Would you consider an emac to be an upgraded G3 imac?

I

ian27

It all started at 3......
Hello all,

I currently own an old G3 400mhz iMac that I've been having problems with recently as I do a lot of work in Flash and the processor just isn't up to coping with it very effectively. As I am really short of money at the moment I was looking into upgrading the processor rather than buying a new machine but I'm told that G3 iMacs can't be upgraded. So I went into PC World today to have a look around and noticed a G4 1.25ghz eMac was just about in my price range. I had a play around with it and the specs give me the impression that it probably would be what I'm looking for as it's very much like my present iMac but with the much quicker processor that I require.

I don't know much about eMacs. They appear to be really cheap so I was wondering if there's anything about them which I should be concerned about? Any opinions would be greatfully received.

It would be an answer to my problem as I don't think I could currently afford a G4 iMac.

Thanks,

Ian

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http://www.hititstudios.com
 
I have plans on getting a eMac sometime this summer to replace my old Rev D iMac. From what I have seen there is not any problems at all with them.
 
I would say that the eMac is the best G4 value. The drawback is that it's HORRIBLY not upgradeable... sure, you can put more RAM in and upgrade the hard drive, but anything beyond that would require external USB/FireWire devices. Forget about upgrading the video, and I highly doubt that any processor upgrades will be available soon.

If you got by with an iMac G3, then the eMac would probably be a great machine for you. Larger screen, MUCH faster processor, SuperDrive (possibly!) -- it's going to be faster all the way around.
 
Thanks guys. From what you both say it certainly sounds like the way to go. I never realised you could also upgrade the internal hard drive, that sounds pretty good. Don't forget I've been using a G3 iMac for the past 4 years where nothing is upgradable except the RAM. Therefore I already have loads of external USB/Firewire devices (hard drives, CD writer, floppy drive, sound modules etc).

I'm really pleased I spotted it now. Thanks for your valuable advice.

Any other opinions?

Ian

-------------------
http://www.hititstudios.com
 
I received my eMac about a month ago. It was a HUGE step up in the world for me (my previous Mac was a Wallstreet 266). I was/am on a limited budget, and hadn't expected anywhere near the power that it can deliver. Every application that I would ever need to run (including Photoshop Elements and iMovie) performs admirably. The 17" monitor is crisp and clear, and the footprint is ideal for those with limited desk space.

As far as upgrades go, the video card may be a bit too meager to support cutting edge games, and I can only max out at 1 gig of ram, but I have unlimited HD space due to USB 2.0 and FireWire (my 40 gig filled up quite fast, what with all of my school projects, so a friend lent me his LaCie FW drive).

I would definitely recommend an eMac, especially if you are on a budget.
 
Thanks for the information guys. After what you all said I'm definitely going to pick one up in the next couple of weeks. MeatGrin, I also have a LaCie external FW drive to give me extra storage space. I really like it.

One further quick question: I read that the eMac tends to sit rather low down without an additional swivel stand. What is anybody's experiences of this? I don't use an additional stand with my present iMac but does the eMac sit lower than this?

Ian
 
It depends on your set up. How high is the desk you will have it on? Once you get it home, and you find that looking at it hurts your neck, get a swivel stand.
 
I agree. My eMac sits on my desk without the stand. I don't need it any higher due to the fact that I have horrible posture. Your mileage may vary. ;) I've seen others place stacks of books under the 'puter.
 
Yeah, I was just going to put books under it if I needed to but was then told that it was a fire hazard. I try to be careful about posture and things like that because I already have neck and back problems, but my present iMac sits on my desk without a stand so I'm sure the iMac will be fine. I'm going to order it from Apple today, getting quite excited about it. Boys and toys eh!
 
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