[chemistry_geek]

Regarding speed differences between a Mac Mini and a PowerMac G5 2.0 GHz, the PowerMac G5 will win on the speed. I already asked an IT guy at work if getting a decked-out Mac Mini would trounce my current dual 2.7 GHz G5, he said 'no way.' There are more than just raw GHz numbers when comparing a tower to a boxed laptop. Throughput on a PowerMac G5 is faster than any Mac Mini will ever be (in my lifetime).

I suppose you have to consider what you're going to use the computer for. For my purposes, my PowerMac G5, dual 2.7 GHz purchased in the Fall of 2004, is still more than fast enough for my needs. I had the power supply replaced in it once, wow, that made a big 'pop' when that blew! And, I even saw a flash emanate from inside the tower when it happened. Apple no longer makes parts for the G5, but it does refurbish the ones in the supply chain. Remember, the U.S. government and large corporations still use G5's - they aren't going anywhere just yet.

I just upgraded to Leopard about 3 weeks ago - it's like having a brand new computer. I have no intention of replacing my PowerMac yet. I might be limited to Leopard, but I use it for cruising the web, email, OpenOffice.org, GIMP, etc...

If you go with the G5, just remember to select an external hard drive that is compatible with the future, like USB 2.0, Firewire 400/800, eSATA, etc...

If you want a computer for cruising the internet and checking email, look into an iPod Touch if you can afford one, other than that, get a used laptop and install Linux on it.