Why do I need a "tower"?

[iBones]

Hey there all you geeks...

I have always had a tower for my desktop comuter. Right now I have a first generation G5 1.8 GHz with 1 gig RAM + 20" Apple flat screen Cinema display...kinda old school.

So I'm thinking maybe I should get with the program and get a new computer. Why? Cuz I want one? *shrug*

So why would I need a tower instead of like an iMac?

I basically use the thing for my business software (most important), a little PS and Illustrator but nothing commerical or anything. And, of couse, I have surfed the web from time to time.. :tongue_smilie:

Wouldn't a top of the line iMac be cool for me? (Then I can spend more money upgrading all my software -- sheese) I still have my old PowerBook G4 downstairs by the TV and I use it almost exclusively for talking to you guys when I'm watching TV and for traveling. Should be sufficient for that I think.

So what do you think? Christmas is right around the corner 'ya know. :huh:

[mathogre]

You probably don't need one! Here are two links for you. The first is an article on buying a Mac, and the second is a podcast, in part covering the article.

http://www.macworld.com/article/133150/2008/05/macbuying.html
http://www.macworld.com/article/133357/2008/05/mwpodcast120.html

Hope this helps!

[iBones]

You probably don't need one! Here are two links for you. The first is an article on buying a Mac, and the second is a podcast, in part covering the article.

http://www.macworld.com/article/133150/2008/05/macbuying.html
http://www.macworld.com/article/133357/2008/05/mwpodcast120.html

Hope this helps!Hey thanks a lot. I'll read a little later.

Yeah I think a tower is way over kill for me...plus the newer iMacs look kool. :)

[Rxx]

I dont think you would need a Mac Pro. Your business software would run the same on ether, and wouldnt be any safer or more stable on a tower, and the speed gains from using the tower would be minimal on programs like those. You are using PS and Illustrator. But if its just for a bit of Photo work and minor Illustrating, it would still be perfectly fine.

The Mac Pro is generally for design professionals, or those who do heavy Movie/Video editing. Its a work station of that type.

But if you just wanted the best Apple you can get, then thats a completely different story. Many people just have that, "buy the best now, and then it will last me 5 years" mentality. Also, the Mac Pro has a bit more life in it, due to its ability to be upgraded internally.

Its your call. But the iMacs are plenty powerful for what you want to do. It would also cost allot less for a nice looking 24". Ether one would serve you well. It just depends if you really wanted to pay for the extra power. Although, it would be generally unused.

[Stretch]

If I were you, I'd get the 24in iMac. Its a superb computer, and a pretty big bang for your buck.

[dtravis7]

If I were you, I'd get the 24in iMac. Its a superb computer, and a pretty big bang for your buck.


Agreed completely. The 24" iMac should serve you very well for what you want to do with your computer. Very good machine.

[JohnTheMacGeek]

It sounds like an iMac would be perfect for you! In fact, you could buy that and a MacBook for the price of a Mac Pro!

[Rxx]

As the others said and I hinted in my post above. I think the iMac would be exactly what you need. Just dont buy the ram from apple :)

[MacHeadCase]

I'm the only one here that needs a tower. :tongue:

Kidding.

IMO... We used to buy computers and try to keep them as long as possible so a tower would have been a good idea back then: more upgradable, more powerful so the fun of it being zippy would last longer, etc.

Now the way we view computers has changed a lot in the last couple of years: we're more willing to pay a bit less and change the gear more often.

[iBones]

Thanks for all the input everybody. Yes the iMac seems a good fit for me. And, a lot less $$$$.

We'll see.

[Mac0sXuser]

I like towers. Mostly the idea that if a monitor should fail I dont have to scrap the computer or have another display hooked up to an All in One. I know its rare but old habits die hard

[MaDDoG]

Towers are great for blocking out sunlight if you put then on the desk. They also make good pot plant stands and can prove that size does matter if you are that way challenged.
Seriously, you can get more into them without overheating issues and they are more easily upgraded.

[MacBookMaster]

and you can paint a face on the side and use it as your best friend!

[MacHeadCase]

AHAHAHAHAHAHA :lol:

[iBones]

Somewhere this thread went terribly wrong.

[MaDDoG]

Now lay down on the couch and tell me about you child hood. When did you realise that you.....

I previously answered you sort of in the way you wanted.:O

[MacBookMaster]

yeah, i don't think you would need the computing power with what you are doing, just like Rxx said. The Mac Pro is more for those digital designers. I believe the iMac would be perfect (and yes... it would not hurt your wallet as much...) Haha.

[iBones]

OK guys I got it. :)

[iKitten]

:w00t: DOG PILE!

[Mac0sXuser]

A friend of mine did a study once to see which cost more - a Mac Pro (replacing it every 3 years) and an iMac (replacing it every 2 years) and discovered the iMac version was cheaper.

So, I got one. I have the older iPod-like 24 inch iMac and love it.

Your friend must be loaded!! Give him my e-mail :laugh:

[Rxx]

A friend of mine did a study once to see which cost more - a Mac Pro (replacing it every 3 years) and an iMac (replacing it every 2 years) and discovered the iMac version was cheaper.

So, I got one. I have the older iPod-like 24 inch iMac and love it.

I will gladly participate in any of his consumer studies.

[MacBookMaster]

hahaha. now i want to try for a macbook and macbook pro! thank you for the idea!

[Tanner31593]

G5s are oldschool now?!
Wow, my G4 must be one room school then!

[MacBookMaster]

hey, if it gets the job done :lol:

[Sherman Homan]

The expandability issue is interesting. I haven't seen a Mac tower with more than one PCI slot filled in years, maybe a couple for the heavy hitting video players. You don't even need a card for a second monitor anymore. My tower has a USB card because of all the USB things hanging off of it, it is just neater. And I do like having my backup drive inside, the fewer power cords the better.

[Mac0sXuser]

G5s are oldschool now?!
Wow, my G4 must be one room school then!

The G4 is still a viable machine. If I hadn't accidentally fried my sound card I would still be using it. Word of advice: Watch for wires that might get pinched in the door! I kept it though.

[Tanner31593]

Mine's slowing down for my needs, but it still gets the job done....in more time.

[iBones]

I guess I've decided to buy gasoline instead of a new computer.

[Rxx]

Ahhhhh. You must be on of those gosh darn kids who always wants the most expensive of everything :lol: