New to mac...where to start?

Okay, currently I've used the following operating systems,

Windows 3.1 - Windows XP (all inbetween)
Linux...
...Mandrake/Mandriva
...Redhat/Fedora
...Gentoo
...Slackware
...Ubuntu
...and some others...

Basicly I want a Mac for Video Editing and Audio Editing/Recording. My first thoughts was the G5 Dual 2.5Ghz but I'm not sure if that's the best place to start (being really expensive to me that is). I've never really used a Mac before and am not fimilar with OS X or anything. Would the best thing to do is buy a Mini Mac to start out with? If so, what about moniters?

so...basicly (again) I want something to start out with, and learn about mac and how it works and everything like that. Would it be better to save up and go to the G5 Dual Processor or a MiniMac? Or maybe even a laptop...how are those? Thanks...

Personally I'd go for a G5 iMac since it'll handle pretty much everything you're wanting to do and it means you don't have to buy a new Mac if you like it. You'll also get everything you need to start out, keyboard, mouse, monitor .

The Mini is ok but with Apples decision to switch to Intel based CPUs I have to wonder if it's really worth the money, especially with the now very old G4 processor.

If neither of these appeal to you, I'd save up for the PowerMac . Of course this is only my opinion.

Take care,

Mark.

I've used macs for quite some time now, and am a proud owner of a 2.7 GHz G5. For what you need, I reccomend saving some of your money. Go for a 1.8 GHz G5 with 2 GB of RAM, and a Superdrive. It will be plenty fast, and quick for what you need, is good quality, and upper class technology for a while (Intel ) OSX is a really nice os, so easy to fall in love with.