Hi everybody I'm thinking about replacing my computer with a Intel I Mac but before I make a final decision, I would like to know more about how Macs compare to computers that run Linux as a operating system. I would also like to know if my computer is more powerful then the Intel I Mac or is the Intel I Mac more powerful then my computer. The reason why I'm asking this question is because I don't want to go out and spend $2000 on a Intel I Mac if there is a chance that I might not like it. If I do decide to go Mac I want one that would be equivalent or more powerful then the computer that I am using now.

Here is my computer specs

Dimension 8200 Series, Intel Pentium 4,Processor,at 2.53GHz
1024MB PC800 RDRAM
128MB DDR NVidia GeForce4 TI 4600 Graphics Card with TV-OUT and DVI
Dell Edition 120GB 7200RPM Hard Drive with Data,Burst Cache,Tied
3.5in Floppy Drive
Intel Pro 100 PCI Ethernet Network Card
56K PCI Telephony Modem for Windows
48X Max Variable CD-ROM Drive
50MB Iomega Zip Built-In Drive
DVD+RW/ CD-RW Combination Drive
Digital Content Authoring Software
Cyberlink Software Decoding for DVD Drives

Here is the Intel I Mac that I have my eye on the specs are pasted below.

Product Name: iMac 20-inch 2GHz Intel Core Duo
Options:
065-6297 ATI Radeon X1600/256MB VRAM
065-6206 1GB 667 DDR2 SDRAM - 2x512
065-6210 250GB Serial ATA drive
065-6170 SuperDrive 8x (DVD+R DL/DVD+RW/CD-RW)
065-6203 iWork '06 preinstalled
065-6156 Keyboard & Mighty Mouse + Mac OS X - U.S. English
065-6166 Accessory kit

SUBTOTAL: $2,122.00

Any information about how Macs compare to computers (Linux) or about Macs in general would be appreciated.

If you don't know the difference between a Linux box and a Mac, you'll like the Mac much, much better. They both have a core Unix operating system, but it's more transparent in the Macintosh. In fact, most people use the Mac without ever bothering with the BSD Unix operating system running the whole thing. However, it is there if you want it. With Linux, you invariably have to use a command line from time to time if you want to get anything done.

Also, the Macintosh is a Macintosh, so there is commercial software for it. You can build most Linux applications for the Mac if you really want to go through the trouble, but you'll never get applications like Photoshop or Word running on a Linux box. So you get more options with the Macintosh.

Also, the iMac would be more powerful than your current machine.

I strongly suggest the iMac over the Linux box for anyone who has to ask. (That's not meant as an insult or anything, it's just the way it is).

By the way, I use both regularly, and I like the Macintosh quite a bit. I'm far more likely, given the choice, with all else being equal, to use my Powerbook than a Linux box.

Beware, I am an apple fanboy (or close enough)...

The power comparisons, it is a bit hard. You'r comparing Windows XP to Mac OSX. I find OSX to be faster on the whole, but uses more RAM (you'd want to upgrade that imac to 1GB). Processor wise, that is Intels latest laptop processor in the mac, the Core Duo is a dual core processor. It is a more efficient, lower power using, dual core processor. I'd say it is on par or better than the P4 2.53 you're using.

http://www.geekpatrol.ca/article/101/geekbench-comparison

Compare the dark blue and light orange, that is close comparison to what you'd be looking at (this uses a 3rd party, platform independent benchmark, its hard to say how it stacks up)

http://episteme.arstechnica.com/groupee/forums/a/tpc/f/77909774/m/371005237731/r/297008337731

This is a good article comparing the old G5 to the new core duo imac. The G5 was the 'standard' against which macs were compared to PCs.
http://www.anandtech.com/mac/showdoc.aspx?i=2685

http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=2648
http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=2627&p=5

This has the good benchmarks against AMD and Intels best. It seems to hold its ground.

On the performance end, you'll find that it is better at some, worse at others, thats just the game. I think it will 'feel' equivolent. The bigger different is the operating system environment...

Now, the mac is 100% linux. Its backbone is based on freebsd. it comes with mysql, php, apache out of the box.

what are you planning to use the computer for?

I would like to know more about how Macs compare to computers that run Linux as a operating system


OH, I forgot to add: If there isn't already a Linux distribution that will build on a new dual core X86 Macintosh, there will be in short order. So you'll have the option of both, if you really want it.

I <3 macs and encourage everyone to have one.

Intel sucks and you couldn't pay me eno8gh to buy a "computer for idiots' Mac:eek:

Hi everybody thanks for responding to my thread

I just now bought a Intel I Mac core duo, can't get any better then this cheek it out.

AppleCare Protection Plan for iMac - Auto-enroll
iMac 20-inch 2GHz Intel Core Duo
ATI Radeon X1600/256MB VRAM
2GB 667 DDR2 SDRAM - 2x1GB
500GB Serial ATA drive
SuperDrive 8x (DVD+R DL/DVD+RW/CD-RW)
iWork '06 preinstalled
Wireless Keyboard & Mouse + Mac OS X - U.S. English
Accessory kit
Recycling Fee* Estimated Total: $2,919.83

The Mac is scheduled to arrive on March 3rd, would have been here sooner but the hard drive upgrade is delaying the shipping process. I can hardly wait to see what it would be like to use this all so famous I Mac that everyone is always harping about.

I never used a Mac before, hope I like it because $2,919.83 is a lot of money to spend on a computer that I might not like.:confused:

I never used a Mac before, hope I like it because $2,919.83 is a lot of money to spend on a computer that I might not like.:confused:

There are some minor interface differences that you'll have to get used to. Since Microsoft stole their interface design from Apple, it's mostly the same, but the Apple has little differences that you'll have to get used to. Other than that, you'll probably like it. Most people do.

Macs rule..... End of story......:D

PS. Apples bundled wireless keyboard/mouse will drive you insane, only 1 button. I'd go 3rd party.