Should I buy it.

[Maconthemove]

I have a chance to buy a iMac Oct 2005 2.1 ghz, 500 gb hd, 2.5gb ram, and isight cam. Under Apple Care, he has replaced everything but the motherboard. He is asking $695CDN.

What are the problems with this machine that I should be looking for?

 

[QuadSix50]

I'm assuming it's an iMac G5 iSight model. Be aware that these (along with the previous two revision of the iMac G5) suffer from the problem covered in this repair program from Apple.

http://www.apple.com/au/support/imac/powersupply/repairextension/

In addition, Popular Mechanics had an article that checks to see if the iMac G5 runs too hot for what it can handle.

http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/upgrade/1707756.html

I have a 2nd generation iMac G5 and I've taken it in twice this year for this problem. Although I still love my iMac G5 and it still seems to be working after the second repair, I doubt that I would ever by one again, especially one that's used. But that's just my opinion based on my experiences.

If you're looking for a Mac in the same design as the iMac G5, I would recommend getting one of the 1st or 2nd generation Intel iMacs.

 

[Maconthemove]

After reading the articles, I will be giving this computer a closer look. Could a fan be installed to take care of the heat problem?

 

[QuadSix50]

After reading the articles, I will be giving this computer a closer look. Could a fan be installed to take care of the heat problem?

If you could find a way to fit one in there, but it's pretty cramped as it is. Regardless, the issue is one with faulty capacitors, so no amount of cooling might make a difference.