Questions Before Buying A New G5 Dual 2.7 Options

[bluetone78]

Hello all,
My G4 iMac just isn't cutting it anymore, so I need an upgrade. I was think about getting the G5 dual 2.7, but I had a bunch of questions first:

1. What's this I hear about an Intel Mac? When are they coming out? Are they going to be better than the dual G5's that are available now? Should I wait to buy untilt hey come out?

2. Obviously I'm gong to need more RAM - I've read good things about Corsair (in this forum, elsewhere). I also read talk of buying in "bundles"? what does that mean? How do I buy ram in bundles?

3. I'd like to have a seperate interal drive to put my samples, audio files, etc. Is there a good reason (performance wise) to get the dual 400GB drives factory installed from apple? If not, can anyone recommend a decent brand for this application?

4. Apple LCD displays vs other Brands?


Thanks so much,
Charles

[drutwo]

well, from what i have read, the intel macs will start showing up in early 2006. apple will first start shipping laptops with x86 processors, and by summer will begin converting their desktops. the switch to x86 architechture will require either a recompiling or a rewriting of all the apps you use (depending on what language the code for that app is written in). so, if you have a pretty well established set of digital audio software, a G5 will run it all beautifully. get one. most likely the intel boxes will be a little finicky and have software compatibility issues for the first 6 to 10 months. this means that the switch won't be as viable for those with a bunch of money invested in software until towards end of 2006 or maybe 2007 when intel releases it's completely new design for the 64-bit dual-core processor they're working on. those machines should cook, but they won't be around for a while. If you have the money now, a G5 would be amazing.

I am not the guy to ask about RAM though, if you don't get the answers you want here, also check out www.macaddict.com/forums/ they have some rediculously knowledgable people as well.

i hope that helps.