isellimac on ebay

Question

Level 1

8 points

isellimac on ebay

I found this on ebay, I am in the market for a new computer, I just got some financial aid from my school, & saw this, but I am trying to be careful, & would like some knowledgeable opinions on this, & I know there are some knowledgeable people here who can tell me if I might be making a blunder buying this or not. It is listed for 2 days left in standard pacific time. Would something like this work for graphics design, photography & video editing? I would also like to run windows on it either through boot camp or parallels desktop.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110451000869&ssPageName=STRK: MEWAX:IT

Dell dimension, Windows XP

Posted on Nov 1, 2009 4:48 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Nov 1, 2009 6:40 PM in response to Sossity

It is an old machine--came with Tiger, uses 667 MHz DRAM. If you must have 17" it will probably be a decent machine. However, it is likely to be out of warranty, so any problems will be paid out of your pocket. Also, I believe that it has the GPU that was problematic in some MBPs, although not in mine.

It will also have limited RAM, which may impact your ability to use windows in a virtual machine environment. I will be ok for most of what you need, but, if you are a student you are eligible for education discount on a new mac. For $1849 you can get a brand new MBP with graphics accelerator and built in, current version iLife. Admittedly, $500 more for a smaller screen, but you can also get applecare to provide 3 years warranty.

Do you need a portable? The new iMacs are awesome, and for 1600 you can get a 27" monitor...

Reply

Answer 2

Sossity Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 1, 2009 7:19 PM in response to Kenneth Gorelick

Yes I would prefer a portable, so you think I can do better than what I found? the 4 gigs of ram will not be enough for a virtual environment? isnt that the max that macbook pros come with now? is it possible for me to get something including tax & shipping for under 1,800? I am in southern California, & I received some school aid money for about 2,000 but I would like to have some money left over, as I want to run windows & photo shop on it as well & I will have to get this software as well.I would also prefer dedicated graphics.

can you give me a link to the mac you are talking about for 1849? does it have dedicated graphics? I do intense video editing, & have dealt with shared graphics memory on a PC, & it was nothing but difficulty from the start, I never did complete a video with out some audio/video sync problems.

do you know of anywhere besides apple where I can get what I am looking for? if I get a refurbished one or one with student discounts from apple, I don't want to be socked with a huge state tax, & shipping.

Message was edited by: Sossity

Reply