Apple Power Mac G5 Desktop M9457LL/A (Dual 2.5-GHz Power PC G5, 512 MB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, SuperDrive)

Average customer rating:

Don't Believe The Hype!

Super Quiet - Super Fast - Super System

After almost a year with this machine...

Extremely Fast

Powerful and quiet

Apple Power Mac G5 Desktop M9457LL/A (Dual 2.5-GHz Power PC G5, 512 MB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, SuperDrive)

Manufacturer: Apple Computer
ProductGroup: Personal Computer
Binding: Personal Computers

Desktops | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics
All Apple | Apple | Computers Brands | Computers Features | Electronics
Power Mac G5 Desktops | Desktops | Apple | Computers Brands | Computers Features | Electronics
Accessories:

Sony 4X Dbl Layer 16X DVD+/-RW External Drive ( DRX720UL/T )

AppleCare Protection Plan for Mac Pro and PowerMac with or without Display M8850LL/B - 3 years

Apple M8799LL/A AirPort Extreme Base Station with Modem and Antenna Port

Netgear WGR614 54 Mbps 2.4 GHz Cable or DSL Wireless Router

Apple Wireless Pro Keyboard

ASIN: B0002A6YBC

Product Description

The creative class needs superior tools to produce designs, music, high-definition video or the next scientific breakthrough. The new Power Mac G5 line spans as far as you require. Its dual 64-bit G5 processors, room for up to 8GB of main memory, 8X SuperDrive and ultrahigh-bandwidth system architecture will give you more results than systems costing twice as much.

Customer Reviews:

Don't Believe The Hype!.......2005-07-23

Please don't buy this computer. I did. I was a 'switcher' and spent a small fortune on it and the 30" monitor and lots of upgrades like RAM and HD. I have an Apple G4 powerbook that is wonderful though let me say!
But this DP 2.5 G5 is a dog, a very expensive dog. It has never worked properly from day one. The dealer i bought it off is useless. Apple Australia don't care one bit. It took 6 weeks to fix a broken ethernet port!
I wanted a really good computer and did a lot of research. So i went top of the line and got this new G5 power mac. I wished i hadn't. I don't know that much about computers, i would say my knowledge is moderate, but i don't want to know a lot - it is meant to just work and make things easier, not harder. This computer does not. You will see lots and lots and lots og glowing reports from apple and apple sources. Don't believe the hype. I have had to reinstall the OS twice and it still doesn't work properly. Every apple software upgrade creates a new problem.
Ready for this - for all of apples claims about stability and 'built on unix' marketing puffery, my xp pro at work would be 20x more stable. Seriously. And IMHO with some experience of these guys, i would never never never get an apple in a corporate/working enviroment. Great for home, my powerbook is fabulous, but they just don't have the customer commitment for a work enviroment. Not a clue.
The list of problems could go on and on and i have thought long and hard about posting, but i use these posts and appreciate honest feedback.

Super Quiet - Super Fast - Super System.......2005-05-08

This computer is so quiet, you have to check it to see if it is still running. I am an daily Photoshop user since 1987, and a loyal Mac user since 1984 (I've worked for Apple, IBM and Motorola). This system is so fast, it will keep up with everything you can throw at it in Photoshop CS2 - no delays - just instant filtering. The last Photoshop job I did (resizing and filtering 96 photos), I could really see the time saved using this computer - about 30% over my older G4 - which spells productivity. I ordered this system as a reconditioned unit for $2299 from the Apple Store with free shipping (53 lbs), and got a free upgrade from the 160G to 250G Hard Disk and Tiger DVD in the box - both were unexpected, plus a full warranty just like a new system. The system appears to be brand new, probably an open box or returned system. I added 2G more RAM for $200 for 2.5G total. Some reviewers have been critical about the lack of ports on the G5 systems (if that is all they can find at fault), but if you need more ports, you can easily add in a 3 USB 2.0/2 Firewire PCI card from IOGear for only $38, or a 4 port USB 2.0 PCI card for about $20 - so stop whining about ports. The rear Firewire 800 port really screams with my LaCie Firewire Backup Drive, which is another reason to upgrade to the G5. Unlike the new 2.7GHz system (only 8% faster for $3000), the 2.5GHz system comes with one ADC and one DVI port on the 9600XT video card, plus a DVI to VGA adapter in the box. The new G5 systems don't support ADC without having to buy a $99 DVI-ADC adapter, which is messy to hook up, requiring a power supply. One more reason for buying the older 2.5GHz model if you own an older ADC LCD display (clear plastic model). Overall, I am very impressed with this 2.5GHz MP system, and can see this system lasting many years. XBench speed score is a fast 252.

