Biggest isn’t always the Best on a Budget

One thing I’ve noticed about Apple Computer is that the minute you shell out for the “latest and greatest” model, the next one is suddenly on the store shelves – and its “later and greater” still. Or- look at it this way. That Quad 2.5 GHz Power PC G5 you drooled over last year, but despaired of ever owning because of the $4,000 price tag? Guess what? With the introduction of the “latest, greatest” Intel-powered Macs, the price on that top-of-the-line PPC has dropped $800! And if you’re patient, chances are, in a year or so, it’ll be on E-bay for a fraction of that.

My point – if you like the Apple platform, and you’re not doing high-end digital effects and editing for Hollywood‘s latest period or sci-fi/action blockbuster, you really don’t need the brand-new cutting edge model in order benefit from what Apple has to offer. I purchased a second-hand 1998 G3 “Wallstreet” Laptop in 2001. Five years and a few upgrades later, the machine still does that for which I purchased it. The same with my G4 Graphite model, now six years old. With an inexpensive third-party upgrade, this does at least as well with 3-D applications as the first low-end dual-processor G5 – for a fraction of the cost.

Which brings up another issue. There are no shortage of companies manufacturing processor upgrades for your Mac, so if you think its running a bit slow, these are well worth looking into – because their cost is 10% that of a new machine.

Apple’s own website now has a page where you can purchase some of last year’s models at a substantial discount, and your own community’s Apple Store very likely has lease returns that can be had for a song. If the prices of Apple hardware has kept you from switching or upgrading, consider going with last year’s model.

Besides saving money, you’ll be Reducing, Reusing and Recycling as well – and the planet will appreciate it.

One thing I’ve noticed about Apple Computer is that the minute you shell out for the “latest and greatest” model, the next one is suddenly on the store shelves – and its “later and greater” still. Or- look at it this way. That Quad 2.5 GHz Power PC G5 you drooled over last year, but despaired of ever owning because of the $4,000 price tag? Guess what? With the introduction of the “latest, greatest” Intel-powered Macs, the price on that top-of-the-line PPC has dropped $800! And if you’re patient, chances are, in a year or so, it’ll be on E-bay for a fraction of that.

My point – if you like the Apple platform, and you’re not doing high-end digital effects and editing for Hollywood‘s latest period or sci-fi/action blockbuster, you really don’t need the brand-new cutting edge model in order benefit from what Apple has to offer. I purchased a second-hand 1998 G3 “Wallstreet” Laptop in 2001. Five years and a few upgrades later, the machine still does that for which I purchased it. The same with my G4 Graphite model, now six years old. With an inexpensive third-party upgrade, this does at least as well with 3-D applications as the first low-end dual-processor G5 – for a fraction of the cost.

Which brings up another issue. There are no shortage of companies manufacturing processor upgrades for your Mac, so if you think its running a bit slow, these are well worth looking into – because their cost is 10% that of a new machine.

Apple’s own website now has a page where you can purchase some of last year’s models at a substantial discount, and your own community’s Apple Store very likely has lease returns that can be had for a song. If the prices of Apple hardware has kept you from switching or upgrading, consider going with last year’s model.

Besides saving money, you’ll be Reducing, Reusing and Recycling as well – and the planet will appreciate it.