So, what should you do? Here are a couple ideas on computer disposal that may help:

* Go ahead and recycle your computer in an EPA fashion, but remove your hard disk drive and add it to your new system for extra storage (Secure); * Find a local company that will melt you hard disk drive. Usually a recycler or machine shop will do this for you (Secure, but it will cost money); * Find a local company that will use a degaussing machine in order to eradicate your hard disk drive (Secure, but it will cost money); * Use a secondary application to format your drive, but run program 3-5 times even if it states it’s not necessary (99.9% secure, but still possible to recover data).

Computer Disposal and EPA ---------------------------------------------- Make sure when you recycle your old system you comply with Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") guidelines. Here are some basic facts on computer disposal that will help you.

According to official EPA website www.epa.gov:

* The Environmental Protection Agency has strict regulations regarding disposal of hazardous materials; * Penalties for violations are distributed in form of fines as well as Public Service; * Nearly 250 million computers will become obsolete in next five years; * Many people discard computers every three to five years; * In 2004, only 11 percent of personal computers retired in U.S. were recycled.

Conclusion ---------- TVs and computers can contain an average of four pounds of lead (depending on their size, make and vintage) as well as other substances of potential concern like chromium, cadmium, mercury, beryllium, nickel, zinc and brominated flame retardants. These materials need to be handled carefully and are potential health hazards.

On top of all chemicals and biohazards, your computer probably contains personal information. If this information falls into wrong hands, you could be on receiving end of identity theft and various forms of fraud.

Websites that may be of interest:

* The Computer Disposal Requirements section of EPA; * SnapFiles Handy Recovery data recovery freeware tool; * R-tools Technology R-Wipe & Clean disk cleaning and PC privacy software.

Jackson Morgan,

President of 'The Technical Coalition Against Dumbness (TCAD) :)

PowerMac – As with iMac, these are available in G3, G4 or G5. These machines are higher priced and are for pro user, developers and gamers. These are in a tower case that allows you to add extra PCI-X cards as well as extra drives and memory. If you’re looking long term and don’t want to have to buy another computer for many years, this may be way to go.

Processor upgrade path:

History has shown that PowerMacs definitely have most processor upgrades available for them. Of course you can’t upgrade bus speed, this is basically how fast data moves around machine, but you can increase processor speed with some of these upgrades. Some of G3 PowerMacs can be upgraded to G4. Some of G4 PowerMacs can be upgraded to faster G4 PowerMacs.

Recommendations in a nutshell:

Mac Mini – Average user that has a USB keyboard and mouse and an existing monitor and does not mind limited upgrade options

eMac – Average user that wants an all-in-one machine for day-to-day computing and does not mind limited upgrade path

iMac – Above average user that wants a little more computing power in a sleek, compact design. Still limited upgrade, but with G4 model you probably won’t have to worry about upgrades for a while and with G5 model you’ll be able to hang on to that machine for a few years.

PowerMac – Power user, developers and gamers. This is kingpin as far as expandability, upgradeability and longevity.

Conclusion:

Get what you need. Don’t get sucked into buying latest and greatest, you may be wasting your money. Really take time to think about what you want to do with machine and make your decision based on that. No matter which machine you decide on they’re all excellent and you won’t be disappointed with any of them.

Alternatives to new machines:

Used machines – These machines are available throughout net at forum sites and auction sites like Bid4Mac.com.

Refurbished – These machines are available through Apple and carry same warranty as new machines. This is a great way to save some money while still having warranty of a new machine. I’ve ordered several refurbished items from Apple and have never had a problem with them.