Introduced in June last year, Apple Computer's top-of-the-line, dual 2.5-gigahertz processor Power Mac G5 system continues to be regarded as the dream machine for professionals who need both stylish and heavy-duty computing performance to produce designs, music, high-definition video or the next scientific research breakthrough.
Despite that muscular configuration, the Power Mac operates more quietly and efficiently than its previous G4 version. The computer's elegant, brushed aluminium enclosure houses a sophisticated liquid cooling system to protect the G5 processors from overheating and a twin-fan system that spins at very low speeds. It is easy to plug printers, scanners and other devices into the Power Mac G5. Besides a full complement of ports on the back, the front panel offers FireWire 400 and USB 2.0 ports, and a headphone jack.
Apple simplicity lets a user add a Power Mac G5 to one's office without days of downtime configuring a new system. The new Mac OS X Setup Assistant helps move user accounts, system preferences, documents and applications from an old Mac to a new Power Mac G5. Each of the desktop system's two 2.5GHz PowerPC G5 processors offers an independent 1.25GHz front-side bus for up to 20 gigabits per second bandwidth speed.
Still, the high-end machine comes standard with only 512 megabytes of synchronous dynamic random access memory. Those who seriously consider using the system as a reliable video or multimedia workstation must upgrade its memory to at least one gigabyte. This would allow more applications and files to be opened simultaneously without any danger of crashing.
What is disappointing is the lack of built-in Bluetooth, AirPort and Gigabit Ethernet connectivity as standard items. I would not mind paying $1,600 extra just to have these three features included in the package. Repair costs, however, can be expensive due to its complex thermal management system. An AppleCare plan is recommended.
Apple Power Mac G5
