Apple Power Mac G5 - PPC G5 2 GHz

Advantages Amazing Speed, Brilliant Design, Easily expandable
Disadvantages Expense

...I was a little hesitant about purchasing this computer after the speculation surrounding the benchmark tests Apple had published, but when the PowerMac finally arrived I was absolutely amazed by its power. Enclosed in a beautiful all aluminium case, the machine is virtually silent (unless you're really pushing the processors and the fans are going nuts!). The machine is much taller than the G4 PowerMac it replaces and is really, really heavy. The machine has a superb array of connections including digital audio i/o and Firewire 400 & 800. The inclusion of PCI-X slots and a maximum RAM capacity of 8Gb makes this unit ideal for professionals in Audio, video and print design who are likely to need to expand there system in the future. With optimised versions of Photoshop, Quark and Final Cut Pro etc. avaliable it will make light work... Read review

Advantages a thing of beauty, does not crash and easy to protect from viruses
Disadvantages not enough gaming software is written for the Mac OS

...I have a Windows PC, but I only use it for gaming. When it comes to using the internet or work, I always use the G5. It is gorgeous to look at and works like a dream. It is fast, realiable and intuitive to use. And because most viruses are written for Windows I feel safe from infection when I'm using the internet (although I do run anti-virus software, just to make sure). Whereas the slightest upset will crash my Windows PC, on the G5, if an application goes wrong, it doesn't affect the whole machine and it's easy to quit the offending app and start it up again without having to restart the computer and sit through endless disk-scans. OS updates are easy to schedule and unobtrusive. The G5 is a tool that lets me get on with my work instead of distracting me with constant errors and issues.... Read review

Advantages Fast processing power, efficient, robust build, and elegant design.
Disadvantages Most software packages still use 32 bit processing, so 64 bit power not properly utilized.

...An amazing machine no question. For editing, photo manipulation, sound mixing, real time rendering for special effects software, the G5 is the best computer you can buy currently. But you do need to add enough ram, enough hard disk space and a nice area in your abode to fit its size. 2 gigs of ram means the G5 is super fast when using software like Final Cut pro, and the consumer graphics package, Motion responds amazingly with its real time previewing and photoshop seems to have no lags when you try and paint all over the screen! You will have to purchase a monitor which will set you back 500 pounds and a back up hard drive is always a good idea, but its worth it. The G5 will not outdate as quickly as the last couple of ranges of imacs as it's upgradable in all ways possible, except of course the way it looks, but in my opinion... Read review