400mhz or above has built in Firewire, but be sure to look for that specifically. Otherwise you'll be limited to 10.3 Panther.In addition, get yourself some more ram. Most came standard with 64mb, and that's far below what you really need to run OS X. I plugged an extra 64 in my 233 to make it 96, and it runs, but just barely. You'll need at least 128mb total, but get as much as you can. I believe it takes PC100 SO-DIMM ram, aka Laptop ram, which you can easily purchase off eBay. I bought a 256mb chip for about $15 for my also free Wallstreet PowerBook. I love free stuff.Then it's just up to you learning the basics of OS X. It's fun to mess around and discover new things. iTunes will take care of music CDs, so don't worry about that. Macs have probably the best file translation of any OS, so you should be able to use just about any file format for PC and run it on the Mac. Word .docs work fine, as do any other Microsoft Office document. Some application file formats where there's no Mac equivalent application will probably not work. For free/included software, I believe that Apple has stopped shipping Applework standard, so you're probably looking at TextEdit as your only word processing option built in. It's a fine program, very quick, and I use it for basic stuff much more than Word. If you need a more professional WP/office suite, you're looking at purchasing Office v.X. Apple iWork isn't up to snuff, at least, not yet.So there you go....of course, you could *coughdownloadtheintelbuildandinstallthatonyourpccough*, uh, nevermind.

Get a Mac Mini and a KVM switch.Since you already have keyboard, monitor, mouse, get a Mac Mini and a KVM switch where you can share that same keyboard, mouse, and monitor with the Mac and PC. Then you just have to flip a switch. I do the same thing at work. I have a an Xserve unit on one side and a Mac Mini on the other. I use the Mac Mini to check my email and general surfing and then just flip the switch when I need to do something to the Network. The set up works great.

Sorry about that Soleq

 

Why is the firewire port needed? I don't recall that being part of the installation for Mac OS 8.6, 9.2 or 10.2.4 (I think that's the version).

 

I actually have been considering a notebook now. House is filling up and I don't have much room. But I will definitely check out the prices and compare them to see where I can get good deals. So far eBay, has some decent prices. I pulled out on a bid for a nice clam notebook because the user said the clock battery might need to be changed. I wasn't sure what that was (did a search and found PRAM?), so I just backed out at the last minute. From what I understand the clam notebooks perform better than the icebook versions. Do the same 233Mhz requirement still apply here? How about having firewire ports?

 

I wish I could shell out that much money for the Mac Mini. I have thought about it but didn't want to waste my money. If I get better with it and like the OS, then I might go with the mini or even get the G5 towers that I have seen.

 

...of course, you could *coughdownloadtheintelbuildandinstallthatonyourpccough*, uh, nevermind.

:laugh: Rumor or not I heard that Steve Jobs showed a Mac OS (Tiger?) during the MacWorld convention using a regular desktop PC. My co-workers were actually talking about this today too That "Intel" Mac OS is a fake from what I gather. So I'm not wasting my time getting it.

lol, it is not a rumor, the Developer's edition of Tiger HAS been leaked into the Internet and people have actually made it work.xboxrulz

Well Depending on your price range and what you want exactly you could go the route i went.

I have a G4 700mhz imac with a cdrw it ran me about 500usd on ebay its a good computer and i use it for all of my buissness needs if u need to burn dvd's i would suggest getting a external firewire dvd burner i have a LG-Super Multi it ran me about 121.00 and it burns all dvd media @ 16x.

you can get wireless with a airport card you can pick one of them up fairely cheep around 60-70 bucks on ebay and yes if you dont want to use wireless you can just hook your normal cat-5e ethernet cable into it and it will work.

how much memory should you have well this is also depending on what you want to do with it if your going to be doing graphic design/video editing i suggest getting a large amount of ram 1+gb
if your just going to be doing every day computing 256-512 and you should be able to do what you need to do.

There are a few sites out there that can explain things a little better then i have if your wanting to get infmation on macs and your options for them i would suggest a good place to start would be

http://lowendmac.com/

hope i have been helpfull if i can help anymore please feel free to email me or send me a PM

Sorry about that Soleq

 

Why is the firewire port needed?  I don't recall that being part of the installation for Mac OS 8.6, 9.2 or 10.2.4 (I think that's the version).