After almost a year with this machine..........2005-04-27

I've been a Mac user for nearly 20 years. In May of 2004 I upgraded from a 450 MHz G4 (512 MB RAM) to a dual 2.0 GHz G5 (1GB RAM, two 250 GB hard drives). The machine I bought was defective-all nine fans were going full blast all the time. The operating system and software worked fine, but the tower was intolerably loud (it really sounds like a car the way the fans fire up). I spent about 45 minutes on the phone with Apple tech support. The fellow I spoke to was helpful and friendly until he misguided me about pressing a tiny button in the innards of the machine too many times (it's been a year, I don't remember what exactly this little button resets). He instantly became accusatory, telling me I didn't follow his direction and refused to discuss it. He basically told me my computer was hosed and that I may have voided the warranty; I should bring it in to be serviced and not turn it on again. The guy really turned into a jerk. I suppose he was just trying to cover his ass.

I turned the machine back on and it ran just as before. Fine, but loud. I took my machine to the Apple Store in San Francisco for diagnosis, and they confirmed there was a "thermal" problem. I was a part-time student at the time, bought the machine through school and though it was eligible for replacement, I couldn't exchange it directly through the Apple Store. Fortunately, in the time it took Apple and my school to acknowledge that I had a defective computer Apple announced the dual 2.5 GHz, so I was given the option of a partial refund, since the dual 2.0 GHz had gone down in price, or a free upgrade to the dual 2.5 GHz. I went for top-of-the line in the first place (with a 23" Cinema Display HD) with the idea that I wouldn't be buying another computer for a good number of years. I had to wait about four months for the dual 2.5 GHz after they were announced (they let me keep the defective one in the meantime), but it was definitely worth the wait. And this is exactly what anyone should expect after dropping $5,000 + (with the display and software).

The dual 2.5 GHz runs amazingly quiet (when it really needs to think, the fans fire up, but they typically aren't audible for long). The increase in speed (for me) was amazing. The applications I use most often are: FileMaker Developer 7 , Omni Graffle 3, Virtual PC 7 (for testing), Dreamweaver MX 2004 along with Apple's standard mail, text and web browser apps. I'm also increasingly using Final Cut Pro HD, which I think you'd only really want to run on a machine this fast. With the occasional exception of Excel, I don't have a need for Microsoft apps.

The G5 is on nearly 100% of the time, since I sometimes need to access it remotely, and yes, it's crashed a few times, but this is really quite rare. Tip: I've found the best way to tell if a Mac has crashed or is just frozen is to set the clock in the menu bar to display the time with seconds. If the clock has stopped ticking altogether, it's a good indicator that the system has crashed. Otherwise, it's just frozen, so tricking around with it (force-quitting applications or putting it to sleep and waking it back up), tend to bring it back to life. Again, this sort of behavior is rare and, as such, acceptable for me.

