Great Quality Computer
Written: Nov 18 '00 (Updated Nov 18 '00)
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Pros: Speed and Reliability
Cons: Generally the limits of Mac OS
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| cutlernj's Full Review: Apple Power Macintosh G4 Base |
I'll say this right at the beginning, I'm an Apple Fan and always have been. I've seen the company through the good times and bad. So yes I am biased, but I will attempt to put as many biases behind me when writing this review. I also attempt to write each and every review as comprehensively and detailed as possible.
The Facts
The G4 processor cannot be directly compared to Pentium Processors, the G4 processor does more simultaneous actions then a Pentium therefore even though a G4's Megahertz (speed) is lower, it is not slower. Typically a G4-500 Mhz can beat a 750 Mhz PC and sometimes even a Ghz computer.
The side of the G4 pulls down for extremely easy access for upgrading, pull up on the tab on the side and voila!
The G4 is NOT a PC Compatible directly. This means it runs different software, while most people know this, I thought I better make sure I put that down as a fact (however look under the Pros to find out that a Mac can be a PC with hardware or software).
The G4 computers come with both USB and FireWire Connectors. Allowing common connections for most components. Firewire is an extremely fast connection which also allows direct connections to Digital Video Cameras.
I personally own a 400 Mhz, the first model that became available.
The Pros
If you already have Macintosh Computers around you (like in the education system) this computer is speedy!
The G4 uses a new form of processing which greatly speeds up Video rendering and Graphics work. If you are doing much work in these fields it can considerably shorten the time it takes rendering.
The look of the G4 is pretty wild. If you're looking for a computer that you'd be proud showing off the G4 is definately a computer to show off. It also is considered a super computer because of the type of processing it does (Vector).
You can turn the G4 into a competent PC Compatible through software or hardware. Under Software such as Virtual PC or SoftWindows you can open a new window that runs Windows exactly as a regular PC computer could. However this is not as fast as a regular PC, generally speaking it's roughly 1/3 as fast as the speed of the G4 your using. so a 500 Mhz G4 would become a 166 Mhz PC. This works for most basic programs, but you'll be dissapointed for Games. The other option is a Hardware card, this is more expensive but can be much faster. Once a card is installed, each System runs on its own, so it doesn't slow the processing down at all.
The USB connector allows you to use many more devices then in the past. This is because the entire computer industry is starting to accept this type of connection.
The Firewire located on the G4 is great for those who want to be able to grab video footage from a digital video camera. It has been typically very hard to do this because it needs extra hardware for most computers.
I've found the reliability of the G4 computer to be excellent. Even with Mac OS X and Linux loaded.
The new Keyboard and Mouse are extremely nice. The keyboard feels extremely comfortable and easy to type. My PC friend also admits the keyboard feels extremely nice. The mouse has no track ball underneath it is optical. This means it can detect the movement via sensors so it means there's no cleaning and no jerky movements because of dirt.
The Macintosh System allows you to adjust memory used for each application. This can be convenient when you want to tweak the computer.
There are far fewer Viruses made for the Macintosh, in my 15 years of Computing I have only seen 1 virus for the Macintosh.
The Cons
(Most of the cons described are for the Macintosh System, the G4 computer itself has very few)
You generally are limited to the confines of the Macintosh System. This means support for extras and special software are limited. If you are looking for very specific software you may be out of luck.
When there is support for the Macintosh it is usually lagged behind the PC market. For those who aren't always on the edge of technology, this won't matter, but for those needing the latest it can be a problem.
The Macintosh System works with only one mouse button. This can be fairly frustrating for those used to the two button system and I must admit it's nice sometimes to have the right button menu options (the mac uses control-click instead)
The Macintosh is not as customizeable as PC Computers, this used to be much more of a problem as it is now. But the Macintosh has become much more customizeable since.
Generally speaking, loading programs are slower then on the PC. It's speed shows up when running elaborate CPU programs.
In Conclusion
The most important point that I could make is that choosing a G4 is that of preference, the people who are used to PC compatible computers could find the Macintosh System extremely frustrating.
It is also about convenience, if you have friends or are in an environment where you have Macintosh Computers around you already, you would most likely find the Macintosh System alright.
I have heard many complaints about the Macintosh and have tried to outline them above. If I were to try to stereotype those who the Macintosh is best suited for, I would have to say it is for those who have no or very little computing experience. This is because of the simplicity of the System.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 1600
Operating System: Macintosh
Processor: PowerPC G4
Processor speed: 301-400
RAM: 128
Internal Storage: CD-ROM
Hard Drive (GB): 9-12
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Epinions.com ID:
cutlernj
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Member: Neil Cutler
Location: Cowichan Bay, BC
Reviews written: 41
Trusted by: 32 members
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