 

I actually have been considering a notebook now.  House is filling up and I don't have much room.  But I will definitely check out the prices and compare them to see where I can get good deals.  So far eBay, has some decent prices.  I pulled out on a bid for a nice clam notebook because the user said the clock battery might need to be changed.  I wasn't sure what that was (did a search and found PRAM?), so I just backed out at the last minute.  From what I understand the clam notebooks perform better than the icebook versions.  Do the same 233Mhz requirement still apply here?  How about having firewire ports?

 

I wish I could shell out that much money for the Mac Mini.  I have thought about it but didn't want to waste my money.  If I get better with it and like the OS, then I might go with the mini or even get the G5 towers that I have seen.

 

:laugh:  Rumor or not I heard that Steve Jobs showed a Mac OS (Tiger?) during the MacWorld convention using a regular desktop PC.  My co-workers were actually talking about this today too   That "Intel" Mac OS is a fake from what I gather.  So I'm not wasting my time getting it.

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Firewire is useful for 3 Things: External Harddrives, External Burners, and downloading video from DV video cameras. It can transer at 400MBS (800MBS on the newer systems). Sometimes video can run 30 GB+ from a DV camera.

 

I can vouch that the OSX on Intel exists, we have two developers boxes at work. I am using it now on a near daily basis. Although we've already tested all our in house code for portablity.

 

If I had a choice between shelling out money for a G5 PowerMac (or iMac) and waiting another 6 months for the Mactels to come out, I'd error towards waiting for the Mactels. I can't say why, but trust me.

 

OSX really needs 512MB of ram to run well. My ibook only has 256MB. IT runs OS 10.3 okay for business needs, but it can be slow at times. (Also only 700Mhz G3 processor and 16MB of vid ram). My machine at work has 512MB of Ram (Mac Mini 1.25 Ghz G4 OS 10.4). And whether its the fact the processor is better and 500 Mhz faster or the double the ram, double the vid ram, I dunno, but it just runs a lot smoother.

I bought a iMac and just got it last week. Played around with it a little and currently having some internet problems with it. See this topic. I think you replied to it unimatrix. I will post my followup shortly...

But I actually got what you two mentioned just now. I bought myself a 700MHz iMac running on only 256MB RAM. It seems to run smoothly from what I can see here.

I really want to wait but figured it's probably not worth it from my standpoint. I don't want top of the line, but just enough to run Mac OS 10.4 so I can learn more about the OS. Spent $300 getting this iMac...I know, some users will say spend a few hundred more to get the Mac Mini, but I'll pass. I'll learn how to use it first and if (when?) I'm used to it, I'll go for the upgrade.

Thanks for all the comments on this.

I bought a iMac and just got it last week. Played around with it a little and currently having some internet problems with it. See this topic. I think you replied to it unimatrix. I will post my followup shortly...

But I actually got what you two mentioned just now. I bought myself a 700MHz iMac running on only 256MB RAM. It seems to run smoothly from what I can see here.

I really want to wait but figured it's probably not worth it from my standpoint. I don't want top of the line, but just enough to run Mac OS 10.4 so I can learn more about the OS. Spent $300 getting this iMac...I know, some users will say spend a few hundred more to get the Mac Mini, but I'll pass. I'll learn how to use it first and if (when?) I'm used to it, I'll go for the upgrade.

Thanks for all the comments on this.

Well, I've been considering getting an iBook G4, but I could dish out only half the price for a Mac Mini, plus a monitor splitter cable, and a USB keyboard and mouse (which I already have, although I dunno if I could use them with my PC, 'cuase they're Apple-made)...

Well, I've been considering getting an iBook G4, but I could dish out only half the price for a Mac Mini, plus a monitor splitter cable, and a USB keyboard and mouse (which I already have, although I dunno if I could use them with my PC, 'cuase they're Apple-made)...

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Right now, decide if you need a laptop or not. If not, get the Mac Mini (the fast version) and give it at LEAST 512 MB ram. Yes, its more expensive, but OSX really likes the RAM. If you do lots of graphics stuff, go for the 1gb.

my iBook G4 has 768MB of ram and it runs fine for normal stuff like web broswing, word processing .etc, but it's not really enough for video editing and stuff. I have to use my iMac (1G ram) when i want to do video stuff. i definatly agree that you need at least 1G of ram to do video editing.