Mac computer recommendations please.

[Sue G in PA]

My FIL has offered to upgrade our old computer for Christmas (read: buy us a new one). I have a Dell right now with Windows XP. I do not want another PC b/c of the Windows Vista problems. Dh has a work laptop w/ Vista and has problems every other day. Not fun. Anyway, I used to have a Mac way back "in the day" :) and I'd like another. What should I get? I'd like something powerful, able to play DVDs, lots of storage, compatible w/ Office, etc. Are there any reasons why I should NOT buy a Mac? And, laptop or desktop? I'd probably not do much traveling w/ it but the convenience would be nice :) But, I don't want the mobility over power, KWIM? I'd rather have more power/storage than the mobility if it is a trade off. Okay...any recommendations or other advice? Thanks.

[TraceyS/FL]

Are the kids going to be using it?

 

I'd probably go with the iMac - the base models will be able to do what you need to! To futre proof though - i'd go with the better Video card models, either the 20-inch: 2.66GHz or the 24-inch: 2.8GHz models.

 

http://store.apple.com/us_edu_21023/browse/home/shop_mac/family/imac?mco=MTE3MDM

 

Why to not buy a Mac? Hmmm, i have no reasons i can give you on that topic! LOL!!!

 

Here is the link tot he Homeschool Store: http://www.apple.com/education/shop/homeschool/

[Jumping In Puddles]

I say go for the iMac! You won't regret it. :)

 

 

Upgrade the Ram (but not from Apple) to 4GB. If you look around you can get it even cheaper than crucial.

[TraceyS/FL]

Oh and honestly, i'd wait until Macworld in January (5-9th) to buy OR put the 14 day return window in that area so you don't get dinged if you want to exchange it.

 

There is a good chance that the iMacs will be updated to the newest processors/graphics cards in the new laptops. Which is a good thing! Normally that will boost the hard drive space and all that too.

[Jumping In Puddles]

Oh and honestly, i'd wait until Macworld in January (5-9th) to buy OR put the 14 day return window in that area so you don't get dinged if you want to exchange it.

 

There is a good chance that the iMacs will be updated to the newest processors/graphics cards in the new laptops. Which is a good thing! Normally that will boost the hard drive space and all that too.

 

Good point! I would wait until Macworld. No doubt.

 

And I would get this book. Mac OS X Leopard Book by Scott Kelby.

Edited December 1, 2008 by Jumping In Puddles

[StaceyinLA]

2 MacBooks, an iMac and a Mac mini and I love them all. I can think of NO reason NOT to buy one.

[jojomojo]

I know I will sound like the odd one here, but if I had a do over, I would NOT buy an iMac again. It has been nothing but trouble (fan going out, dvd not working, locking up, etc). I may as well have bought a Windows machine! I justified paying such a higher price for mac because it was supposed to be a higher quality system. :glare: Plus the only place we can take it for repair is about an hour away (only open during the week too). The only redeeming quality for me is I don't have to worry about viruses (but with macs becoming more popular, that may not always be the case).

 

If you get a Mac, definitely get the Apple care (or whatever its called) where they will send a tech to your home for repairs.

 

If you are still considering a Windows machine, I think a lot of places will still sell XP.

Edited December 1, 2008 by jojomojo

[Trivium Academy]

Sue, I have the same iMac G4 that I bought in 2002 - still going strong, never had to take it anywhere to get fixed. Make sure you get whatever programs you need included in the price, esp. since FIL is footing the bill.

[Sue G in PA]

Thanks everyone. I'll check into the machines you all mentioned and pass it along to FIL. I'll also pass alone the tip about waiting until Jan. and the hsers discount. Every little bit helps! Thanks again! And I'm doing a happy dance about no more viruses, too!