Is this desktop computer any good?

Question

Features/Specifications:
Apple iMac G5 PowerPC G5 1.8 GHz 17-inch System


General Features:
White housing
Mac OS X 10.4 pre-installed
1.8 GHz PowerPC G5 processor (CPU)
600 MHz Bus Speed
512 MB RAM
GeForce FX5200 graphics processor
160 GB hard drive
CDRW/DVD drive
Internal 56K modem
Built-in 10/100 Ethernet
Integrated stereo speakers
Integrated power supply (100-120V, 50-60Hz)
Built-in 17-inch TFT LCD display w/1440 x 900 max resolution


I/O Ports:
One (1) DVI port
One (1) ADC port
Three (3) USB ports
Two (2) FireWire ports
One (1) RJ-45 modem jack
One (1) RJ-45 10/100Base-T Ethernet Connector
Microphone and stereo speaker minijack


Unit Dimensions:
17.0 x 16.75 x 7-inches (H x W x D, w/stand)
Weight: 27.0 lbs


Regulatory Approvals:
FCC
CE
VCCI
A-Tick

Package Includes:
Apple iMac G5 PowerPC G5 1.8 GHz 17-inch System
Power cord
Apple USB keyboard
Apple USB mouse
Mac OS X Install Disc x2
User's Guide


Is there anything in this that i should upgrade to, like the RAM or something??
this computer is going to be used for just internet, downloading, usual stuff. and then some recording vocals.=DD It's only like 570 something, and it's been refurbished. Is refurbished good?

Answer 1

It's not too bad, but Upgrading the RAM to around 2GB is recommended. You might want to get a drive that can burn/rewite both CD and DVD's. May I ask if the CPU is Dual core or Single core? because you can get dual core processors with 2-3GB or RAM, and a 20inch 1440 x 900 resolution, 5ms or better monitor for less than $500. Some quad cores with 4GB of RAM, 640GB hard-drive, and 22inch monitor for under $700.

Answer 2

DEFINITELY a desktop. Laptops are intended to provide mobility which it doesn't sound like she needs. Desktops are: 1. Measurably lower in cost. 2. More robust - it will last longer. Industry expected lifetimes on desktops are at least a year longer on desktops than laptops. Yes, this is partially because people don't drop desktops as frequently, but it is also due to more robust packaging and better spacing, which means it's easier to control heat. 3. More aimed at consumers like her. She should be able to find a pre-packaged desktop system which has someone like her as the specific target audience - which means it will have simple messaging software, not a bunch of software she doesn't need (which just make her life more difficult). It may also have a larger screen that she can read from more easily as a standard or even as an optional upgrade.

Answer 3

No, not for US $570. It was made about four years ago, and has all the power of a $200 IBM PC clone. Yes, it's a perfectly usable machine, but I just can't recommend it. Apple's moving away from the Motorola architecture this computer uses, and new OSX releases may not support your machine. Already, titles like Spore have abandoned the G4 and G5, running only on Intel Macintoshes. Also, it's crying for a RAM upgrade, and it won't burn DVDs.

Answer 4

sounds fine to me! Then you have to decide on the purpose for what you would use it for ! Its not a gamming system, so school or work use is the best use for this system and you can play alot of games just not the hard core games. processor speed is to slow. But like i said depending on ur needs , That system is fine.

Answer 5

i think it is ok! not bad!