For PC users considering a G5, I have this to say: I've always been a Mac user, and I've always, always complained when I've had to use a PC. I'm not snobby about it; I'm just accustomed to very well-designed and integrated products (I drive a Porsche 993, and I'm as passionate about its design, especially its clever temperature controls and cruise control). That said, using VPC (Virtual PC) on my G5 has really given me a different perspective on Windows. I actually LIKE using Windows...as long as it's on my G5. This is largely because of my Apple keyboard and the 23" display, which just make for a better Windows experience. You can run VPC to take over your whole display, or run it within a window as if it were any other app on your Mac. I have a Microsoft 5-button, scrolling optical mouse that I've had for over 5 years (it's great). Right-clicking works without installing any drivers, in both Mac OS X and Virtual PC. I use Windows 2000 Pro, and my colleagues would be surprised to hear I'm actually looking forward to upgrading to XP. Windows isn't as zippy as running it on a top-of-the-line PC, I suppose, and it hangs here and there, but for my purposes it works perfectly. I don't think it's a great idea to run Windows in VPC as your "primary" OS, but for seasoned Windows folks who are looking to make a transition to the Mac and still want to jump back to familiar territory, I'd certainly recommend this hardware/software combo. VPC (to which I've dedicated 512K, or half of my G5's physical RAM) can be a memory hog, slowing everything down on my Mac, so if you plan to use it regularly, I'd recommend more than 1GB RAM. A couple of cool things about VPC: You can run multiple Windows OS's at the same time (I've seen, but not experienced this). You can "pause" a Windows OS so it doesn't hog memory. You can also "save" a Windows state when you quit VPC, so that when you start it up, everything is right where you left it. After too many frustrating visits to my dad's to"fix" his Windows problems, the Mac should be a compelling option for PC users. Virtual PC on this machine makes it especially so.

Bottom line: An excellent system. Advice: If you can, buy directly from an Apple Store; they're far more willing to offer support than if you buy elsewhere and bring your issues in to the store. If you buy an Apple product elsewhere to save money or support a local vendor, know that that can become a support barrier Apple will hide behind (I wish, like Bose, they'd just support their damn products wherever you purchase...it was a hassle for me). Also, don't expect, but do LOOK for problems right away, within the first two weeks. Apple is notorious for not admitting there's something wrong even when it's a known issue (like the fans on the first machine I ordered), and even then they're very reluctant to replace a product outright unless you hound them. It's easy enough to find other people with similar problems in forums and such. I'm a little bitter about my customer support experience, but in the end they got it right. I think the majority of real Apple customers don't have to experience this. I bought 3-year AppleCare, and so far, fortunately, have not had the cause to use it. I believe Apple should stand behind its products without having to purchase additional support, but Murphy's Law guided my judgment there. In any case, I'd highly recommend this machine to anyone who is considering it.

Extremely Fast.......2005-03-11

This now has become my all-time favorite system. It has dual 2.5GHz processor which adds up to 5.0GHz which no other Intel computer can compete with. 512 MB of RAM and up to 8GB which is the most I have ever seen! 160GB and up to 2x250GB which is 500GB which can save so many things. It has a DVD-R Drive which can of course burn DVDs. I love the applications on the Mac OS X v10.3 Panther and I think it beats Microsoft Windows XP Professional Edition. Here are the specifications for the Apple Power Mac G5

Processor | PowerPC G5 Dual
Optical Disc Drive | DVD-RW / CDRW Combo
Hard Drive (GB) | 160
Memory - Processing RAM included | 512MB
Memory - Processing RAM Maximum | 8GB
Memory - Video RAM | 128MB Dedicated
Connection - USB Front | 3
Connection - USB Rear | 2
Connection - IEEE1394 Firewire Front | 1
Connection - IEEE1394 Firewire Rear | 2
Connection - DVI HDMI Digital Display | 1
Connection - Sound | In/Out
Expansion - PCI | 3 Available
Connection - RJ11 | Yes
Connection - RJ45 | Yes
Connection - Video | Out
Expansion - Drive Bay Internal | 1 Available
Operating System | Apple Macintosh OS X
Ethernet Capable | Included
Software | Pre-Installed by Manufacturer
Wireless Capable | Optional
Manufacturer's Warranty - Hardware | 1 Year
Manufacturer's Warranty - Software | 1 Year

Source: www.jr.com

You should no doubt look into this computer system but if you don't want so much power (5.0GHz of it) you can go with the dual 1.8GHz processor which might suite you well.

Powerful and quiet.......2004-11-06

I love this machine. It is supremely powerful, but what makes me love it is its good manners: elegant and silent. If i have a window open in my office (on a very quiet street), I cannot even tell when the computer is on, it is that quiet. Turning it on and off at the monitor is simple and calming, the whole experience of working with it and OSX can enhance your serenity. This is especially valuable when using programs like DVD Studio Pro and FCP, not to mention photoshop. I am very pleased with this computer, and recommend it to anyone.

