Mac Shopping.... iNeed Help!

[wari_aktiv]

(Not sure if this is the right forum for this thread...) :wound:

Guys (and gals...),

iNeed advice; you see, I'm headed to LA in a couple of days, and I made up my mind to get some new Mac hardware. (*Yay!*) The problem is, I've set aside a limited budget for my Apple needs, and I'm not sure what to get. (*Woe!*)

Fyi, I'm using a "Chiclet" G3 500Mhz that's been upgraded somewhat, and that's been with me for about 3 years now.

So, here are my options: (If I don't want to go overbudget, I can only choose ONE)

1) a new G4 eMac (at $799, that's a pretty good deal...)

2) a new iBook w/ Superdrive (the most expensive option for me, buying this will wipeout my budget for the trip...)

3) a refurb / used 'Cube (if I can manage to get one, been obsessed by it's design ever since it came out.. Is this a good idea? :wound: )

4) a prev. generation "frosty white" Apple Cinema Display (Again, obsessed with the design, and the possibility of getting a good deal. If I go for this, I'll just set it up to connect to my faithful iBook. Again, is this a good idea?)

I don't think I'm a "heavy user", the hardware will be for home use. (I have a Powermac G4 in the office for graphics-intensive work...)

So, what do you guys out there in Macland think? I really need your help on this one, because I don't see myself making another major hardware purchase within the next 1-2 years...

Any suggestions at all would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks gurus! :beer:

-an extremely grateful semi-newbie

[danieldy]

IMO, you need to decide whether you want a laptop or a desktop. Since you already have a workmachine at work, I think a desktop at home would be good for you. Looking at your choices, it doesn't seem you mind buying a desktop.

That being said, I would recommend one of the new iMac G5s. Best bang for your buck. G5 processor, only $1299, less than what the iBook would cost.

Also, you need to think about warranty. Buying a desktop in the states means the warranty won't be applicable here. Maybe you just might want to buy an iMac here? For the laptops, the warranty is worldwide

EDIT: if you don't mind spending a little more than $1299, IMO the best deal in the iMac line is the middle 17" one. For only $200 more, you get a faster processor, a faster bus, and a superdrive.

[Edited on 9-15-2004 by danieldy]

[wari_aktiv]

@danieldy: Thanks! Was actually thinking of an iMac, but won't 1st gen. redesigns have a few problems? Pero you're right, it IS a good deal.

Another thing pala, which I forgot to include.

I will be fortunate enough to be living in a completely WiFi house in the very near future. That being said, I was thinking of a setup in which my room will only have a pref. large monitor, decent speakers, and a bluetooth keyboard and mouse. All connected to a laptop that I can disconnect when I'm not in my room and use it say, in the living room instead.
:P

That's the main reason why I'm looking at the Cinema Display...

In any case, keep the suggestions coming guys!

Many thanks.:blush:

[bittersweet]

Completely WiFi-ed house? Now I'm jealous. :drunk:

[weremermaid]

Daniel's right, warranty for Apple desktops are only applicable in the country you bought it from. Fine though if the item is out of warranty.

Now about that Cinema Display, can you imagine the gorillas they employ to man all the luggage carousels, they just love to manhandle and trash all luggage? The ACD is partially glass, after all. I'l hate to imagine the potential abuse as check-in luggage, not to mention how gosh darn heavy it is, might as well buy some cast iron pans and there goes your weight limit. :2cents:

Cherrie

Originally posted by wari_aktiv
That's the main reason why I'm looking at the Cinema Display...

[Edited on 9-16-2004 by weremermaid]

[wari_aktiv]

Originally posted by weremermaid

Now about that Cinema Display, can you imagine the gorillas they employ to man all the luggage carousels, they just love to manhandle and trash all luggage? The ACD is partially glass, after all. I'l hate to imagine the potential asbuse as check-in luggage, not to mention how gosh darn heavy it is, might as well buy some cast iron pans and there goes your weight limit. :2cents:

Cherrie

Naku, Oonga no? With all the last-minute things that havta be sorted, I kinda overlooked that... Thanks Cherrie!

I guess that puts the Cinema Display offa my list.

(Not unless I just save my dollars and buy one here in the Phil...)

So, it's between the eMac, the 'Book, and the iMac...

[piedad]

Get a refurbished unit from Apple online - will save you around $200 but the unit has full warranty coverage as if new. I got my powerbook from that option.