I work as a freelance web designer and have given thought to moving over to the Mac platform as my primary platform for graphic/web design. Right now I'm strictly using a PC (antiquated P4 1.7GHZ) for workstation duties, but I do happen to have a Mac mini as well...but that little fellow isn't up to the challenge I'm sure. So my question is which particular hardware line would be the best solution for my needs, in terms of performance, bang for the buck, etc.? If I go with the G5 iMac, I would need no less than a 20" screen, which means I have to pony up $2k. On the other hand, the entry level PowerMac sells for $500 less than the 20" iMac, but I wouldn't be getting the display.

Any thoughts/suggestions?

don't settle for a entry level G5, get the iMac G5 instead. And if you are getting one, I say wait for about at least 3 weeks because Apple will do a speed bumb to the G5 line...

I'm in NO hurry at all to make a purchase. In fact it will probably be a couple months (still have to recoup from Uncle Sam picking my pockets.) My main concern is choosing the correct hardware line for my needs. I seem to be getting more bang for the buck in the iMac G5, but on the other hand I get strange vibes about using a consumer desktop for professional work, but maybe that's just the elitist snob in me.

problem with getting an imac is that in a few years time when the imac is no longer the shizzle, you're going to have a really good screen in it that you cant re-use.

get the cinema screen and a low end power mac

Heh...well now you know my dilemma. Another point I should probably bring up is the quality of the iMac’s screen. How good is the 20” screen for doing design work. I mean brightness/contrast/color calibration and saturation, etc.?

I would almost imagine the 20" screen to be on par with Apple's Cinema display, probably about the same thing.

i doubt it would be as good as the cinema screen, no idea though as i have not seen one.

thing is though, once the powermac needs upgrading you'll save money by having an awesome 20" screen ready and waiting.

im having the same dilemma over getting a powerbook, arg, portability or long term value, i have no idea what to do....

I haven't seen either in person (yet) so I have no basis in which to form a judgment. This is really a mind numbing decision. Each piece of hardware is soooooo nice, and the new G5 towers are going ALL Dual-processor, although I’m betting the entry level PowerMac is going to jump in price by $200. Ah..decisions decisions.

Then why do you want a Mac so damn bad if you've never used it! There is no point in it. I think it's smart to use Windows because you have IE, and FireFox on the same system to make sure the page works. You get the same software on a PC to. Plus you'll save yourself some $ that you can spend on a awesome monitor which has the same picture quality as a Mac (if not better).

Just my thought on this!

I do have a Mac; a Mac Mini that is. Not a bad little system, but it's hardly something you would want to use for serious design work. And I already have a PC, so testing out my page layouts and templates isn't a problem. I'm not talking about DUMPING the PC, just moving my workload over to the Mac side of the fence.

Outside of the base memory, and possible because of Flash *points to your avatar* for normal page design, believe it or not, I'm using a G3 600MHz iBook w/ 640MBs of ram. I use BBEdit and Transit for FTP. For viewing, I've strictly stayed with Firefox due to W3C standards. You don't need much power unless, like I pointed out, you're doing somehting a little more than just normal page design.

I've even been able to use Photoshop CS on this thing just fine. A little slow at times (I multitask like a maniac) when I have multiple apps open.

I'm a freelancer graphic/web designer and went the PowerMac Dual 2Ghz way. I use an existing Dell 2001FP 20" LCD screen, for anything windows - I just open up Virtual PC running Windows XP.

Either system would work fine for you. The PowerMac has some serious benefits and you can get a refurb for pretty cheap. If you plan on keeping this computer for a while go with the PowerMac.

As for the screen quality of the iMac, I have a 20" Cinema Display and the iMac G5 screen is almost as nice. You are getting a quality screen with the iMac.

Both the iMac and PowerMac are due for revisions soon.