Product Description

Average customer rating:

Kanguru Encryptor

Manufacturer: Kanguru Solutions
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Kanguru Solutions

ASIN: B000234WI6

Product Description

Restrict access to your computer with the Kanguru Encryptor Hard Drive/Data Security System. The Kanguru Encryptor allows you to deny access to anyone without the correct access key. Install it in a 5 1/4 inch bay and connect it to your hard drive for military grade security! Unlike software based encryption products, the Kanguru Encryptor is completely hardware based, ensuring real time encryption without sacrificing system performance! Encrypt your hard drive content bit-by-bit including the boot sector and operating system for ultimate security!This Kanguru Encryptor supports 40-Bit DES Encryption.

Kanguru Encryptor - Hard drive encryptor

Average customer rating:

Kanguru Encryptor - Hard drive encryptor

Manufacturer: Kanguru Solutions
ProductGroup: CE

Product Description

Average customer rating:

don't buy LaCie drives; they die before their time

Beware of discontinued models on Amazon

Probably a great Drive

Lacie Big Disk Triple Interface 320 GB Hard Drive (300685)

Manufacturer: Lacie
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

USB Flash Drives | Drives & Storage | Computer Add-Ons | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics | 1 GB & Over | 128 MB | 256 MB | 512 MB | 64 MB & Below
Product Features:

Generous 320 GB storage capacity

FireWire 800, FireWire 400 and USB 2.0 connection

Sturdy aluminum alloy design

Stackable desktop or rackmount configuration

ASIN: B0000APTM0

Product Description

The LaCie Big Disk is ideal for space-hungry applications, such as archiving photo image-banks and 3D images, and storing massive desktop publishing files, as well as for editing audio and uncompressed digital video files. Forget about network downtime; gigabytes can be exchanged in seconds simply by transferring a LaCie Big Disk from a computer to another. With such an unbelievably large capacity, the LaCie Big Disk is also ideal for large-scale backup among multiple users without causing network congestion.Twice the size of hard drives currently on the market, the LaCie Big Disk is a unique innovation that offers hundreds of gigabytes of storage space in a portable 5.25" format.Equipped with the FireWire interface, the LaCie Big Disk delivers fast transfer rates of up to 400Mbits/sec to accommodate high-volume environments such as digital imaging, pre-press and post-production facilities. This drive's FireWire capabilities offer unbeatable ease of use: hot-pluggability for immediate device recognition, and there is no software installation required for Windows XP and Mac OS X users. The LaCie Big Disk can also be daisy-chained to other storage devices or with most digital audio and video devices.The LaCie Big Disk features a stylish, metallic design crafted from a sturdy aluminum alloy that dissipates heat, allowing for operation without a noisy fan. A weighted drive stand allows for upright desktop use with perfect stability, while an optional rack-mounting kit enables versatile configuration in standard 19-inch racks. The drive switches on and off together with the computer to conserve energy and provide further ease of use. For added data security, the LaCie Big Disk is also compatible with Kensington-type locks.

Customer Reviews:

don't buy LaCie drives; they die before their time.......2004-12-16

I bought a 60 GB LaCie Pocket Drive USB2/Firewire drive in August 2003, for $349.95 from Microwarehouse. Died December 2004, 3 months after manufacturers warranty ended.

Customer service was unhelpful, told me that there are only 4 manufacturers out there, and all have the same warranty. So I'm out $350.00.

My company also bought a LaCie d2 FireWire , 80 GB (300656) Hard Drive, which died after 3 months.

Beware of discontinued models on Amazon.......2004-01-04

I'm a big fan of LaCie d2 drives. My problem with this item #300685 is the fact that this is apparantly a discontinued mechanism, replaced by Lacie #300719, list price only $10 more ($399). One star rating awarded to Amazon, not LaCie. Current model product (which I was hoping to buy, but cannot find on Amazon) includes additional FireWire 800 Mbit/s interface, twice as fast as Firewire and USB 2.0 included with this drive. Amazon website is great for books, but fails to give technical specs on most computer items.

