Low End Mac's Best Deals

Best iMac G5 Prices

2012.01.26

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We've added two new dealers this week, Antares Pro and Aztek Computers. Both have a 4-star rating from Google Shopping as well as competitive pricing. These are typically "B grade" machines, so be sure to find out why they have that rating before you decide whether to buy.

For those who still need Classic Mode or have apps that don't play well on Intel Macs (especially since the introduction of OS X 10.7 Lion, which no longer supports PowerPC apps), a G5 iMac with Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger can be a better choice than an Intel iMac. Intel Macs and Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard don't support Classic Mode at all; performance-robbing emulation is your only option. Further, up through OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard, Intel Macs could run PowerPC apps using Rosetta, which increases memory requirements and is less efficient than using software written for Intel CPUs.

iMac G5

Early G5 iMacs can run Mac OS X 10.3 Panther; later ones require version 10.4 or later. Mac OS X 10.5 is supported on all G5 Macs with at least 512 MB of RAM and is your best choice unless you need Classic Mode.

17" models have a 1440 x 900 display; 20" iMacs have 1680 x 1050 screens. The 1.6 GHz model and the 2005 17" 1.8 GHz model shipped with a Combo drive; all other G5 iMacs shipped with a SuperDrive. The 1.9 GHz and 2.1 GHz iMacs have built-in iSight.

Apple introduced the final iMac G5 models in October 2005. These iMacs have built-in iSight, Radeon X600 graphics, and dual-layer SuperDrives. The October 2005 iMac G5 is slightly thinner and lighter than its predecessors and uses less costly memory. For our take on the value of the upgraded models, see The October 2005 iMac G5 Value Equation.

According to Apple, the Intel Core 2 Duo is 2-3x as powerful as the single-core G5 at the same GHz rating. For our comparison of the iMac G5 to the Intel Core Duo models, see The iMac 2006 Value Equation: Intel Changes Everything. At the time (2006) we saw the iMac G5 as overpriced in comparison to the Core Duo models, which were selling at the same price.

For those who don't need G5 power, a used iMac G4 is a viable option, as is the heavier CRT-based eMac.

Pay attention to configurations, as iMacs with more memory may only cost a bit more. We try to factor in shipping costs in choosing the best values, but these vary by model/weight and distance. Rates we use are for a 20" iMac being shipped ground rate to Low End Mac headquarters in Michigan.

Best Used iMac G5 Prices

iMacs from GainSaver are not listed here because they strip out the AirPort Extreme card, replace the factory supplied Combo drive or SuperDrive with a CD-ROM drive, cut back RAM to 512 MB, install a 40 GB hard drive (smaller than factory original), and charge extra to actually test the hardware. Despite that, they may be the best choice in some circumstances.

* Memory upgrades for iSight iMacs cost less than RAM for earlier G5 iMacs.

Recent Memory Prices (per module)

Best Mac OS X Prices

Used Macs usually have a 90 day warranty. 802.11g AirPort Extreme WiFi is standard on all configurations except for the 1.6 GHz model, so we only note models where it is not included.

Unless otherwise noted, there is no surcharge for credit card purchases, and ground shipping typically adds from $35 to $60. Vendors are listed in alphabetical order.

Store refurbished items may vary. Prices may be limited to quantity on hand. Not responsible for typos. Please email any corrections or additional sources with competitive prices toa Dan Knight .

Buying through some of these links benefits Low End Mac. Buying at these prices benefits you.

Antares Pro

Antares Pro is located in Twinsburg, OH and collects sales tax on Ohio purchases. Estimated ground shipping is $38.

Aztec Computers

Aztek Computers is located Carrollton, TX and has a shipping warehouse in City of Industry, CA. Ground shipping may add $40 or more, and local pickup is available.

DV Warehouse

Ground shipping may add $42 or more.

GainSaver

GainSaver appears to have an ongoing daily 10% off sale on Apple products, but we list the undiscounted price just in case. Prices include a 30 day warranty; 90 day warranty is $40 additional. Diagnostic testing costs $25, and shipping insurance costs $25.32. Price includes regular desktop version of Mac OS X; server version costs more. Most of these ship with CD-ROM drives, which Apple never offered as an option - you can upgrade to a Combo drive for $19, SuperDrive for $39 or a double-layer SuperDrive for $79. The AirPort Extreme card has been removed; add $29 if you want it put back. You can custom configure your iMac G5 with larger hard drives, various memory configurations, a choice of optical drives, and more. We strongly recommend that you verify the equipment you want is in stock before placing an order. Caveat emptor.

Mac of All Trades

Ground shipping averages $40. Mac of All Trades has the highest product turnover among used Mac dealer we track.

MacResource

Ground shipping may add $45 or more.

PowerMax 17" - 20"

Free ground shipping. Mac OS X 10.4.11 and Classic installed except as noted. Keyboard not included.

We also track iMac G4 deals, eMac deals, and Mac mini deals for those who don't need G5 power. For more power, see the Best Intel iMac Deals. LEM

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