Apple Power Mac G5 Desktop M9031LLA (1.80-GHz PowerPC G5, 512 MB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, DVD-RCD-RW Drive)

Features of Apple Power

• 10/100/1000BASE-T Ethernet

• 900MHz Frontside Bus

• 160GB Serial ATA Hard Drive

• SuperDrive - 4x DVD-R / 8x DVD Read / 16x CD-R / 10x CD-RW / 32x CD Read

• NVIDIA GeForce FX 5200 Ultra graphics with 64MB of DDR memory

Benefiting from a truly impressive set of technological breakthroughs, Apple's new Power Mac G5 series is designed for discriminating individuals who simply won't settle for anything less than the very best. This model, the Power Mac G5 M9031LL/A, delivers many of the features of the stunning top-of-the-line dual-CPU Power Mac G5 M9032LL/A (hailed as the fastest personal computer ever released) but with reduced power and a more affordable price tag. Driven by a 1.8 GHz Power PC G5 processor, 512 MB ultra-fast PC3200 DDR SDRAM memory (expandable to a gargantuan 8 GB!), and an NVIDIA GeForce FX 5200 Ultra graphics card with 64 MB DDR SDRAM video memory, the Power Mac G5 M9031LL/A certainly seems impressive. But those figures only begin to tell the story. For its latest series of high-end desktops, Apple teamed with IBM to redesign its leading edge CPU architecture. Accordingly, this system features two very important innovations -- an extremely fast 900 MHz frontside bus and the world's first 64-bit processor. These are critical advancements that not only boost the top-end speed but also prevent bottlenecks along the way. Yet there's more than raw power lurking inside the Power Mac G5's futuristic anodized aluminum case. For starters, Apple has compartmentalized the unit into four independent sections to direct appropriate airflow to each key component. A total of nine fans work to keep things cool, yet all are extremely low-speed. Thusly the Power Mac G5 M9031LL/A runs three times quieter than the previous Power Mac G4 enclosure. Apple has loaded the unit with data handling features, including a monstrous 160 GB 7200 RPM hard disk and a DVD-R/CD-RW combo drive (4X DVD write speed) through which you can archive information, play and burn audio CDs, enjoy the latest movies and record home videos. To help you transfer data to and from external peripherals such as optical drives and digital camcorders and cameras, the system also sports two high-speed FireWire 400 ports, one ultra-fast FireWire 800 port, three USB 2.0 ports and two USB 1.1 ports. Other significant amenities include a convenient Apple Pro keyboard, an Apple Pro mouse, three available high-performance PCI-X slots for future expansion, and a broad array of multimedia and Internet software. Connectivity facilities include an integrated 10/100/1000BASE-T Ethernet port, a built-in 56K modem, and AirPort Extreme wireless support (with an AirPort Extreme card). Speakers and display are available separately.

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Apple Power Customer Review(s):

Summary: should come with a pack of cigarettes
Rating: 4 (out of 5)
Comment: Even if you don't smoke, you might want a 'hit' after playing with this super-sonic speed demon. My boss ordered this computer as a 'surprise' for me to replace my aging G4. If I had been let in on the surprise, I would have asked for a dual processor, but I'm not complaining.

If you've got the $, you'll want to get the dual processor, because all future OS X apps are moving in that direction - especially when Tiger (OS 10.4) debuts in Spring 2005.

Having a DVD-R and a CD-R that reads the 800MB CDs is sweet. The machine is relatively quiet and simply gorgeous to behold - a true example of industrial art.

The grille helps to circulate air to cool the hot CPU. The only 64 bit computer a mere mortal can afford at this time... Apple has once again raised the bar to previously unthinkable heights.

This is a machine that will still be a workhorse 5 years from now - you can't say that for any PC on the market. PCs are ready for the 'old age home' by age 3 nowadays, but Macs keep truckin' on.

I still have an old G4 at home that is over 5 years old and I probably won't move on up to a G5 (or G6!) for another year or two - and that will be more for selfish reasons that true necessity.

A true plus is the addition of frontal ports which supplement the rear ports. How wonderful to have a headphone jack in the front! Hallelujah!

My less than perfect rating stems from no way to forceably eject a stuck CD. Older models let you use the old 'paper clip' trick to eject a disk that wouldn't mount, but your only shot is to reboot while holding the mouse button down - and that won't always work - in which case you have to take the machine to an authorized Apple Technician.

The metallic door where the discs go in is super sexy, as is the whole machine.

The handles are a bit hard to hold comfortably - Apple should have included some plastic molded (and removable) handle cushins or something.

The case doesn't show scratches like plastic does and the screened Apple logo is so classy. All they need now are dual chrome exhaust pipes and a cup holder to make this baby drool worthy!
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Summary: Add $130 to your price...
Rating: 3 (out of 5)
Comment: Note that this model ships with the 10.2 version of the OS rather than the latest (and much improved) 10.3 version. There's no upgrade. You'll probably want to buy the full version of the OS (retail $129).

Otherwise an impressive, quiet machine.
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Summary: Softimage and other top companies drop mac os!
Rating: 1 (out of 5)
Comment: Aplle has lost both battle and the war to Linux and Windows!
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