Probably a great Drive.......2003-11-04

So, why did I give it one star? Because all hard drives fail eventually -- why put all your eggs in one basket? You can stack and daisy chain firewire enabled drives to get the same capacity. It's usually cheaper to get the same capacity by combining two or more moderate size drives than one jumbo. If you have lots of important data to protect, you can use multi-drive storage strategies (ask your local geek.)

Average customer rating:
HP Lj 1200NEW Toner Xl Replacement for C7115X & EP25 3.8K

Manufacturer: TALLY
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Laser Printer | Ink & Toner | Printer Accessories | Accessories & Supplies | Categories | Electronics
ASIN: B0009JR4WO

Product Description

TallyGenicom (TG) specializes in business-class, transaction-document printing solutions. TallyGenicom is one of the largest companies in the world focused exclusively on providing printers, printer parts, consumables and service. With the most extensive product line in the industry and award-winning customer service, TallyGenicom is uniquely positioned to provide advanced technology solutions for high-volume impact and laser printing.This product is designed for HP LaserJet 1200 printers.For a complete compatibility list please refer to the original manufacturer's web site.

Average customer rating:
NOW HEAR THIS SC1 Center Channel Speaker ( Black )

Manufacturer: Now Hear This
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Center Channel | Speakers | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics
Product Features:

A 1-inch metal dome tweeter is flanked by two 4-1/2 long-throw polypropylene woofers for smooth, coherent sound

Acoustic suspension enclosure enhances tonal accuracy and tight bass response

Magnetically shielded

Frequency Response - 78Hz ? 22kHz (± 3dB)

Designed for maximum accuracy when playing either music or digital video soundtracks

ASIN: B00006J07C

Product Description

The high performance SC-1 center channel loudspeaker, designed to sonically match the tonality of all SuperAudio models, has been especially engineered for multi-channel music and home theater systems. The SC-1 employs two 4.5" high excursion woofers and the SuperAudio 1" metal dome tweeter, and delivers balanced response, broad dispersion and excellent speech intelligibility. Its compact size and magnetic shielding permit easy placement on or near television monitors.

NOW HEAR THIS SC1 Center Channel Speaker ( Black )

Average customer rating:

NOW HEAR THIS SC1 Center Channel Speaker ( Black )

Manufacturer: NOW HEAR THIS
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Center Channel | Speakers | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics

Audio & Video | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics
Product Features:

A 1-inch metal dome tweeter is flanked by two 4-1/2 long-throw polypropylene woofers for smooth, coherent sound
Acoustic suspension enclosure enhances tonal accuracy and tight bass response
Magnetically shielded
Frequency Response - 78Hz - 22kHz (± 3dB)
Designed for maximum accuracy when playing either music or digital video soundtracks

ASIN: B0002JJUTQ

Product Description

NHT's Super Audio Series SC1 Center Channel Speaker adds a critical centerpiece to your home theater audio speaker array. Rear channels add a startling dimensionality to surround encoded music or DVD-Video soundtracks, but the center channel is what brings the media to life. This center channel speaker is voice-matched to all the other channels in the Super Audio Series, and fits excellently into surround systems of many makes and designs. Handles up to 150 watts of amplifier power 5-Way binding post connectors High-gloss black lacquer finish Dimensions - 5-11/16H x 16-9/16W x 6-11/16D

Average customer rating:
Konica Minolta magicolor 3100 Cyan Toner Cartridge

Manufacturer: QMS
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Laser Printer | Ink & Toner | Printer Accessories | Accessories & Supplies | Categories | Electronics
All Accessories | Printer Accessories | Accessories & Supplies | Categories | Electronics
Accessories:

Cables To Go 10Ft USB Ab Device USB-A/USB-B

HP 200-sheet 8.5x11 Letter Soft Gloss Paper Color/mono Laserjets

D-Link DP-311U Wireless Print Server, 1-USB Port, 802.11b, 11Mbps

TRENDware WIRELESS PRINT SERVER 1-USB ( TEW-PS1U )

Product Features:

Improve efficiency with this quality office product

ASIN: B000066TI4

Product Description

Cyan cartridge for Minolta magicolor 3100 / Yields up to 6,000 pages @ 5% coverage

Toner Cartridge for Konica Minolta Magicolor 3100, Cyan

Average customer rating:

