The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.

    apple cube question

    Discussion in 'Apple and Mac OS X' started by Tippytoe, Jul 6, 2008.

  1. Tippytoe

    Tippytoe Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    31
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    I know this is not really a notebook question but... I am new to everything mac. If you had a chance to buy a Apple Cube locally for $200, would you? The computer is currently running OSX 10.3.9 with (i think) a 450Mhz cpu (does that sound right?). He also has a Radeon 9000 Mac Edition that he will throw in for $50. Does this sound like a good deal? I don't mind spending a little money upgrading. I want something for a low scale media center for my tv. I was originally looking for a mac mini but I saw this on craig's. Thank you for any advice.
     
    Tippytoe, Jul 6, 2008
    #1
  2. blue68f100

    blue68f100 Notebook Virtuoso

    Reputations:
    1,020
    Messages:
    3,439
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    105
    Sounds like an older PowerPC based unit. I would pass, but it all depends on what you want it for. My dad has one in that speed range but it's only used for email and solitary.
     
    blue68f100, Jul 6, 2008
    #2
  3. Tippytoe

    Tippytoe Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    31
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    can you upgrade the cpu any? also, would this ever be capable to be a basic media center or would i just be better trying to find a mini?
     
    Tippytoe, Jul 6, 2008
    #3
  4. JM

    JM Mr. Misanthrope NBR Reviewer

    Reputations:
    4,370
    Messages:
    2,182
    Likes Received:
    8
    Trophy Points:
    56
    Upgrading the CPU on a Cube isn't the best idea, and the extra time/money spent, to me, would downgrade the overall savings of going with a Cube instead of a slightly higher priced system.
     
    JM, Jul 6, 2008
    #4
  5. Redline

    Redline Notebook Prophet NBR Reviewer

    Reputations:
    1,213
    Messages:
    4,482
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    105
    I'd buy it at that price just for the industrial design statement that it represents. However, it goes without saying that a mini would probably be a lot better of an actual computer.
     
    Redline, Jul 7, 2008
    #5
  6. wc2810

    wc2810 Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    13
    Messages:
    224
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    I love the Cube's looks (the only Apple computer from the plexiglass-heavy days that I do like), but I think going with a Mini would be a more prudent decision. While it would be about twice the price, it's certainly far more than twice the computer.
     
    wc2810, Jul 8, 2008
    #6
  7. Sam

    Sam Notebook Virtuoso

    Reputations:
    3,661
    Messages:
    9,249
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    205
    Well, it depends what you're looking for...an actual computer or more novelty item. If novelty item, sure, but if you actually want to use the computer, definitely a Mac Mini.
     
    Sam, Jul 8, 2008
    #7
  8. masterchef341

    masterchef341 The guy from The Notebook

    Reputations:
    3,047
    Messages:
    8,636
    Likes Received:
    4
    Trophy Points:
    206
    $50 for a radeon 9000 is WAY overpriced.

    Even the $250 machine will not be very capable as a media center compared to a more modern computer. paying even more on top of that to upgrade the thing will not improve it that much, and will just bring the price tag closer to a more modern computer...
     
    masterchef341, Jul 9, 2008
    #8