I have purchased three Macs over the past 1.5 years. Before I answer your question, let me give you some info that might help.
The new intel Macs while having a lot of style, are certainly not at the expense of substance. Since I have been using these machines full-time, I have returned to the days when I enjoyed computers, like when I had my A3000.
They don't error like Wintel, they are fast today as when I bought it. They come with lots of built in technology. If you like to service the machine yourself, I can understand that being a pain -- but I have only needed to upgrade ram -- there is nothing else I needed.
Your 2001 machine is old and not very fast. I would post an article in the apple.com discussion boards as there are a lot of experts there than can help you get the best out of your older mac -- from my experience, they are slow and not something I would want to have around.
I hope this helps.