Toner Cartridge for Konica Minolta Magicolor 3100, Cyan

Manufacturer: KONICA MINOLTA
ProductGroup: Office Product
Binding: Office Product

All Accessories | Printer Accessories | Accessories & Supplies | Categories | Electronics

Product Description

Toner Supplies for Laser Printers
Toner Cartridge
For printer models Magicolor 3100.
Cyan Cartridge

High-Capacity Laser Toner, Minolta/QMS MagiColor 3100, 1710490-004, Cyan (MDAMS43100C)

Average customer rating:

High-Capacity Laser Toner, Minolta/QMS MagiColor 3100, 1710490-004, Cyan (MDAMS43100C)

Manufacturer: Media Sciences, Inc
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Kitchen

All Accessories | Printer Accessories | Accessories & Supplies | Categories | Electronics

Office Electronics | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics

For Konica/Minolta
MagiColor 3100. 1710490-004 compatible.
High-Capacity
Cyan
Sold As: Each

ASIN: B000E7AEQE

Product Description

Item #: MDAMS43100C. Color Toner Cartridges
• For use in Tektronix®, Xerox® Phaser™ color printers
• 100% new cartridges produce beautiful prints while allowing you to efficiently manage your consumable costs
Media Sciences offers quality, value and choice to customers previously limited to purchasing the Original Equipment Manufacturer's (OEM) brand. Media Sciences color solid ink sticks and color toner cartridges provide customers with savings over the OEM brand supplies. Media Sciences also offers a long-standing 100% satisfaction warranty on all products.
For Konica/Minolta
MagiColor 3100.
1710490-004 compatible.
High-Capacity
Cyan
Customers also search for: Cyan;Konica/Minolta;Laser Printer;Laser Supplies;Laser Toner;MagiColor 3100;MEDIA SCIENCES;Toner

Product Description

The CX4300 is all about sharing. From big to small, e-mail to print, your pictures come out crisp, vivid, and thanks to Kodak color science - beautiful. With its reliable point and shoot simplicity, the Kodak EasyShare CX4300 makes taking and sharing your pictures extra-simple. And with vivid prints up to 11"x14" (36x28cm), you'll want to show everyone just how beautiful your world is.

Customer Reviews:

It's Okay, But..........2006-11-30

This was our first digital camera purchase a few years ago, and at the time I was very pleased. But I think the convenience of not having to develop film, plus that "new camera smell," skewed my perception.

The start-up is ridiculously cumbersome. The shutter speed is unbelievably slow. Plus, the zoom function, if you can call it that, is nothing to speak up of. There's two levels--far and close--and nothing in-between. Very annoying.

I do have to praise how nice the pictures come out. The whole Kodak Color Science thing is totally worth its snuff, because the pictures came out crisp and beautiful, with accurate colors.

Overall, this is a good starter camera and will work very well for someone who wants to do more point-and-shoot stuff.

Product Description

Data Express is a product line of drive carriers and receiving frames which are compatible with SCSI or AT/IDE drive types and system interfaces. These modular subsystems house 3.5 inch standard or low-profile hard disk drives or front-loading tape, floppy, floptical, or optical devices for mounting into any 5.25 inch full or half-height storage drive bay. The Data Express DE75 is a steel constructed drive carrier and receiving frame for internally mounting a low-profile (up to 1 inch high), 3.5 inch form factor SCSI or AT/IDE drive into any standard or undersized half-height, 5.25 inch peripheral bay.Data Express modules are ruggedly constructed and designed to protect today's high performance drives. Drive carrier lock and drive activity indicator light are standard features, and some family models also provide an ID select indicator and options for an enhanced, bus-isolating hot swap capability and/or a factory-installed solenoid drive lock. As additional options to Data Express products, Kingston offers water-tight drive carrying cases, drive carrier top cover plates, and blank drive plugs.

Kingston 3.5IN Wide SCSI Ultra 160 1IN Carrier Black

Average customer rating:

Kingston 3.5IN Wide SCSI Ultra 160 1IN Carrier Black

Manufacturer: Kingston Technology
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Product Description

Electronics:

Electronics

Electronics