Small 10.4 Server - eMac, Mac mini, or PowerMac G4? - Page 3

mkuron · #17 September 28th, 2005, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nixgeek

Which would totally defeat the purpose of the Mac, but a simple search will bring up TONS of threads on that topic.

It was just a thought.

Michael

nixgeek · #18 September 29th, 2005, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mkuron

It was just a thought.

Michael

No problem...it's just that this topic has been discussed to death here. Honestly, we won't know what's going to happen until Apple begins rolling out the first Intel Macs in June of next year. Once that happens, it's only a matter of time to see what Jobs does.

Go3iverson · #19 September 29th, 2005, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mkuron

Either one, haven't decided yet, and probably won't be buying until a couple of months.

Another interesting idea would be: waiting for the Intel version of Mac OS X Server. If Apple is smart, they'd make it without the dongling to their hardware as this would attract many small/medium-sized businesses. Then you could get a cheap Dell server and run Mac OS X Server on it.

Michael

Sure, you could try and hack it, if you can wait over a year for your new server...

I think this point is moot. Apple isn't going to simply allow people to skip the hardware and just buy the software. It'll kill profits. Also, do you really want to run a non-supported server? Usually folks want their servers to be fully supported and reliable. Hacking OS X Server to run on non-supported hardware just seems like the exact opposite of what you'd want to do.

mkuron · #20 September 29th, 2005, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Go3iverson

Sure, you could try and hack it, if you can wait over a year for your new server...

I think this point is moot. Apple isn't going to simply allow people to skip the hardware and just buy the software. It'll kill profits. Also, do you really want to run a non-supported server? Usually folks want their servers to be fully supported and reliable. Hacking OS X Server to run on non-supported hardware just seems like the exact opposite of what you'd want to do.

Hey, like I said, it was just an idea - nothing I was going to do!

Michael

Go3iverson · #21 September 30th, 2005, 01:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mkuron

Hey, like I said, it was just an idea - nothing I was going to do!

Michael

It's cool.

Jeffo · #22 September 30th, 2005, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mkuron

The main candiated would be:

PowerMac G4 (dual) + SATA
Xserve G4

Haven't decided for one yet.

Michael

if you already have OS X Server then this doesn't matter, but the Xserve comes with the SERVER OS, unlike the G4 so that is another cost you may have to factor in to. just wanted to make sure that is known.

the other thing too is that the Xserves are considerably louder then the PM G4s are so if it is going to be out on a desk or something that could be something else to consider.

mkuron · #23 September 30th, 2005, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeffo

if you already have OS X Server then this doesn't matter, but the Xserve comes with the SERVER OS, unlike the G4 so that is another cost you may have to factor in to. just wanted to make sure that is known.

You're right, that makes up the price difference between them.
But most of the Xserve G4s on eBay come with Panther/Jaguar Server, but I need Tiger Server (portable home folders).

Michael

myara · #24 September 30th, 2005, 07:03 PM

Well, i've been at the exact same point as you are now, about 3 months ago. My choice was (is) the PowerMac G4 (in my case, a weak one : G4 400 Sawtooth). The main problem being the multi-host capacity (or, in other words, the capacity of having 2 or more network adapters). I ended up using the mini at home and the Sawtooth as the server and after 3 months i can tell you:
Yes, it can run an OS X Server (even tiger) well and keep up with the pace of 24/7 (my case), but if you become a little frustrated with the performance of the machine (and this will ONLY happen if you are using it as a server AND as a station) you can always use one of that upgrades for Sawtooth/Gigabit/Quicksilver machines (i.e.: PowerLogix's Dual G4 2.0 Mhz or something cheaper if you'd like).
The PCI slots and the available IDE positions will grant you the possibility to upgrade in almos every aspect you might need (extra disk space, backup devices, Optic Fiber, Gigabit, ...)
And it's cheap and easy to maintanance (you will not have any trouble to open it as you would with the other options).

It's an opinion made by experience: Go for the powerMac G4.