So your ready to make the investment in a new computer? Everything listed here uses a G3 processor. Mac has just anounced the release of the G4 processor. All you need to do is decide which type you want: desktop, tower, iMac, or laptop. Scroll down to see the differences. Remember one thing about G3 processors: the size of the L2 cache is almost as important as the processor speed. Having a larger L2 cache always your processor to receive info quicker thus making you computer run faster. This means that a 266 MHz processor with 1 MB of L2 cache might be a better investment than a 300 MHz processor with 512 KB of L2 cache.
Desktops
We all know what a desktop looks like: the main computer with all it's drives and a monitor that caan sit on top of it. The advantages to this is that it is very easy to upgrade memory and insert PCI cards into desktop. Because they can accomodate the largerst size version of everything, you can get the parts for cheaper (unlike in a latop which needs small parts). Here is a list of your options:
No longer sold new
Towers
Towers are like desktops except everything is stacked on top of each other, like a tower. You do not place the monitor on top of the Towers are not much harder to open for installing memory and PCI cards (though you should still be able to do it), however, it is easier to install internal drives on a tower (you might be able to do it yourself). Sometimes towers use slighly more expensive parts than desktops. One of the major advantages of towers is that most work areas are better suited for a tower as aposed to a desktop; basically a tower takes up less room, can be put in more places, and creates less clutter. Here is a list of your options:
You've probably seen the Jeff Goldblume (did I spell that right?) ads for the easy to set up, all in one (even the monitor is in it), multi-colored computers. I hate iMacs! The only good thing about them is the built-in USB port. This is easy to set up because all you have to do is plug-in the power cord into the wall, attach a telephone wire and attache the keyboard and mouse. Normal computers only contain 3 extra steps: plug the other end of the power cord into the computer, attach the monitor, and plug-in the monitor. Not much easier. Other problems I have with the iMac are the weird looking mouse and the compressed keyboard which are very uncomfortable. Also, it has no floppy drive (only a CD-ROM)! You can buy an external one if you want. As far as upgrading iMacs go, it is hard and expensive. Because of the design, it is hard to open it up to add memory; you also have to use smaller, more expensive parts. You can't replace the monitor. Forget about adding internal drives; there's no room and no openings for the drives. There are a couple of PCI slots (not normal PCI slots like on towers), but they can only accept smaller, more expensive cards; The original iMac and the revision B both had Mezzanine slots, but Revision C changed this. iMacs: they're small, they're cute, they suck. If you still got to have one:
For those who need to travel with their computers. They are expensive because all the parts have to be really small. You can't add anything internally except for memory (get a pro to do it). All extra drives have to be added externally through the HDI or USB port. For HDI you will either need a HDI specific product or an adapter. For USB you will need a hub to connect more than one. There are no PCI slots on a laptop. If you want a computer for home, this is not it. For those of you who need one: