Newbie: how about the 700 MHz iMac?

[Zaphod_B]

Hi,

Note: please warn me if this post is offtopic or so. I'm new here

Currently I am a Wintel user. I do not have any Mac experience AT ALL... I was a BeOS enthusiast, and I use Linux for years. I use Window$ out of lazyness...

So now I am currently in the process of buying a "Mac". Since MacOS X I became highly interested, because of the BSD core of it.

But, to come to the point: I have some questions about the hardware...

- Is this 700 MHz model fast enough for everyday life in OS X?
- Is 256 MB RAM enough?
- This GF 2 mx... I had one in my X86 PC and it was not so stunningly fast (I replaced it with a Geforce 2 GTS, which is WAY faster)
- The 2D image quality of the 2mx is not so good on PC... how is this on a Mac?
- Can I just plugin every SO-DIMM in the memory expansion slot??? (I have a 128 MB 100 MHz one in my laptop which I can use..)

I've got some questions about software too:
- How easy is it to get GNU software running on OS X?
- Anyone here experience on Linux for PPC?
- How about software/game availability? I live in the Netherlands, Europe, and all retailers here are selling Wintel only...

Thanks a lot for all replies and happy computing for you all!

Pim

 

[nkuvu]

First of all, Welcome to MacOSX.com. Some of your questions might be better suited to the System and Software fora, but I don't think it's really a big deal...

The answer to most of the questions you asked: It depends.

Is this 700 MHz model fast enough for everyday life in OS X?

It depends on what you do in everyday life. If you use a word processor and type emails only, then 700 MHz is a lot faster than what you need. Intensive graphic artist? Real-time video editing? Development of large, horrendously complicated algorithms that make a Cray cringe? Then no, of course 700 MHz isn't fast enough. It also depends on what you are willing to tolerate. Resizing windows isn't as smooth on OS X as it is on Windows, but it's fine for me. Other people hate its speed.

Is 256 MB RAM enough?

It depends Enough for what? Obviously, the more RAM the better, as in just about every computing situation. But I personally think 256 MB is fine for light usage. Note that I have 1 GB of RAM, but I don't consider myself to be a light user.

I've never used this video card on a PC, so I don't think I'm qualified to judge its performance.

Memory is interchangeable from the PC world to Mac, so I have heard. I've never tried it myself, so can't give you advice there either. But I'm pretty sure there wouldn't be any problems.

How easy is it to get GNU software running on OS X?

Depends on the software. Most of it is just a re-compile away (./configure, make, make install process). Some of it might require tweaking, some other software might not run at all. Specific names might help us determine if it is possible.

Anyone here experience on Linux for PPC?

I have Unix experience (I've used and installed Linux, but prefer FreeBSD) but on the x86 side of the world.

How about software/game availability?

Games are notoriously sparse on OS X. If you're a heavy gamer, I might suggest keeping that PC around for new games.

Software availability is just fine. Basically the only thing I installed on my iMac that I use frequently is a new web browser, since I really dislike IE. I've installed plenty of other programs, but don't really use or need them, and usually end up removing them pretty quick. The big controversy (or one of, anyway) for OS X software is an office suite. If you have the money and desire, you can get MS Office for OS X (about USD$500). For my personal practices, AppleWorks (which came included on my iMac but retails at about USD$79) is perfectly sufficient. Generally speaking, if there is software for a PC it has a comparable (or frequently better) counterpart on OS X. You may have to end up ordering software online if the local retailers don't have Mac software.

Sorry this is a long post, but I don't even think I've covered everything yet. Maybe some others will pipe in and fill in the gaps.

By the way, I'm also a Windows convert (been using Macs since March of this year) and I am a very happy camper. Everything just works.

 

[themacko]

A 700 mhz G4 is plenty fast for just about anything you need. Of course, the Power Mac line is better with faster bus speeds and what-not, but for 90% of the people out there that is more than enough.

 

[Hypernate]

Personally, I reckon that a 700mhz iMac is great with OS X. I have one, although I think that yuou should probably boost the RAM to 512mb at least, if you can afford it.

Although I think it would be fine with just 256, it would still be a lot nicer with more, like mine

And as far as software goes, either buy it from an AppleCentre, or buy it online at the AppleStore in your area.

 

[simX]

On the issue of memory... I would suggest 512 MB for two reasons:

1) You can never have enough RAM, and 512 is more than sufficient for most things, whereas sometimes 256 can be just a tad too little.

2) The new iMac has two memory slots, but only one is accessible without voiding your warantee. Ordering it with 512 MB will fill up the inaccessible slot with the most amount of memory, and then if you ever need more memory, you can always install it yourself. Otherwise, you might not be able to achieve the max amount of RAM (1 gigabyte) without taking it in to an Apple Authorized Repair Center.

 

[Zaphod_B]

Thanx for all the helpfull replies! I can add that I just ordered my iMac this morning. I had to decide quickly, because it was on discount severely (tip for all dutch people here: iMac 700, with 256 MB and combodrive for 1899 EUR!!! (normal price 2300) at RAF (retailer in A'dam, R'dam, www.raf.nl)).

Anyway. I guess I just try with the 256 MB for now and see how it goes. If needed I will add the 128 MB from my laptop, and maybe I'll buy 256 MB for it, if RAM prices drop further.

One last question: I own a lot of (legal) games like Quake III, Deus Ex, Soldier of Fortune. These games are really the only ones I care about for now. I already read something about installing Mac pointreleases for Quake, how about the other ones? Can I download Mac binaries from the vendor and use the Windoze datafiles?

O, and for "nkuvu", who also just 'converted': would be nice to share some experiences when I have my Mac!!! I used Wintel all my life and this is a BIG step for me ;-) I work in computing, so it shouldn't be a problem, but you never know ;-). My email: bliekp at fourtytwo.nl

Pim

 

[mkwan]

just beware of those wintel guys that like to bash the macintosh just for the hell of it. I go to a technical school and they use nothing but PCs. All my classmates make fun of me because I use a macintosh. I have done C++ programming using visual C++, and with some help, I was able to run most of my programming assignments in Darwin.


just my two cents

 

[alexachucarro]

Originally posted by simX
The new iMac has two memory slots, but only one is accessible without voiding your warantee.[/B]

When I worked in an Apple Centre I asked my local Apple Rep what the score was with people doing thir own RAM. I was told. Unless the RAM is soldered to the motherboard, updating your RAM is NOT a warentee changing thingamy.

Is the iMac LCD RAM soldered. My one comes on Friday?

 

[ksv]

Nope, the iMac has one 168 pin DIMM and one 144 pin (I believe) SO-DIMM slot. The SO-DIMM slot is user accessible.